Items Bringing Us Joy During Social Distancing: Autumn Edition

As we continued to navigate this “new normal” way of life, we’re making the most of the little things that bring joy and we’d love to share those with you as we continue on into the fall season. We do feel that it’s important to continue to stay safe and to find adventures and things to fuel the traveler’s soul within our own hometowns, cities and destinations nearby that don’t require a lot of travel. Now, more than ever it is important to work together during this pandemic so we can all move forward to a brighter future. I’ve been using this time I have in New York City to become more in touch spiritually, in search of healing, helping others, making my home cozy and treating myself to the little things I’ll be sharing in the post below. I hope they bring you joy too!

Calhoun & Co. Butterfly And Moth Woven Throw Blanket

My mom always used to call me butterfly because she said I’m fragile yet resilient and although I’m always flying away, I eventually come back so it’s no wonder my heart exploded when I found this blanket! Brooklyn based Calhoun & Co. is a gift and home decor line with a mission to bring joy and they do it well. Their inspiration comes from community, friendly faces, interesting places, and spending Saturday morning cozied up with a cup of coffee and their dog, Slug!

Simplify Your Cookware with Just One Magical Do-It All Pan

We don’t know about you but ever since the world went into lock down, cooking has kind of been our new thing and the experience has been enhanced by the brilliant Always Pan by Our Place. Living in New York City comes with its challenges- like not having enough cabinet space but the Always Pan is designed to replace EIGHT traditional pieces of cookware! It acts as fry pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. It’s also GORGEOUS. Our Place also offers stylish and really well made dinnerware and glassware.

We also greatly admire the founder, Shiza Shahid who is also the co-founder of the Malala Fund.

Relax with Hemp CBD

We all know 2020 has not been easy for majority of us. heck, we wouldn’t even be sitting here writing this post right now if it weren’t for all of the drastic changes happening in the world! We would probably be relaxing on a beach in Greece but here we are in our home city of New York, anxiously waiting for better days. One way I’ve been able to stay as relaxed and chill as I can be is by taking KindUrth™ Organic Hemp CBD gummies. They have been a lifesaver! I’e tried many other brands but they just didn’t do it for me until I tried KindUrth™. Organically grown in the USA and are non-gmo, vegan, gluten free and 3rd Party Lab tested for purity and quality. My favorites are the 1500 mg Premium CBD Gummies (THC Free).

Cozy Jacket by Heartloom

For those quick runs to the grocery store or outdoor dining with friends, we love the super cool Patrice Jacket by Heartloom.

Olive & June The Nailfie Ready Box

We are huge fans of Olive & June, based and now even more so with these gorgeous fall colors! The box includes an 8-piece mani system of tools and products to help you achieve the prettiest mani from home. It doesn’t hurt that their branding and packaging are absolutely brilliant, fully quipped with even a holder to prop your phone so you can have FT manis with friends!

Silk Masks by Claire & Clara

Being in New York City during the entire lockdown and witnessing everything we did during those few months has made us huge advocates of wearing masks as evidenced by the way New Yorkers truly flatted the curve and it has stayed that way because majority of us wear masks. With that being said, finding fashionable masks with filters has become a fun hunt! We discovered these gorgeous satin masks by Claire & Clara and were so excite to see that they also include a PM2.5 Filter. *Disclaimer via website: – This is NOT a medical device. This product should NOT be used as a replacement for conventional and approved Personal Protective Equipment (surgical or N-95 masks). The product has not been industry-tested nor has it been NIOSH approved.*

Fresh Work Out Gear by Outdoor Voices to Get You Motivated to Stay Active

I just recently discovered Outdoor Voices for new workout gear and I am in love! I pretty much live in the TechSweat 7/8 Leggings. They’re incredibly comfortable and I love switching it up from the usual Black with their gorgeous Evergreen color. I pair it with the TechSweat Cami Tank Top which has a built-in shelf bra, removable pads, and adjustable straps.

Stay Safe, Sanitized and Give Back with Clean Beauty VIVI Naturals

We’re loving the VIVI Naturals hand sanitizer that comes in a gel or spray form with a blend of Vitamin E, Peppermint Oil, Aloe Vera, Lavender and Ethyl Alochol. All of their products are Vegan and natural: Sulfate, Paraben, Silicon and Phthalate free and are created using clean, feel-good ingredients and packaged using recycled glass, paper and materials that meet the highest environmental standards. I also love their mission of giving back by partnering with Hunger in America & the internationally recognized World Vision Organization.

Get Inspired for Future Trips with Dame Traveler: Live the Spirit of Adventure Coffee Table Book!

Our dream is that the Dame Traveler book transports you to every corner of our beautiful planet. We hope you sift through each page and imagine yourself there, soaking in cultural experiences, scaling mountaintops, learning from locals, discovering new, untouched European towns or road tripping through America.

