Normally we’d be writing about vegan food, travel and vegan friendly luxury hotels but it’s probably time we let you into a little secret, and that’s our obsession with luggage. That’s right, we really love bags, wallets, purses and all kinds of packing accessories with quite some passion, but it’s a pleasure that we’ve often found hard to indulge as vegans. Until now…
Being vegan isn’t just about eating plant based food; it’s a lifestyle that means avoiding all animal derived products, or indeed products that have been tested on animals. We’ve been lucky enough to stay at some of the finest vegan friendly hotels and resorts in recent years (and we’ve eaten some delicious plant based food whilst doing so). Many of these hotels go that extra mile by supplying bathroom amenities that are vegan friendly, bedding that is feather free and cruelty free spa treatments for their guests. Even airlines are providing better vegan meals for their vegan passengers. Top end luxury and vegan travel has really become a reality.
And now we can have high quality, stylish bags and accessories to match our love for vegan luxury travel!
With new and exciting brands producing vegan luxury luggage essentials, the world of vegan luxury travel just had a fashion facelift. But vanity aside, these new products are better for the environment as they aren’t made from animal based leather, they are of the highest quality and most importantly are functional too.
In 2016, when the team behind Watson & Wolfe were laying the foundations of their new brand the initial plans were to use conventional leather. During the business development process, as they came to understand the negative impact that leather production creates, a decison was made to design conventional luxury goods with leather produced from plant based sources. They realised that they had an opportunity to lead from the front by creating materials and products that were cruelty free, sustainable and way more environmentally friendly.
This classic Travel Document Wallet provides the perfect travel accessory that is both stylish and functional. With multiple pockets for your passport, credit cards, cash and travel documents it has all bases covered. As with all products from Watson & Wolfe it uses leather that is from renewable plant based sources and a lining that is created from recycled plastic bottles, meaning that both the leather and the lining have a significantly lower impact on the environment.
The Friendly Swede make “reliable and durable bags inspired by a Swedish, active lifestyle”. You’ll be pleased to know that every one of their stylish and sporty bags are created using synthetic materials, making them cruelty free and suitable for vegans. The team behind The Friendly Swede “go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations and deliver exquisite experiences” and this is further demonstrated by the extensive 3 year warranty that comes with your purchase.
The luxurious and stylish Vreta Weekender is the perfect bag for a weekend away, a business trip or even a visit to your gym. It’s a classic duffel bag made from rubberised polyurethane with a matt finish meaning it looks classy and is water repellent. As with all products from The Friendly Swede you can expect a premium finish to this modern weekender bag.
Also from The Friendly Swede, the Haga Weekender boasts a chic yet edgy design that will certainly turn heads wherever you are. Being waterproof it is perfect for those of you who lead an active lifestyle and will keep the contents dry even in the wettest of conditions due to the unique roll top closure. Made using biodegradable materials that are non-toxic, PVC and BPA free, not only does the Haga Weekender look good but it’s also got some pretty sound eco-credentials too.Matt & Nat have been creating cruelty free bags, luggage and accessories since 1995 and have been inspired by MATerials & NATure from the very beginning. They have created a benchmark for others to follow and live by a simple motto, ‘Live beautifully’ meaning to appreciate the humanity, creativity and positivity found in all of us. Always exploring new ways to be more sustainable and eco friendly they are forever experimenting with different recycled materials such as rubber, cork and bicycle tyres. Since 2007 they have used linings made from 100% recycled bottles, way before most of us were even aware of the impact of single use plastics on the planet.
Trek is a travel essential from the Dwell Collection and offers a perfect solution for the regular traveller. Small and compact, with individual pockets for credit cards, boarding pass, passport and notes, it’s both functional and stylish meaning you will never misplace your important travel documents or money again. It also has a removable shoulder strap meaning it can transform into a rather lovely looking clutch too!
