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Passions and Places

A travel + outdoors blog

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Our 5th Annual Wishlist of Cool Gear from Small Businesses

November 20, 2019 By Ryan Victor 8 Comments

Rows of small bags, piles of folded clothes, and items like a notebook, camera, umbrella, and U.S. passport, on a blue background.

This is our fifth (!) annual post on travel and outdoor gear made by small businesses. As always, these products are unique, sustainable, and high-quality, and shopping them supports entrepreneurs, instead of corporations.

Filed Under: Gear and Packing, Responsible Travel Tagged With: gifts, small businesses

Shop Small, Go Far: Cool Travel Gifts from Small Businesses

November 24, 2018 By Jen Ambrose and Ryan Victor Leave a Comment

In honor of Small Business Saturday, it’s time for our annual post featuring travel and outdoor gear from small businesses. Shopping small means getting unique and high quality products you won’t find elsewhere, plus it supports entrepreneurship and innovation. Win-win!

Filed Under: Gear and Packing, Responsible Travel Tagged With: gifts, small businesses

Our Favorite Travel and Outdoor Gear for Small Business Saturday

November 20, 2017 By Ryan Victor 4 Comments

Supporting small businesses is part of being a responsible traveler, and we believe it starts at home. Lots of small companies are making unique travel and outdoor gear, and in honor of Small Business Saturday, these are some of our favorite products.

Filed Under: Gear and Packing, Responsible Travel Tagged With: gifts, small businesses

Touring the Local Businesses of Vermont

December 10, 2016 By Jen Ambrose 6 Comments

Vermont is known for its locavore movement and commitment to sustainability. The state has a vibrant local business scene, and many of its companies offer public tours. Visit a company like Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot Creamery, or Snow Farm Vineyard next time you travel to Vermont.

The commitment to sustainability and local production runs deep in Vermont, especially at the state’s small businesses. Witness it for yourself by visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, the Cabot Creamery, or one of the many other Vermont businesses that make themselves open to the public.

Filed Under: Foodie Travel, North America, Road Trips, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Burlington, New England, small businesses

Support Small Businesses with These 8 Travel Products

November 26, 2016 By Ryan Victor 4 Comments

We love to buy our gear from small companies as a step toward responsible travel. Here’s a list of favorite products made by local businesses, from travel and camping necessities to clothes and bags that are great on the road or for everyday use. Whether you’re Christmas shopping or planing your own vacation, consider travel and outdoor gear like this and make a social impact.

Need a gift for the traveler or nature lover in your life (or just a treat for yourself)? Try one of these awesome products, and make an impact by supporting a small business.

Filed Under: Gear and Packing, Responsible Travel Tagged With: gifts, small businesses

8 Cool Travel & Outdoor Products from Small Companies

December 22, 2015 By Ryan Victor 6 Comments

Why shop at big chain stores when you can support small businesses - and get cooler stuff? Check out our recommended gear and discover some great local companies.

Why buy your gear at big chain stores when you can support small businesses – and get even cooler stuff? Check out our recommended travel & outdoor products and discover some great local companies.

Filed Under: Gear and Packing, Responsible Travel Tagged With: gifts, small businesses

Close-up of a white man and woman both wearing black with trees in the background, and an overlaying green banner that says "Welcome!"

Hi! We’re Jen and Ryan, an American couple on a journey to travel the world while working from the road. We’re passionate about outdoor adventure, responsible travel, and getting off the beaten path. Passions and Places is a space for us to share our stories and tips with you, but most importantly, we hope to inspire you to seek your own adventure.

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