Active noise cancelling technology was developed for military pilots’ headsets in the seventies and eighties. It works by producing a sound wave which neutralizes the unwanted noise. Today, it is a feature of many of the best headphones you can buy in the shops.
Top-of-the-range noise cancelling headphones are ground-breaking; try a pair on, and you’ll be amazed. But they are not cheap. Budget models don’t reduce noise quite so much, and you might be left wishing you had spent more. Whether you can afford to splurge or are sticking to a budget, we’ve selected some of the best buys.
What Hi-Fi magazine described the Sony WH-1000XM3 as “as close to the perfect pair of noise cancelling headphones as it’s currently possible to find.” The noise cancelling function is outstanding, and listening to music is unadulterated joy. Controlled by touch, with only two buttons, they are beautifully simple to use.
These headphones can be used with with Bluetooth 4.2, and come with an adapter for in-flight entertainment systems. Noise cancelling can be optimized when the cabin pressure changes.
Battery life is 30 hours, and ten minutes of charge gives you five hours of power – fantastic for long journeys. They fold to fit into a small case, taking up very little space. The closed earcups avoid pressure on your ears, keeping you cool. You won’t want to take them off.
Bose was one of the pioneers of noise cancelling headphones, designing them for the pilots of the record-breaking Voyager flight in the eighties. They also made the first pair sold to consumers.
Noise cancellation shuts out conversations nearby as well as background noise, and with 11 different levels, you can let in as little or as much sound as you like. Sound quality is so clear it will make you want to get up and dance.
Travelers will love Bose AR, a series of apps that allow you to tune in to hear directions or find places of interest nearby. You can even listen to reviews of the restaurant you’re standing in front of.
Of all the headphones in this list these are the most stylish. The headband is thin and adjusted via an ingenious sliding mechanism. They look great, but perhaps a little too great for a rough and ready backpacking lifestyle.
Danish brand Jabra launched their Elite 85h headphones in 2019. The noise control works perfectly and can be customized in the Jabra Sound+ app, and the Smart Sound system adapts to your surroundings, which is perfect if you’re on the move. Another stand-out feature is the extraordinary battery life. They can last up to 36 hours, which is ideal if you are taking a lengthy trip.
The Jabra Elite 85h feel tighter on your head than either the Sony or the Bose and are perhaps a little clunkier overall, but the difference is marginal. And, the smooth fabric coating feels softer to the touch than hard plastic. With a water-resistant fabric coating, these headphones feel like they could withstand some wear and tear and their warranty guards against rain and dust. A well-made, well-designed product.
Sennheiser HD 4.50
Award-winning German company Sennheiser has developed its own active noise canceling technology called NoiseGard. Although effective, it’s not quite in the same league as the tech in the Sony WH-1000XM3 or the Bose 700. But the sound quality is clean and bright and can be customized in the accompanying Captune app.
While the design of the HD 4.50 is quite straightforward, they are small when folded in on themselves and come in a soft travel pouch rather than a hard case, making them easier to pack. Weighing only 238 grams, they are one of the lightest sets of headphones on this list. They have 19 hours of battery life with noise cancelling on. High-quality headphones at a very reasonable price.
American company JBL is famous for making loudspeakers, but has also designed several high-quality sets of headphones. The Tune 600BTNC are inexpensive as far as noise-cancelling headphones go, which means neither the sound quality nor the active noise-cancellation are as good as on more expensive versions. JBL makes a point of mentioning how good the bass sound is – so if you’re a wannabe DJ who loves their hip hop or electronica, these could be the headphones for you.
What makes these headphones attractive to travelers is their weight. At 173 grams, they’re the lightest on this list. However, there isn’t a carry case or pouch, so they may get damaged unless you purchase one. Battery life is 12 hours if you’re using Bluetooth or noise cancelling, so you won’t be able to wear them the whole time on a long flight. They are lighter to wear than some of the other models, and for the fashion-conscious, they come in pink, blue and white.
Sony has cracked active noise cancelling. On these headphones, the noise cancellation function is fantastic – background noise and conversations nearby can be almost completely shut out. The sound quality is also excellent for headphones at such a low price.
The Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation (AINC) feature uses AI to optimize itself at the push of a button, perfect if you’re en route through a changing environment such as an airport, as you don’t need to keep readjusting them.
Lightweight and comfortable, they swivel flat for easy storage and can be neatly tucked into an aircraft seat pocket. With a long battery life too, these are an excellent choice for travelers. And while they lack the design credentials of the top models, they are well made and comfortable to wear.
