6 luxury travel gifts we love

6 luxury travel gifts we love

Sometimes my siblings joke that our late father's most lasting legacy will be our relentless worry about the gas bill.

In a household with eight children, there were restrictions on how long we could leave the boiler on to heat water, how long our baths could last, how long we could drain rice in the sink without turning off the relevant hob (around five seconds). etc.

Not surprisingly, these habits persisted into adulthood. When winter arrived last year in the small French village where we lived, I was horrified to learn that we would be leaving the heating on overnight. I expected a three-digit gas bill. (Luckily everything was fine in the end…)

It's this innate frugality that keeps me from spending a lot of money, even when I'm in love with a product. However, sometimes something comes along that really tests my resolve. Here are five luxury travel gifts I want for myself.

1. Trolley from Globe-Trotter

Details: Goring Ivory 21-inch TrolleyPrice: $1,995 / £1,400

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This stunning example of British craftsmanship is at the top of my wish list. With a history dating back to 1897, Globe-Trotter is now famous for its luxury suitcases handcrafted in its factory in Hertfordshire.

The 21-inch trolley's leather corners are formed on Victorian press machines over five days, and the handles are made entirely by hand.

With four-figure prices, they are clearly out of the reach of mere mortals, but they boast an impressive customer list. Captain Scott traveled with Globe-Trotter on the infamous Antarctic expedition in 1912.

Sir Winston Churchill used a Globe-Trotter Dispatch Case when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. Queen Elizabeth chose Globe-Trotter for her honeymoon luggage in 1947 (and still uses her suitcases today) and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Globe-Trotter to the first base camp during his Everest conquest in 1953.

If I ever win the lottery, I'll get one of every color.

globe-trotter.com

2. Leica M camera

Details: Leica M à la carte Price: From $6,380 / £4,900

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Considered the world's most compact professional camera, the handcrafted Leica M is designed with a depth of less than 42mm and an ultra-quiet shutter, perfect for travel photographers and photojournalists.

The customizable à la carte offering is available in both digital and analogue and comes in a range of colors and materials with different functions (e.g. with or without video). You can choose whether or not you want to keep the Leica logo on the top deck (yes please) as well as a personal engraving.

Of course there are heavier cameras for professionals, but for most amateur photographers this is perfect. Plus, you get some change for your five grand.

leica-camera.com

3. Philips Portable Projector

Details: Philips PicoPix PPX 3414 Pocket Projector Price: $399 / £280

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In the South Pacific we almost always had breathtaking views. Even the poorest parts of these tiny islands overlooked stunning waters and bright blue skies.

However, things changed quickly when we arrived in South America. A budget hostel in a tiny town usually opens onto a run-down street, a brick wall or, in the case of Uyuni, miles of wasteland. Those evenings we wished we had a portable projector like this tiny PicoPix.

Weighing just 270g, the PicoPix can display images up to 305cm (120 inches) in size, similar to a portable cinema. It features a variety of ports (USB, HDMI, VGA, Component, Composite, SD/SDHC) as well as a 3.5mm audio output, perfect for pairing with one of our favorite devices, the JBL Charge portable speaker.

Battery life (two hours) isn't as long as ideal, but it's an acceptable compromise given the small size.

One of the more affordable gifts on the list, this might be the one I give myself.

philips.co.uk

4. Tiffany Compass

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Details: Tiffany 1837 CompassPrice: $380 / £265

I might be more inclined to follow Peter's advice on how to use a compass and a map if my compass looked like this.

This beautiful piece is set in sterling silver and engraved with the year Tiffany was founded (1837) and can also be engraved with a personal message.

It is available at the New York flagship store and select Tiffany stores around the world.

tiffany.com

5. Swarovski binoculars

Details: Swarovski Optik CL Companion lightweight binoculars Price: $1,210 / £850

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Whether on safari in Kenya or spotting wildlife in the Galápagos Islands, these binoculars offer the perfect balance between weight and performance.

The 8×30 binoculars feature a 124 m (372 ft) field of view and 8x magnification for smooth viewing. In addition, they are 119 mm (4.7 inches) long and weigh only 500 g, so they don't take up too much space in your Globe-Trotter.

With plans to travel to Africa later this year, I'll be longing for it for a long time.

www.swarovskioptik.com

6. Asprey Backgammon Board

Details: Asprey Backgammon SmallPrice: From $6,380 / £2,300

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“It is said in certain circles that if a friend buys a yacht, you should give them a backgammon set,” says the Asprey website. “What could be nicer, made of English saddle leather with palladium locks, opaque precision dice, dice cups and doubling dice?”

Well, indeed. I've always wondered what to buy for my friends who are buying yachts. Now I know.

asprey.com

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