The Story & Symbolism Behind Souvenirs with Rolf Potts

Holding on to the memories of the places we travel through souvenirs is an act of preservation. They are the physical manifestations of our travel experiences captured through the things we buy, collect, and even photograph along the way. Souvenirs are meaningful not only for ourselves, but they’re also a way of sharing those stories with others when we return home.Today, Angie Orth welcomes travel writer Rolf Potts. He has reported from more than seventy countries and six continents for publications including National Geographic Traveler, The New Yorker, Slate.com, the New York Times Magazine, and the Travel Channel. He is the author of Souvenir (Object Lessons), a book that explores the cultural history of travel souvenirs. You’ll learn the history of bringing objects home from travel journeys through the ages, and how souvenirs have evolved as access to travel has expanded and changed. You’ll hear about a Japanese-inspired tradition that imparts a deeper connection between the objects we choose and the people we gift them to, and you’ll learn how to be a more discerning shopper when it comes to selecting souvenirs. What You’ll Learn:(03:03) The definition of a souvenir(07:39) A deeper way to think about souvenirs(10:47) How photography has influenced our travel memories(14:57) Advice on choosing ethical, meaningful souvenirs(16:42) When to buy souvenirs on your tripConnect with Rolf Potts:https://rolfpotts.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rolfpotts/https://x.com/rolfpottshttps://www.facebook.com/rolf.pottsConnect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa https://clubadventures.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises