30 Best Travel Subscription Boxes: Explore New Cultures at Home!
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I LOVE a good subscription box. There’s just something about not having to have any thoughts and getting presents in the mail that just make my day. And, as someone who loves to explore the world, travel subscription boxes really get my motors running.
Supporting local small businesses when I travel is extremely important, so doing so by signing up for a travel subscription box can help me do that even when I’m not traveling! If you’re like me, you might be looking to spruce up your mail game (or even gift one to someone else) so I’ve compiled the absolute best travel subscription boxes for you to check out!
I’ve broken them up into categories so you can quickly find whatever you might be in the mood for!
Table of Contents
Activities
Whether you’re bored at home or the hospital, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience travel! I always love travel subscription boxes that focus on experiences and activities because as someone who travels with a full time job (non-remote), I’m not able to ACTUALLY visit other countries and cultures every second of the day. And for a lot of my friends and family, they can’t either. So they make great gifts for others as well as bringing a little travel inspired fun to your every day life.
Trove
Trove is a subscription box founded by two women from Washington, USA (woop woop PNW!) who wanted to find a way to continue supporting artisans, chefs, and hosts when they weren’t traveling. Their boxes are themed by destination, and each box contains a 60-90 minute virtual cooking class with a chef from the featured city (along with special ingredients for the dish), a live virtual cultural activity with a local expert (annnd items for the activity), snacks from the destination, and also a free surprise gift!
They also have holiday themed boxes that you can send to friends for a “virtual travel get together!” 20% of all profits go to the featured artisan and chef, so you’re directly giving back to the those in the industry that may not have steady tourism streams.
Finders Seekers
For those of you that are fans of escape rooms and puzzles, these travel subscription boxes brings all the mystery and intrigue to your front door. I’m personally -to put it bluntly- a little bit of an idiot, so I like to do these type of puzzles with other people, so it’s fun to send them to my friends as holiday presents so we can do it together over video chat.
The box puts together cryptic clues from cities and locations across the world, giving you a chance to explore different cultures and explore local traditions.
Holiday in a Box
Holiday in a Box is extremellyyyy cute, and one of the best travel subscription boxes that are actually MADE to be sent as gifts. And I’ve actually given these boxes to lots of my loved ones since many of my friends weren’t able to travel this year (not only to COVID, but also because of personal health hurdles, moving across the country, and saving up money for big purchases and life changes).
Their boxes focus on specific cities, such as Bangkok, Rome, or Istanbul, and depending on the city the contents may vary a bit. They usually have at least one local themed activity, a language lesson, snacks, and a locally made product.
Boxwalla Film
If you’re a fan of cinema, you’ll love the Boxwalla Film travel subscription boxes aimed at exploring great movies from around the world. By offering context and background information to the films, their objective is to demystify the craft and work of some of the best filmmakers in history.
I’m not a film head, but it is pretty cool that they include information and whatnot on each film included in the box. Would be great if you love to host movie nights at your place with other travel loving friends. Special note though, I believe the movies are in Blu-Ray format only sooo. Heads up.
Culture Cakes Kit
Do you love travel? Do you love cupcakes? Then this is a subscription for you haha. Basically it’s a box that sends you items and snacks from countries around the world but – BUT – it also includes a cupcake recipe based on that location. You can select boxes based on individual countries, or even entire regions such as the Caribbean. They also have holiday themed boxes for events like Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, or Valentine’s Day, and those include a few recipes that represents the flavors and cultures of those holidays.
If you’re not so big on baking yourself, you can also opt for their mini travel subscription boxes that only have snacks and treats. So you get the culinary part without having to actually bake anything haha.
KOKÚMỌ
I was actually the MOST excited to learn about these travel subscription boxes, but unfortunately by the time I learned about, they were already sold out. BUT, you should definitely sign up to be notified when they are back because you’re going to want this one!
KOKÚMỌ is a box that focuses on African (Diasporic & Continental) history with different activities a mini memorabilia. As someone who lives in North America, I didn’t get a lot of exposure to African history, media, and news TOLD BY AFRICANS, which is a big component towards decolonizing travel and diversifying your media. These boxes are especially great for anyone with children because they include STEM activities as well!
Beauty
I meannnnn, who doesn’t like a lil self-love?? This section is short because honestly, I don’t like to try out a lot of different beauty products. But these right here, I can PERSONALLY vouch for the quality of all of these boxes!