The verdict
The top of the range headphones by Sony and Bose transform the experience of listening to music – and of being out in the world. But, for traveling, our top pick is the Jabra Elite 85h. The water-resistant coating is an innovative feature and means you won’t be worrying about damaging them all the time. The battery life is good, as are the sound quality and noise cancelling function.
The Sony WH-CH700N are another great choice. Sony doesn’t compromise on either noise control or audio quality with these headphones. They are light and comfortable to wear and, importantly, won’t bankrupt you!
Two things are revolutionizing what clothes travelers pack. One is that technical fabrics have entered the mainstream. They are lightweight, creating extra space in your carry-on. They are moisture-wicking, keeping you cool and saving you from time-consuming laundry. And, their UV protection is helpful if you’re walking around in the hot sun.
The second thing is the demise of fast fashion. Many new brands are steering away from cheap clothing and instead, designing long-lasting, versatile pieces that can be worn in different settings: think, a dress that can be worn at work and in the evening, or shorts that can be worn to work out in and then to lunch.
The days of frumpy ‘travel clothing’ are gone, and instead, there are plenty of comfortable, functional and stylish pieces to choose from. Here are some of our favourites.
Top
Iconic clothing brand and environmental campaigner Patagonia started out making gear for climbers. This tank-top is made from organic cotton and Tencel, a fabric made from wood pulp cellulose. Tencel absorbs moisture inside the fabric, rather than on the surface, making it odor resistant, which means less washing. With less moisture on the surface, you’ll feel cool and dry in a hot climate. The pretty print and strappy design make it versatile enough to wear in the evening as well as on a hiking trip.
Buy it: Alpine Valley Tank Top $45
Sweatshirt
When the founders of Seagale considered the design of their swimming shorts, they thought they could do better, so they created their own company, making clothes from technical fabrics like Supplex and Tencel that you can wear every day. Their performance sweatshirt is made from merino wool. Breathable and antimicrobial, it needs less washing and is light, giving you more space in your suitcase or carry-on. The fabric regulates body temperature so you can wear it in warm or cool weather.
Buy it: Merino Performance Sweatshirt €110
Shirt
Raj and Akhil Shah of Seattle-based Ably wanted to find a way to enhance natural fabrics, so they pioneered Filium technology, an eco-friendly process which makes fabrics like cotton and linen repel liquid. Their Aloe shirt is water-repelling, stain-resistant and fast drying. Because the fabric repels water, sweat isn’t absorbed, so you’ll wash it less during a trip. Plus, it dries faster than an ordinary shirt – convenient if you do need to wash it. Bloggers and journalists are fans of the technology.
Buy it: Aloe Shirt $120
Trousers
Anatomie has made a name for itself creating stylish, functional clothes that suit travelers. Their Skyler Travel Pants can be dressed up or down and worn on a hike, in the airport or in a bar. Slim, with a straight leg, they are made from lightweight, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant material. These particular trousers are beloved of fashion and travel bloggers, and you can read one of the many glowing reviews here.
Buy it: Skyler Travel Pant $225
Jacket
A popular British brand from Penzance in Cornwall, Seasalt started out making hard-wearing outerwear for farmers, sailors and fishermen. Today it produces stylish, practical clothes that function well in unpredictable weather. Their Sail Maker Jacket is made from their own lightweight fabric Tincloth, inspired by the original ‘tin cloth’ oilskin. It is light enough to be worn on a dry sunny day but will protect you from the rain in an unplanned-for downpour.
Buy it: Sail Maker Jacket £39.95
Backpack
Named after a volcano in Ecuador, US company Cotopaxi creates bright backpacks and apparel. With its distinctive design the Allpa backpack will stand out on a hike but equally won’t look out of place while exploring a new city. The 28L version is small enough to take in the cabin, and has mesh pockets for sunglasses and passports, a laptop compartment, and a rain cover, in case you get stuck in a downpour.
Buy it: Allpa backpack $170
San Francisco based Everlane is one of the most popular clothing brands around right now, and has been made even more popular by Meghan Markle. Their philosophy is to create clothing that lasts – perfect if you’re seeking a hard-wearing travel piece. Their Japanese Swing Skirt is made of triacetate, a natural fabric produced from cellulose. The fabric is easy to wash, quick drying and doesn’t wrinkle. Wear this skirt, and you’ll look polished even after the most cramped plane or train journey.
