Girl Drawing Pad Road Trip Concept
“I used to be the traveler who brought home a suitcase full of souvenirs from every tourist trap. You know the ones: shot glasses, keychains, fridge magnets and a few figurines,” says Michael Donovan, travel expert and co-founder of StayNewEngland.com said Forbes. “But when I went home and unloaded everything, none of it brought back the romance of the places I had been. They just felt like junk, with no deeper meaning.”
“I’ve found that the most memorable keepsakes don’t take up a lot of space or cost a lot of money,” Donovan added. “The best keepsakes capture the true essence and spirit of your adventures through experiences, not material possessions, and these days I’m much more careful about what I bring home.”
Looking for inspiration for intangible souvenirs which are rather more meaningful than the stuff you’d find in the typical tourist shop? Here are some thoughtful suggestions from frequent travelers who wish to take a more minimalist approach to creating memories while abroad:
Touching photographs
“Photographs are undoubtedly at the top of my list of favorite souvenirs. Rather than snapping randomly, I try to get a few poignant shots that capture the heart of my experiences,” said Donovan. “An elderly gentleman playing chess in a park in Havana. The warm hues of a Tuscan sunrise… These images have become emotional reminders of the moments that really moved me. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words – and a thousand memories.”
Digital souvenirs
“With today’s technology, it’s easy to capture snippets of video on our phones while we travel, and then stitch them together into a short, shareable film when we return,” said Donovan. “The videos let me relive those experiences in such a vivid way. I stitch together scenes of bustling markets, locals going about their daily routine, breathtaking views – anything that captures the full feeling of the destination. It’s like capturing the entire atmosphere in a bottle.”
Recipes
“Food is a great conversation starter and a way to network – I’ve gotten recommendations and recipes from taxi drivers, hotel receptionists and even other travelers,” said Malia Yoshioka, freelance author and founding father of Shoyu sugar“I always carry a small notebook with me and by writing down some steps or ingredients of a recipe, I can really interact with the locals, even if there is a language barrier. Google Translate and hand gestures help a lot!”
Playlist with songs
“When I travel, I like to use the Shazam app to find out what song is playing when I’m in a place where the music grabs me,” Yoshioka said. “For example, if there’s a pop song I played a lot on my trip, or a song I caught during a memorable meal at a restaurant, or something the DJ puts on that gets the crowd singing along. I add them to a playlist and use that when I’m back home and reminisce about my trip.”
Language lessons
“When you travel to different places, you meet new people who speak different languages, and you can then learn a few words or phrases in the language of the people you meet,” says Hans Mast, a travel agent at Travel suggestions from Golden Rule. “This can be a useful souvenir that connects you to their culture and way of life. Language lessons can come in many forms, such as audio books, audio recordings, or even online courses. It all depends on how interested you are in learning the language.”
Handwritten diaries or sketchbooks
Some travelers like to jot down down their memories. “Keeping a handwritten journal or sketchbook while traveling can be a personal and meaningful way to remember the trip,” says Mast. “Writing down your feelings, observations and artistic creations can help you remember the times and feelings you had on your trip.”
Donate to a local people organization
“Consider making an intangible gift during your visit by donating to a local community organization,” suggested Whitney Smith, marketing director at Tourism care“This way you can be a mindful visitor and support the destinations and people even after you leave.”
According to Smith, donations often include annual update letters, weekly newsletters or other communications that keep you informed of the organization and community’s progress. “Regular updates allow you to witness changes, see the community grow and remember your time there,” she said.
