Geocache for your souvenirs – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Our best souvenirs when vacationing have been the ones we’ve collected through geocaching. Geocaching is high-tech treasure hunt using GPS devices and satellites. Currently there are nearly 1 million locations throughout the world to visit.

The objective is to find hidden containers, or geocaches, in outdoor locations and then collect a treasure from those containers. Frequently, we get to explore part of a city we’d never ordinarily think to visit.

The treasure found in these caches may only be dollar trinkets, but the true souvenir is the adventure of trekking through the outdoors with my family.

Hit the bookstore, buy a local author – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Hit up a local bookstore for a good, unique souvenir.

Many self-published authors sell their books through the local storefront and many of those books are based in the area in which they live. The souvenir is not only unique, but it’s entertaining and lacks the gaudiness that many souvenirs display.

Plus, you may get smarter about your destination, which makes any trip more satisfying.

Photobomb your own photos with a funny character – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Let’s face it: How many souvenir t-shirts can somebody have? Most people take generic souvenir photos, as well! Think outside the “souvenir box,” and make your photos unique! How? Bring along something “unexpected” to place in the photographs — a beloved childhood character perhaps, or maybe a small stuffed animal that represents the location you’re in — and purposely photobomb your own pictures.

You can have great fun with this. Get creative, and you’ll make lots of funny memories — and probably entertain a lot of other tourists as well!

Try it sometime: WE had great fun with this idea!

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.