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Read All About It: 5 Fun Facts About Each of the Destinations That Inspired Our New Leather Pouches

byTeam GM

5 years ago

When it comes to travel inspiration, we turn to a variety of sources to find our next must-visit destination. Books, movies, Pinterest, you name it—we’ve used them all as ways to add to our ever-expanding bucket list. But with the latest release of our leather pouches, we couldn’t help but feel ready to book a plane ticket to one of these gorgeous Mediterranean hotspots. Unconventional? Maybe. Inspirational? Definitely. These pouches will not only give you major wanderlust, but they’ll also keep all your valuables secure while you’re getting there. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about each of the places behind the pouches, and start planning your next vacation…

PORTOFINO

  1. Attention, divers: in 1954, a bronze statue known as Christ of The Abyss was sunk to the ocean floor. It was originally placed in this spot to honor Dario Gonzatti, an Italian scuba diver, and protect future divers in the area. You can easily visit it through a local dive shop or see a replica on land nearby.

  2. This stunning city has inspired knockoff versions in Disney World in Orlando and Tokyo. They recreated everything from the brightly colored houses to the boat docks… but nothing beats the real thing, if you ask us.

  3. In addition to being honored in pop culture from books to movies, Ferarri also named one of its models after Portofino in 2017. Driving along the Italian coast in this aptly named car doesn’t sound too bad right about now.

  4. Portofino retains its old-world charm while also catering to the rich and famous. Many celebrities and notable figures have spent substantial time there, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Clark Gable, Liz Taylor, and Humphrey Bogart. Today it remains a hot spot for the rich and famous… you never know who you might spot!

  5. Portofino frequently tops the list of most beautiful towns to visit, so make sure to check out Gray’s Portofino travel diary to plan your trip to this stunning getaway!

CAPRI

  1. If you’ve ever enjoyed a tomato, basil, and mozzarella Caprese salad, this dish takes its name from this region. Even more reason to add this picturesque island to your list.

  2. Capri has been inhabited since the 8th century B.C. Many ruins, such as the Greek acropolis, still remain, and can be visited today. If you’re planning a trip to the island, you’ll want to make time to stop at the excavation sites for a taste of ancient history.

  3. This island is tiny! At its widest point, Capri measures only 1.8 miles across—which makes it the perfect destination for a day trip. You can check out Gray’s Capri travel guide for an idyllic day in the sun here.

  4. Can you say ancient? Capri’s craggy shores are roughly 65 to 90 million years old. These rocks were formed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, and give this rocky outcrop its distinctive shape.

  5. Frank Sinatra had a lot to say about this tiny island, recording the song “Isle of Capri” in 1957 for his album, “Come Fly With Me.”

FRENCH RIVIERA

  1. The French Riviera is also sometimes referred to as the Cote d’Azur, or the blue coast, thanks to the beautiful blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, which runs parallel for approximately 550 miles.

  2. The total population in this area is over 2 million, including Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. If you’re planning a driving trip through this region, it’s worth a stop at this glamorous spot.

  3. Outside of Monaco, Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, with 75% of all essences produced there. Nearby Cannes is similarly notable for the Cannes film festival every May. If you’re a movie (or fashion) lover, this event is a must-see while you’re in the area.

  4. To Catch A Thief and An Affair To Remember were both filmed along the picturesque coastline, along with several James Bond movies. Turn one of these on for inspiration while planning your trip.

  5. If you’re stuck in a cold climate, the French Riviera makes the perfect vacation getaway, receiving over 300 days of sun per year. Just make sure to pack your sunscreen!

Which destination would you like to visit the most?

Be sure to check out the latest pouches and pick one up for your summer wardrobe. Also, if you're in the mood for a getaway, take a peek at our travel guides for Portofino, Capri, and the French Riviera.

Xx Team GM

Photos: Gray Malin