Embarking on a journey might not be feasible at the moment, however, you can still enjoy a taste of the world through subscription boxes that deliver indigenous ingredients, travel-related titles, locally-created artisanal goods, and more directly to your doorstep.
Wordy Traveler
When Cindy Nichols recognized a gap in the market for a subscription box combining literature and travel, she created Wordy Traveler. Her Luxury Quarterly Book Club includes three books, ethically-sourced tea evocative of the featured region, and a custom art print. For those who prefer a lighter reading load, the Backpacking Edition offers just one book along with similar inclusions.
Recent boxes highlighted compelling destinations such as Nepal, Greece, and Nordic countries, while future journeys will transport subscribers through the US National Parks System. Every box aims to showcase diverse viewpoints, ignite the desire to explore, and dismantle barriers. Notably, a portion of the proceeds assists in funding global education for girls and women. Subscriptions begin at $49.99 per month.
Globein
Similar to StitchFix but for travel enthusiasts, Globein delivers unique, ethically sourced, full-sized goods from across the globe. Before each box arrives, subscribers can preview the theme and choose to keep, swap, or skip it. An Herbal Box features a hand-painted white blossom teacup from Vietnam, an olivewood honey dripper from Tunisia, a silver Moroccan tray, and peppermint detox tea from Kenya, while the Cold Brew Box consists of a stainless steel cold brew maker from India, a Moroccan amira mug, and Peruvian coffee beans.
This company’s fair-trade mission supports alleviating global poverty and empowers women. Subscriptions start at $40 per month.
Explore Local Box
From wild huckleberry jam made in Bozeman, Montana, to maple syrup sourced from Burlington, Vermont, the Explore Local Box caters to those eager to explore US cities through gourmet goods. Founder Jessica Larrabee features products from places she has visited, focusing on small businesses and unique finds. Monthly deliveries include locally-made products, food items, interesting facts about each city, and detailed descriptions of each item and its producer.
Recent themes have included Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia, and Portland, Oregon. Future themes remain a mystery until shipping. Pricing starts at $39.99 per month.
Life’s a Wave
Bringing the beauty of the beach to your doorstep, Life’s a Wave is an ocean-themed subscription service inspired by the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. Within eco-friendly packaging, subscribers might discover artisanal chocolate sprinkled with sea salt, flavored culinary salts, bath salts, seaspray-scented candles, and beach-themed jewelry, along with information about current non-profit support.
A recent box featured sea glass, a shell wine stopper, a shell cheese spreader, a citrus sunset bath bomb, a head wrap, a “life’s a wave” balance bar necklace, beachy socks, and a sea salt candle. Subscriptions start at $49.95 per month.
Little Passports
The monthly boxes from Little Passports engage curious junior adventurers aged three to 12. Preschoolers can explore the world’s oceans and marine life or global celebrations such as India’s Holi festival and Mexico’s Día de los Muertos through the Early Explorers subscription. The World Edition subscription immerses children in the culture and geography of different countries, offering hands-on activities like molding sea turtles from sand or creating a 3D puzzle of Venice’s Rialto Bridge. Children can also “visit” two states each month through crafts, puzzles, and games in the USA Edition. Subscriptions start at $15.95 per month.
Spice Madam
Ideal for family meals, dinner clubs, or home-schooling, Spice Madam delivers monthly boxes containing spices, recipes, music, and insightful facts about different global destinations while also supporting youth education nonprofits. Each box, featuring three to four spice packets, is sufficient for preparing four to six servings using the included recipe cards, which cater to vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs.
Subscribers can learn about the featured country via a welcome postcard, consult a shopping list and menu guide, and enjoy the accompanying playlist. For example, the Syrian box includes packets of aleppo pepper, dried mint, and a cardamom and cinnamon-based spice blend. Subscriptions begin at $20 per month.
Finders Seekers
Families who enjoy solving puzzles and navigating escape rooms will appreciate Finders Seekers, a monthly mystery box designed for players aged ten and older. Each box invites participants to immerse themselves in the underground culture and traditions of exotic locales, called a “Find.” Using research, online resources, and cleverness, players must solve cryptic clues and puzzles.
Locations such as Toronto, San Francisco, and Athens have served as captivating backdrops for these adventures, with each mission taking approximately two to four hours to solve. After completing a mission, participants can enter to win prizes. Subscriptions start at $30 per month, and a free mini-mission is available online to provide a taste of the experience.
