Travel Essentials: business card cases

Alligator card holder

From the elegant shop that has helped turn Mount Street, London, into one of the world's trendiest new shopping streets, this one will last a lifetime. In black alligator - alligators are tough-skinned beasts - with neat silver edges, the card holder comes with a central pocket and six side pockets. Bespoke versions can be made in any colour.

£575 (Dh3,305), plus £25 (Dh144) p&p (www.williamandson.com; 00 44 207 493 8385).

"Palatina" card holder

This compact card holder comes in black as well as tan, and is lined with the vividly distinctive fabric whose pattern is based on Byzantine arch forms - how esoteric can you get? The bold pattern distinguishes many of the pieces from this company that specialises in Italian-crafted leather goods.

£150 (Dh860), plus £35 (Dh200) p&p (www.markgiusti.com; 00 845 224 2617).

Aspinal of London business card wallet

This little number proves you don't have to spend vast amounts on one of those small leather goods without which no handbag can look its best. Made of calf or bridle leather, with an unbelievably soft suede lining and snap closure, it is available in a dozen colours, including girlie gold and silver, red lizard- or crocodile-print, black, navy and a handsome mock-croc brown.

£35 (Dh200) plus £18.50 (Dh110) p&p (www.aspinaloflondon.com; 00 44 1428 648)