Souvenir & Far

23/11/2024

✨ Sips of Venice, Artfully Poured ✨

Welcome to our favorite cocktail bar in Venice - where each drink is more than a cocktail; it’s a masterpiece. Nestled inside a luxurious hotel, every concoction here is inspired by a different room, blending the flavors of art, history, and imagination into every glass. From a shimmering gold Martini reflecting the indomitable spirit of a Countess to a smoky Old Fashioned echoing the library’s timeless charm, this is where mixology meets magic.
Which room (or drink) speaks to your soul? 🍸🎨🌍

Do you want to spend hours and hours researching, clicking websites, reading customer reviews, compiling lists of where to go, where to stay, where to eat…. Or WOULD YOU RATHER delegate and have a true travel professional be in charge and take this off your plate? 

Don’t trust your travels to random reviews on TripAdvisor. “Bob from Oklahoma” does not know you personally, doesn’t plan and execute hundreds of trips a year, hasn’t seen each hotel and each room, hasn’t test-driven dozens of activities, doesn’t have a dedicated team on the ground, and is not a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist, nor a Forbes 5* endorsed agency like Souvenir & Far is. (Maybe someday, Bob!)



21/11/2024

Trying to decide where to travel in 2025? Here is our chart to help you find YOUR destination - https://mailchi.mp/souvenirandfar.com/destination_chart

21/11/2024

✨ Wanderlust calling? We’ve got your next adventure mapped out - literally! 🗺️ Whether you’re craving cozy Christmas markets, a tropical escape, or a bucket-list safari, our ultimate travel chart has you covered.

💡 Pick your trip based on the season and your vibe: Culture, Nature, Hot, Cold—there’s something for everyone.

So, where to next? Comment your dream destination below, and let’s make it happen! 🌎✈️

20/11/2024

Dreaming of Africa? Picture it: breathtaking landscapes, legendary wildlife, wine tasting, incredible shopping, and sunsets! 

But let’s get real—this isn’t a trip you DIY. Africa is vast, layered, and complex, with logistics that would make even Google Maps break a sweat. You could spend weeks (or months!) piecing together tips from “Bob in Oklahoma” on TripAdvisor, but does Bob know his Big Five from his birds? Doubtful.

Let Souvenir & Far take the reins.  We have trusted connections and expert partners on the ground who know Africa inside out. From the safari of a lifetime to a quiet moment under the stars, we’re here to craft an unforgettable experience. This is what we do, all day, every day.

Take our Africa quiz 📝to narrow down the options from a gazillion to just a few.  Deciding where to go in Africa can feel like trying to choose a favorite child (good luck with that!) Once you’ve tackled the quiz, you’ll discover what “type” of Africa traveler you are. Are you climbing Kilimanjaro, scouring the crafts market, or sipping coffee in your robe on the hotel balcony?  Either way, there’s no wrong answer.

Your journey is a big investment, so let’s make it spectacular. You bring the curiosity, we’ll bring the magic.

19/11/2024

☀️🌿 Just Booked! Two stunning retreats where luxury meets nature. Perfect for family adventures filled with mountain views, outdoor fun, and moments to unwind. 🏞️✨ Ready for some fresh air and even fresher memories?

17/11/2024

You have a fresh calendar, ready to be filled with journeys to places you've only dreamed about. From the Andes to Zanzibar, let Souvenir & Far make 2025 a year of new horizons with this guide to the top destinations.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/elizabethdequillacq/travel/articles/the-12-best-places-to-travel-in-2025

12/11/2024

Take our Africa quiz to plan the "perfect" trip - https://mailchi.mp/souvenirandfar.com/africa

09/11/2024

Slovenia is the sweetheart of “under the radar” European destinations. One reason is the handicrafts. Step into Slovenia’s world of artisanship at Center Rog, a historic factory on the Ljubljanica River that transformed into Europe’s largest maker space. Discover artistry in every corner of this unique destination.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/elizabethdequillacq/travel/articles/store-bought-is-inot-i-fine-a-guide-to-handcrafted-goods-in-slovenia

Image: Center Rog Archive

09/11/2024

Just booked! Endless outdoor adventures, five-star wellness amenities, and world-class food.

