Love it or hate it, souvenir shopping is an integral part of many travelers’ itineraries. It’s only natural to want to bring home a special memento from your vacation to commemorate the experience and inject a piece of that travel magic into your day-to-day life. However, navigating through the overwhelming and inauthentic offerings at tourist shops can be quite a challenge.
To avoid filling your house with meaningless knickknacks, it’s worth taking a more mindful approach by selecting items that are functional or appreciated in some way. To inspire your choices, HuffPost reached out to professionals in the travel industry and asked them to share the one souvenir they always bring home. Here are their top picks:
1. An Article Of Clothing:
Gabby Beckford, a travel expert and founder of Packs Light, recommends buying clothes as souvenirs. Clothes are not only functional and practical, but they also serve as a constant reminder of the trip, helping the memories and lessons of the journey live on even when you’re at home.
2. Local Grocery Items:
Jessica van Dop DeJesus, founder and editor at The Dining Traveler, loves exploring local supermarkets and outdoor markets for unique condiments, chocolates, and wines. Rather than traditional souvenirs, she finds that food and beverage items make for more appreciated gifts for friends and family back home.
3. A Postcard:
Esther Susag, a travel blogger, always buys a postcard and writes her favorite memories on the back. This simple gesture allows her to look back and remember the small things that made each trip special.
4. A Piece Of Art:
Sean Lau, a travel blogger, believes that the best souvenirs capture the spirit of a place. He recommends seeking out local artisanal crafts that support the local economy and provide a tangible connection to the culture and traditions of the destination.
5. A Magnet:
Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer, suggests collecting magnets as souvenirs. They are affordable and serve as a great reminder of past vacations every time you open your refrigerator. Magnets also offer a wide variety of options, including states, cities, national parks, and countries.
6. A Snow Globe:
Elie Michaels, vice president of operations at Advantage Rent a Car, collects snow globes as they encapsulate the essence of the places he visits, making for perfect mementos of his adventures.
7. Local Jewelry:
For personal souvenirs, Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight alert service Going, recommends buying jewelry from local boutiques. Not only are they easily packable, but they also support the local economy in a purposeful way.
By considering these unique souvenir options, you can bring home meaningful items that truly capture the essence of your travels and serve as cherished reminders of your adventures. So the next time you’re browsing the souvenir shop, think beyond the generic trinkets and opt for something that truly speaks to you.
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