One of the greatest things about traveling is coming home with so many amazing memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Sometimes it’s nice to physically collect something that will always remind you of your special trip. I put together a list of the best souvenirs to get while traveling. The list contains items that you can get for a friend/family member or even for yourself. I love collecting things from each country for myself and for other people too.
Postcards
Postcards are a very easy and small item to collect. This is my go to souvenir that I do for myself. I always buy a postcard at each destination I’m at and I write a letter to myself. I talk about my trip, my experience, my favorite part, etc. This is a great memory for me to look back on and reflect on good times.
Up until June 2018, I was mailing all my postcards to myself because I loved the authentic look of a postcard with a stamp. After I got back in June, I thought I never received a postcard and I was super bummed about it because I lost my souvenir/memory of Namibia. Turns out the mail fell behind the couch… (face palm) but after that happened, I decided I was just going to keep my postcards with me. It’s cheaper and easier to do it this way. Sometimes it was really hard for me to find a place that sells stamps and it can get costly.
Shot glass
This used to be my form of collecting souvenirs for myself. I loved having different kinds of shot glasses from every country I’ve been to. It was a great idea until I started traveling to a lot of places… now I have a bunch of shot glasses and don’t know what to do with them all. So right now, all my shot glasses are stored under my bed… But this can be a fun/cute souvenir to collect.
Starbucks mugs
This is a cute and great idea! If you’re a coffee drinker or likes mugs, a lot of people like to collect Starbucks mugs. The only issue with this is if you’re backpacking or traveling to a lot of places, your bag is going to get heavy! There’s also a higher change your mug might break during your transient home.
Starbucks gift cards
I recently discovered this and I LOVE it!! Starbucks has gift cards that say the city name on it. Technically, the gift card is free and you do not have to put money on it. You can just ask/take the gift card for free. Ever since I heard about this option, I’ve tried to go to multiple Starbucks and they have been sold out of city gift cards every time. So just be aware with this option – you might not always get one in every city you’re in.
Currency
I also do this option and love collecting currency from each place I’ve been to. I like to collect the smallest bill (or whatever bill I end up liking) and a small coin. The issue with this option is sometimes the smallest bill is a lot of money and it can add up!
Pins
A lot of people like to collect pins. It’s small and easy to collect. It might be hard to find pins everywhere you go though.
Artwork
It doesn’t always have to be big piece artwork. It can also be small sizes like postcard size. I’ve collected a few artwork from around the world and I love it! Artwork can be costly though so make sure you’re aware that this option isn’t the cheapest souvenir.
Boarding passes
This is also easy to do! You’re going to be flying back home or to other destinations so you will always receive a boarding pass (unless you do a mobile boarding pass). This is easy to do and it’s free! When you collect all your boarding passes, you can make a beautiful scrapbook with them all in it.
Key chains
Key chains are also a nice souvenir that you can do. Personally, I don’t know what you’d do with all those key chains. I prefer to do something with my souvenir so I don’t like getting key chains.
Magnets
I usually collect magnets for my uncle and aunt! They love magnets so I try to get them a magnet when I go on vacation. There’s usually always a store that sells magnets so this will be an easy souvenir to find!
Maps
Maps are also a great souvenir. I’m old fashion and loves physical maps instead of using my GPS on my phone. It depends where you are, but most likely, your map will be free. You can get a map from your hostel or hotel. They usually have maps for their guests. If not, you can try and find a tourist office and get a free map there.
Coasters
Every time you get a drink at a bar you usually get a coaster. This is a fun souvenir to get, but it also generally does not have the city or country on it. If you’re a big drinker, this may be a fun souvenir to start collecting.
Any momento!
Of course you can get anything that reminds you of the special place you’re at. I also do this option since I love collecting things that remind me of a certain place. I know a lot of people who have a wall dedicated to different momentos from around the world. It’s a nice variety and means something to each place.
What’s your favorite thing to collect while traveling?
Leave a Reply