Once you’ve chosen your favourite new cruelty free luggage you wouldn’t want want to lose it would you? The ideal solution, from Matt & Nat, is to attach the Trotter Luggage Tag which is made from vegan leather and 100% recycled plastic bottles lining (as with all of their products). With an adjustable strap and available in six colours you will be able to coordinate your luggage tag and your favourite travel bag perfectly.
It’s amazing to know that more and more companies are developing cruelty free options for us vegan luxury travel lovers. This selection of vegan luxury luggage essentials are some of our favourites as they deliver style and functionality in equal measures but most importantly they are better for the planet and for the animals that we share it with. Treat yourself to some vegan luxury luggage next time you get the chance, after all, we all deserve some vegan luxury in our lives!
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.
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18 Comments
As a travel writer, I was once given a mission to drive a Tesla car to Amsterdam and in true Jeremy Clarkson style write a review. I was astounded when I was told that it was a vegan car. Then, I was asked to drive a non-driving Ethics Journalist back to the UK so that she could do her research on Vegan Cars and write her piece. Veganism is spreading into all areas of life.
As a travel writer i would LOVE to get a gig driving a Tesla to Amsterdam! I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a number of hotel airport transfers in a Tesla but never driven one…
As you said, vgansim is spreading for sure and it’s an exciting time to be vegan!
Paul
Maybe it is a little early to start writing a letter to Santa but the vegan Travel Wallet will make it onto my Christmas list. I love the feel of traditional leather, it’s just that I abhor everything that goes with its production. If that plant based material is anywhere near the real thing I will be very happy.
The travel document wallet is great, i’ve just ‘road tested’ mine on a trip to Paris and loved it!. A friend has a regular wallet from Watson & Wolfe that is also very nice. It’s so exciting to be able to buy these luxury goods made from plants!
Paul
My “weekender bag” has virtually became an “everydayer”. It has had so much use that it is close to falling apart and has a less than savoury aroma to it. It’s about time that I treated myself to a new “weekender”. As with most products purchased nowadays I have the option to make an ethical choice so I am very attracted by the classy bag from the Friendly Swede.
Thank you for commenting Caroline. We love our weekender bags and can also see them being used every day. It makes us happy to know we have such cool and funky luggage that is entirely plant based :)
I remember reading back in December in one of those magazine or newspaper look ahead forecasts that 2019 would be “ The Year of The Vegan.” At the time I sort of agreed as not only do I know friends going completely vegan I also have got a few friends and relatives dabbling with flexitarianism. I just didn’t anticipate that the growth of veganism would extend to such sleek lines of products too though I suppose if I had thought it through it was obvious that veganism would extend beyond food.
Slowly but surely we are seeing change, big change and it’s amazing! I also have friends that I would never have believed would consider changing their diets but it’s happening for sure. Thank you for your comment Julie and may the Vegan Revolution continue!
Paul
Having been lucky to be given a Watson & Wolfe wallet as a present, i have noticed that it has kept its shape well, & unlike a real leather wallet, it hasn’t stretched, so keeps all your contents firmly in place. Great well made product.
good to hear you like the wallet. i was very impressed with the travel document wallet and would agree that it seems well made and very high quality.
Tack så mycket, Paul for featuring our Håga and Vreta weekender bags in your blog post. Vegan friendly travel items are not so hard to find if you know where to look – and so stylish too! We are thrilled to be a part of this growing, vegan friendly product movement. Look for many more bags to come from your Friendly Swede’s :-) All the best & happy travels!
The ‘upswing’ in veganism in every area is so exciting and we love that this worldwide movement is currently exploding!
Being vegan isn’t just about avoiding food that came from animals, it’s more than that. I love the idea of supporting other products besides food that encompasses the whole advocacy of veganism. It’s not all about the diet but also the lifestyle that comes with the practice. Staying in vegan luxury hotels is also a delight because you won’t worry about other people that can affect your lifestyle. Hands down to this company for their support in the practice and also for advocating the main goal of veganism
You are so right about veganism, it’s certainly not just about the food and that’s why we love when companies produce ethical products that fit our lifestyle perfectly.