Buy it: Japanese Swing Skirt £69
Sandals
Adored by fashionistas the world over, California based Taos creates stylish footwear that pays attention to comfort. Their Trulie sandals can be adjusted at several different points to give the best fit and the cork footbed is shock absorbing – ideal for exploring a city on foot. They weigh only 7 oz each, so you won’t even notice them in your suitcase. The popularity of this particular design prompted one fashion blogger to call them a ‘wonder sandal’ – read their review here.
Buy it: Trulie sandals $160
Dress
American brand Epoque Evolution is run by two friends who wanted clothes that would serve their active lifestyles. Their Non-Stop Tee Dress has a host of useful features for travelers; it is wrinkle-resistant, UV ray-blocking, and antimicrobial, so you can wear it multiple times. Made from merino wool, it will keep you warm or cool depending on the temperature. The style is versatile too and works with sneakers in the daytime and heels in the evening.
Buy it: Non-stop Tee Dress $178
Shoes
New Zealand start-up Allbirds has received heaps of praise for its comfortable and sustainable shoes. Suitable for the beach and the city, their Tree Runners are made from Eucalyptus pulp – a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture, making them ideal for walking around in a hot and/or rainy climate. The company has received plenty of positive reviews in the media, including this glowing review from one Buzzfeed journalist.
Buy it: Tree Runners $160
Crossing a dream destination off your bucket list is a hard-to-beat feeling. You’ve finally saved up, bought your tickets, and the only thing standing between you and that tropical beach or snowy mountain town is a full day (or two) of airplane travel. So how can you ensure that a cringe-worthy amount of hours on a plane doesn’t suck the fun out of your trip? All it takes is a little bit of preparedness to ensure a smooth, manageable and worry-free flight. As the holiday season enters full swing, here’s some of our accumulated experience.
1. Bring your own empty water bottle
We all know that airplanes are dehydrating. The small amount of moisture in the highly-pressurized air can wreak havoc on your skin and immune system. While bringing liquids through security is a no-no, an empty water bottle is completely allowed. You’ll save money by avoiding those expensive airport water bottles by filling up your own at the airport. Plus, the flight attendants may even fill up your bottle on the plane if you ask nicely.
Many travelers don’t realize that TSA allows you to bring your own snacks on the plane–with a few restrictions. Something protein-packed like unsalted mixed nuts or granola bars work great (avoiding extra salty food will help you stay hydrated). You’re even allowed to bring packaged fruits, cheese and wrapped sandwiches as long as it goes through the x-ray. Do everyone a favor and avoid smelly foods, though, no one wants to be that person (or sit next to them).
We’ve already established that flying, in general, can make you dehydrated. Well, guess what else does? Alcohol. Anyone who’s accidentally combined jet lag with a hangover will adamantly advise against it. Find other ways to relax like safe sleep aids, listening to music or a meditation app (just remember, if you use an app or podcasts make sure it works in flight mode before you leave, and download your favorites if it doesn’t). If you do choose to indulge in a drink or two, make sure you’re supplementing it with plenty of water.
Side note: If you’re a nervous flyer and use booze to calm your nerves, it helps to arm yourself with knowledge before taking off. The internet is ripe with useful information about the inner workings of airplane technology, and it’s pretty interesting.
Airlines don’t always provide blankets on long flights (and let’s face it, even a slight germaphobe isn’t touching those things). There’s nothing worse than being on a freezing plane with hours left to go, so don’t forget your blankets, socks, sweatshirts, or anything else that will help keep you warm.
5. Stock up on essentials
- Bringing a USB battery pack along while traveling is always a good idea, and it can help in a pinch if you end up in a seat with no USB charging port.
- To aid in avoiding dehydration, bring some electrolyte tablets, chapstick, saline nasal spray, or lotion.
- Try not to think about all the germs floating around inside the flying metal tube full of strangers–just bring along some vitamin c and hand sanitizer/wipes.
- Throw a pen into your carry-on to avoid awkwardly asking your neighbors for one when it’s time to fill out immigration forms (or, bring a few extra pens to help make friends).
- Don’t forget a travel pillow or eye mask for red-eye flights.
- A 10-hour flight can seem like an eternity with a baby crying in your ear the whole time–headphones or earplugs are a must.
6. Choose your seat wisely
Use sites like Seat Guru to pick the best seat (or avoid the less-than-ideal ones). Exit row and premium seats may be worth the extra money and effort on long flights, but it all depends on your budget. If turbulence makes you queasy or anxious, pick a seat over the wing (being in the center of the aircraft actually provides a smoother ride).
