As someone who travels often, souvenir shopping is a key part of every trip. However, I am not a tchotchke collector so collecting random shit memorabilia from far off places isn’t something that I find of value (in other words you won’t see me buying a collector spoon anytime soon). My approach to souvenir shopping is a bit more useful and local. Here are my tips to for bringing back tokens that will evoke great memories.
- Local goodies. Items locally made by artisans are my favorite things to bring home. Coconut candy made by a local shop keeper from a road side stand in Costa Rica…I’ll take two please. Handmade pottery to display on a bookshelf that needs a little sprucing up… let me find some bubble wrap. I really try to spend money on locally made items; not only are they authentic they support local economies.
- Rare finds. I like to find unique items that I cannot buy back at home. Tierenteyn-Verlent mustard isn’t something I’m going to find at my local 7-11 or even Whole Foods. Items that are sealed or in jars will fare best. Items like candy, mustards, jams, oils and hot sauces are great items to bring home and taste later.
- Cheese. Domestically and internationally you can bring back cheese (make sure to check customs regulations before doing this). The selection of cheeses in Europe is grand and you will find varieties from local fromageries you will never find back home. I even do this in the US. Every time I go to California I bring back Cowgirl Creamery Cheese. I’m addicted to their Red Hawk triple cream. I tend to buy hard cheeses that will keep without refrigeration. But if I do buy soft cheese I just pack it on ice in a soft pack cooler bag. I have carried cheese on ice for several day with no damage. Ziplock bags are great to pack. They will keep the cheese away from any water that might result from ice melting.
- Wine, beer and other sprits. Even if your trip is not focused on imbibing, bringing back a local spirt is a wonderful way to reminisce about a great past vacation. I highly recommended purchasing a Wine Check Bag if you travel frequently and like to bring back liquids. Charlie and I each have one. We have been working on stocking our cellar with great finds from around the world. To this day we have not broken a bottle using our Wine Check bags.
- Great Photos. You will look at your photos over and over again. Beyond anything you can buy when you’re traveling, equip yourself with a good camera and a bunch of memory cards before taking off.
- Post vacation slump. I love brining back a taste of what I loved. Returning to work is a little less painful when you start your day with a delicacy from where you just travel from. This spelt bread was amazing at home.
When you travel what items do you like to bring back home?
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