Even if your travel plans have halted, the world is still your oyster. And we hope each and every page keeps that fire to adventure glowing until the right time comes to hop on that plane. Available at @westelmdumbo, @westelmbroadway, @strandbookstore, @mcnallyjackson @rizzolibookstore in nyc and @barnesandnoble @target @blackwellbooks @powellsbooks and more.

Get Cozy at Home with Custom Designs by Sasha Hayatt Designs

We have been living in these gorgeous lounge wear pieces, custom made by Dame Traveler, Sasha Yakoub herself! She’s constantly updating her website and Instagram with new designs so be sure to follow along to stock up on all of the cute coziness for this fall season!

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Featured Giving Back Sustainability

How to be a Better Traveler in 2020

If we have learned anything from the year 2020, it’s that we need to do better. WE ALL NEED TO DO BETTER. But in particular for travelers, now is an especially crucial time to be aware and self-cognizant about how we fit into the global ecosystem. Travelers today need to recognize that the way we travel deeply affects the world around us and impacts future generations to come.

There are ten easy steps that you can begin implementing into your daily travel routine that can positively impact both the communities you visit AND your community at home. You don’t have to do all of them at once, but slowly incorporating at least a few will have a bigger influence than you may think!

Recognize your privilege

If you are traveling for leisure, YOU HAVE PRIVILEGE. Travel is a luxury, and one that the majority of the world does not have. Travel privilege is not inherently a bad thing, but it is something to keep in mind. Recognize that you are healthy enough to travel. That you are financially able to travel. However, travel privilege comes in various other forms as well. Depending on your passport, you are able to travel to more places. You may be treated better than others, even locals. Depending on your gender or skin color, you may be harrassed in the streets unprovoked. If you are able to travel, you have some degree of privilege, so acknowledge it and always stay humble.

Do What You Can

You may have heard this one, but do what you can to be a more sustainable consumer. I’m going to break it to you slowly, but travel is not good for the Earth. BUUUUT, neither are a lot of things. Some people may choose to transition to a Vegan lifestyle to offset inhumane meat industry practices while others choose to campaign and donate to ethical livestock organizations. In the same way, there are many ways to make travel MORE sustainable. Don’t beat yourself up about not saving the planet all by yourself. You shouldn’t feel bad about not doing everything – but try to do at least one thing. Find something that is easy to implement, and then do it! It can be as easy as just swapping out your travel products for sustainable alternatives, or donating to a carbon pollution reduction program every time you take a flight! Small steps. That’s all it takes.

More Suggestions on Sustainability:

Sustainable Products for Travel
Tracking and Offsetting Your Carbon Footprint
Sustainable Travel Hacks

Respect signs and rules

At the expense of sounding like a grouchy boomer, RESPECT THE LAW. And I’m not just talking about the police, because, obviously you should respect the local law enforcement. But I’m talking about etiquette rules and social practices of the place you are visiting. One of the big ones – STOP TRESPASSING FOR THE GRAM. It doesn’t matter how cool the vantage point looks. If getting to it includes trespassing, just stop. The likes and shallow clout aren’t worth it fam. When it comes to the outdoors, this applies as well, because the signs are there both for your safety and the safety of the plants and animals around you. Every year, hundreds of people fall to their deaths at natural sites and parks because they ventured too close to the edge, usually for a picture. Don’t add to the statistic. Oh, and don’t trample wildflowers.

Take a Deeper Look at Your “Mission Trips.”

Volunteering abroad is great. In theory. You and a group of like minded individuals set out to a less fortunate place with the intentions of helping them. Your group will usually assist in building houses, babysitting orphans, or constructing roads. Again, all good intentions. But, before you sign up, ask yourself. Is your presence necessary in that position? Are you REALLYY an asset to the effort, or will you likely be taking a project away from a local company that could do the same job more efficiently?

Have you heard of the term, “white savior complex”? Ignore the ‘white’ part of the term, as it can be applied to anyone from any nationality or ethnicity. The term stems from more privileged people going to less privileged communities, making charm bracelets at an orphanage, and then posting on social media about how many lives they helped. Good intentions, but even these superficial acts can have long-standing negative effects on the local community. First off, short-term orphanage visits can cause developmental damage to young children and upset their emotional well-being, creating separation anxiety and unhealthy attachments.

These communities use resources to support volunteers that could be put to more sustainable use by reinvesting the resources into themselves. Volunteers are also (usually) inexperienced, and again, the community must use time, energy, and money to either train/teach/chaperone the volunteers, or to redo their unstable work entirely. Plus, it can take away jobs from local labourers. That said, not ALL volunteering trips are bad. Just be sure to take a deeper look at the who/what/when/where/and HOW of the trip. If you wouldn’t do the same task in YOUR community, why do it in somewhere else? Ask the trip leader if perhaps donating the money (instead of your time) to the program would be more positively impactful.

