The Souvenirs You Should Buy Whenever You’re Traveling
Everyone makes irreplaceable memories every time they travel. Still, it would help if you also had something material or concrete that you can keep as memorabilia to remind you of all the good times and adventures you’ve had in every city and country you visit. Collecting trinkets and souvenirs is a hobby that many people who are traveling have gotten used to doing. But if you need some tips on the kinds of items you should be buying from your next destination, check out this list of should consider buying.
Souvenirs That Are Worth Buying
Besides adding the souvenirs you buy and keep to your collection of travel memorabilia, it’s also a good way to support the local communities that rely on tourism to earn a living. While some of the items they sell are still made of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, more local artisans and craft-makers are becoming more choosing to make eco-friendly and sustainable products. These are the items you should prioritize buying with your cash or using your prepaid debit cards, as they will be worth it. Here are some others you should also consider:
- Postcards
Postcards are one of the most popular souvenirs that people buy as they serve more than one purpose – they can be mailed out, and you can keep them as part of your collection. If you choose to mail them out, it would be appreciated by your friends and family who are old souls and love doing things like it’s not yet the digital age. There are also websites like postcrossing.com where you can create an account and a profile, so you can send and receive postcards from strangers all over the world. It’s a cool way to connect to people and make use of the souvenirs you buy.
- Local art
Supporting art, in general, is a good way to help artists, especially those who are financially struggling. Not only will you be giving them money with every purchase, but you’re also giving them more reasons to keep doing what they are passionate about. A city’s local art community is essential to keep a place looking vibrant and colorful, after all. When you get home, you would have something to hang on your walls or out on your coffee tables. It could be a conversation starter every time you have some friends over.
- Scents
Perfumes and colognes with a scent from a city you just visited are perfect for nostalgia for the place you visit every time you smell them. It could be incense, potpourri, or some scented candles. It is scientifically proven that scents trigger detailed memories and emotions every time you smell something you can relate to from your past travels. So, having something like these items from the places where you’ve been to is a perfect way to relive your adventures in them.
- Wearables
Anything you can wear is also another perfect souvenir from the places you’ve traveled to, like some scarves, shirts, handkerchiefs, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, etc. If you’re going to buy these kinds of products, make sure you choose the ones made from materials, fabrics, and textiles by the local communities so you can truly bring home something memorable from your trip. Chances are, you will also be helping the local artists who are making them, and you can also wear them all the time when you get home.
- Magnets, patches, and pins
Of course, magnets, patches, and pins would be on this list, as they are also quite popular with tourists. They are cheap, and most of the time, they are handmade by local craft-makers and artists. When you get home, you could also put them on your refrigerator, jackets, and hats. You would be reminded of the times you spend in every place you visit every time you see them in the corners of your house.
- Maps
Besides being a cool souvenir from a city, maps could also help you get around when you’re in a city. Of course, you have Google Maps and GPS on your phone, but having a physical map will be reliable when you lose battery. It could be something you could pin on your wall once you get home, and it will look interesting as a decoration.
Support The Souvenirs Culture
Since many cities and countries suffered losses from the lockdowns and travel restrictions due to the pandemic, supporting the local sellers of these products would be a good way to help them get back on their feet. It would be a huge favor for them, and you could also take something cool to add to your collection.
