Travel Advice: Souvenirs and Shopping

A common pitfall of travel is feeling a bit of guilt over not being able to bring everyone with you. To assuage this guilt most people will resort to buying souvenirs for those back home. Unfortunately this often results in overloaded luggage and additional stress over the search for something "just right" for everyone on your list. The distance traveled shouldn't dictate your shopping activity. You might find a perfect gift for someone at the local craft market just as well as halfway around the world.

Over the years we've developed a simple strategy.

• Don't make a list.
• Leave the guilt at home.
• If you find something that screams "Aunt Susan" or "Cousin Bill" then buy it and don't think twice about who you "forgot" this trip.

I've purchased books for a first cousin, once removed (my Mom's first cousin, to be precise) as well as a graduation gift (8 months before the event) for the daughter of a close friend while in London. We've purchased Christmas tree ornaments in Uruguay for a half-dozen relatives at once, and scallop shells from Santiago de Compostela for a minister friend.

Most of the people I know would rather have something meaningful and thoughtful than another random trinket you felt obligated to deliver that will only collect dust. First, they'll be pleased to know that you thought of them during your travels. They'll also be appreciative that you have paid attention in the past to know enough to select a thoughtful gift. Finally (hopefully?) they'll gain some enjoyment from the practicality of the gift.

We've adopted a similar policy when looking for mementos for ourselves. My wife likes to collect Christmas ornaments from places we've visited, as they're a reminder of our adventures each year when we decorate the tree. Other than that, we seek out things that we can use on a daily basis. A set of leather drink coasters from Uruguay, a hand-carved wooden tray for pocket change from Jamaica, woolen scarves from Scotland, and a cap from London are good examples. A blanket from Mexico can make a fantastic ground cover for the beach or a picnic, but that huge sombrero that seemed like a good idea after your fourth margarita in Cozumel isn't likely to see much use. 

My wife is a quilter and a knitter, so she looks for fabrics and yarns unique to an area, then she can incorporate those in a project at some point in the future. Don't overlook the possibility of a "make your own" souvenir possibility if you're a creative person!

T-shirts can be great, but go for quality over quantity. I have shirts from trips we took 25 years ago that are a bit faded, but in excellent condition otherwise. I also have shirts from 10 years ago that are no longer suitable for use as rags to clean the windows.

A little thought and consideration will not only avoid unneeded stress, it will also elevate your status among your recipients. We've found that quality over quantity and frequency is much appreciated.