Shopping for souvenirs when travelling

I find the idea of souvenirs very exciting. There's so many avenues to gift-giving and act as keepsake with fond reminders of your holiday, including food, trinkets and clothing...

I tend to go for a mix of traditional and unusual items. On my last overseas trip, (Hawaii) I bough some local seasoning from Kauai, a 1940s paper doll book from Pearl Harbor, coconut soap, kitsch dashboard hula dolls, key rings and tee shirts from the destinations I spent significant and memorable time in (Jurassic World for Kualoa Ranch pictured). The quirkiest item I brought back was the hula girl outfit: coconut bra, grass skirt and lei - complete with dance instructions! (this one I'm keeping for myself, haha).

In Wales I bought a locally handcrafted puzzle of the Welsh Dragon in Cardiff and a couple of white knights from Chepstow Castle, while in New Zealand I bought a beautiful paua shell bracelet sold in Christchurch.

Various fridge magnets I've collected on my travels

What I tend to collect for myself is fridge magnets, particularly if they're locally made. Take the carved tiki in the picture for example, made in Rotorua from kauri and inlayed with paua shell.

I also make an effort to send post cards from everywhere I travel. These usually go out to family and close friends... even if I'm travelling interstate for work (I tend to go to some very pretty places).

Cards and postcards from Qatar, Wales and Hawaii

What souvenirs do you prefer to buy and do you collect anything like postcards or magnets from your travels?

Welcome to my little travel blog

My interest in travel began at an early age. Though, regrettably, I didn't take the leap abroad until my early 30s. 

I lived in a number of small towns when I was a kid (predominately in regional New South Wales; Wollongong, Deniliquin, Wagga Wagga...). 

My teens were heavily influenced by pop culture (anime, movies, comics) and I dreamed of travelling to Japan and the U.S.A. But then I became an independent adult and other priorities took preference. I found myself chasing romances and ambitiously climbing the career ladder.

I fell into the events industry during my late 20s, which brought with it a whole new circle of contacts from all over the world. 

Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, Wales

It was here that I met Rhys; the catalyst for my first international foray (Wales). He offered me free accommodation and would take time off work to act as my local tour guide. Bingo! What better way to get insight into the "real" Wales?

That was 2013, and the trip was amazing! We visited castles and roman ruins, went to markets and museums. I'm not afraid to admit that I cried like a baby at Heathrow when saying goodbye to Rhys, and then again on the plane for at least an hour once we were taxied on the runway.

Lady Knox Geyser, Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand

2015 saw my second overseas trip - a little skip across the ocean to New Zealand. Work contacts had again come through and I was fortunate enough to spend just under 2 weeks touring the North and South islands with a colleague. 

With the travel bug now firmly ingrained, I went about scheming my third trip overseas and lifelong dream: The U.S.A. I attended travel expos and monitored online sales, but judiciously made excuses about the financials.

Then my close friend and colleague won 6 nights accommodation with 3 of the top 5 star hotels in Hawaii - and asked me to travel with her! We found cheap flights with Qantas - booking in quickly to ensure there was no turning back, haha. 

Elated to say I've been back in the country little over 24 hours now - returned from Hawaii - and inspired to talk about my adventures. My first blog post on Hawaii will be coming soon, while it's still fresh in my memory...

As for my blog name? Walking down the main drag of Waikiki, our local host mentioned out loud that I had my sashay down pat. I sashay when I'm happy, comfortable and relaxed. What better way to do it than with a passport in hand?

Hi, I'm Skye, and my home base is in Melbourne, Australia. This is my travel story. I hope you enjoy reading The Passport Sashay.

Lanai Lookout, O'ahu, Hawaii