What would you give to the traveller in your life this Christmas?
We have a few suggestions - from a stylish blow-dry brush to a non-digital device that can help you sleep when you're travelling.
Here's our pick of this festive season's best gifts - from a stylish blow-dry brush to a non-digital device that can help you sleep when you're travelling.
1. FOR THE KIDS Soundform Wireless Earbuds for kids, $69.95, Belkin. Stylish earbuds for kids, why not? Available in white, blue and pink, they limit the volume to 85 decibels, while delivering superior sound quality. belkin.com
2. FOR THE TECHNOPHILE The Freestyle Portable Projector, $1299, Samsung. Looking to splash out on someone who has everything? This gadget projects 100 inches of big-screen experience wherever you go, with "360-degree sound" to boot. samsung.com
3. FOR THE SLEEP DEPRIVED Relaxation & Sleep Aid Device, $149, Morphée. Sometimes you just can't doze off when travelling, no matter how comfortable that hotel bed is. This "non-digital" device has three keys that allow you to choose from tracks to help you relax, meditate or simply get some z's. morphee.com.au
5. FOR THE OUTDOORSY MUSO Wonderboom 3 portable speaker, $149.95, Ultimate Ears. Want to take your music camping or picnicking? This compact sound system is durable enough to withstand dirt, dust and even a splash of water and still deliver solid base, specifically tuned for when you're on the go. ultimateearsdeals.com
6. FOR THE JET-SETTER Connex Global Hardside Carry-On bag, $479, Victorinox. Form meets function in this sturdy carry-on that's as good looking on the outside as it is practical inside, with lots of pockets so you can get super organised. victorinox.com.au
7. FOR THE HAIR-OBSESSED The Mermade Blow Out Brush, $109, Mermaid Hair. Did you know "travel hairdryer" is one of the most googled travel phrases? Well, maybe not for long, thanks this blow-dry brush that'll blow the socks of the fussiest of travellers. mermadehair.com.au
8. FOR THE ALWAYS-CONNECTED AirFly Pro, $89.99, Twelve South. Travelling in an archaic aircraft and can't connect your cutting-edge wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment? Simply carry this adaptor with a 3.55mm audio jack. twelvesouth.com
9. FOR THE PET-LOVER Checked Trunk, $325, July. We know you can't take your furry friend everywhere but now you can add your pet's pics to your bags for an additional fee of $65. You can also "pet-sonalise" other items like drink bottles! july.com
10. FOR THE ADVENTURE TRAVELLER CasusGrill, $19.95, Soodox. This portable, single-use grill is made of cardboard, bamboo and lava stone, and weighs only a kilogram, takes just five minutes to heat up, and can cook for a hour. It's also eco-friendly, so no one's hurting the planet. soodox.com
11. FOR THE CURIOUS TRAVELLER Offbeat, $44.99, Lonely Planet. Go off the beaten track with Lonely Planet's Offbeat: 100 Amazing Places Away from the Tourist Trail - from Braga in Portugal and Ohrid in North Macedonia to Ipoh in Malaysia and Palm Island in Australia. shop.lonelyplanet.com
12. FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER Discovery Set, $39.95, Asriq. Missing the surf of Bali or the souks of Morocco? Simply dab a bit of Marrakech on your wrist or Ubud under your ears and transport yourself to these faraway lands. This six-piece mini set of body oils even has a bit of Bondi in it. asriq.com.au
13. FOR THE SMART TRAVELLER Hunter Creek hat in Burnt Clove, $120, Oogee. Protect your skin and look stylish with this suitcase-friendly hat that won't crush or loose shape when travelling. oogee.com.au
14. FOR THE CAMPER Reunion FTG Redux, from 899, Dometic. Make your tent the envy of everyone in the caravan park with this bug-proof, lightweight tent that not only packs down small and pitches fast, but is also eco-friendly as it's made of recycled materials. dometic.com
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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