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, 
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 
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 – 
Happy and Safe Travels!
Helpful travel links:
- US Customs: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/
- Travel Guru: Rick Steves: http://www.ricksteves.com/
- Hotel Deals! http://www.hotels.com/
- TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/index.shtm
- Travel Tips: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
of shoes. As a child I remember having shoe envy – I wanted the shiny black shoes that went tap, tap, tap down the halls at church, I wanted that tap, tap sound, everyone who was anyone had shoes that went tap, tap down the hall, when they went down the hall they would commanded attention. I wanted to wear them with white socks that had lace edging or white tights, that was the style – I eventually got a hand me down pair – it didn’t matter they were a little worn and scuffed – their heels went tap, tap down the hall until one day the church halls were carpeted. That was a sad day - no more tap, tap in the hall – so I would just have to take the long way around and walk across the gym floor to get to my primary class – tap, tap, tap all the way! Those were Sunday shoes, indeed. 
I would play dress up all day and strut around in them – acting so adult. I still dream of owning a pair. For some reason they remind me of Easter Dresses and Sunday hats – and VFW dances, long before my time.
It is snowing – there is a blanket of snow covering the ground – it is still the wee hours of the morning, the world is still and quiet and I stand on the front step. I listen. I hear the stillness, the tiny crackles, the soft dimples of every snow flake landing on the frozen ground. It is one of my most cherished sounds, it is unique to snow falling in the night – it’s rarity makes it more special. Although the night sky is dark – snow clouds and the white covering reflect a mauve haze in the sky, with a brightness, not enough to see details nor shadows, but just enough to see the silhouette of trees and their snow covered branches and the white ground. There is a smell a taste in the air that only snow brings – a crisp, cold, moist air that conjures up the memories of fires in fireplaces, sips of hot cocoa, sled rides on hill sides, and snow days – the joy of childhood school is cancelled – snow days! 