Collect hotel toiletries – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

It may seem strange, but something as simple as some hotel toiletries can be the best souvenir.

I still have my Mickey Mouse soap from the Old Key West Resort in Disney World, monoi oil from the Sheraton at Tahiti, and love using the spa quality Honey Mango Body Lotion from the Grand Wailea in Maui.

You don’t have to feel like you’re stealing as hotels want you to take those toiletries in your room, so you’ll remember the great time you had at their hotel. Plus, you paid for it in your room rate.

Do something quirky and photograph the evidence – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

The word “souvenir” means “to remember” in French, so the best souvenirs are memories. But the best memories are quirky ones.

I once knew a man who had to pour champagne on the cruise ship captain’s head on every single cruise he went on. He did this at the kick-off party for every cruise, but also did it on the night when the crew built the champagne tower — just to see if he could get away with it. This led to some incriminating photos — and captains who smelled like bubbly!

Make a game of it – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re traveling with family or friends, create a shopping contest. For example —
* Who can find the weirdest souvenir today?
* Who can find the funniest post card?
* Who can spot the best souvenir under $10?

Making a game of it can add a tradition to your trips, and provide the potential for hilarious memories. Prizes could be picking the next restaurant — or everyone buying the winner a t-shirt from the location.

Pro (solo) tip: If you’re traveling alone, you can challenge yourself in each destination and see which place provided you with the strangest or most colorful souvenir.

How to showcase beach souvenirs – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

We beach-lovers usually wind up bringing bits of driftwood, shells and pebbles home. They are all pretty, but used to wind up sitting around in plastic bags which eventually got shifted into storage. Then, about 20 years ago, a better idea dawned on me.

Now, the finds that come home — all of which I sign and annotate with the beach location and year — go into a shadow frame. Artistically arranged and glued in place, they provide a nice reminder of a pleasant vacation and bring a little unique art to the kitchen, or room of choice.

Buy quality items to decorate your home – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Don’t be tempted by cute, cheap, useless kitsch that will clutter your house. Find out what products, colors, or fabrics make your travel destination famous, and spend your money on one or two quality items that you will keep and use for years.

Decide on an item you will actually use, such as a table cloth or beautiful platter, or think about an item that will add to your home’s decor, such as a decorative bowl or painting.

Remember to consider your home’s existing color palette and style and chose something that will fit in.