Every issue leaves a few discoveries behind.
Some are too delightful to trim away, yet never quite find the right place within the feature story. Others are practical little finds that make our lives a touch easier. Rather than letting them disappear into my notebook, I thought I’d pass them along.
Perhaps one of them will also become a favorite of yours.
Gelato: The Perfect Detour
One of my tastiest travel memories happened back in June, entirely by accident.
While getting off at the wrong stop in Lisbon, my husband and I stumbled across Raro Cacau. I have often found that dairy-free gelato menus lean heavily toward fruit sorbets, leaving those of us who avoid lactose with very few rich, indulgent choices. Raro Cacau was refreshingly different.
Whether you choose their traditional dairy recipes or their vegan creations, every gourmet flavor is complex rather than a disappointing one-note alternative. As a tongue-in-cheek “super taster,” I rarely declare favorites, yet this artisanal gelateria has earned a permanent place on my Alameda itinerary. Whenever I make my sixth visit to Portugal, I already know what my first dessert will be (and it won’t be pastel de nata).
Thoughtful Sun Protection
I prepare for my summer adventures long before I reach the shore.
Living in Italy, sun protection has become as routine as my morning cappuccino. Even when I’m fully covered wearing long sleeve dresses, linen pants, hats, and sunglasses, there are still occasions, whether sailing along the Ligurian Sea or exploring historic Venetian canals, when exposed skin needs additional protection.
For those days, Stream2Sea sunscreen and the travel-sized tinted moisturizer from W3LL People.
Clothing plays an equally important role. If you’re hoping to minimize synthetic materials, microplastics, or intentionally added PFAS, densely woven natural fibers such as hemp, organic cotton, and linen can offer meaningful protection, particularly when paired with darker colors and tightly woven fabrics. Look for trusted certifications such as OEKO-TEX®, which verifies that textiles have been tested for harmful substances.
For readers interested in learning more, sustainability writer Teri Tracy at ECOCULT offers thoughtful guidance on brands producing PFAS-conscious sun-protective clothing.
A few brands worth exploring include:
Solbari, which offers UPF 50+ garments designed for extended sun exposure.
Patagonia, whose “Made without PFAS” collections demonstrate increasing transparency around fabric treatments.
MATE the Label, specializing in everyday essentials made from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Jungmaven, whose hemp garments are naturally durable, breathable, and well-suited to warm-weather travel.
No single fabric or garment provides complete protection, yet combining clothing, shade, and sunblock creates a practical approach to sustainable practices.
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Every Step Counts
While we're on the topic of coverage, I've averaged over 10,000 steps a day travelling across Asia and Europe this year alone.
Sneakers are dependable, of course. Eventually, I reached that moment when I wanted to go the extra distance, capturing a scenic portrait along a beautiful waterfront or historic square.
Meet my sole mate, VIVAIA.
Their flats stepped up my look through airports, museums, cobbled streets, seaside promenades, and long city walks with remarkable comfort. I usually pair mine with no-show socks, then simply machine wash them when I return home. They emerge looking remarkably fresh after weeks of travel.
What I appreciate most is their versatility. They work as effortlessly with tailored trousers as they do with midi dresses, skirts, or shorts, making them one of the few pairs I need to pack.
The collection extends beyond summer flats, with block heels, kitten heels, ballet-inspired trainers, and seasonal boots that transition comfortably through the rest of the year.
If VIVAIA wasn’t already on your radar, consider yourself officially in the know.
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Arbor of the Vine remains steadfast in its goal to offer a space for women to reflect, grow, and be centered. We see this not as a market shift, but as a spiritual awakening—a collective desire to travel not just across borders, but inward, too.
