Minimalism be damned! Collecting is great. A thoughtful collection can become an amazing trove of memories.
And there’s no better collection than the one you curate while traveling! Every item holds a memory of a fabulous trip, and every time you use it, you’ll remember your amazing travels.
So what should you collect on your travels? Whatever excites you! The more personal a collection, the more meaningful it will be. But if you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s a list of some of my favorite things to collect while traveling.
#1 - Postcards
Looking for something cheap and glorious? Collect postcards! You can find them at literally every destination, and even a really nice one will probably cost you less than a dollar. Write on them to create your own mini travel journal, or paste them into scrapbooks. Whether you collect the classy ones or the cheesy ones is up to you! (It’s both. The answer is both.)
#2 - Magnets
Another cheap staple of souvenir shops is the fridge magnet! Turn your fridge into your travel journal! This is a great way to add personality to your kitchen. There’s so much variety to be found in the humble fridge magnet, so it’s a great way to build a collection with a lot of variety that still doesn’t take up a ton of space.
#3 - Tote Bags
You can never have too many tote bags! They’re such a useful thing to have around the house, and they can even double as grocery bags. (Vive la environment!) I’ve accumulated totes from all over the place, my favorites being from the Vienna State Opera House and from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore in Paris.
#4 - Mugs and Glassware
This one does require some serious kitchen storage, so it may not be for everyone. But mugs and drinkware are another common and endlessly unique souvenir. My siblings have an amazing mug collection from all the National Parks they’ve visited that I admire and envy and use extensively whenever I visit them.
#5 - Jewelry
My current favorite thing to collect on my travels is unique rings. I find the trendy local shops and pick out a unique piece! This can get expensive if you’re in the high end shopping area, but shop around the local neighborhoods and you’ll be able to find awesome pieces well inside your budget. Jewelry is easy to wear and store, and every time you wear them you’ll and remind yourself of your trip.
#6 - Crystals
We love a good witchy store here at Arts and Adventures. I love finding the local metaphysical shop and browsing. Sometimes new locations will have different tools or types of stones than I’m used to seeing. It’s fascinating to see what a new location gravitates to when they think of magic. I’ve gotten some epic stones and crystals while traveling, and they serve a dual purpose to me as both ritual tools and as vacation reminders
#7 - Books
If you’re a bibliophile, this can be a great one! I love hunting down bookstores, especially cozy used bookstores, in new cities. Whether you browse aimlessly and pick up whatever catches your eye, or you use your trip as an excuse to buy a book you’ve been wanting at a local indie bookstore, that book instantly becomes a vacation memory. Plus, indie bookstores often give you a free store bookmark when you make a purchase, so it’s like two souvenirs in one!
There are Loads of Amazing Travel Souvenirs to Collect!
What do you like collecting on your travels? Inspire me back!
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Love and Shenanigans,
Andi
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