Reevaluate Animal Encounters

While on the topic of ethical engagement – let’s talk animals. Unfortunately, animals are one of the most abused and exploited groups in the world, in EVERY country. The reason, simply, because people love animals. This dynamic creates and industry that thrives on tourists’ demands to experience an animal up-close, with little regulations on if these experiences are even ethical. There are a lot of grey areas when it comes to animals, so just use your best judgement. Here are some red flags to look out for:

Elephant Riding. BIG NO NO. Don’t ride elephants. AT ALL. Elephants are tortured for years in order to break their spirits enough for elephant rides. For more information on elephant abuse, refer to this article.
Chains on animals
Taking pictures next to normally-dangerous animals like lions, tigers, bears (they are often drugged out of their mindsss)
Overworked labor animals. Like horses, donkeys, mules, etc. These are animals bred for labor, but keep an eye out for any signs of mistreatment or malnourishment.

elephant

Decolonize Your World Perception

This may come as a shock to some, but history books are not unbiased. They praise certain historical figures chapter after chapter, but leave out the parts about slaughtering indigenous communities, exploiting resources, pillaging unarmed villages, and downplaying the enslavement of an entire continent. Today’s current global society is a painfully calculated result of colonialism. Recognize that. When you travel, make an effort to learn about the local culture of the region and the history from their perspective. How did World War II impact Korea during Japanese occupation of the region? Why is Cuba viewed as a dangerous country when it has one of the lowest crime rates and highest literacy rates in the world? When you learn to view a region’s history from their point of view, you are able to understand that country just a bit more clearly.

Support LOCAL – especially black, brown, and indigenous businesses

Speaking of decolonizing your mind, try decolonizing your wallet as well. As a traveler, your money speaks VOLUMES. The tourism market has the power to determine which businesses get published in the city’s “must visit” newsletters, which restaurants get placed on the food tour, and which companies get added to travel magazines. Never forget the strength of your money. That said, shop local. Big businesses have the luxury to afford lower costs, but small local businesses are the soul of the city. Plus, the souvenirs are usually better and more unique as well!

As you know, the world is unfair. So also keep a special eye out for businesses owned and operated by people of color and indigenous people. Statistically, they have lower loan approvals and higher interest rates, solely based on prejudices of banks and historical injustices. Be an ally and put your money where your ethical-consumerism is.

Give Back to the Communities you Visit

You came, you saw, you had an amazing experience. Travel really is transformative. Now, if you are so inclined, consider giving back to the communities that welcomed you for vacation. Donate to their environmental efforts. Buy some supplies for the local animal shelter. Tip the musicians bussing in the streets as you eat a romantic dinner. This is probably the easiest and simplest request out of all the tips on this list. But if you are unable to give back to the communities you visit, you can still give back at home. The Global Dreamers Foundation is a non-profit organization that sponsors young adults with ethical and sustainable global opportunities! They are always accepting donations as well as applications

Stop Judging Someone Else’s Travel

Ah, now that you’ve home from your trip, no doubt travel is all you want to talk about. And, since you’ve now experienced such tremendous personal growth from following the first eight steps, you want to help make others better travelers as well! But…then you see your friends checking in at an American chain restaurant in Costa Rica. And going on a lion walk in South Africa. And going on a travel retreat with someone who isn’t even a local!! And even…TAKING A CRUISE??!? What are your friends thinking?

Well, before you jump on a pedestal and threaten to unfollow all of your friends. Breathe, and remember step 1. Humble yourself. First of all, not everyone is at the same point in their travel journey. A lot of people just don’t know that there are more sustainable or ethical options. Others have food sensitivities that make chowing down street food vendors with no ingredient list dangerous for them. Or mobility restrictions that make navigating to more difficult lodgings that may or may not be accessible to them. Don’t judge someone else’s travel because it seems basic or shallow to you. If you have suggestions, approach the topic from a stance of understanding and openness. If travel teaches you anything, it is that you don’t and never will know everything. Especially about other people. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

Bring Your Compassion Home with You

Now that you’ve spread so much sustainable positivity in the places that you’ve visited, you must now do the same at home. When you hear racism and xenophobia in your hometown, stand up against it. Be open and welcoming to different cultures, and make sure that your city does the same. During the 2020 COVID-19 #StayHome initiatives enacted by countries around the world, don’t be selfish. Don’t buy cheap plane tickets and potentially spread the virus to communities with already limited resources. To people who have lost their jobs, their livelihoods, and even their lives – please show empathy. Be kind, above all else, and do not use your energy to spread misinformation or chew people out if you feel they are promoting unsafe behavior. Treat others with the same level of compassion and understanding as you would a friend.

Be a good traveler, yes, but be an even BETTER person.

