This holiday season, give the travel lover in your life something they’ll love for their adventures. I find myself reaching for these travel essentials over and over for their quality and versatility. Here is my list of sustainable and small-medium businesses that inspire adventure and create products that make travelling (and packing) easier:
ECCOSOPHY
ECCOSOPHY’s microfiber gym and beach towels are the perfect holiday gift for active lifestyles. Ultra-absorbent, quick-drying, and compact, these stylish towels add flair to workouts and beach days alike.
ECCOSOPHY was brought to life by Sophia, a former flight attendant brought up on the Mediterranean coast. Sophia's love for the beach was coupled with her passion for traveling and appreciating new countries and cultures, and that's how this company came to be.
Special promo: type in ORIGINTRAVELS at checkout for 15% off your order (shipping only to the US).
My product picks: the Madagascar Beach Towel and the Blue Beach Blanket
Unbound Merino
I love this brand because it’s made by travellers for travellers. Created by three lifelong friends obsessed with travel and wanting to have the freedom to be in the present moment by travelling light. I’ve literally worn the same sweater for days in a row and it still feels fresh. Their clothes is sustainable, ethically sourced and cruelty free and it all feels luxuriously soft.
Travel is so much less stressful when you pack less, can grab an outfit and get ready quickly and don’t have to worry about losing anything along the way.
My product picks: the Merino Transit Quarter Zip and the Merino Ribbed Racer Tank
Shop here to get 10% off your order.
Encircled
Kristi was on the go, working 80 hours a week and struggled to find stylish, comfortable clothes that was adaptable enough to work for flights, meetings, socializing and relaxing. When her suitcase broke from overfilling it, she realized she needed to edit her wardrobe with more versatile, long lasting pieces and Encircled was born.
The clothes is ethically made to last and make you look and feel good.
My product picks: the Wanderer Pant and the Reversible Knot sweater
Shop here for 10% off your order
Pictured: the dressy sweatpant
Monos
My luggage gets a lot of use and my Monos carry-on has been to many far-flung places. I love the simple design and timeless look of the suitcases. They are made to last with high quality materials sourced from around the world and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
My product picks: the Carry-On and the Metro Weekender
Northern Sun
Northern Sun was born out of Jason’s frustration with expensive, overly specialized gear. Growing up in Winnipeg, living in Toronto for 10 years, and now on the West Coast, he wanted something versatile—outerwear you can wear daily, on weekend adventures, or while traveling. Plus, it had to be eco-friendly, PFAS-free, ethically manufactured, and responsibly sourced. They’ve even visited their manufacturer to ensure it aligns with their values.
Designed by Canadians for Canadians, the outerwear is made to thrive in the diverse and rugged conditions of Canadian life.
My product picks: the 3-in-1 waterproof winter jacket and the teddy fleece
Northern Heart + Home
Looking for more small businesses to support and shop? Northern Heart + Home is a collective of inspiring women across North America. We share the stories of people who are at the heart of our communities; celebrate the incredible small businesses that offer amazing experiences, products and services; and create impactful events to elevate, motivate, and inspire.
Connect with their community here.
Bugatti
When you travel, one of, if not the most important accessory you’ll take with you is your luggage. So, you want to make sure that luggage is sturdy, efficient and beloved. Look no further than Bugatti Bags to meet your needs or those of a lucky gift recipient come this holiday season.
Bugatti makes some of the best bags in the biz. Its Munich collection, made with recycled PET (plastic made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate), is lightweight and durable. These suitcases are equipped with eight swivel wheels for smooth and precise control, which is a major plus. As a frequent traveller who has to move through many airports quickly, it can be hella frustrating when your luggage doesn’t easily move with you.
The telescopic handles on its three-piece set can be locked into two positions for easy maneuverability, whether you're going on a long trip or a short getaway. Plus, each suitcase in the collection features an integrated AirTagTM holder to track your luggage (AirTagTM not included), plus a TSA lock for added security, giving you peace of mind wherever you go.
So if you’re looking for a solid luggage set for you or a loved one, head over to https://www.bugatticollections.com/ to check out some pretty stellar holiday sales. Purchases over $100 can be shipped for free anywhere in Canada. And, during the holiday season, any purchase done from November 15th can be returned by/before January 6th 2025 - contributed by Charmaine Noronha
Is your brand a good fit for OT wanderers? Email travel@origin-travels.com to chat about ways we can collaborate!