27/10/2024

Souvenir & Far clients LOVE fabulous hotels! More is more at these over the top hotels that are doing the most with design.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/elizabethdequillacq/travel/articles/more-is-more-at-these-maximalist-hotels

22/10/2024

We've planned many trips to Madeira for our clients and here's why: Madeira is called "The Island of Eternal Spring,” where blue skies, floral-scented breezes, and mountainous landscapes create a year-round paradise. Perfect for hiking, boating, shopping, and eating delicious meals. Plus, there are several gorgeous hotels, full of history, charm, and indulgent luxury.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/elizabethdequillacq/travel/articles/heres-why-madeira-is-called-the-island-of-eternal-spring

Image: Clara Tuma

21/10/2024

18/10/2024

✈️Let me tell you why having the right travel advisor is more than just convenient—it’s a game-changer for your trips! 🌍 Sure, anyone can hop online and click “book now,” but if you want more than just a bed and a buffet, here’s where a real travel expert steps in.

Imagine arriving at your destination and being greeted by name, whisked past lines, upgraded to the best room, and handed a complimentary spa credit or maybe even a bottle of champagne. 🏝️✨ Sounds pretty sweet, right? Hidden gems that only a handful of people know about? Oh, absolutely. 📍💎That’s the kind of experience you get when your travel advisor has firsthand knowledge and insider connections. We’re talking VIP treatment that “Bob from Oklahoma” on TripAdvisor simply can’t provide. 💼

But it’s not just about perks (although those are nice). A true expert handles everything for you—anticipating problems, navigating last-minute changes, and ensuring that every detail is perfect. So you can just relax and enjoy your time. No wondering if you’ll be stuck with the “garden view” (which is really the parking lot).

At Souvenir & Far, my team and I live for this. We’ve traveled the world, forged relationships, and tested out the best spots, so you don’t have to. Want to know which hotel in Paris has the best Eiffel Tower view and is close to the best croissants? 🥐We got it. Need a resort in the Maldives that’s family-friendly and has a kids’ club with a marine biologist? We know the one.

💡So when it comes time to plan your next getaway, don’t leave it up to chance. choose an advisor who’s passionate, experienced, and has the hookups to turn your trip from ordinary to unforgettable. 🌟🌍Spoiler alert: that’s us.

15/10/2024

Did you know that Souvenir & Far is a yacht and catamaran specialist? We have the deep knowledge and connections to expertly help you select and reserve the one that best suits your requests. A crewed yacht charter is the BEST way to see multiple islands, instead of just one. Every day brings a new adventure, beautiful bay, beach, and island to discover! Your personal chef and crew will tailor make fabulous meals and cocktails. With complete privacy, you won’t have to stress about crowded beaches and fighting for a lounger. All the water toys - from sea bob scooters to eFoil boards, kayaks and paddle boards- are ready for you at your whim. This is a great option for families, couples, birthday celebrations, or girls trips!

Fun fact: the term “yacht” applies to both sailboats and power boats meant for cruising or private use.

15/10/2024

Souvenir & Far has access to the best guides in the business, not available to the general public. The right guide can help our clients partake in traditional Sufi ceremonies, shop souks, venture into the Middle Atlas foothills, and more in Fez.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/elizabethdequillacq/travel/articles/fez-city-opens-doors-to-the-real-morocco

Image: Korena Bolding

14/10/2024

Did you know that “Monk with a Slingshot” was the original company name for Souvenir & Far?  Terrible, right?!?! And heck, why?!?!  Because I wanted to build a company that helped my clients make travel memories and have experiences that bonded people together.  So who is that monk with a slingshot, you ask?  

While traveling with my family in Cambodia, we were visiting a monastery high in the mountains.  A troop of aggressive monkeys charged toward us and we were terrified.  I held little 5-year-old Ambroise over my head; Madeline climbed a tree (oops), Theo yelled his heart out, and Gontran charged them back. We were all so scared and crying until this peaceful monk came out and calmly raised his slingshot and fired away, scaring the monkeys away.  This guardian angel monk walked with us all the way down the mountain keeping the threatening primates at bay.  Of course I’m being overly dramatic, but the event is one we still laugh about. I even had t-shirts made for the family!   

However, building a company based on an unpleasant experience wasn’t quite right, but the “memory” or “souvenir” part was.  In addition, the destination can be near or far.  Thus the birth of Souvenir & Far (Get it? Memories + near and far!)

This trip also got us a huge spread in USA Today, and sparked career ideas for Madeline when she got to meet the US Ambassador to Cambodia. Theo  embraced exotic foods. Ambroise, however, did not develop a love of eating tarantulas :)

Thank you to the Souvenir & Far clients who allow me and my team to follow our passion every single day.  Thank you for your trust.

12/10/2024

From Washington, DC to Nigeria to Tanzania - my daughter (AKA “the Souvenir &Far unpaid intern”) is making the world a better place 🌍 xoxo