Live would be kind of amazing if it was all about vegan food, vegan travel and vegan luggage to take on our luxury vegan travels :)
“Matt and Nat” Though it sounds like a design duo, the name of this bag brand is actually an abbreviation of the two main values of the brand: ‘material’ and ‘nature’. I really like this brand.
The Friendly Swede make “reliable and durable bags inspired by a Swedish, active lifestyle”. You’ll be pleased to know that every one of their stylish and sporty bags are created using synthetic materials, making them cruelty free and suitable for vegans. The team behind The Friendly Swede “go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations and deliver exquisite experiences” and this is further demonstrated by the extensive 3 year warranty that comes with your purchase.
The luxurious and stylish Vreta Weekender is the perfect bag for a weekend away, a business trip or even a visit to your gym. It’s a classic duffel bag made from rubberised polyurethane with a matt finish meaning it looks classy and is water repellent. As with all products from The Friendly Swede you can expect a premium finish to this modern weekender bag.
The Friendly Swede make “reliable and durable bags inspired by a Swedish, active lifestyle”. You’ll be pleased to know that every one of their stylish and sporty bags are created using synthetic materials, making them cruelty free and suitable for vegans. The team behind The Friendly Swede “go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations and deliver exquisite experiences” and this is further demonstrated by the extensive 3 year warranty that comes with your purchase.
The luxurious and stylish Vreta Weekender is the perfect bag for a weekend away, a business trip or even a visit to your gym. It’s a classic duffel bag made from rubberised polyurethane with a matt finish meaning it looks classy and is water repellent. As with all products from The Friendly Swede you can expect a premium finish to this modern weekender bag.
Also from The Friendly Swede, the Haga Weekender boasts a chic yet edgy design that will certainly turn heads wherever you are. Being waterproof it is perfect for those of you who lead an active lifestyle and will keep the contents dry even in the wettest of conditions due to the unique roll top closure. Made using biodegradable materials that are non-toxic, PVC and BPA free, not only does the Haga Weekender look good but it’s also got some pretty sound eco-credentials too.
Matt & Nat have been creating cruelty free bags, luggage and accessories since 1995 and have been inspired by MATerials & NATure from the very beginning. They have created a benchmark for others to follow and live by a simple motto, ‘Live beautifully’ meaning to appreciate the humanity, creativity and positivity found in all of us. Always exploring new ways to be more sustainable and eco friendly they are forever experimenting with different recycled materials such as rubber, cork and bicycle tyres. Since 2007 they have used linings made from 100% recycled bottles, way before most of us were even aware of the impact of single use plastics on the planet.
Trek is a travel essential from the Dwell Collection and offers a perfect solution for the regular traveller. Small and compact, with individual pockets for credit cards, boarding pass, passport and notes, it’s both functional and stylish meaning you will never misplace your important travel documents or money again. It also has a removable shoulder strap meaning it can transform into a rather lovely looking clutch too!
Once you’ve chosen your favourite new cruelty free luggage you wouldn’t want want to lose it would you? The ideal solution, from Matt & Nat, is to attach the Trotter Luggage Tag which is made from vegan leather and 100% recycled plastic bottles lining (as with all of their products). With an adjustable strap and available in six colours you will be able to coordinate your luggage tag and your favourite travel bag perfectly.
It’s amazing to know that more and more companies are developing cruelty free options for us vegan luxury travel lovers. This selection of vegan luxury luggage essentials are some of our favourites as they deliver style and functionality in equal measures but most importantly they are better for the planet and for the animals that we share it with. Treat yourself to some vegan luxury luggage next time you get the chance, after all, we all deserve some vegan luxury in our lives!