7. Keep the important stuff in your carry on
Keep the important stuff in your carry on
If you’ve never had an airline lose your luggage before, consider yourself very lucky. Keeping toiletries, medications, underwear and basically anything you’d be super uncomfortable without for a few nights inside your carry-on is a no brainer.
While this advice really applies to all aspects of life, it’s especially useful while traveling. Don’t take it as fact if your flight advertises in-flight entertainment. I’ve been on plenty of flights where the entertainment system fails–and it’s pretty low on the list of priorities for a flight crew (personally I’d rather have them focused on safety). So stock up on some reading material, movies and music on your personal device so you’re not left to your own thoughts for 10+ hours straight.
Keep that blood circulating. Take a walk to the bathroom or up and down the aisles to stretch your legs. The CDC recommends getting up every 2-3 hours and/or wearing compression socks while traveling large distances to prevent blood clots.
Remember, only you have the power to let something insignificant ruin your trip. Nobody enjoys a delayed flight or lack of drink service during turbulence, but these things are almost always due to safety reasons over which the flight attendants or desk agents have no control. Travel is an experience denied to many, so be grateful for the adventure and try not to complain.
Carry-on luggage is a basic need when travelling. It’s meant for weekend trips, for carrying basics on the airplane, and for overall comfort. With that in mind there is so much to consider: hard sided or soft? To get wheels or will a simple strap suffice? To suit your needs, we compiled a list of the ten best bags you can use as a carry-on. Remember that packing efficiently is a craft that must be mastered.
Track your luggage via GPS and charge your gadgets via USB
This is first suitcase to connect to your smartphone so you can always keep your belongings tracked. The built-in tracker lets you know where your bag is, anywhere in the world. So if for some reason you get separated from your carry-on, you’ll be able to find it. Plus, there’s scale built into the handle so you can just pick it up and it’ll tell the app how much it weighs. You can also remotely lock the bag or set it to auto-lock if you get separated from it. The charging dock, with two USB ports, lets you power your phone up to six times. It’s $399 and worth every penny.
This very feminine bag has a cotton canvas exterior, leather handles and straps, and bi-directional zippers. It comes in mustard, charcoal, and black so it can easily combine with any outfit. Recommended on various expertly selected websites, the Weekender bag is $150.
Modern glam with a nod to the ‘50s
This clean and classic duffel-style bag has a very unique zippered side shoe compartment. It comes in a variety of colors and is really malleable. You can hold on to the synthetic leather carry handles or the (removable) padded strap. It’s $85, so this is your bag if you’re not looking to spend too much.
Technicolor dream in the desert
Our experts have nicknamed this “The Mary Poppins bag.” It looks small, but can definitely fit a lot. That’s not to say the bag is designed for women only! The versatile look will appeal to everyone. Available in classic colors like military green and navy blue, the water-repellent nylon bag has leather handles and a removable strap. You’re looking to spend $98 on it.
Our first bag with wheels, this is a favorite among experts because of its practical design that allows you to hang up items on the side. The ballistic nylon outer fabric is durable and low-maintenance. It’s got two wheels and plenty of compartments. You can get it in either black or military green for $599.
Storage just got a lot easier
This bag boasts that it can travel big and store small. It’s a nylon four-wheeler that comes in a bunch of fun colors and can be neatly folded away when you’re not using it. Plus, it was on Shark Tank, so that’s pretty cool. This really practical piece is $199.
This is the perfect carry-on for those who love to compartmentalize even within the confines of a small bag. The two-wheeler has a bunch of different pockets both inside and outside. It comes in black, and has the signature Tumi signature on the wheels in a deep red. Experts say it’s the most durable carry-on bag. For $595, it better be.
Wear it like a duffle, backpack, or as an addition to your checked bag.
This sporty unisex bag stretches is great because it can stretch a lot. In fact, the name references how the bag can expand to the maximum dimensions allowed as a carry-on. Plus, the compression pocket and laptop pouch offer a lot of packing space for your short trip. The Patagonia is $179.
This carry-on is a classic that sports plenty of zippered compartments and features a retractable handle too. Filson bags are usually deep shades of maroon, brown, mustard, and red. Made with water-resistant nylon and a wide wheel-base for stability, this bag is $595.
A successful Kickstarter and IndieGogo campaign can’t be wrong.
This bag got over $140,000 funding from Kickstarter investors. It’s innovative design ensures that you have 19 different spaces to keep your belongings. Like a true duffel, this leather bag has straps but no wheels. Available in oak, navy, and black, you can pre-order it now for $290 on indiegogo.com. The first delivery is estimated for July 2016.
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