Travel opens the door to so many new life experiences, stories, people, and memories you won't want to forget...and you don't have to! If you're looking for ways to commemorate these special memories for years to come, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll be sharing six ways to pay tribute to your travels in meaningful, beautiful ways.

1. Find your signature souvenir

Souvenirs are a great way to remember your travels from around the world, but you also have to be smart with your money when you travel. For some, this could involve cutting back on the things you haul back home, like souvenirs, for example. The good news is, with a little forethought and planning, you can still score some cool souvenirs and make your collection even more special. How, you ask? Find your signature souvenir!

Your signature souvenir is just an item that you try to find on each trip you go on, like a collectible. Magnets, jewelry, wine, clothing, and flea market finds are great examples of signature souvenirs. By choosing just one item to focus on, you can build and even display a thoughtful collection of all your travels and easily look back on your favorite memories. Plus, items like clothing and jewelry are great conversation-starters your friends, family, and colleagues will love to share!

2. Create your own keepsakes

If you're not into souvenir-hunting while you're traveling the world, why not make your own keepsakes at home? It's easier than you might think and there are tons of ways to do it! Check out these creative ideas for inspiration.

  • Create your own custom picture ornaments with your favorite photos from the year's travels. Make one annually to commemorate each year's adventures - they make great gifts, too.

  • Make a scrapbook out of the trip's best photos and include quotes, special moments, and more to make it even better!

  • Collect crafty items like beads or yarn from your travels and commit to making a handmade piece to remember your trip by. The best part? While you're crafting away, you can reflect on all of the fun and eye-opening adventures you had. 

3. Define a trip hashtag

Traveling in a group? Make up your own trip hashtag so that everyone can share photos on social and easily look back at your memories even after the trip is long gone. Another idea: create a shared photo album on your iPhone so you and your travel mates can easily swap pics before posting!

4. Send a holiday card

Holiday cards are a fun tradition and an awesome way to keep in touch with family and friends near and far. Travel is the perfect theme for your annual card-just remember to get a photo with your whole crew, ideally in front of an iconic monument or unique setting. Then, have your holiday card printed, and send! 

If you want to go the extra mile, add a little text to your card with some travel stories to share with your loved ones.

5. Make a vlog to document your trip

Documenting your travel experiences in real-time is the perfect way to keep your best memories close to your heart, especially if you're traveling with your significant other, family, or friends! What's more, making a vlog is easier than ever, thanks to cell phone cameras and social media. You can either choose to post your vlog as you go or compile all of your shots into a single movie with music, editing, and all.

Pro-Tip: Don't forget to write down where each shot was taken so that you can add captions with the date and location in your final product.

6. Launch a travel blog

Travel blogs are a great way to not only connect with other travelers but also to record and remember your adventures. You can write your blog diary style and describe day to day journeys, focus on how-to's and travel advice, or do a little bit of both!

Many of life's best memories are made when you're far from home, make sure those memories don't fade and complete one (or more) of the projects on this list. Enjoy!