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Featured Lifestyle Tech

Essentials for the Dame Traveler’s Home

No matter where you roam, there’s no place like home. As travelers, we love the thrill of the go-go-go lifestyle… but we can all agree that having a home base feels incredible. Right now, many of us are practicing self-quarantine and social distancing to help stop the spread of Covid-19 by staying at home. Now is the time to nest, settle in (perhaps with a beautiful book) and curate a cozy place that reflects our deep love for culture and history. Creating a space that showcases all the beautiful treasures we’ve collected while on the road is the best feeling… so take this time to dig out those gems! Have we got you inspired yet? Whether you’re working from home, stuck at home or just need to be home right now, here are our essential items for a traveler’s home.

Roomba Robot Vacuum

If you’ve always dreamed of returning home to a pristine home after a long trip abroad, look no further than the wi-fi connected robot vacuum of your dreams. Whether you’re jetting off for a long weekend or for a few months, the iRobot Roomba picks up dust, pet hair, allergens and so much more while you’re away. We can’t tell you how awesome it feels to know that your apartment is cleaned on a routine without even being there! This traveler’s home essential is bagless, great on hardwoods and even self-docks to recharge itself.

Phone Sanitizer

There’s never been a time we’ve been more grateful for a phone sanitizer. Considering the fact that our phones are literally a petri dish of germs (eighteen times dirtier than a public toilet!) we carry around night and day, it’s nice to know that this little gem can eliminate any of the “bugs” we’ve encountered after a trip. After returning from any adventure, it’s hard to keep germs at bay. So, that’s why we love this UV phone sanitizer! It takes just five minutes to zap away germs with the touch of a button! Use promo code dametraveler for 20% off!

Self-Cleaning Litter Box

If your roommate is a cat like mine (@brooklynfrmtheblock) then you can relate that despite how much you may love your furry little friend, you definitely don’t love scooping their litter box. Luckily, ChillX has solved that problem for all of us with their incredible ChillX.co AutoEgg Self-Cleaning Litter Box! This has been a huge game changer for me. It’s super quiet, safer than scooping it yourself (and possibly inhaling toxic fumes) and it also log of date, time, duration, weight, and waste data for the last seven days. My cat Brooklyn immediately got used to his new litter box and was even fascinated by the self cleaning process, watching it from afar!

A Copper Cookware Set

A great luxury that comes with being home is the ability to make a delicious home cooked meal! Without a doubt, it’s one of the things we look forward to most when we know we’ll be home for a spell. Every gal should have a set of classic, sturdy and chic cookware set, espeically a set that makes you feel like you’re cooking at a cooking class in Italy. We’re obsessed with this copper set of ten classic cookware items from Perigold.com
, a one stop shop for all things home all beautifully textured with a hammered copper exterior and a stainless steel interior. We love that each item in this set are built to last for a lifetime of memorable meals, and can handle versatile cooking experiences!

Beautiful Flatware

Made with the care and tradition of three generations of the Italian Prandelli family, Merpa’s Linea Bronzo’s base material of the flatware is stainless steel 18/10 covered with a PVD titanium coating is a dream kitchen essential! The company’s factory has such a legacy! Dating all the way back to the First World War, the Prandelli factory created bullets for the Italian Army. After the war, the family’s factory furnaces were used to melt stainless steel flatware. The rest is history! Knowing such a legacy exists within our kitchen drawers feels incredible, and we’re simply in love with the innovative design that honors Italian tradition and lifestyle. Use promo code dametraveler for 10% off any product on the site!

Cool Cotton Weighted Blanket

What semi-stress or jet lagged Dame Traveler wouldn’t look forward to cozying up to a breathable, weighted blanket that soothes stress and anxiety? Baloo’s weighted blanket increases serotonin production, which cues our bodies to rest and relax. What we love most about it is its breathable cotton (suited for all seasons of the year), and how easy it is to care for (just toss it into the washing machine on gentle!). It’s our favorite home essential that keeps us cool and calm when cozied up at home.

Pin Adventure Map

A traveler’s home should always reflect the amazing memories and experiences we’ve collected on our journeys. That’s why we love seeing a physical representation of each and every adventure we’ve had with a push pin travel map on our walls! It’s an original piece of art that will instantly have you reminiscing on your explorations, and it’s a great conversation starter too! P.S. we really love that Pin Adventure offers a ton of high quality, customizable prints, ranging from updated world maps, regional maps (like Europe or United States) and the opportunity to personalize each print with names, dates, memories or even quotes and lyrics. It’s one of our favorite pieces to have adorn our walls!

Stovetop Espresso Maker

If you’re hunting for a little slice of Europe right in your kitchen – this is it! Bialetti’s Moka Stovetop Espresso Maker is an authentic addition to every nesting adventurer. Using ours every morning feels like we’ve escaped into a dreamy little apartment in Roma. After experiencing Italian locals use Bialetti in their kitchens, having one of our own makes us so happy inside. We also love that this version is able to make three cups worth of roast-y, delicious espresso – perfect for all of us who have a serious caffeine addiction!

