Hit the supermarket – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

The simplest and cheapest way to do your souvenir shopping is at a supermarket.

Almost anyplace you travel, there will be a traditional food, like “Vermont maple syrup” or “Scottish shortbread.” Great supermarket gifts include a specialty bottle of oil and vinegar, a local bottle of wine or alcohol, exotic spices, teas and coffee — and don’t get me started on snacks like chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts.

Your friends will be delighted to receive a box of cookies from a foreign country, and you’ll remember your trip every time you prepare some hot chocolate you purchased in Switzerland.

DON’T take lava rocks from Hawaii – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

…even small ones. Madame Pele, goddess of Hawaii’s volcanoes, has been known to reach out as far as the mainland to make you very sorry that you took her stuff.

The Hawaii Visitor’s Bureau receives rocks in the mail every day from folks who have suddenly hit a run of bad luck. Returning the rocks will get you back in the goddess’ good graces. Even the County of Maui, on their website, lists an address to where one can return the rocks they pocketed.

Buy an aloha shirt and leave Pele’s rocks alone.

Buy a cookbook – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Part of the fun of travel is eating new foods. But why restrict yourself to only eating these fabulous dishes while on vacation? If you’re impressed with the food during a trip, buy a local cookbook and a few area-specific ingredients.

When you get home, recreate your favorite dishes there. If you’re feeling like a party, invite your neighbors over and feed them, too. When they’re devouring your delicious meal, they may even be interested in hearing about your fantastic experience.

Take a mask, take some photos, send them home – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

If a close friend or family member is unable to go on a trip with you, enlarge a photograph of their face and attach a paint-stirrer to the back with duct-tape. Take pictures of you and the face in key locations on the trip, such as at monuments and attractions.

You can then send the photos to the person in a letter to remind them that they’re there in spirit! This souvenir idea is both thoughtful and frugal!

Buy a newspaper – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

You don’t have to spend a fortune to bring home a great reminder of your trip. A newspaper purchased during a trip provides a fun look into local life and can easily jog your memory.

Buy a newspaper or two and pick up free local guides whenever possible. Once home, revisit the vacation locale by browsing the weather forecast, restaurant reviews, local happenings and events, and other memorable news that occurred while you were there.

Bonus: You can share the newspapers and guides with others who have never been there but who would love to visit.