The beauty of traveling is that you get to visit exotic locations and experience new and exciting adventures. A souvenir is a perfect remembrance of a trip you have recently enjoyed. So that you won’t be wasting your hard-earned cash, here are the top 5 things you must buy before you head home.
5 Things You Must Take From A Place You Visit
Local Liquor
Let’s start off the list with something quite pricey. Locally made liquor is the perfect keepsake when you travel. There are special liquors around the world that capture the true spirit of its makers. Perfect examples are scotch from Scotland, sake from Japan, lambanog from the Philippines, and rum from Puerto Rico. You can’t go wrong with an authentic bottle of these liquors. Opt for brands that are well-known and you may want to try the sampler pack for a more affordable souvenir.
Handmade Souvenir
Which one would you rather spend money on: a factory-made item or one that was painstakingly handcrafted by local artisans? Choosing to buy a handmade souvenir is also known as sustainable tourism since you are lending a helping hand in supporting locally produced goods. Each country has its own unique handmade souvenir you can take home. For example, in Thailand, there is a wooden umbrella, the Delft flower vase from the Netherlands, and leather goods from Italy.
Something You Collect
Everyone has something they are fond of collecting. It may be a hobby of yours or simply something you enjoy doing, but certainly, there must be a particular item you like buying. Opt for the local version of such an item. The affordability and convenience of buying an item that you are very fond of is unmatched! Other examples include postcards, magnets, and keychains.
Christmas Ornaments
Here is a unique souvenir idea: buy a Christmas ornament from the country you are visiting! Each country celebrates the holidays in its own special way and surely they will be selling a one-of-a-kind decoration that you can take home with you. If you are lucky enough to visit Europe during the fall season, you will be in for a treat: there are Christmas markets in the streets that sell locally made decorations.
Artwork
Who doesn’t love a wonderful piece of art? While this souvenir can be pricey, it is definitely worth every penny! Check out street artists or visit a local art gallery and see if any of their work catches your attention. If you plan to buy for family and friends too, buy smaller pieces of canvas. If you are buying from the same artist or shop, ask for a cheaper or bundle price. You can also check out local thrift markets for a more special and much affordable option. Make sure you know how to haggle! Buy the canvas only so it can be easily packed in your suitcase. This is one souvenir that you know you will be the only person who has one!
Artwork
The Takeaway
Remember that souvenirs are items that will remind you of the fun times you had in a particular place. Each souvenir you buy should be meaningful and express the way you felt during your stay in a new country. It can be easy to be tempted to buy all sorts of things when you travel so make sure that you have a budget you are willing to follow. Locally made items are always expensive to a certain degree, especially when it is handmade. Be prepared to spend a larger amount but at least you will take home with you a piece of a memory worth remembering.