It’s natural to want to commemorate your travels with souvenirs. And while mugs are great and magnets can be fun, here are five clever ways to remember your trip on a daily basis while illuminating the culture and people of the place you visited.

Jewelry 

I’m a big fan of collecting memories this way by spending up to $50 on a beautiful piece of jewelry.I found a stunning vintage ring with my birthstone at Century Girl Vintage in New Orleans. Whenever I wear the piece I’m transported back to that fabulous Southern sixty. At the Blue Artists House in Merida, a smashing amber necklace spoke to me.  You’ll just know the right necklace or ring or bracelet when you see it.  Now whenever anyone compliments my accessories, it’s not just a reflection of me, but a history of my travels that sparks their attention.

Leaves/Rocks/Additional Nature Displays

Living in LA has so many advantages, but I miss autumn more and more every year.  A few years ago a friend of mine went to NYC near the end of October and brought me back a leaf from Central Park.  It was perfectly red.  At first I used it as a bookmark, but then I decided to display it.  The following year I returned the favor and brought back a leaf from South Dakota for that same friend. Now wherever I go, I find a leaf and bring it home to frame. I mark it with the place and date so I’ll always remember my time in nature.  But be careful, it’s not always appropriate to take nature home with you. Check the area’s guidelines first to be safe and respectful.

Books (Themed Or Random)

For those of you who love to disappear into a good book, there is no better souvenir than a novel from a local bookshop. You’ll stimulate your brain and the local economy.  Sign the name of the shop and the date in the spine and voila! You have the perfect keepsake.  When shopping for loved ones back home, try purchasing a copy of their favorite book in the native language. I have a lovely collection of Harry Potter Books from around the globe, all signed with a note and the year of purchase from a dear friend.  While I can’t read 98% of them, it’s nice to know that I was thought of from afar.

Liquor & Various Snacks

Two of my very dear friends and I are in the self proclaimed Cool Kids Scotch Club and we make a point to always bring back an exotic bottle of brown liquor for us to share when we travel. Here’s the tip, don’t save it for a special occasion.  Just drink it.  If you buy a fancy wine on your fancy trip to save for a fancy day, then you won’t remember the wine, only the day.  So drink it on any old day, and that will make the purchase even more special.  

Local Artisan Goods From The Area

This one is easy. Seattle is coffee.  Florence is leather.  New Orleans is December Diamonds (Don’t know that one?  Do yourself a favor and Google it). If you do collect mugs, try one handmade by a local artist. 

Look, there is no right or wrong way to commemorate a trip. You do you. I’m all about people enjoying the things that make them happy.  Here’s a little secret, sometimes I even spring for a magnet.  At the top of the world, I knew I needed one from Giant’s Causeway, which is my safe place.