Tech that makes travel feel slightly futuristic

Packing light can be hard when you’re dealing with tech. Chargers can often take up most of the weight, so we’re pumped to share this problem solver—the world’s smallest 2-in-1 USB-C MagSafe charger thanks to Twelve South.

ButterFly will be your new favourite thing to include in your carry-on. About the same size as an AirPod Pro Case, it punches above its weight with a fast charger in an anodized aluminium shell and a 30W power adapter, as well as four international plug adapters, and carry case—because that’s how much Twelve South love a traveller. They get it. ButterFly folds to 6x6cm and only 2.35cm high, and can do double-duty as a display stand for your iPhone or charging pedestal for your Apple watch.

Perfect for travelling, or just slip into your pocket when you’re on the way to work.

TWELVE SOUTH BUTTERFLY AU$219.99

It feels like we’re seeing into the future here, but it’s really only space we’re seeing into. Boring old space, with all its dumb constellations, silly sparkling stars, extraordinary planets… wait what?

The brand-new eHHestia is a telescope through your smartphone. Imagine if, you’d told Italian Antonio Meucci when he invented the first, primitive, telephone in 1849 that one day his invention would advance to the point where you’d be able to see into space with it. Moon pie people, moon pie.

Thought up and built by telescope makers Vaonis, the Hestia is more of an advancement in astrophotography that astronomy per se. It’s small, box like device which connects to your phone amplifies brightness of the night sky by up to 25 times on your phone, and enhance sharpness fivefold, making even the most amateur of photographers able to take some cool photos.

What we think is cool, is how it promises a interactive map of the sky, making an astronomy tower’s worth of astronomical information just a tap away. It’s expected to drop early 2024, with a price of only AU$189—not bad for an entire universe.

LAUNCHING EARLY-2024 FROM AU$189

The Anker PowerHouse 767 brings with it great power – both literally and figuratively.

It’s a bona fide power bank, the mother of all: Anker say it’s the most efficient, longest-lasting and most portable power station ever designed. It’s easily transportable with its wheels, and seemingly indestructible in all of its cubed glory.

With great power (specifically 2048Wh, three AC ports, five USB ports and two car outlets) comes great responsibility. You must know when to use said power. Hooking up a projector to the Powerhouse and having a movie night in the bush with your mates is an excellent use of power.

FROM $3,699.95

Have you ever been on a skateboard? It’s pretty hard right? A scooter on the other hand = much easier.

Fliteboard have taken this exact approach with the Flitescooter, the new eFoil board with handlebars, and other in-built features designed to give you more control. So you can walk/glide on water like J Christ himself.

The Byron Bay company have been making eFoils for a while now, and these are electric-powered boards, with a hydrofoil surface that lifts it out of the water. The Flitescooter represents an easier alternative to eFoiling; we consider it the most beginner-friendly method to ‘taking flite’. Plus, it’s a lot quieter and a lot less bogan than a jet-ski. Pretty cool.

GEAR FROM AU$19,995

It’s no secret we love a drone here at get lost.

Any time the drone kings at DJI release a new product, we feel a collective shiver run up our spines. A conch horn sounds far away and our editorial team wakes suddenly, bolt upright, wide eyed and murmuring.

The new kid on the block is the DJI Mini Pro 3, and it weighs less than 249 grams, making it exempt from most countries’ regulations and paperwork (double check though!).

Here are a list of things that weigh the same or slightly more than 249 grams: two oranges, a football, a loaf of bread, a hamster (around 200-300 grams, depending on the breed).

It might be small but judging by the footage, DJI certainly didn’t skimp on quality. Good things DO come in small packages.

FROM AU$699

The word ‘AirFly’ sounds epic, conjuring images of people in goggles soaring through the air on their way to Europe. Maybe even propelled by a pair of chrome wings strapped to their torso.

The actual product is much more humble, but is nonetheless one of the handier travel inventions we’ve come across: a wireless headphone adapter that lets you use your own wireless headphones (or earbuds) without a headphone jack. Perfect for places like planes and treadmills.

Now, not only do you get to enjoy Shrek 2 via a pair of quality headphones, you also get to say no to the single-use headphones provided by the airline—a win for everyone.

FROM AU$104

A new movie projector has entered the chat.

The Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector is better than other projectors for two main reasons.

Firstly, even though it’s technically a ‘mini-projector’, it is not small on quality. With 4K resolution, 2400 ISO Lumens (meaning it is powerfully bright) and plenty of other technical jargon that we won’t bore you with, there’s enough quality here to impress even the snobbiest of cinema buffs.

Secondly, and most importantly for travel: it is very, very transportable. Compact, sturdy and with a solid handle on top, we can easily see this being packed into the car on a weekend away with mates, or on that big family holiday each summer.

FROM AU$4,295

Imagine rocking up to work in your own personal helicopter.

It’s funny to try and imagine the conversation that led to the creation of The Jetson ONE; “Everyone I’ve got it: what about a drone… but we fly it ourselves?”

It’s a ludicrous idea, and we absolutely love it. The Jetson ONE is described as a ‘personal electric aerial vehicle’, although the Chief Technical Officer of the Swedish company calls it a ‘personal helicopter’. It’s got a top speed of 101 kilometres per hour, and incredibly, weighs in at just 86 kilograms. This isn’t one of those ‘flying car concepts’ – this is an actual product which you can buy (there are still several buyers wanted for the 2023 intake). Yes, it is a bit of a luxury to have a flying vehicle for shits and giggles, but hey – if we had the money, we’d be snapping one up.

FROM AU$132,000

We’ve all been there. You’re waist deep in crystal turquoise water in the South Pacific, water so clear you could read a book under it.

You dive underneath and visibility is endless. Who is going to believe you if you can’t photograph that moment? Seaquatix is a compact waterproof bag that allows for full functionality of your phone, yet has enough room for other essential items like credit cards that can be transported with you at all times. Very handy.

FROM AU$54.95