Summer Travel's Coolest Gear

There’s just something about summer. As the temperature rises, so does our desire to get out and explore. So whether you’re packing your bags or just planning for that next bucket list adventure, we’ve assembled some stylish ideas for both home and the road.

Ancient Greek Sandals

Art, pottery and sculpture from classical antiquity are the inspiration behind this new footwear line, perfect for stylish travelers. Designer Christina Martini hails from the likes of Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton, so she knows a trend when she sees one. With names like Aphrodite, Artemis, the Minotaur and the Medea Wedge, how can a wandering fashionista go wrong? (From US$120.)

Little Map Dress

Okay, so the GFC (aka the Global Financial Crisis) has hit you hard and you can’t actually afford to go anywhere this year. Who cares! Wear this cool little map dress instead and not only feel, but also look like the globetrotter you know you really are. ($580)

Hail the Summer Stripe!

Julia Leach (ex-creative director for Kate Spade) launched the lifestyle brand Chance a year ago. Founded on the principals of design, simplicity and adventure, Julia’s second collection is inspired by California and channels the spirit, color pallet and vibe of the Golden State by creating classic, easy, every day, go-to, iconic pieces. The line has a core in knitwear and also includes  pull-on corduroy beach shorts, straw hats, printed beach towels, foutas (thin beach towels), canvas market totes, and stationary hand painted with California iconography, among other items. (Cactus Boatneck T-shirt: $68.)

Supermodel Suitcase

From the new Serenade Beverly Hills Collection, this stripey suitcase is as cute as a bumblebee and will make your luggage standout on the carousel like a supermodel. It boasts wheels, TSA locks and protective grooves on the back to minimize scratching on the outside. On the inside are features such as suit protectors to reduce crushing and handy zipper compartments for valuables. Available in multi-stripe, purple, cow print and ocean blue. You’ll never lose your bag again! (From $80.)

Ultimate Travel Toothbrush

You’ve got the bag, why not get the toothbrush to match? How can you possibly think of traveling without this slim sonic travel toothbrush that also comes in stripe, cow print and a range of bright colors. Perfect for dental divas. ($14.95)

The World in Wood

What do you give to the man who has everything but loves travel? The world of course! Wooden Worlds is a British company specializing in beautiful, hand-crafted, bespoke wooden furniture and products. From a small desktop reminder of his home state or country to a superbly finished wooden table or wall hanging with a country’s flag. A reminder of home whilst you’re living elsewhere or just a memento of the countries you visited on your travels. ($439)

The Perfect Jacket

Your summer travel plans might include cooler climes (trekking in Patagonia maybe?) We love this men’s Hybridge lite goose down jacket in red. We know a lot of ladies who’d like to snuggle up to it or “borrow” it as well. Building on last year’s newly introduced Thermal Mapping™ concept, this lighter more fitted version of the Hybridge Jacket incorporates Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric along the sides of the body, as well as a premium 800 fill power  white goose down insulation. Ideal for layering and fast packing, as it weighs just 0.5Lbs and its quilt-through design reduces pack size. Available in black and white, also for ladies. ($450)

The Worlds Largest Write-on Map

For the ultimate travel gift for the armchair traveler, get the World’s Largest Write-On Map Mural. This is the only accurately detailed, eight-color mural of the world that covers nearly 9 by 13 feet of wall space, so not something you can pop in your suitcase. Capitals, countries, major cities, up-to-date political boundaries, time zones, shipping lanes, nautical miles, ocean depths and more are all clearly indicated at a scale of 160 statute miles to the inch; current as of 2011. Laminated surface may be written on time and again with a dry-erase marker (one included). Go on, it’s about as much fun as two people can have without a passport and a plane ticket – and it’s good for the kids too! ($149)

Condé Nast Traveler Photographs: 25th Anniversary Collection

Condé Nast Traveler is celebrating the publication’s 25th Anniversary this year and commemorating the occasion with a new book by Assouline. Check out some of the world’s hottest destinations through the eyes of these insightful photographers and behind-the-scenes notes by the magazine’s editors. When you fall into one of these pictures, you may be floating in a dream, but you could also be taking the first step toward purchasing a ticket. ($95)