FaceTory
I pretty much EXCLUSIVELY only shop K-Beauty products. I mean, the country itself INVESTS in cosmetic research. I trust them with the pores on my face hunni. That said, I can’t be in South Korea every single day to go shopping for Korean beauty products (I have a whole post on that if you DO visit tho), so the next best thing to make sure you don’t run out is to sign up for travel subscription boxes that focus on Korean beauty supplies.
FaceTory has two different boxes to choose from. The first is probably best if you don’t have a set routine or favorite products. You get a full selection of different skincare items, along with a couple of items. The second box is probably better for people who already have favorites because it’s mostly just face masks and maybe one or two special items.
Black Travel Box
If you’re Black, you KNOW how it feels when you finally check into your hotel after a longgg day of exploring and getting dirty and…you realize you forgot your trusty shampoo. You also know that those dinky complimentary hotel toiletries won’t do you ANY favors when it comes to properly caring for your gorgeous hair. That’s why you should give the Black Travel Box a try.
They have pre-packaged Black hair care products that are carry-on friendly and also environmentally friendly. They also smell amazing. Their starter box also includes lip balm WITH SPF, cuz no body should be out here with some chap chap lips on a yacht. Take care of yourself Queensss.
Ao Organics Hawaii
So I know I’m 99.9999999% loyal to K-beauty, but y’all. I tried out Ao Organics and their products are CLUTCH. I have extremelyyy dry skin, and their products spoil me. Their products are also very gentle for those with sensitive skin, and their safe for both the ocean and the environment as a whole. Cruelty free, locally sourced, Native made – I DIG IT.
Small point though, no shade, I diddd try their sunscreen and as a Black woman, I found it did have me looking a lil bit ashy. But only with their liquid sunscreen. Their sunscreen balm didn’t have that effect on me, but that said I am a lighter shade (Honey foundation in TooFaced) sooo…I can’t speak for those with darker shades. If you have a lighter shade than me, then you should be good, but otherwise stick to their balm or check out some other great sunscreens for darker skin tones.
Books
Yesssss! My favorite section of the travel subscription boxes!!! You KNOWW I love a good read. My reading list tends to be…whatever I feel like at the moment (though currently I’m following my 2021 Reading Challenge) so it’s nice to be surprised by good reads! These boxes are also fun travel subscription boxes to gift to friends so then you can form a little book club and read them together!
Raven Reads Box
A new addition to my travel subscription boxes, I love Reading Ravens because they create boxes that focus on Indigenous authors and cultural pieces. As someone who lives on Turtle Island (North America), I have a responsibility to educate myself on the Indigenous history of the land I live on and the people and cultures that existed before the countries of Canada, USA, and Mexico were even a thought, they exist despite systemic racism and government driven genocide, and will CONTINUE to exist long after.
But ahem, enough about toppling white supremacy (for the moment), let’s get back to the box. Along with books and Indigenous-created items and crafts, you will also get invited to a private Facebook group to facilitate group discussions. This box does a great job of creating a safe space for dialogue while also giving opportunities for non-Indigenous people to learn and become educated allies. There’s also subscription boxes for children as well!
Here are a few of my favorite books by Native American authors!
The Wordy Traveler
Another great travel subscription boxes for book lovers would be The Wordy Traveler. They put together boxes that focus on a particular destination, and even have different genres available depending on if you choose a box that has non-fiction or fiction, with two different size tiers. Along with the one-three book(s), you will also get a few items from that destination to help immerse you in the experience.
If I were to create travel subscription boxes, it would probably be something along these lines. I specifically enjoy reading books written by authors from that destination. While it’s still a work in progress, here are some of my own lists that I have written.
Home
If there’s one place that you’d want to make cozy, it’s your home. And for travel lovers, a lot of that means bringing your favorite travel memories home with you. These travel subscription boxes specifically curate boxes that have home goods from around the world. (Though side note, if you are specifically looking for home goods from Mexico, check out my post on the best Mexican online stores!)
JourneeBox
I love that Journee Box has a strong stance on sustainability and ethical free-trade items. The box brings together 4-6 items that are sustainably made and pays its artisans fair and honest wages for their products. The boxes are pretty customizable as well depending on your style: Artistic, Vintage Chic, Minimalist, Eclectic, or Sophisticated.
They also offer pretty cool themes, like The Grand Canyon box or the Qingdao box. I would especially recommend this box for anyone who is a fan of jewelry because the pieces included in these travel subscription boxes are beautifullll. (Side note, they are owned by Kevia!)
