Travel influencers don’t wing it when it comes to online duty free shopping. They know what works, what’s worth picking up, and how to time it so everything’s ready when they need it. It’s less about saving a few dollars and more about landing with the right things already sorted. That kind of planning starts well before they fly.

On Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s duty free shopping platform, you can do the same. Just pre-order online up to 60 days before your international flight and collect your order when you arrive or depart. Here’s how they make it easy and how you can too.

There’s a pattern to how travel influencers shop duty free online. It’s in the timing, the way they choose what to buy, and how they make each order feel less rushed and more useful. These are the habits that shape every cart.

1. They shop for the destination, not the departure

Travel vloggers think about where they’re landing and what they’ll want on hand once they get there. If it’s straight to a work event, it’s skincare essentials that help them reset fast, a fresh eau de parfum from Jo Malone London, or maybe a hydrating pick-me-up from Sol de Janeiro.

Beach getaway? That cart looks different—light layers, SPF, and something with a clean finish, like Clinique or Jurlique. Cooler weather trips often call for something richer, like a moisturiser that holds up in drier air or a scent with a bit more weight (Tom Ford and Burberry always come up here). They’re not packing for the plane. They’re shopping for the next stop.

2. When gifting, they shop by story

It’s easy to get caught up in big-brand boxes and duty free discounts, but the best gifts usually come with a bit of meaning. Travel vloggers know this. That’s why they go for things they can talk about—where it’s made, why it matters, or what makes it feel a little more considered.

It might be a bottle of Australian single malt or Scotch whisky, a local favourite like Bundaberg, Penfolds, or Sydney-based Archie Rose, or something timeless like Remy Martin or Hennessy. Even simple picks like LEGO sets or confectionery from a trusted retailer can feel thoughtful when they suit the person you’re buying for. Start with the story. The rest usually falls into place.

3. They use online shopping to think clearly, not impulsively

Online duty free gives you something shopping in-store doesn’t—time to think. And travel vloggers take full advantage of that. No pressure, no queues, just space to compare sizes, read product details, and make smarter choices. They don’t just scroll the best sellers and call it done. Instead, they use filters, search by category, and look for what actually fits the trip.

Spirits tend to get more thought. Chivas Regal is a safe pick when you want something classic, but travel vloggers often lean toward lighter options like Bombay Sapphire for easy gifting.

4. They buy what solves a problem, not just what saves a dollar

If something’s a hassle to pack, it’s probably worth ordering online. That’s how travel vloggers think about it. They add the full-size bath products they don’t want leaking in their bag, the gifting set that’s too bulky for carry-on, or the bottle they’d rather pick up than declare.

It’s not really about saving money. It’s about making the trip easier. And while orders on Laneway are GST-free and ready to collect when you fly internationally, you do need to check out at least 24 hours in advance. And yes, duty free allowances still apply if you’re travelling out of Australia, so it’s worth knowing your limits before checkout.

5. They think about how their skin will feel, not just how it looks

A long-haul flight isn’t the time to try something new. If you’ve already got a favourite moisturiser on your wishlist, stick with it. Travel vloggers do the same—they get what they know works.

La Mer for deep hydration, La Prairie for a calming reset, or something classic from Lancome—it’s less about luxury and more about comfort. The same goes for fragrance. A light spritz of something familiar, like an EDP from Gucci or Maison Margiela, often feels better after a flight than anything bold or unfamiliar. You’re not building a routine from scratch. You’re bringing one you trust.

Travel influencers don’t leave duty free shopping to the last minute—and now you don’t have to either. On Laneway, you can pre-order duty free products online up to 60 days in advance and pick up your order when you fly in or out of Australia through Melbourne International Airport.

It’s one simple step that can save time, space, and last-minute stress. Place your order, pick it up when you fly, and keep your trip focused on where you’re going, not what you forgot to buy.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example, alcoholic beverages/tobacco products), and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.