The Shoevenir Community & Their Inspiring Journeys

Maria's New York State of Mind

I can luckily say that traveling is not even a hobby anymore, as I treat it as a side hustle and a self-care activity. But in between all the amazing places I got to visit so far I think the one that turned me into a different person was New York City. I was planning on going alone as my friends did not have the time nor the money at the time being to go on this trip with me. But I had both and this was my dream trip so I had to go. When I told my parents they almost had a heart attack (I was 23) and my mom made my dad buy plane tickets and come with me to make sure I arrived home in one piece. Secretly, I think she was afraid I wouldn’t want to come back at all. It was everything I expected it to be and more, Times Square did smell awful, the pollution was visible with a naked eye and they did play NY State of Mind in the boat around the statue of liberty. However, the energy is irreplaceable, the inspiration burst I felt unparalleled and the amount of money I spent colossal, and I don’t regret a thing, except for maybe leaving the Whitney for a ‘next time visit’ because it was out of my way.

 

 

Marta's Ferry Faux Pas in Corfu

This photo was taken last year during a family trip. We were visiting Albania but took a day trip to Corfu, in Greece. It was such a fabulous day, but with all the fun we were having, we ended up having a late dinner at a restaurant with the most beautiful sunset view. Long story short: we almost missed our ferry, and the worst part was that I mistook another boat for ours and started running and shouting “Wait!!!” after the wrong one as it was leaving.

 

 

Introducing Liam and the Olive Groves of Puglia

For me, travel is about slowing down and truly soaking in the local rhythm. Last spring, I spent an incredible week in Puglia. The days went by at such a pleasantly slow pace, wandering through ancient olive groves, the air thick with the scent of blossoms and sun-baked earth. One afternoon, I stumbled upon a tiny, family-run masseria where they were making their own olive oil. We shared fresh bread dipped in their golden, peppery liquid, and I felt this incredible connection to the land and its people. My Shoevenirs were perfect for those dusty paths and charming cobblestone streets – comfortable enough for hours of exploration, stylish enough to feel like I belonged with the italian people. Puglia wasn't about ticking off sights; it was about savoring the simple beauty and the warmth of human connection. That taste of fresh olive oil under the Italian sun? That's a memory I'll carry with me always.

 

 

Sofia's Madrid Moments Under a Fiery Sky

Madrid surprised me. I went expecting grand boulevards and famous museums, which it definitely has, but what truly captivated me was its vibrant heart. One evening, after a day spent wandering through the Retiro Park and getting lost in the many neighborhoods, I found myself on a rooftop bar as the sun began to set. The sky was in these incredible shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the entire city. There was music, laughter, and this palpable sense of joie de vivre. In that moment, overlooking the terracotta rooftops, I felt completely alive and connected to the energy of Madrid. It wasn't just a beautiful sunset; it was the feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be. I can't wait to go back and explore even more of its hidden corners.

 

 

Euan's Highland Hike in the Scottish Mist

There's a rugged beauty to the Scottish Highlands that just gets under your skin. Last autumn, I took a solo trip, armed with my trusty Shoevenirs, and spent days hiking through these dramatic landscapes. One morning, I found myself enveloped in this mist as I climbed a hillside. The world felt so ancient, with only the sound of my own breathing and the occasional bleating of a distant sheep. Then, as the mist began to lift, the view unfolded – rolling green hills, lochs shimmering in the soft light, and a sense of vastness that was both humbling and exhilarating. It wasn't a postcard-perfect sunny day, but that raw, atmospheric beauty was unforgettable. That feeling of solitude and connection to the wild, untamed beauty of Scotland? That's what travel is all about for me.

We hope these stories ignite your own sense of adventure and remind you that every journey, big or small, leaves its mark. Where have your Shoevenirs taken you? We'd love to hear your tales!