Illustrations for The Club by Edu Fuentes

THE GEAR • December 2022

23 gifts for travellers for 2023

Monica Meade
Monica Meade

@monicameade

Not quite finished your gift list? Or did Santa forget to bring you something you really wanted? Luckily, our shopping expert extraordinaire has rounded up a stellar showcase of globetrotting essentials for every travel need

carry on essentials

Carry-on essentials
Well-planned packing is vital to ensure the perfect in-flight experience. A good pair of headphones is a must-have for unwinding on a plane – the Mu7 noise-cancelling wireless headphones by leading British sound system creator KEF come in a convenient compact case and feature smart active noise cancellation. If you like to use flying as an opportunity to sink into a good book, Single in the Snow by Helen Whitaker will transport you to the icy mountains of Whistler in Canada, where a romance unfolds. If you prefer to flick through a magazine, Tonic offers a thoughtful read on drink and travel. Or, to keep the whole family busy, bring a game from Asmodee – Dobble is the perfect size to chuck in your hand luggage. Catching a late-night flight? You’ll be grateful for taking a Narvvi silk sleep mask, which is infused with moisturising anti-ageing hyaluronic acid and marine collagen peptides for the ultimate beauty slumber. Plus, see our pick of the best luxury eye masks, here

luggage

Luggage
Airports can be tiring for little legs, so Trunki’s ride-on suitcase makes treks across the airport easier for sprogs. You can also inspire some creativity in your tot and design your own Trunki. For adults, the next best thing from a ride-on suitcase is the smooth-rolling Farino. Sitting on 360° rollerblade spinner wheels, your load is lightened by your suitcase remaining upright and easy to manoeuvre. The Getaway bag comes in nine rich colours with easy top opening access and an extendable handle to suit any height. Or for a classy overnight bag that’s ideal for short trips, the stylish leather R M Williams Overnight Bag with a laptop sleeve inside comes in whisky or black-coloured leather.

gear

The gear
Be prepared for the icy cold temperatures on your skiing break while being conscious of the environment by turning to EcoSki for all the kit you need. It offers a rental service for ski wear, while helping to raise funds for environmental charities. If you regularly hit the slopes, you can buy great quality pre-owned items and its new stuff is all made from green materials – we love the Icebreaker merino shell + jacket.

For warmer climes, stylish and sustainable Love Brand & Co is a sunny weather men’s clothing brand with funky and bold swimming outfits such as the Penguin Party Staniel swimming trunks. Adventurers and wildlife worshippers will feel comfortable in the bush-chic-designed D&B explorer’s collection by Great Plains Conservation. Each item of clothing is ethically made using eco-friendly fabric. When it’s time for bed, drift off into a deep sleep wearing a delicate scallop-trim silk nightie from The White Company.

apps

Apps
A great weightless addition to take with you on your next holiday is a helpful app. To ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free, bring a personal travel assistant in your pocket. App in the Air can measure the size of your luggage, prompts for any country entry requirements and helps you book the most environmentally friendly travel options using its partnership with OneTree Planted.

When you arrive at your destination, turn to Get your Guide for a huge selection of experiences, activities and tours in the area – you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Our favourite eco-app is HumanForest e-Bike. With a zero-emission operation using renewable energy to charge its e-bikes and an operational fleet of electric vehicles, this app is making cities across the world greener. For curious travellers looking to discover hidden gems, Step allows you to discover the locals’ favourite spots through recommendations.

accessories

Accessories
Look your best as you head to the runway by adding the right accessories to your airport outfit. Sante + Wade, a brand built on friendship with values of inclusivity and sustainability, has designed its Queenie sneakers to make you feel comfortable and chic. To add some glitz, pair these with a vintage-inspired diamond chunky star necklace from Kirstie Le Marque. For the modern-day gentleman, a motorsport-inspired watch from FORZO completes any look – we love the EnduraTimer Gen 2 chronograph watch in green and cream with a sapphire crystal. Combined with a pair of Thom Browne herringbone Harris tweed uniform shoes, you’re guaranteed to turn heads.

Smell the part

Fragrances
A single scent has the power to carry you to a specific time and place in the past, as smell is the most powerful sense for triggering vivid memories. That’s why taking a new aftershave or perfume on holiday can create a lifelong association with good times. Bath House offers musky colognes that fuse natural extracts made from sustainable plant-based products. Our go-to is the Bergamot & Amber cologne, with notes of sandalwood and vanilla and a touch of spice. For a tempting smoky scent with exotic pomegranate and delicate Casablanca lily, Jo Malone London’s Pomegranate Noir cologne sits well on men and women. Memoize Perfume is a niche brand that has dark and light ranges – depending on whether you’re feeling wickedly self-indulgent or bright and radiant. Its new fragrance Magnus has base notes of benzoin, vanilla and amber.

This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Travel Tips