Travel has always been a big love of mine, second only to home organization. I find it to be a source of inspiration and the best way to relax when I’m able to take a few days off. 

Immersing myself in different cultures has taught me so much about people, traditions and our relationship to material things and to one another.  

I can even say that it was on a trip to Cambodia that I had a realization that what matters are our relationships, memories, experiences and people, not things that bring us ultimate joy. I didn’t know it back then, but this realization was to become a huge part of my journey later on. 

Travel and the Joy of Sharing Memories

The story of my travel guides begins with a simple gesture on my wedding day. 

I wanted to create something memorable, personal, and useful for our guests, so I had the idea to gift luggage tags as wedding favors. 

Inside each, I tucked away a little booklet showcasing my husband and I’s favorite travel spots. 

This personal touch, born out of love and the joy of sharing, became one of the most talked-about details of our celebration.

Planning a vacation soon? Read this: Guide to Staying Organized While You Travel

A Personal Touch to Holiday Gifting

Following the success of our wedding favors, I was inspired to expand on the idea. 

That Christmas, and every year after, I curated a guide filled with new travel recommendations. 

It became a delightful way of sharing our journeys, tales of where we had been, the tastes we’d discovered, and the sights we’d witnessed.

A Guide for Friends and Family

So popular were these tales that they evolved into a staple, the Christina’s & Jason’s Travel Guide, delighting our friends and family for over five years. 

Looking back, it’s amusing to see the seeds of my love for organization even in these early ventures.

Don’t know what to bring back from your travels? I share my ideas for the best souvenirs in this post. 

Sharing Our Favorite Adventures

Now, with more than a decade of travel behind us, I’m eager to share some of our favorite destinations:

Machu Picchu, Peru

Stay: Opt for boutique lodgings for a personal touch.

Do: Embrace the history on the Inca Trail.

Eat: Dive into traditional Peruvian flavors.

See: Experience the breathtaking sunrise at the Sun Gate.

Lake Como, Italy

Stay: Mandarin Oriental for an unmatched experience.

Do: Take a leisurely boat ride on the calm waters.

Eat: Dive into Italian cuisine, tasting classics like Risotto.

See: Explore the lush Villa Carlotta gardens.

Mpumalanga province, South Africa

Stay: The Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.

Do: Day and night safari drives.

Eat: Experience the traditional Braai.

See: Wildlife, including the iconic Big Five.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Stay: In a classic Riad.

Do: Explore the lively souks of Marrakech.

Eat: Relish dishes like Tagine.

See: The endless landscapes of the Sahara.

Seville, Spain

Stay: Find a cozy Bed and Breakfast in Seville.

Do: Lose yourself in a live flamenco performance.

Eat: Savor the variety of Tapas and classic Paella.

See: Marvel at Seville’s architectural gems like the Seville Cathedral.

Read this before you set out on your next adventure: 5 Effective Ways To Stay Organized While Traveling

Cherishing Moments, the Sustainable Way

All these destinations are tailored for families, ensuring shared memories for everyone. 

And as I ponder over our travels, I realize the true value of our travel guides. 

They are more than just memories. 

They are my way of cherishing our journeys without the weight of countless souvenirs. 

Through this simple arts and crafts project, I found a sustainable method to relive our adventures, holding close to the essence while letting go of the material.

Starting Your Own Memory-Keeping Tradition

If my story resonated with you, why not embark on your own journey of preserving memories?

It doesn’t have to be grand or to take a lot of time. A simple notebook dedicated to jotting down memorable moments from each trip, favorite dishes tasted, or even just the joy of watching a sunset in a new city can be so rewarding. 

For the tech-savvy among us, a digital slideshow, curated annually, can be a great way to relive and share your adventures during family gatherings. 

It’s not about the format, but the sentiment behind it.

Looking for more unique ideas to keep your travel memories organized? Read this post about How to Organize Your Travel Photos in 2023

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a unique tradition of cherishing your travel memories? 

Or perhaps a sustainable way of reliving those precious moments without the clutter? Share your stories with me on Instagram. And share this article with a loved one you’d like to start this tradition with! 

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