My Favorite Travel Souvenirs

Ceramics are hands down my favorite souvenir to shop for when I travel. There’s something truly special about bringing home a piece that’s been shaped by hand, steeped in centuries of tradition, and entirely unique to its place of origin. Whether it’s Delftware from Amsterdam, pottery from Puglia, delicate porcelain in Vietnam, or aptware from Provence, every piece holds a little slice of the journey. They become not just souvenirs, but stories, little reminders of the people, places, and moments that made each trip unforgettable.

Unlike the typical trinkets that often collect dust, these finds are functional (and occasionally not-so-functional) works of art: timeless, beautiful, and deeply personal. They’re part of my home now. Little stories on my shelves and tabletops that remind me of where I’ve been.

And yes, figuring out how to get them home safely? That’s an adventure in itself (shoutout to my carry-on packing skills and an unhealthy amount of bubble wrap). Alas, it’s worth it every time! Here are some of my favorite pieces I’ve collected over the years to spark some inspiration for your next adventure.

In the top left of the photo above is a royal Delft piece that I got in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a great place to get blue and white porcelain, also known as Delftware. I picked up this vase on our Atlas Adventures trip there last winter.

While technically not a ceramic, on the bottom row is an antique Alabaster sphinx from Egypt that I got on a trip there with Andrew. The sphinx represents health and protection, so it felt like a good omen to keep in our home.

From one of my favorite antique shops in Florence, I picked up a miniature bust. A bust is a nice, old-world, and poetic kind of souvenir. It’s such a delightful touch to keep in your home. I also have a miniature statuette from the same shop on these bookshelves (not pictured).

The painted vase in the above photo is hands down one of my favorite pieces. I purchased this hand-painted vase at an antique market in Lisbon on a scouting trip. The colors are so beautiful! Out in the garden, I have a lovely ruffled trim blue and white vase that I picked up at the same antique market in Lisbon where I found my vase.

In the kitchen, I keep a footed bowl that I got at my favorite antique shop in Amsterdam, another Delftware piece that was only thirteen euros! It’s a perfect place to store produce on the kitchen counter.

During a trip to Vietnam, I picked up two small antique bowls from the Ming Dynasty, and they have so much character! A true antique, they have a few chips, but that makes them even more charming as these have been well-loved. They’re full of life and history. I also picked up a vase on that same trip. You can see the wide selection of vases, cups, bowls, and platters from the shop below.

In the small town of Apt in Provence, I picked up a beautiful blue and white marbled plate. If the plate were cracked, you’d see the marbling all the way through. It’s handmade, and each piece is completely unique. On the same trip, I picked up a beautiful set of matching cups and saucers. The flowering detail is all done by hand. I was able to meet the woman who makes them, and every time I have my matcha or flat white in the morning, I’m transported back to that special memory.

Ceramics are some of the most unique ways that you can bring your travels home with you, and I love the way it’s brought so much personality, life, character, memories, and stories to our home. Interested in a grand tour of my favorite ceramic and antique shops? Our team can customize your next trip with stops at these shops and more. Reach out today to schedule a consultation call.

What to Pack for Fall in Scotland

We’re so excited to be headed back to Scotland for one of our last Atlas Adventures trips for the year. Let’s be honest, Scotland will be beautiful, but it’s going to be cold! So what should you pack for fall in Scotland? There is no predicting the weather, so waterproofs, good footwear, and layering is key to successful packing! Our trip is split between exploring city life in Edinburgh, before venturing north to the countryside. Multi-purpose clothing will help to keep you from overpacking. Our number one packing recommendation is to always check the forecast beforehand and adjust accordingly.

If you’ll be spending time in the great outdoors (which you absolutely should in Scotland!), you may want comfortable walking/hiking boots. This is crucial on the more rugged terrain, like on the Isle of Skye. You’ll want to be able to access those hidden trails and breathtaking viewpoints off the beaten track. Be sure to break these in before your trip!

As out trip is on the cusp of the winter season, Scotland’s days will be much shorter, with the sun setting in the late afternoon. While this creates a cozy atmosphere, it also means there will be longer evenings indoors. We suggested our attendees bring along a few things to keep themselves entertained during this time, perhaps a good book, a deck of cards, a journal, or anything else you enjoy. Perfect for curling up in front of the fire!

What to Pack for Fall in Scotland

Outerwear

We recommend a waterproof jacket with a hood in case of rain, especially for hikes. Depending on the temperature forecast, you may be able to get by with a trench coat during the day, but you’ll likely want a coat that’s a bit warmer. A puffer like this or this are great options. Don’t forget about the accessories! You’ll need a warm scarf like this or this one (which is also great for the airplane), fleece-lined or leather gloves, and a hat like this or this.

