​Whether you're heading to the outback, chasing the sun on the French Riviera, or heading to Vegas for a fun weekend, one thing’s for sure — good headphones are a must. Whether you want to block out airplane engine hums, enjoy a podcast, or just drown out your travel buddy’s third retelling of that one time in Bali, quality headphones make a big difference.
Here are five awesome travel headphone picks for every budget and travel style:

​1. Sony WH-1000XM5 — The First Class Choice
💰 Around $450 AUD
🎧 Over-ear | Noise Cancelling | Wireless
These are the gold standard of noise-cancelling headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5s are basically a portable cone of silence — perfect for zoning out on long flights or trains. They're comfy, the battery lasts about 30 hours (long enough for Melbourne to London, with a layover), and the sound quality is absolutely dreamy. Pricey, yes. But if you value peace and your eardrums, worth it.

​2. Soundcore Space A40 — Budget Friendly, Big Sound
💰 Around $130 AUD
🎧 In-ear | Noise Cancelling | Wireless
Don’t want to spend a fortune but still want to tune out that bloke coughing three rows back? These little guys from Soundcore punch well above their weight. Great sound, excellent battery life (10 hours on a single charge, plus extra in the case), and surprisingly good noise cancellation for the price. Perfect for backpackers or anyone saving their dollars.

​3. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) — For the Loyal iPhone Traveller
💰 Around $400 AUD
🎧 In-ear | Noise Cancelling | Wireless
If you're part of the Apple ecosystem, these are a no-brainer. Seamless connection to your devices, excellent active noise cancellation, and a compact case that’s easy to slip into a pocket or backpack. They’re also great for transparency mode — so you can hear flight announcements without taking them out (or when your barista calls your name in the café).

​4. Bose QuietComfort — Built for Long-Haul Legends
💰 Around $350 AUD
🎧 Over-ear | Noise Cancelling | Wireless
Bose knows travel. These headphones have plush ear cushions, and serve up that signature Bose sound — rich, clear, and warm. The fact they come in 6 different colours means you can find something to suit your vibe. Noise cancellation is excellent, especially for cutting out airplane hum or rowdy hostel mates. Ideal if you like your comfort, and your music, turned up a notch.

5. JBL Tune 510BT — No-Frills, All-Fun
💰 Around $70 AUD
🎧 On-ear | Wireless
Not ready to drop hundreds on headphones? No worries, the JBL Tune 510BTs are cheap, cheerful, and reliable. They’ve got solid sound, decent battery (up to 40 hours!), and they fold up nice and compact. Great for kids, teens, or anyone who’s prone to losing stuff between hostels.

So there you have it — five solid headphone options for every type of traveller, whether you're living the digital nomad life or finally taking a road trip. Just remember to charge them before you go and maybe beware the noise cancelling working too well — you still want to hear your stop being called.
Happy travels and happy listening! 


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​Whether you're jetting off for a quick weekend getaway or embarking on an epic month-long adventure, choosing the right luggage is crucial. You don’t want to be that person dragging a suitcase three times your size through the airport (unless you're into making a dramatic entrance). So, let’s dive into the world of travel luggage, comparing large, medium, and cabin-sized suitcases, along with soft body vs. hard body cases. By the end of this post, you'll know exactly what to pack (and what to leave behind).
​
Large Suitcases: The Overpackers’ Dream
If you're planning a lengthy vacation or moving to a new country (no pressure), the large suitcase is your trusty companion. Generally ranging from 27 to 32 inches, this giant can hold everything from clothes for every occasion to a small library of books (because, hey, we’re all trying to read more, right?).
Advantages:

• Space galore: You can fit everything. Seriously, everything. More shoes? Sure. More snacks? Why not.
• Perfect for extended trips: If you're planning a two-week (or longer) vacation, a large suitcase is ideal for hauling your entire wardrobe.
• Better weight distribution: With the larger size, weight is spread out more evenly, making it a little easier to balance when fully packed.

Disadvantages:

• Size matters: You’ll likely need to check it in, which means you could face additional baggage fees (depending on the airline). Plus, it’s not exactly the easiest thing to haul around.
• It’s like a game of Tetris: Once it’s packed, it's hard to find anything without emptying half of it out.

Medium Suitcases: The Sweet Spot
If large suitcases are too much of a hassle, but you’re not quite at the minimalist “carry-on only” stage, medium-sized suitcases (usually 24-26 inches) are your best bet. Think of this as the Goldilocks size - not too big, not too small, but just right.
Advantages:

• Flexible packing: Medium suitcases are the perfect size for a weeklong trip (or longer if you’re really good at packing). You get plenty of room but without the chaos of a gigantic suitcase.
• Easy to manoeuvre: It’s lighter and easier to wheel around than its larger counterpart, so you won’t feel like you’re trying to move a small boulder through the airport.
• Airline-friendly: Most airlines won’t charge you extra for checking in a medium-sized bag, which makes it ideal for the savvy traveller.

Disadvantages:

• Limited space for long trips: If you’re planning to take multiple outfits for different occasions or can’t resist packing just in case, this size may leave you wishing for more room.
• It could still be checked: Though it’s usually within the free checked luggage limit, some airlines may still ding you with additional fees if it exceeds the size limit.

Cabin-sized Suitcases: The Carry-On Revolution
Ah, the cabin-sized suitcase—the true hero of short trips. Typically ranging from 18 to 22 inches, these small, carry-on bags are perfect for business trips, weekend getaways, or those who just want to avoid the stress of waiting for checked luggage at baggage claim.
Advantages:

• Skip the baggage claim: You can simply walk off the plane, head straight to the taxi, and be on your merry way. It’s like being in the VIP lane of the airport.
• No additional fees: Many airlines include carry-ons in their ticket price, so you won’t have to worry about paying extra (but remember to check your carriers’ weight and size limit restrictions).
• Lightweight and compact: You’re not lugging around a monster suitcase, which means you’re less likely to get backaches. Plus, you can squeeze this under the seat in front of you if you’re flying.

Disadvantages:

• Packing Tetris: Packing for a multi-day trip in a carry-on is an art. You’ll need to master the skill of rolling your clothes and deciding which pair of shoes to leave behind.
• Restricted space: If you’re the type to overpack, this size might test your ability to say “no” to unnecessary items.

 If you google “must have travel accessories” a multitude of options are presented – fluffy pillows that pack down to the size of a fingernail, expandable luggage that will fit all your holiday impulse buys with ease. But being the practical travellers we are here at The Inspired Travel Guide we have condensed these options to 4 practical must haves for your next trip. Check these out below.

Bluetooth Enabled Trackers
There are a few options here – but one of the most popular would have to be the Tile Bluetooth tracker. Coming in a few different versions – Tile is a small Bluetooth tracker which combines with an app that allows you to locate items. Place one on your luggage and never lose it again! Easy to buy at your local electronics store – surely a must have. If you are a die hard Apple fan then the Apple AirTag provides an option which will work with your “Find My” app – allowing Siri to do search for you!

Luggage Scale
Have you ever been the traveller unpacking their luggage at the check in counter – putting on 7 layers of clothing and stuffing your pockets in an effort to make the luggage weight restriction? With a compact luggage scale you can check your bags weight before you get to the airport. The Korjo Digital Luggage Scale is compact and light – easily slipping into your luggage or handbag to allow you to avoid the embarrassment and cost of overweight luggage at check in.