Travel Home Book

Every traveler’s home needs a little inspiration. If you’re on the hunt for creative ways to showcase more of your favorite global trinkets and trinkets… “Travel Home: Design With A Global Spirit” is truly one of the most beautiful travel-inspired design book we’ve found yet! Written by a mother-daughter duo, the book visits twenty designers who masterfully designed their spaces with their global travels on display. Expect interiors from all around the world, including Marrakesh, Paris, Tokyo, Cuba and more and tips and tricks for cultivating your own global style in a way that reflects your favorite travels around the world.

Comfy Sleepwear

We’re obsessed with the look and feel of PJ Salvage’s Jersey Pajama Pants and Top. The modal material is incredibly soft cozy and just moves with you, making this the perfect set to wear all year round.

Feel like you’re in the tropics with this beautiful set since you know, we’re traveling from home now!

Soothing Candles

There’s something about lighting a candle that makes everything seem more intimate and homey. That’s why we believe scented candles are a must in every traveler’s home. Soohyang’s hand-poured, biodegradable wax candles have the most incredible smells to liven up your home base. As the leading fragrance brand from South Korea, Soohyang makes some of the coolest glass vessel candles, ranging from green, fruity scents for the outdoorsy traveler to the nutmegs, cloves and orchids for the romantic. We love lighting one over a home cooked dinner to set a lovely vibe.

European-esque Glassware

It’s the little details in a traveler’s home that remind us of adventures near and far! For example, our favorite Juliska’s timeless, romantic glassware. We’re loving this large blue glass tumbler – perfect for homemade lemonade during an summer alfresco party. It’s both subtly sparkly and textured – those little touches that make even a simple glass feel special. And we’re always grabbing these adorable smaller, swirled glass tumblers in the coolest colors. They’re the perfect size for a cocktail and have us feeling nostalgic for European summers with its vintage-cut crystal inspired design.

The Perfect Cook’s Knife

There’s nothing quite like the peace and calm that comes from cooking for yourself at home. No matter what’s on your menu for the night – chopping each ingredient with this Cook’s Knife by Wusthof is a dream! Its eight inch size is the perfect happy medium, and its cuts are consistently clean. We love its delightfully smooth handle and the way it seamlessly glides through any thing we’re prepping!

A Cozy Throw

Every armchair traveler deserves the softest, coziest throw on their couch! We’re obsessed with Alicia Adams’ Alpaca Lugano Throw because its simply the coziest one out there for a traveler’s home! Each design features a timeless basketweave pattern and a contrasting eyelash fringe trim… so no matter what color scheme your humble abode touts, it’ll fit right in. Plus, alpaca fabric is sourced sustainably, hypoallergenic and less likely to pill over time. It’s the perfect addition to the arm of your couch or foot of a bed during your hours cozying up at home.

Barefoot Dreams Pillow

If you’re on the hunt for snuggly, look no further than Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Luxe Casa Pillow! Known as one of the leaders of luxury blankets and fabrics, Barefoot Dreams can be found in thousands of five-star resorts and spas and is a top seller at boutiques around the world. This cozy casa pillow feels like you stowed away a little slice of your vacay! We also love its diamond pointelle pattern and tasseled fringe, a true bohemian addition to any bedroom or living room.

Lavender Soap

There’s nothing quite like our sense of smell to recall memories in great detail. That’s why we love pumping Compagnie de Provence’s Aromatic Lavender Liquid Soap into our hands. Made in a cauldron, following the traditional methods of maintaining the fresh lavender’s scent, this soap gently cleanses and has us feeling lovely after a few seconds of its use. It instantly transforms our bathrooms into a stroll through the romantic and lush purple rows of lavender fields of Provence.

Strengthening Hair Care

After a long journey filled with dry air on flights and not so nourishing hair products in hotel rooms – there’s nothing like having some incredible strengthening hair care items in the shower! We love Fekkai’s Super Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner for ultra-moisturizing damage and breakage repair. Add their Super Strength Reparative Treatment post-shampoo for a few minutes to let the masque work… pure magic. Their products have our hair feeling silky, nourished and healthy!

Travel-Themed Hand & Bath Towel Set

For the New York lover, we’ve found one of the coolest, understated hand and bath towel set inspired by the NY subways! This crisp and soft set is embossed with the iconic brickwork pattern and arrow signs New Yorkers see while traveling to Uptown. It’s a quick little addition to a home that sparks so many amazing memories of exploring the city that never sleeps. (P.S. if you are a NYC local or a lover of Manhattan, check out this gift guide we’ve curated for you!)

Furry Llama Pillow

Finding comfort in this time can be difficult… and that’s why we love curling up to this adorable llama pillow! It’s a conversation starter, reminds us of those amazing adventures we’ve collected (especially those of us who have seen these cuties out on road!) and simple the coziest little addition to our couches! Little details like this make our hearts happy to see when at home and remind us of all the adventures that are yet to come in the future.

