Earlier this month, we set our sites on the Hawaiian Islands and left the mainland, mind, heart, body, and soul. We spent the week making incredible visits to organic farms, holistic spas, and eco-resorts in pursuit of a little Chalkboard-style adventure.
The truth is that, for us, half a vacation is about the destination, the other half about what you pack along. While we could survive a week in paradise with some cutoffs, a camera, and a hat, there are a few accessories that make traveling more fun to have along: giant pieces of tribal-inspired jewelery, exotic-feeling journals, a lengthy scarf that doubles as a wrap – and so much the better if our stash of carry-along items do some good in the world.
We loved wearing these artisan-made, charitable goods on our recent trip to Maui and are giving away this entire bag full of well-crafted items to one lucky reader. This collection of resort travel musts, all of which come from ethically and socially conscious brands, each have their own story and their own unique feel. Whether you’ve booked a fall getaway already and are looking for the perfect things to pack or are just inspired by some of the brand’s stories below, you’re going to want to get your hands on this gorgeous bag full of our favorite ethical accessories…
9 Travel Essentials That Give back
Mayume Tote by Fashion.ABLE
This simple, durable tote, the Mamuye, is made from Ethiopian leather and hand-crafted by small cooperatives of artisan women in Ethiopia. FashionABLE seeks to provide long-term skills and economic solutionsThe The “Mamuye” tote from fashionABLE
Raven + Lily Journal
If you don’t write it down, did it happen? There’s no better time to reflect and record than when traveling. Go ahead and get gushy with that narrative, just do it on eco-friendly paper hand-bound by at-risk women in India. Seriously, we love Raven + Lily.
Akola Project Pendant Necklace
These statement pendant necklaces from Akola Project are as remarkable as the women who make them. Inspired by the women they met taking multiple orphans into their homes in Uganda, the Akola founders found a way to support as many women they could by teaching them to make these beautiful accessories. Akola teaches business skills, provides micro-loans and has built an orphanage to support the community. These incredible beaded necklaces look good and feel great to wear.
Soko Cuff
Guys, aluminum – has it ever looked so chic (swan-shaped takeout containers aside?) One Soko artisan named Kine makes a full line of jewelry, including this reclaimed aluminum cuff. His talent, story, and the meaning wrapped in this cuff are reason enough to win this incredible giveaway.
Striped Scarf by Fashion.ABLE
This striped scarf from fashionABLE is pure perfection. As our October Guest Editor (a mystery ’til the morning) calls them, this light, but wide scarf is really a ‘blarf’: a blanket-slash-scarf. When traveling, this blarf serves as stylish upgrade for a quick breakfast out, the perfect light blanket in-flight – even a makeshift sarong for the beach. Travel MUST.
Sseko Designs 3-Clutch Set
Zip-up pouch fanatics everywhere beware. This clutch set from Sseko Designs is obsession level. Vintage gold leather, black suede and a million uses. Sseko empowers women through sustainable economic solutions and educational opportunities. What’s not to love here?
Miir Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A BPA-free, stainless steel water bottle goes a long way on farm trips and spa visits – second only to a straw in a coconut. These straight-forward bottles from Miir help you reduce waste and each bottle purchased supports their cause of well-building in under-served communities.
This Bar Saves Lives Granola Bar
This Bar Saves Lives abides by a one-for-one model we love. For each bar purchased, a portion of Plumpynut is given to a child in need. Plumpynut is a food developed to address acute malnutrition. We can’t think of a better product than a snack bar for this type of model to be applied to – the bars are delicious and every time we snack on one we’re reminded of those in need and just how blessed we truly are.
Win Our Travel Kit!
Want to win everything you see above? Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter – and then for extra chances to win, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest! Leave a comment for each one you follow – the more platforms you follow us on, the more entries you get!
Newsletter sign-up is mandatory, additional entries are optional. One winner will be selected at random. Open to continental US residents only. Giveaway closes Monday, October 6th at 5pm PST.
