I am often asked by my clients, family, friends and others as they are about to embark on a trip or vacation “what should I get?” “what should I look for?” “what should I bring back for you?”
Interestingly enough, I am not that well internationally traveled – domestically yes; however, I do love to travel! I do know a great deal about the must do in international places, as I have planned many a trip I have yet to go on! I would assume I am asked this advice for a few simple reasons: I pay attention when I hear/ learn/ notice interesting travel tips, I research before traveling and I know how to and what to research, I love the magical details –those unique, off the beaten path, Kodak moments that make everything memorable and heighten the whole experience making it magical- and probably the best reason: I love sharing this information.
So here it is… My souvenir advice for every trip you take: (aside from the kitschy key chains and magnet)
The three souvenirs from every trip!
1. Something for you - your body! something to wear or for just your enjoyment. Clothing, Jewelry/ Gem Stones, Accessories, Bathing/ Body oils & soaps, Perfumes & Fragrances, Music, Costumes, learning a new skill, hobby,or certification, etc… Look for: hand made, locally produced, specific local styles, 
indigenous, exclusive, native, or items known from the area! then when ever you wear it or use it you will be reminded of that wonderful trip - but it doesn't necessarily scream souvenir! Think of your senses: Touch, Taste, Hear, Smell, and Sight! Ideas: silk scarf or painted hand fan from china, leather shoes or tailored suit from Italy, Scandinavian style woven sweater; coconut massage oil from the Caribbean, Dead Sea salt scrub, fragrant bath or hand soaps, 
cozy blanket; perfume; bag or purse, native dress – you get the idea! Some of my Favorite souvenirs: a fabulous deal on a Baroque Pearl necklace from a farmers market in Bremerton, WA; wood, shell and stone Jewelry from Dominican Republic – especially Larimar; Ammolite pendent from Calgary Canada, Lavender Linen Spray from the lavender fields in Sequim, Washington. Be prepared to know what you are looking for – do your research – know the value – haggle for a deal!
2. Something you share! something to enjoy in the company of others. (not the something's you bring back for others – so they can remember the place you went 
and they didn’t, although you should bring back a few things for the kids!) Food & Beverage seem to be the easiest sharing items: chocolates and candies, rare or exotic tastes, jams & jellies, cheese; also consider something special or unique to the area, music, an ingredient, a recipe, fragrances or linen spray, flowers or plants seeds or plantings (check with customs restrictions for foreign items), stories/experiences/ adventures; photos, games and toys, currency, etc… Ideas: Vanilla from Caribbean, Swiss chocolates, Canadian Maple Syrup, a fun game from Korea - Yut! My favorites: Mt. Rainer chocolates, Red oranges from Florida, Dominican Vanilla!
3. Something for your home: something you look at or use and remember – that was a wonderful trip – that has a story, let me tell you about that, and briefly, if only for a moment in your mind it takes you back! Art of any kind – 
native, local, or it just speaks to you!, photographs of landscapes/ cityscapes/ close up details (other than the picture of you in front of “X” – yes, you were there – scrapbook it, album it, save it, desktop frame it– but frame and hang the one that dates itself less), sculpture, artifacts, antiques, architectural remnants, rocks, minerals, china & dish ware, pottery, painted tiles, baskets, cookbooks, old & new books, old & new maps, shells, lighting, rugs, furniture, holiday decor – ornaments, so many options. Then when you look at it, it tells you a story, it reminds you of the occasion! Ideas: New Zealand Wool blanket, Italy: Marino glass chandelier, hand carved olivewood nativity from the Holy Land, Persian rugs from India or Middle East, local street artist painting from Paris… some of my favorites: Mayan artifact from Honduras, Local art from Santo Domingo, picnic basket from an antique mall in Poulsbo, WA
Happy and Safe Travels!
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