Winc Wine Subscription

Don’t mind us as we close our eyes and pretend we’re back in Portugal, Spain, Italy… or wherever our wine tastes lead us! We’re obsessed with a classic glass of vino over here at Dame Traveler HQ, and we really believe every traveler should have the luxury of world wines every month. Winc brings the world of wine right to your doorstep (P.S. right now you can save 40% off by stocking up and staying at home!). Each month Winc sends specially curated wines based off of your preferences, straight from the vineyard. It’s the best mail we love to receive!

A Soothing Overnight Mask

As travelers, there are so many beauty products that don’t make the cut into our suitcases due to liquid restrictions and more. However, this is one you’ll always find us with – both on the road and at home. Crabtree & Evelyn’s Sweet Dreams Overnight Mask is our go-to for hydration! It does the work while we’re fast asleep, is silky smooth and the perfect consistency.

A Clarifying Face Exfoliator

Another skin care essential you’ll see on our bathroom shelves is this Polish + Clarify Face Exfoliator. Unlike other harsh exfoliators, we love that this one is a fine powder you can mix in and customize with your favorite face or body wash. It’s gentle buff that shapes our skin right up!

Stainless Steel Reusable Straw Set

Sip on the go and right at home while being eco-conscious using these beautiful reusable stainless steel straws. These polished metal straws come in in straight and angled silhouettes, which make them usable with any sort of beverage you’re whipping up in the kitchen right now. We also love that the set comes with a handy cleaning brush and carrying pouch to throw in your bag on the go!

Luxurious Linen Sheets & Down Comforter

The joy of resting your head in your very own bed is heaven after a lengthy trip! And that’s why having the ultimate bed set is an absolute essential to any traveler’s home. We’re obsessed with this solid washed-linen bedding set and organic cotton down comforter we found on Garnet Hill’s website. The linen set is airy soft, made from French flax and washed by hand for luxurious comfort all year long… we love how it only gets more cozy over time! And no cozy home would be complete without an inviting and warm down comforter, made with organic cotton and constructed to always even-fill the distribution of the down inside.

The Ultimate Comfy Undergarments

Yep… there’s nothing like having the ultimate cozy, comfy underwear in our closets (and on our bodies)! As travelers, we know – comfort is king. We don’t have the patience to deal with undergarments that stick, poke or make us feel anything less than amazing. And let’s not lie… there’s real joy walking around home alone with our underwear on (can’t do that in a hostel, now can you?!). Tommy John’s women’s collection has us leaping for joy in the morning. Each piece moves with you, never rides up, bunches or requires adjusting. We’re loving their Second Skin Brief for the perfect amount of coverage, their Air Mesh Trim Brief for avoiding pantylines on our tighter outfits and their cozy as can be Lounge Henley shirt!

Blush Terracotta Vase

Hand thrown by an artisan potter in Los Angeles and made out of the most gorgeous blush terracotta clay, this Sheldon Ceramics vase is one of our favorite additions to a dining room table. Its pink-orange hue with intricate and dreamy milky porcelain has so many beautiful details we love to admire. Whether its filled with fresh blooms from the market or simply sitting on our bookshelves as a decor piece, it’s a special piece we’ll be showcasing for years.

Artificial Heirloom Rose Arrangement

Not quite a green thumb type of gal? Fear not! We’re obsessed with these ecofaux heirloom rose stems and arrangements made from up-cycled plastic bottles and bioplastic. Inspired by classic Rosa Moschata stems, these roses are graceful, arched and rustically beautiful. And because they’re designed with realistic fading of leaves and petals, bug holes and natural “imperfections,” these roses are incredibly realistic looking up close.

Home Decor Details With Encouraging Messages

When glancing around a traveler’s home, it’s always wonderful to see little details that spark creativity. Inspiration is everywhere, and that’s why we love a home decor detail with words of affirmation – like this Femme De Force candle. We love its cute illustration mixed with a gorgeous blend of wild roses, piercing lemon and a hint of spice. It’s the perfect little nod to self growth we long to see when cozying up at home.

Hotel-esque items for the home

We love the sleek simplicity and modern design of blomus products. Everything from home decor to kitchen and bathroom tools and storage, blomus will make your home feel like a modern hotel stay.

Cafe Mug & Saucer

We love having the porcelain mugs and saucers (you may recognize in La Colombe!) in our apartments. Made in Deruta, Italy – these signature, custom-made coffee mugs have been in La Colombe since the cafe’s very beginning. They remind us of slow mornings sipping cafes in the city every time we open our kitchen cabinets!

We hoped you enjoyed this round up of some of our favorite essentials for a traveler’s home! What are some of your prized possessions (or helpful tech items) you love seeing in your space? We’d love to know!

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Featured Insider Tips Journal Solo Travel Stories

Check Out Our Hardcover Book, Dame Traveler: Live the Spirit of Adventure

It’s finally here! Our very first, Dame Traveler photography / coffee table book published with Ten Speed Press of Penguin Random House – “Dame Traveler: Live The Spirit Of Adventure.”