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
As a travel writer, I was once given a mission to drive a Tesla car to Amsterdam and in true Jeremy Clarkson style write a review. I was astounded when I was told that it was a vegan car. Then, I was asked to drive a non-driving Ethics Journalist back to the UK so that she could do her research on Vegan Cars and write her piece. Veganism is spreading into all areas of life.
Hello Michael and thank you for your comment.
As a travel writer i would LOVE to get a gig driving a Tesla to Amsterdam! I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a number of hotel airport transfers in a Tesla but never driven one…
As you said, vgansim is spreading for sure and it’s an exciting time to be vegan!
Paul
Maybe it is a little early to start writing a letter to Santa but the vegan Travel Wallet will make it onto my Christmas list. I love the feel of traditional leather, it’s just that I abhor everything that goes with its production. If that plant based material is anywhere near the real thing I will be very happy.
Dear Oscar
The travel document wallet is great, i’ve just ‘road tested’ mine on a trip to Paris and loved it!. A friend has a regular wallet from Watson & Wolfe that is also very nice. It’s so exciting to be able to buy these luxury goods made from plants!
Paul
My “weekender bag” has virtually became an “everydayer”. It has had so much use that it is close to falling apart and has a less than savoury aroma to it. It’s about time that I treated myself to a new “weekender”. As with most products purchased nowadays I have the option to make an ethical choice so I am very attracted by the classy bag from the Friendly Swede.
Thank you for commenting Caroline. We love our weekender bags and can also see them being used every day. It makes us happy to know we have such cool and funky luggage that is entirely plant based :)
I remember reading back in December in one of those magazine or newspaper look ahead forecasts that 2019 would be “ The Year of The Vegan.” At the time I sort of agreed as not only do I know friends going completely vegan I also have got a few friends and relatives dabbling with flexitarianism. I just didn’t anticipate that the growth of veganism would extend to such sleek lines of products too though I suppose if I had thought it through it was obvious that veganism would extend beyond food.
Slowly but surely we are seeing change, big change and it’s amazing! I also have friends that I would never have believed would consider changing their diets but it’s happening for sure. Thank you for your comment Julie and may the Vegan Revolution continue!
Paul
Having been lucky to be given a Watson & Wolfe wallet as a present, i have noticed that it has kept its shape well, & unlike a real leather wallet, it hasn’t stretched, so keeps all your contents firmly in place. Great well made product.
good to hear you like the wallet. i was very impressed with the travel document wallet and would agree that it seems well made and very high quality.
Tack så mycket, Paul for featuring our Håga and Vreta weekender bags in your blog post. Vegan friendly travel items are not so hard to find if you know where to look – and so stylish too! We are thrilled to be a part of this growing, vegan friendly product movement. Look for many more bags to come from your Friendly Swede’s :-) All the best & happy travels!
Thank you for your comment Maureen, keep up the good work and look forward to seeing your new products when they launch!
Thanks for sharing, Paul!! Love the upswing in vegan, stylish bags and travel accessories! It’s a win for all!??
The ‘upswing’ in veganism in every area is so exciting and we love that this worldwide movement is currently exploding!
Being vegan isn’t just about avoiding food that came from animals, it’s more than that. I love the idea of supporting other products besides food that encompasses the whole advocacy of veganism. It’s not all about the diet but also the lifestyle that comes with the practice. Staying in vegan luxury hotels is also a delight because you won’t worry about other people that can affect your lifestyle. Hands down to this company for their support in the practice and also for advocating the main goal of veganism
Thank you very much for your comment Monica!
You are so right about veganism, it’s certainly not just about the food and that’s why we love when companies produce ethical products that fit our lifestyle perfectly.
Live would be kind of amazing if it was all about vegan food, vegan travel and vegan luggage to take on our luxury vegan travels :)
“Matt and Nat” Though it sounds like a design duo, the name of this bag brand is actually an abbreviation of the two main values of the brand: ‘material’ and ‘nature’. I really like this brand.
thanks for your comment, we are fans of the brand too…