There are plenty of ways to bring something back from your travels, but there are a few options that better support the local economy, environment, and culture that I think you should consider.
Local art
One of my favorite things to do while I’m wandering a city is to find a local artist painting or drawing. Usually they have a couple other pieces on their person that you can make an offer on. In Barcelona, I saw a watercolor artist painting and he happened to have a piece from Casa Batllo drying beside him. I asked if it was for sale and he told me it wasn’t finished. I said I loved it how it was and he said I could have it for 10 euros. It’s now part of a gallery wall in my dining room. It was small, easy to transport home, and now I have a unique story about it. I supported a local artist and I know it wasn’t shipped in from China.
Long-term functionality
Instead of buying something I’ll set on a shelf or store in a box, I like purchasing things I’ll wear or use every day or week. For example, in Edinburgh I purchased a cute pair of hexagon earrings that I knew I’d wear since my company’s logo is a hexagon. They don’t say Scotland on them anywhere, they are just a small pair of gold studs, but I know I got them on a trip and they can remind me of that adventure when I wear them to work. And when coworkers ask me where I got them, it’s fun to share the story. Pack light and plan to go shopping; you never know what fun stores you’ll find that aren’t available in your area.
Consumables
I always bring home food, drinks, and toiletries from my trips. I have discovered some of my favorites are only available in certain countries. Ahh, paprika Pringles! Getting to share these treats with friends when I return is a blast.
We have a fun tradition of getting together with friends when we return for a goofy photo slideshow while we drink wine from the trip. Nothing like drinking Croatian wine while viewing photos of that gorgeous place! We once brought home nine bottles of alcohol with no incidents. The professional strategy is to pack the giant Ziplocs with you. Each bottle gets zipped and rolled in it’s on bag, then rolled in by bulkiest sweaters and jeans, before getting packed in the inside bottom of my backpack or suitcase. You do have to check your bag on the way home, but it’s worth it!
As a way to save room on the way to our destinations, I also don’t pack many toiletries. We rely on our hotel or Airbnb to provide soap and shampoo, but if they don’t, we will stop by a local drug store to pick up a small bottle of whatever we need. And since we’re checking our bag on the way home, we just send those things home. Just another way to prolong the travel high if you are still using Japanese shampoo for a couple weeks.
Photos and writings
One of the best ways to preserve your memories is to take photographs and journal during your trip. Make time prior to leaving to learn how to best use your camera, make sure you have plenty of storage space, and pack a small journal and pen if you aren’t bringing your computer. Taking a moment to pause to get the shot just right, or take notes about what you are seeing or feeling in a place can be a beautiful way to continue enjoying your vacation long after you’ve returned. It also forces you to slow down and really take in your surroundings when it’s too easy to rush to the next museum or attraction.
Bonus: We love attending concerts when we travel. The absolute best souvenir is a song randomly playing years later from a band you first discovered abroad. Some of my favorites have even toured my hometown and seeing them live again brings me so much joy. The East Pointers, Stu Larsen, Krrum, Lavengro, Ian Britt, and so many more of my favorites came to me this way.
If you already have an extensive collection of shot glasses or magnets or ornaments from each of your trips, keep doing that. But if you don’t and are just looking for your next souvenir, consider a couple alternatives. Are you really going to use or display the item year round or is it going to end up in a box somewhere?