This book has been the ultimate goal (and absolute dream) since Dame Traveler’s creation many years ago. Seeing it come to life in print is a feeling BEYOND words can say. We simply cannot wait to see it in your hands and in your homes. It’s a dream to imagine seeing copies of it out in the world, creased and filled with bookmarks and notes, loved and worn, passed on and gifted to fellow female traveler friends.

The time for armchair travel is now. Without a doubt, the world has greatly shifted in the wake of Covid-19. Travel restrictions and the gravity of potentially putting others at risk or overwhelming local healthcare systems are serious, complicated and heart wrenching considerations for those of us who long (and live) to explore.

Our dream is that the #dametravelerbook transports you to every corner of our beautiful planet. We hope you sift through each page and imagine yourself there, soaking in cultural experiences, scaling mountaintops, learning from locals, discovering new, untouched European towns or road tripping through America.

Even if your travel plans have halted and you’re Social Distancing to help Flatten the Curve, the world is still your oyster. And we hope each and every page keeps that fire to adventure glowing until the right time comes to hop on that plane.

Today, we’re thrilled to give you an inside sneak peak into our premiere hardback book, which you can order here!

At A Glance

Combining breathtaking collection of the unseen images of the women within the Dame Traveler community, empowering messages and planning tips for female travelers and secret recommendations – “Dame Traveler: Live The Spirit Of Adventure” is a coffee table photo book you’ll love to sift through to collect stories, inspiration and more. Each page is filled with some of the most thrilling, awe-inspiring photos made by women boldly traveling the world and sharing their stories. It’s a collection and celebration of the diversity and bravery of women who are not afraid to think (and live) outside the box.

Featured inside:

All female contributors – With a serious focus on diversity, you’ll find women of all abilities, races, religions, sizes and identities inside each chapter. Each woman included into the book showcase their discoveries, artistry and inside knowledge acquired through their individual experiences.
Over 200 breathtaking, full color images – 80% of the photographs included inside are never before seen on Dame Traveler’s Instagram.
“DT Insider Tips” – A resource list of recommendations straight from Dame Travelers’ experiences, including favorite neighborhoods, specific locations of photo vantage points, hotel recommendations and historical tidbits.
History of Dame Traveler’s creation – An in-depth backstory of the brand’s creation, as well as the triumphant story of Nastasia Yakoub, founder and author.
Safety tips for women – A curated list of our best and often overlooked safety tips specifically for women traveling solo.

Chapter Preview

When planning the structure of the book, we wanted to bring to life the four core themes of travel experiences- architecture, nature, culture and water. Each category features travel information, plus tips, resources, advice, unique solo-travel experiences, and wisdom from contributing Dame Traveler found on each page. It’s glance into the stunning beauty and discoveries made around the world, organized by the four desires most of us set to find when we depart on our next trip. Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll find in each chapter!

Architecture

Ranging from the ancient tombs of royalty of the past, to the intricately designed spaces of the French Nouveau, to the minimalist, futuristic buildings in today’s metropolises… our Architecture chapter features some of the world’s most storied and mind-blowing spaces around the world. Explore the world through its ancient and modern spaces alike through the lenses of women who have uncovered some of the coolest spaces with the most legendary pasts.

Nature

The sparse and open spaces of the driest deserts juxtaposed next to dense, lush jungles… when creating our Nature chapter, we set out to feature the astounding beauty of the natural world. Inside, you’ll find the best inside knowledge outdoor enthusiast Dame Travelers have learned from their many treks around the globe.

Culture

If it’s connection you are seeking in your travels, our Culture chapter is sure to enthrall you. Expect purpose-driven explorations, hallowed spaces, stories from friendships made with locals and thoughtful itineraries that educate just as much as they excite.

Water

There’s nothing more peaceful and rejuvenating than the beauty of water, is there? Inside our Water chapter, we delve into the world’s fascinating forms of water. From refreshing, undiscovered swimming pools, to the pristine beaches of far off islands, to the natural hot springs used for restoration… this chapter is a deep dive into the power and the peace that water brings.

Thank you so much for supporting our biggest and wildest dream! It goes without saying that this would not have come into life without the amazing community of women within Dame Traveler. We thank you so much and hope you love the book as much as we do!

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The Best Gifts for the New York City Lover

They say New York is the city that never sleeps. They call New York “the big apple,” a concrete jungle, a feast of culture and life. But those who call Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs home… the heartbeat of this city is enthralling, addicting and… truthfully, soul enriching. Visitors who have also fallen in love with New York know its undeniable charm and grit. If you happen to be shopping for a lover of NYC, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite items and gift ideas. Here’s our gift guide for lovers of New York!

Brooklyn Airline’s Tote

New Yorkers know the feeling well. “I Hate Leaving New York.” Brooklyn Airline’s cheeky tote bag will make New York lovers giggle. Give your New-York-loving friend a laugh and this handy, screen printed gem of a tote bag so they can wear their favorite city with pride.

