Ah, the open road! The wind in your hair, the miles melting away, and the promise of new discoveries around the next bend. It’s time for a road trip. But for many of us, the journey home brings a touch of the post-vaca blues. How can we capture the magic of our travels and bring a piece of that experience back to our everyday lives?
The answer can be found in the art of the souvenir. I am talking about lasting home décor in any budget that adds a touch of wanderlust to your space.
If you are heading out on the open road this summer, for a week, weekend, or even a day trip, let’s keep an open mind and celebrate local flavors and finds that remind you of your journey.
Savor the Road Trip Flavors
Culinary treats are not just in shops, but delightful detours along your scenic route. In between your road trip games of slug-bug and the necessary road trip snacks, take plenty of breaks to enjoy your vacation. Relaxing road trips are about savoring the journey and breaking for local treats as you fly down the road.
Stop at Roadside Stands. Imagine the colors of a roadside fruit stand with fresh cherries in Washington, peaches in Georgia, or blueberries in Maine. Pack a wicker basket to hold your local delicacies. A homemade jam or jellies are wonderful, edible souvenirs. And a local jar of honey adds a touch of sweetness to your pantry or makes a lovely host gift back home.
Sample the Local Coffee and Tea. Being from Seattle, I’m a coffee junkie and love to experience the local coffee culture on my travels and pick up a bag of freshly roasted beans. The rich aroma will fill your car with a wonderful smell, but you’ll be whisked back to the quaint side street where you stumbled upon the local roaster when you brew a cup at home. Feeling even more adventurous? Look for locally sourced herbal teas—the unique flavor might become part of your relaxing evening routine.
Hit Up the Local Winery or Brewery. Craft beverages are the perfect way to commemorate your trip. And you don’t have to struggle with how to get these bottles home when you can pop a box in your trunk. A bottle of wine from Napa Valley or a locally brewed IPA from Portland can take center stage at your next dinner party.
Capturing Your Road Trip
The open highway is an ever-changing canvas of scenery. Capture those breathtaking vistas and charming towns to bring home.
Take Tons of Pics. With a smartphone, you always have a camera close at hand to capture the moment—the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the kitsch of a roadside diner sign, or the colors of a farmer’s market. Back home, frame your best shots and create a gallery wall of your trip. (Remember: To make a gallery wall particularly interesting; mix your images with objects like a plate, weathered wood objects, beads…or anything with varied textures).
Search for Vintage Postcards. Check out local antique shops or flea markets as you cruise along, and keep an eye out for vintage postcards of the area’s iconic landmarks or local scenes. These little pieces of history can add a touch of nostalgia to your décor and tell a beautiful story about your destination that is truly unique and curated.
Pick Up a Travel Brochure or Maps. Don’t toss out a brochure into the recycling bin yet! They often feature beautiful, framed artwork or detailed maps that can be repurposed as wall art.
State Souvenirs with a Twist. Look for state-themed items, like state-shaped cutting boards, or fun locally-themed baseball hats, tea towels, tote bags, coffee mugs, or pillow covers that can add character to your home or outfit.
Celebrate Local Craftsmanship
One of the best ways to bring home a piece of the places you visit is to support a local artisan. Roadside stands are often hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Look for Local Crafts. From Gullah sweetgrass baskets from the Lowcountry to handcrafted pottery in the Southwest, each region boosts its own artistic traditions. Keep an eye out for a roadside stall or craft fairs where you can bring home a one-of-a-kind piece.
Love the Quirky. Roadside attractions are worth a stop for the experiences alone. But wouldn’t you love a T-shirt from the World’s Largest Ball of Twine? A bigfoot mug collected from a Washington Sasquatch hot spot? A cowboy hat from a frontier village? Or your photo with an 18-foot Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox? Thinking of these just brings a smile!
Upcycle Vintage Finds. Treasure hunt through antique stores or flea markets along the way. You might unearth a vintage travel poster, a piece of furniture, or a souvenir of a bygone era. With a little TLC, you repurpose these items in your home. An old road sign can become a table or strange find can be added to a gallery wall.
Everyday into Extraordinary Souvenirs
Sometimes the most meaningful souvenirs are the ones right under your nose that you didn’t realize.
Pressed Flowers and Leaves. Did you come across a beautiful wildflower on your hike? Press it between the pages of a book and bring home a touch of nature. Framed press flowers can add a feminine touch to your home décor.
Tickets and Playbills. Don’t let a concert ticket or playbill get lost in the back of the drawer. Frame them to remember a night of dancing, music, laughter, or an unforgettable performance.
Beyond the Tangible Souvenir
Maybe your best memories aren’t always physical objects. Road trips are about the experiences and moments that you collect along the way.
Journal Your Journey. Bring along a fresh notebook or sketchbook to capture your road trip memories. Jost down your thoughts and places you stop. Sketch a little of what you see. Collect receipts, brochures, or even doodles on your napkin as mementos. A personalized travelogue can be added to on your next road trip to keep it as an evolving documentary for years to come.
Learn a Local Craft. Now, this will take planning, but find a local weaving workshop, cooking class, or jewelry-making class. Sign up and learn a new skill. Not only will you be taking home a handmade souvenir, but you will also have the experience to go with it.
Collect Local Recipes. Food is a powerful way to connect with a location. Sample the local cuisine and ask for a recipe if possible—or search out local cookbooks or online recipes to earmark for when you get back home. And you may need to pick a few local products before you leave the area to recreate—like a BBQ sauce, spice rub, or fresh local produce.
Putting Road Trip Souvenirs All Together
Now that you’ve made it home with a treasure trove of souvenir finds, how do you weave these into your home? My biggest tip is don’t be afraid to mix and match. These items have caught your eye, and you love them. If you surround yourself with warm and positive memories, they can complement each other. This is why I am so attracted to vintage finds because weathered items look wonderful against a modern aesthetic and objects from nature. Your home décor should reflect you. Don’t be afraid to add personalized souvenirs. It will show your creative touch.
Make your next road trips a scavenger hunt for meaningful reminders, local flavors, and even vintage finds to tell the story of your vacation and ignite your love of travel every time you look at them. When you are filling out your road trip planner, add in stops for meals, roadside attractions, and souvenir searching.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road. It’s not just about the destination but gathering lifetime experiences and memories (and beautiful home décor) along the way.