I’ve known of the Distant Lands travel shop for several years now, but always thought it was primarily a bookstore. However, after watching this short video feature on the store, I stand corrected — the Pasadena, CA shop is much more than a place to stock up on your favorite travel titles. The travel outfitter has been providing a growing selection of travel gear and merchandise since it opened in 1989.
Distant Lands stock backpacks, clothing, maps and loads of other travel accessories. It’s a one stop shop for pre-trip planning needs. And they host a wide range of travel-related events too. Next week they’ve got a travel photography class scheduled and they’ll host a Peace Corp information session. Also in October — talks by travelers who have explored Kathmandu and Tibet.
This reminds me of another cool California travel bookstore-and-so-much-more that I visited a few years back. I’m bummed to say that I’ve yet to discover a similar independent travel outfitter in the NY-metro region. Anyone know of one that I’ve manged to overlook?