Contribute to the Greater Good with Social Goods

Based in NYC. Social Goods makes bold statements with their awesome designs and every purchase you make includes a donation to a nonprofit driving real change for the issue at-hand. And to better support the work happening on-the-ground, they offer the ability to connect directly with that nonprofit. From additional education and financial contributions to taking action in your community, you can continue to support in a number of ways thrugh purchasing from Social Goods! Some of our favorites are the New York Woman Tee, the New York Woman Sweatshirt and the New York Tough Hoodie!

Gear by Lower East Side Artisans, New York x New York

New York x New York is the real deal and I absolutely love their products. From stickers to Ts to mugs, their logo makes a statement and we are here for it. Via their website:

“NYNY began in the Lower East Side in a small lounge on Eldridge St, it was one of the last remaining cultural outposts in a neighborhood that has been hit hard by gentrification (colonization). The party began as a way of connecting the past, present, and future of the city — a space for a New York-born generation, the kids of immigrants to the city, and for anyone tied to the community-centered experience we remember as hip-hop. The word was spread about the party through text message only, we trusted that if you got the password and the video flyer, then we could trust you to pass it on to the right people too.

As time has passed the legend has grown and the once underground party that brings you the real NY vibe now sells out shows wherever we go, from Miami to Hong Kong to Tokyo. Home to resident DJ GETLIVE! and superstar guest DJs from Clark Kent to Vashtie to Kid Capri. We’re staying active in 2020 — dropping apparel collabs and expanding our global brand platform with digital experiences. All while laying the groundwork for live activations as soon as the world is ready for us. Be a part of it — NEWYORK NEWYORK.“

“New York In Bloom” Book

Only New Yorkers really get to see the city burst into life in all the seasons. But without a doubt, spring is something special in the city that never sleeps. That’s why we’re obsessed with “New York In Bloom” – the perfect hardcover photography book that highlights beautiful floral, botanical details found nestled in the city’s iconic architecture. It’s the perfect coffee table book for a New York lover’s living room.

Joya’s Foxglove & Âmes Sœurs Candles

For New Yorkers, both native and new residents alike, our apartments are a sanctuary we curate carefully and intentionally. With smaller square footage, each and every item must have a purpose… and have something beautiful to offer. That’s why we’re obsessed with Joya’s candles. They’re gorgeous and their Foxglove candle has a delicious scent we love – think the perfect blend of citrus orange, salt meadow grass, oak, musk and jasmine. As is their Âmes Sœurs candle (which translates to “soul mates”) – the perfect addition to set a cozy, romantic vibe at home. And both are beautiful to look at to boot!

Baronfig’s NYC Softcover Notebooks & Copper Rollerball Pen

New Yorkers who love an old school notebook to write down their goals, dreams and keep themselves on track will adore Baronfig’s New York City Softcover Notebooks. The hand drawn illustrations of “commute life” in the city are adorable and relatable in the most humorous way! If you’re shopping for a cute set, we love their Copper Rollerball Pen to go with. City slickers know there’s know there’s nothing like whipping out a sleek and sturdy pen to use, no matter if you’re signing off on a receipt or signing your first book deal.

Pretty City New York

New Yorkers and New-York-obsessed travelers alike will adore this photo journalistic look into the world of “Pretty City New York.” We’ve been obsessed with Instagrammer Siobhan Ferguson’s photos of some of the world’ most famous cities in the world. Through the pages of this book, you’ll get a look into the hidden gems she discovers in the city that never sleeps. Think artisan boutiques, market scenes, quaint alleys and the nooks and crannies of New York that typical tourists may not be aware of. It’s sure to make you want to book a trip to the Big Apple!

Apolis’s Detachable Handle Market Bag

There isn’t a single market bag we love more than our customizable Apolis tote! Each bag is water resistant (perfect for those rainy bodega stops), made from 100% natural golden jute fiber and made to last. It’s the sturdy, trusty tote bag that can handle any grocery run… and you can feel good purchasing it. The female artisans who handcraft each eco-friendly bag receive Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund.

Brooklyn Soapworks

We’re absolutely obsessed with Brooklyn Soapwork’s streamlined skincare and handcrafted bar soaps! They pack allllll the skincare you’d ever need in a bar – meaning less waste and more sustainability and incorporate all the same premium oils you’d find in high end skincare lines. We happen to love that each bar is made with love in the good ol’ BK to!

A Simple NYC Tee

Nothing shows your love for the city more than a classic, simple and cute t-shirt touting its name! This special edition NYC Tee is made from organic cotton slub and embroidered with a custom New York design. But what really makes us proud to wear this comfy and adorable tee is that 50% of the sales go to the NYC Fund for Public Health in their efforts fighting COVID-19. It’s a fashionable way to give back to those who have directly saved lives in our city!

Adventures Close to New York City

For those who love the city but need a break from the hustle and bustle, we love love this Easy Weekend Getaways in the Hudson Valley & Catskills guide by Carly Fisher.

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