Decorating with Travel Keepsakes (Part 2)

One of my favorite activities while traveling is to collect a few treasures from the destinations I explore. However, as I've started to travel more for both work and leisure, I've become more thoughtful about the items I bring back home. Following up on a previous post about using travel souvenirs for decor, today I want to share some tips on what to buy and how to incorporate those keepsakes into your home.

This past January, my mom and I enjoyed a voyage on the Dinogo Vista to the Southern Caribbean. Cruising not only allows you to experience a beautiful and exciting ship but also gives you the opportunity to stop at stunning locations to see and experience even more. These stops are commonly known as Ports of Call. (Check out my post here for tips on Ports of Call.) At these ports, you can take in the scenery, learn about the local culture, embark on excursions, and shop.

As you might imagine, shopping is a favored pastime during these trips. Naturally, there are the usual tourist shops filled with souvenirs and trinkets. While I might occasionally grab a t-shirt from those spots, I usually seek out items that are distinctive, handmade, or representative of the local culture. Let me explain. 

1. Pottery

You can frequently discover hand-crafted bowls, vases, platters, and other pottery items. What I appreciate about acquiring pieces like these is that they serve practical purposes once you're home. A small bowl can be used for loose change or your keys, a platter can be perfect for serving a dish inspired by your travels, and a vase can display seasonal flowers beautifully.

During my recent cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I was thrilled to spot this tulipiere (tulip holder) at a shop in Curaçao. I knew it would be put to good use in my home, and it already has been. I adore its sleek lines and contemporary design.

2. Wood

I also suggest buying carved pieces. The handmade quality is what draws me in. I picked up these wooden bowls on a previous cruise with a specific purpose in mind. (In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be sharing a fun craft using them.)

I was also captivated by this unique sculpture crafted from painted driftwood and small stones. I found it in St. Thomas during my cruise last year.

And remember, if you're unsure whether an item is locally made or sourced from the area, don’t hesitate to ask the seller for clarification.

3. Artwork and Postcards

One of my favorite items to collect is art. As I stroll through my home, I can easily recall many of the places I’ve visited just by observing the art displayed. You might remember these art prints from a post earlier this year; they, too, are from St. Thomas. Additionally, the “My Heart is at the Beach” sign was a memento from last year's trip to Hawaii.

During my recent cruise to Curaçao, I stumbled upon this beautiful tealight holder made by a local artist using cement. Isn’t that amazing? I adore its unusual shape, distinct painted design, and vibrant colors. I believe it would make a delightful conversation starter on a side table.

Another wonderful aspect of artwork is that it is usually flat and lightweight, making it easy to pack in your suitcase or carry-on bag without any hassle.

4. Photographs

Although this might seem like an obvious choice for a travel souvenir, it's often overlooked once we return home and start unpacking. Our photos typically get uploaded to our computers or quickly lost among countless images on our smartphones. Yet, travel photos can serve as fantastic home decor, and I have the evidence to prove it!

In my living room, I have a wall that I affectionately call my “Wanderlust Gallery Wall.” I bought nine affordable frames and filled them with pictures from my adventures. Even though I have some experience with higher-end cameras, several of these images were captured with my smartphone. If I can do it, you can too!

You may recall that I previously shared simple methods for creating your own artwork using travel photos. You can find those tutorials here. So, if you're running out of space in your luggage or low on funds toward the end of your journey, make sure to capture fascinating photos and enjoy them when you get back home.

I hope these suggestions have been useful to you. I’ll definitely have more ideas to share, but let’s save those for Part 3.