Hiking Gear

For hiking days, we recommend a small backpack (ideally waterproof). A dry bag will keep your electronics and any additional layers dry in case of rain. A reusable water bottle is always a must, and a thermos is great if you want a hot beverage during your hikes. A travel umbrella that can easily be added to your bag, along with walking poles if you use them, are useful. Don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your skin!

Warm Layers

You’ll want to pack a few different layers as you transition from the cold outdoors to warm and cozy indoors. We recommend a pair of these or these thermal leggings and/or hiking pants like these, these, or these. Thermal tops are another great layering piece; you’ll want to look for materials that are quick-drying (not cotton). You might want to top them with a warm fleece under your jacket. These thermal tops and leggings aren’t just for hiking days, they’re the perfect layer under your jeans and sweaters without adding bulk. Don’t forget a mix of merino wool hiking socks and warm everyday socks to round out your layers.

Day to Evening

For days in the city, you’ll likely want a pair or two of jeans like these or these. You can pair those with sweaters like this cashmere one, an oversized crewneck, a cable knit, or a turtleneck. For evenings, you might want to swap your jeans for a pair of polished trousers or satin wide-leg pants with a button-up, blouse, or cardigan. That said, make sure everything you pack is something you’ll feel comfortable wearing during chilly fall days.

Comfortable Shoes

While walking the cobbled streets and stairs in Edinburgh, you’ll want a pair of comfortable sneakers. You might also consider packing a pair of low boots and a pair of loafers for the evenings. If you are hiking, you’ll want a waterproof hiking boot that is sturdy and already broken in. This pair from Hoka came highly recommended!

Follow along with us on our trip to Scotland on Instagram! If you’re ready to plan your own trip to Scotland, learn more about our travel planning services and schedule a consultation call with our team!

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What I Bought in October 2025

This month, I visited Selfridges for a private shopping experience to round out my wardrobe for the season. I first discovered this shopping experience last year. I booked it for Andrew to get a few outfits for our wedding events and was so impressed that I booked one for myself, and again for one of our Atlas Adventures trips. Every visit with my stylist, Nivaldo, at Selfridges has been seamless, fun, and wildly impressive. It turns shopping into a far more enjoyable experience, regardless of how you feel about the sometimes daunting task of shopping. Here are the highlights of a private shopping experience:

Skip the Crowds

Avoid the crowds with a private entrance and your own personal, serene shopping suite (you can join them on the shop floor or relax in comfort while they go pull pieces for you.) Shop freely while your arms stay light and your style stays elevated. No lines. No chaos.

Free Expert Styling Advice

My stylist has a highly trained eye. He studies your body type, reaches for pieces you’d never pick, and creates looks you’ll fall in love with. Nivaldo has stretched my style and taught me which silhouettes best flatter my body - it has been life-changing!

Complimentary Alterations

With this shopping experience, you’ll enjoy complimentary alterations so everything fits you perfectly to make each piece uniquely yours.

Sip While You effortlessly Shop

Enjoy tea or champagne as you explore your curated selections in your private suite. Every purchase is sent directly to your hotel or home. What normally takes weeks of searching online or in-store is accomplished in a single, curated session.

For anyone who finds shopping overwhelming, this is a true game-changer: calm, creative, and completely private. I never want to shop any other way! These are exactly the kinds of insider moments we love arranging for our clients. The kind that turns a trip to London into a story you’ll remember every time you open your closet! Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation call to plan your dream trip to London with a private shopping experience.

What I bought in October

As I mentioned earlier, Nivaldo has really pushed me to add different pieces to my wardrobe, and I am so happy I trusted him! I purchased these silk trousers that I paired with this new vest that I wore on our Atlas Adventures trip to the South of France (shown above). I cinched the waist with a belt (similar one here) and a pair of black slingbacks (similar here). I also wore this white knit midi dress that I got so many compliments on (shown above)!

As a luxury travel advisor, I’m often invited to events where the dress code is cocktail attire, so to round out this portion of my wardrobe, I went for this faux leather midi skirt (shown below and paired with the same vest and belt), this ruched maxi dress, an off-the-shoulder midi, a pair of wide-leg woven trousers, and these leather trousers.

Outside of my shopping experience at Selfridge’s, I added two new pieces from Sézane to my fall wardrobe. Last week I hosted an event in Nashville at Sézane’s pop-up and had the most delightful time seeing old friends and Atlas community members! For the evening, I paired this patterned skirt with this new blouse. Sézane has the most lovely silk blouses with lace detailing. They’re perfect on their own or paired with sweaters and jackets.

Even if you aren’t planning a trip to London, be sure to check out your local department stores and boutiques to see if they offer this service. Many flagships, such as Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, offer styling services. Whether it be a one-off for a milestone event such as a wedding, or seasonal sessions to update your wardrobe, you won’t regret this luxury experience!

This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no cost to you.