Globe In
Globe In is a great box if you love getting little knick knacks to remind you of some of the small locally owned shops you might come across while traveling. This box is exclusively packed full of artisan goods, and you can choose which box theme you would want. For example, some of the current themes for their travel subscription boxes are Melt (a beautiful fondue set theme), Knead (everything needed to make homemade bread), Hostess (unique dining set for group parties).
I especially appreciate their transparency with their business, and the behind-the-scenes of how they set up their boxes and work with the artisans, as well as how one person’s individual impact plays in the grand scheme of the business.
The Motherland Plug
The Motherland Plug is a box that curates collections centered around African and Black culture. If you’re interested in Afrocentric goods, African history and culture, or supporting African artisans, then this is the box for you.
In each box, you’ll find information about the origins and significance of each piece, which is something that not all boxes provide! By subscribing to the box, you will also receive exclusive items that will not be available for purchase on the site.
Subscribers can look forward each month to receiving Afrocentric handcrafted/fair trade goods. Included in the box you will find information about the history, origin, and cultural information behind the piece. This perfect for those who love rare finds.
Food
Oh boy, food is probably…the BIGGEST market for travel subscription boxes. And for good reason, I mean food IS the best part of experience another culture. Honestly, you can probably find a travel subscription boxes focused on snacks and goodies from ANY country in the world. Literally, just google it. So instead of listing every single country, I’m instead going to list travel subscription boxes that either encompass snacks and foods from entire regions, OR similar food items from different countries.
Food Focused Travel Subscription Boxes
- Spicery Recipe Kits: For all the cooks, this one is for you! They are monthly mini cookbooks focused on a particular cuisine or type of dish (curry, tacos, meat-free), with everything you need to make it.
- TokyoTreat: Y’all know Japah is one of my favorite countries, so I love TokyoTreat! They give you SOOO many snacks, meals, and treats from Japan, along with seasonal goodies and information about the theme of the box!
- Spice Madam: Everyone who has ever lived abroad, you KNOW how hard it is to find particular spices and ingredients. This box curates very niche ingredients from around the world so that you can make your favorite dishes properly.
- Try the World: One of the more popular travel subscription boxes, with options for delicacies to small snacks from specific countries.
- Murray’s Cheese of the Month: Literally – exactly what it sounds like. Cheese from around the world. They also have boxes that include meats, crackers, and other pairings.
- Simple Loose Leaf Tea: Again – exactly what it sounds like. Tea from around the world. It’s also pretty dope that they are partnered with a non-profit that skill training and work opportunities for those with disabilities.
- VineBox: Wines from around the world, however they provide samples by the glass as well, so if you aren’t that big of a wine drinker, you can still taste different ones and not feel like you have to chug bottles that you don’t like.
- Atlas Coffee Club: Coffee from around the world…ya know what, you get the idea.
Kids
Kids truly are the future, so why not get them started early on discovering the world right from home! Even if you don’t homeschool your child, I feel like it’s important to discuss different ethnicities and cultures with your children at home.
Ain’t nobody got time for ignorant children growing up to become lawmakers, policy makers, and media creators.
Little Passports
These travel subscription boxes are so insanely cute. They have curated boxes for specific age groups as well, down to 3-5 years old to small children over 8. They’re great activities for young ones and also help grow a child’s interest in the world without feeling like school.
Backpack the World
Similar to the other box, Backpack the World has a lot of activities and lessons inspired and derived from countries around the world, and also dips into specific cultures and histories. This box is aimed toward older children and teenagers though (9-16).
Eat2Explore
Eat2Explore is more focused on food and cuisine learning for kids. They recipes are easy enough for children to follow along (with parental guidance) and can introduce their taste buds in fun and inviting ways. The founder started it as a way to teach her children (who already loved traveling) helpful life skills in a way that would interest them. It was also a way to connect with her children, as she had done learning to cook with her family growing up in Malaysia.
Outdoors
Ohhh the great outdoors. I mean, don’t get me wrong, nature is cool and all, but one of my favorite things about getting outside is all the fun gadgets and gear! And while I’m obsessed with strolling the aisles at REI (*cough cough pls sponsor me couch cough*), sometimes it’s fun to be surprised. You never know what you don’t need until you actually have it!
