Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 10:20 pm
I don’t know about you, but along with the memories and numerous photos I bring back from a trip, I also like to come home with a few mementos to remind me of the fabulous time I had. Anything to bring back that holiday feeling!
Of course, across the expanse of Europe, there are hundreds of knick knacks, goodies and souvenirs that could make the trip back home with you. So we’ve spoken to our Travel Directors to find out some of their favourites.
Local Crafts
Many of our Travel Directors recommend bringing home local products; they’re wrapped up in tradition and give a real insight into the specialties of region you’ve visited.
- Jill, from Ireland, finds Irish linen perfect as a souvenir. It’s a local craft, but isn’t too heavy to carry!
- Cat, one of our Scandinavian Travel Directors, likes Norwegian silver. Originally, it was created as part of folk costume, which showed which family you were from or who you’ve married. The silver was found in various places on the costume, including the belt.
- Maite, Travel Director in Spain, likes Lladro porcelain as it looks good anywhere!
- When in Wales, our Travel Director, Anna, tells guests about love spoons. These originated in the 1600s when a man spent the winter whittling a spoon for a woman he wanted to woo. Once winter was over, he gave her the spoon. If she displayed it in her window, they were considered betrothed. Nowadays, they come in all sorts of designs, like love hearts, horseshoes for luck and Celtic knots for loyalty.
- Travel Director across Europe, Collette’s favourite souvenir is moldovite from the Czech Republic. This is a unique lime green stone, only found in the south of the country and created when a meteorite hit the earth’s surface thousands of years ago.
Food
Bringing home sweets and treats is perfect is the perfect way to rekindle the memories – and flavours – of your journey.
- Giacomo, Italy Travel Director, recommends bringing home Tuscan olive oil – some of the best in the world; sweets from Sicily, where you can find amazing pastries; or panforte, a fruit and nut Italian dessert.
- Anna, a Travel Director on our UK trips, recommends a whisky that’s actually a blend, but tastes like a single malt, and is very affordable.
We recommend that if you see something you like, buy it. You aren’t on holiday for long and you may never return!
Do you like shopping for souvenirs? Tell us about some of your favourite mementos below – or head to our site to start planning your next souvenir-shopping trip! Just remember to leave enough room in your suitcase…