2018 Art of Business Travel Xmas Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again, when we’re all looking for the perfect gift for someone special. Tap into every traveller’s passion for the open road with these travel essentials this holiday season.

Travel isn’t always glamorous, and any true road warrior will testify to that. But savvy travellers know that the right tech and perks along the way will lighten the load and make the whole process smoother. From cutting-edge luggage to serenity delivering headphones, we’ve curated a list of essentials that will make your next business travel – or that of someone special – easier than ever.

rimowa 19 Degree GunmetalTUMI has built a reputation over the years with its sophisticated, trend-setting designs and this suitcase is no exception. The compact size of the 19 Degree Gunmetal classifies it as carry-on baggage, which allows for greater flexibility when travelling. Moreover, its sleek, perforated finish complements a wide spectrum of styles, promising to enhance the aesthetic of the more fashion-conscious voyager in your life.

 Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

 

For fans of Monty Python, this is the biography – or ‘Sortabiograhy’ – you’ve been waiting for as Eric Idle arrives as the last of the comedy troupe to pen his memoirs. Best known for his unforgettable roles in Monty Python, from The Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life, Idle finally reflects on the meaning of his own life and takes readers on a remarkable, absurdly funny journey from his childhood spent in a charity boarding school through to his successful career in radio, comedy, television, theater, and film. Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the sixties and seventies, Idle stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and others who became lifelong friends. With reminiscences sprinkled throughout that involve such close friends and luminaries as Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, and Mike Nichols—let alone the Pythons themselves—Idle captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named after the song he wrote for Life of Brian that has since become the number one song played at funerals in the UK, Eric (who has already decided on the epitaph for his tombstone: “Eric Idle / See Google.”) shares the highlights of his life and career with the offbeat humour that has delighted audiences for five decades.

 

Trtl Pillow

 

Comfortable, unobtrusive and stylish: the Trtl Pillow signifies a new wave of travel comfort. Unlike conventional brands – which are typically large, heavy and impractical to carry – the sleek design of the Trtl functions as a lightweight scarf (with a hidden support structure that cradles the head). This added comfort doesn’t compromise portability, making it a staple for any traveller who values practicality as much as they do appearance.

 

 Xenvo Camera Lens Kit Pro

 

For those seeking to capture the grandeur of the natural world without breaking the bank (or their back), the Xenvo Camera Lens Kit Pro transforms any phone’s built-in front camera into wide angle and macro 15x lenses. This comprehensive kit is compatible with all iPhone, Android, Samsung, and Google phone models, and with a weight of just under five ounces, it provides the user with many of the benefits of a DSLR at a fraction of the hassle.

 

Stow World Class Tech Case

Whether you’re attending a meeting, travelling long or short haul, or simply commuting to work, the Stow World Class Tech Case, a luxurious leather tech and tablet case by English brand Stow, is the sleekest way to keep track of your essentials while in transit. It includes a 4000mAH internal battery (compatible with any smartphone or device), a Moleskine notebook, folding international travel adaptor and ergonomic compartments for both your travel documents and/or tablet.

 Google Pixel Buds

 

Apart from their stylish look and outstanding sound quality, the Google Pixel Buds earphones provide a solution to one of the biggest quandaries facing any traveller: language interpretation. The built-in Google Assistant provides an accurate, instantaneous translation of countless foreign languages, straight to the users ears. This product grants an assured peace of mind and is a must-have for anyone travelling the unknown.

 

Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II 

 

Weeping babies on long-haul flights, beware. For those looking for something a little more elaborate, the top-of-the-line Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II provide incredible noise cancellation on top of sound quality that every audiophile would appreciate. Their sleek, minimalist design makes it a perfect gift for your more style-conscious friend looking to relax in transit.

Insta360 One X

If you’re looking for a gift for the avid traveller in your life, look no further. Many cameras are able to shoot in 360 degrees, but lack functionality or are nigh on impossible to use. The Insta360 One X hits the mark between professional-level imagery and general ease of use. The dual fish-eye lenses capture and stitch together high-quality images with video, while a small LCD display on the compact device makes it easy to choose settings. “Free Capture” allows you to use the 360 capture to create 2D photos, built-in stabilisation means it doubles as an action camera, and the software will automatically make a selfie stick invisible in finished photos and video. “Time Shift,” which allows you to either go into hyper-lapse or slo-mo with ease in the app, is also fantastic. Basically, the Insta360 packed with tools that make it more than just a neat trick.

 

Skyroam Solis

Although many travellers are looking to disconnect from the outside world, the wanderer should be able to reconnect when ready. That’s where Skyroam Solis comes in. This 6,000 mAh portable-power-bank offers unlimited, 24 hour, 4G LTE WiFi access in over 130 countries. What’s better, it functions without a SIM, provides internet access for up to five different devices and boasts a 16+ hour charge. Day passes for $9USD allow the traveller unlimited data and the ability to connect at their leisure, skipping days when they know they won’t need it. Say goodbye to dodgy internet cafés and exorbitant fees for shoddy connections that can’t even FaceTime.

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About the Author

Staff Writer

The Art of Business Travel is Asia-Pacific's leading portal for corporate travel news and views. We cover everything from airline routes and airport developments, to new hotels, meeting venues, loyalty schemes, and entertaining.