Some time ago Zoe asked me in how many countries she had been.
Honestly, I didn't know! We are not the kind of travellers that count countries and tick off boxes.
But Zoe had a point: our memory isn't infallible and making a list of the places we have visited can help a lot reviving stories and feelings in our mind.
That's exactly what happened when we started counting all the countries Zoe had been. We remembered a lot of moments that had got blurred, almost lost amid so many travel memories.
And it is so special!
So, I thought: What if we had something that could help us keep count and remember?
And I did find some solutions. But they all had down fall points to me.
- Some weren't completely eco-friendly. Still using animal sourced materials like leather. Or so-called vegetal pigments that I couldn't find any composition information about.
- None was kids friendly. I was looking for something easily handled by my kids so they could have their own traveller's collection. But couldn't find it.
But I'm a designer, right? If I can't find what I'm looking for, I can create it!
That's exactly what I've done!
After a very long research we decided to use cork. The most ecological material ever!
Did you know that cork is the only auto renewable raw vegetal material in the world?
As sustainable travellers this point was really important for us!
We chose a secure ring with easy opening that kids can handle.
And opted for slightly bigger tokens that the little hands can manipulate and that are easier to read for the bigger kids.
These design choices resulted not on a toy but in a very inclusive and Kids Friendly Travelers Collection where children can keep and cherish all the good family travel memories. A Collection for Life!
In 2021 I handmade our very first Token Holder that came along with us during a whole year of travels.
From the cold and snowy weather of Chamonix and Andorra. To the hot and humid air of Puerto Rico and Bali. Our Token Holder accompanied us to the fjords of Norway, the salty Greek blue waters, the intrepid rhythm of New York. And much more.
Until the moment we were sure it would follow and keep up pace with all the Wanderers out there!
Both born in Portugal and knowing our country is the world biggest cork producer, it was pretty obvious that all the production would be done there.
Producing locally allows us to reduce environmental impact and maximise community and cultural support.
Beyond all our eco-friendly design choices, we are resolved to positively contribute to make our planet a better place. For our children, and their children after that.
The Wanderers Collection donates a part of all profits to organizations involved in Nature and Culture preservation and improvement around the world.
Join us in this adventure and help us save the world!
