We don’t all make time to shop when on holiday, but looking for gifts for friends and family, or picking up a memento for yourself is a real treat. Jewellery doesn’t take up much space, even if you are travelling with carry-on luggage.
In 2014, a group of friends chartered a sailboat to scope the west coast of Scotland with various distillery stops along the way. Because I was somewhat instrumental in making this trip happen, I was told, during one of the messages back here, that a very special bottle of scotch would make its way home to me. Sadly, however, it never made it. However, it did land in the hands of a very helpful fellow sailor who, clad in a wetsuit, went down under and untangled/cut the sternline from the prop. A very nice gesture, so I let it go. At the time, this scotch was not available in Canada.Explore
Staying in the beautiful Fairmont Empress Hotel recently, it was impossible to refuse a refreshing gin and tonic after a busy day filled with outdoor activities. Empress 1908 has an unusual flavour, with a hit of citrus. During distillation, an infusion of butterfly pea blossom creates the distinctive hue. Indigo blue in colour, added to a splash of tonic, it transforms from indigo blue to monarch purple then rose petal pink.Explore
When you are in Arizona, turquoise jewellery is irresistible.
Turquoise was designated the official state gem of Arizona in 1974, and the quality of it is world-famous. An icon to Arizona surely has to be silver and turquoise, so when I saw a row of market stalls at the side of the highway backing onto a desert and canyon, it was the perfect place to shop for my souvenir. Stalls all run by local Navajo women made it even more of a treat.Explore
Little did I know that when my travelling companion begged me to take something home for her because she couldn’t fit it into her own luggage, I discovered that it was a gift for me. A darling Tic Tac Toe game purchased at the Artisans du sable in the Magdalen Islands.
Until recently, the most popular exports from Cuba have been rum, cigars and berets. I was on board a Celestyal Cruise circumnavigating Cuba with lots of opportunity to explore. After spending a day snorkelling, beach time on Paradise Island followed where we came across locals selling simple jewelry made from shells and seeds.Black watermelon seeds, red cornilla seeds and black jaboncilla seeds will make the day for any fashionista. Unique, 100% natural and priced so inexpensively, there’s no point in bartering. If you want to add some colour to your t-shirt or sundress, this jewellery adds a natural punch to any outfit, and cheap to pick up for yourself to enjoy or take home as small easy-to-pack gifts.Explore
Grenada draws those who worship the sun and everything that comes with it – beaches, aquatic sports, hiking and true Caribbean culture.
It’s also a place for foodies. There are many types of scrumptious fresh fish, locally grown vegetables and herbs, but it’s the spices that set Grenada apart. In fact, the island’s main products – nutmeg, cinnamon and sorrel give it another name, Spice Island, and they are used in local dishes in fresh and inventive ways.Explore
Souvenirs are as personal as a trip itinerary is. Why do we bring, knickknacks and sentimental mementos of our travels home? Why do they mean so much? I used to pick up items just for the sake of it but the more I travelled, the less I brought home, and the more focussed I became. Explore