Cairn
Cairn has overall great travel subscription boxes for anyone who just like doing stuff outside. There isn’t so much a theme and you get a variety of outdoor products, from gear to apparel to snacks and even skincare! The value of each box is about $50 USD, way less than the price of a subscription a month, and you are also automatically entered into giveaways.
It’s not all TOTALLY random though. When you sign up for a subscription, you answer a short questionnaire about your outdoor interests so that the box can be more curated to your activity preferences.
Camp Life Crate
The Camp Life Crate is a little more dedicated to hiking, backpacking, and camping. It contains everything you need for your quarterly outdoor adventures, and may even give you a few ideas for new adventures! You can even choose between a box that focuses on “outdoor essentials” or “camping.”
The Happy Glamper
I absolutely loveeeee The Happy Glamper. One, because glamping is more my style over camping anyway. But also because I appreciate outdoor travel subscription boxes that prioritize small businesses over the big brand names. With Happy Glamper, you are supporting at least four small outdoor brands and accessories, many of them womxn-owned.
They aren’t strictly outdoor related, with some items more for decorating your glamp space to make it more cozy. If you don’t travel full time, which I image you might be since you’re thinking about signing up for a subscription box, then I’d recommend getting a bucket or bin for all of your new outdoor gear so you can easily pack it up and go when it’s time to head outside!
Media
Okay, now that we’ve pretty much covered the travel subscription boxes that are actual BOXES, I wanted to point out a few other travel related monthly-subscriptions that you might be interested in. I have personally signed up and PAID my own money for all of these, and I highly recommend at least checking them out! It’s good to just sit back and consume media sometimes, yanno?
Streaming Platforms
KweliTV: Specializes in African and Black diaspora movies, television, and short films. The sheer TALENT on this platform is incredible. I LOVE this streaming service, and I find some great gems from their service, and I even found a ton of movies for my international zombie movies quest! Diversify your streaming services bruv.
Magazines
The Black Explorer Magazine: Yesss, this magazine is AMAZING. It’s full of so so many amazing Black voices in travel. There are -of course- tips and guides, but also poems, personal narratives, and artwork. FUBU.
Patreons
(side note: I personally don’t subscribe to any patreons that aren’t upfront and transparent about their patreon subscribers they have and/or how much $$ they are pledged each month. Yay honest patreons!!)
Feed the Malik: Well, I already mentioned it in my Black Travel Bloggers to Follow post, but seriously, I love Anela. She is a WIZ in the kitchen, but moreso is such a bright light in decolonizing how food is perceived and shared by creating a more equitable food community. She is also a strong advocate for BIPOC restaurants and chefs, and not only do you get exclusive content and articles on her patreon, but you also directly aid BIPOC businesses that she gives back to. Woo!
Travel Subscription Box: Conclusion
Well, that’s it for now! I’m for sure going to be adding to these travel subscription boxes as I learn more of them! Do you have any travel subscription boxes that you would recommend? Leave them in the comments below!
Which category are you most interested in? For me, I love travel subscription boxes that include activities and food. Yanno, basically the two things I lack at home haha. Thanks for reading!
Share these Travel Subscription Boxes
Hands down, one of my favorite posts yet! I LOVE subscription boxes and at one point wanted to curate my own travel subscription box! So this blog post just gave me all the inspiration-slash-is THE BEST competitor analysis out there for me hehe 😛 I’ll take it as a universal sign but until then, time to sign up for more goodies!
MILLZ girl I LOVE YA!!! And you would be so great at putting together a travel subscription box!
This is so helpful, especially like the way you have characterized these subscriptions. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for reading!
Oh my gosh there are so many good sounding subscription boxes in here!! I’m interested to try that AO sunscreen now — always looking for a good, clean sunscreen. You mentioned it makes you look ashy, though I will say even as a white woman those mineral sunscreens often make me look even pastier than I already am! LOL Always a struggle!
It really is!! Though usually when I’m in need of mineral sunscreen (snowboarding/surfing) it doesn’t even matter if I look a little ghostly as long as I don’t burn haha. You should def try it out!!
So many good suggestions in here! Thanks! Now I need to try Ao Organics at some point. 🙂
Yes!!! I really hope you enjoy them! Thank you so much for reading!
Wowed! There are just so many to choose from – thank you for compiling such a detailed list! I’ve wanted to try subscription boxes for ages but never found the right one. Think I should be sorted now:)
Omg my pleasure!! Thank you so much for reading!