I like to bring back souvenirs from my trips. With this goal always in mind, I’ve started collecting bookmarks. Some of the advantages of bookmarks are that they’re small, usually made of paper, and they weigh practically nothing. And since I like to read books, these become souvenirs that I actually use. This keeps them from ending up forgotten (well, semi-forgotten) in a shoebox.
Some of the bookmarks that I’ve collected are from places where souvenirs are sold. Others were displayed with pamphlets and area maps (the kind with advertising on them). The latter type of bookmark comes in handy while I’m visiting a place because it will have a telephone number, street address and website information on it. And later on, it makes a fine souvenir.
When I visited Orléans, France last spring, I found a bookmark featuring Joan of Arc. Now this was something that made a great souvenir! In fact I’m using it now, so I get to remember being in France every time I pick up the book I’m reading. And for me that’s the point of a souvenir. I would say this bookmark is just right.
Here’s a few more…
Meg Travels 
A Bookmark collection is a good idea – I might join you!
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I would definitely recommend it!
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Great idea :)
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Thanks. It helps that I like small, simple souvenirs!
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These bookmarks are great. I used to collect T shirts until my drawer got too full. Then I went to magnets, but my refrigerator got full. Now I usually stick with photos.
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I know what you mean! I can’t stop collecting souvenirs, so I’m at least trying to minimize the space they take up…
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These would make great gifts, too, for anyone who likes to read (and travel vicariously!).
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That’s a great suggestion! Even now I can’t always find a bookmark when I need one, so it would make a nice gift for someone who enjoys reading :)
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Great idea! I keep matchbooks from NY city restaurants because they have the address on them. I don’t get there that often, then I forget where my favs are located.
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You just brought up another good reason to collect little souvenirs with addresses on them. It helps you remember a place in case you want to return there later! Thanks for mentioning it :)
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Now I wished I had thought of that when I had traveled. Now I stay at home. But, I still collect bookmarks. I love them. This is a grand idea to pass on to friends who do travel.
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Bookmarks are fun to collect. I’m sure you have a nice collection of them yourself!
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The last souvenir I bought was a stuffed tiger. He was only about twelve inches long, but he was impossible to get into my fully packed suitcase. I ended up strapping him to the top of my carry-on. A bookmark would have been so much better.
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That’s a really cute story! When you have something you want to take home, you do whatever it takes. However, a bookmark is much easier to pack!
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What a great collection! I think this is really a clever idea…and although I don’t travel as extensively as you do, I may adopt it as my own simple pleasure. Debra
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Thank you! It really is nice to have a choice of bookmarks when starting a new book :)
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Maybe you could make a collage using your bookmarks…some rainy day :)
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That’s a great idea! I think I will – thanks for that suggestion!
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That sounds very organised, I usually come back with loads of business cards and receipts from restaurants, attraction tickets, brochures and the like, which I use for reference when writing stuff up. Then I stuff them in a box file, just in case I need them again later (ahem).
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I bring back things like receipts and ticket stubs too. They make a good starting point for stories!
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I also love to buy bookmarks from places. My problem is that I put them in a book and sometimes forget which book. But I eventually find then and remember the trip.
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It must be a relief when you find the book you’re reading! And when you do, there’s that bookmark (and the memories)… :)
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I have bookmarks, but I have never heard about bookmark collection. Sounds so lovely.
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It started when I just happened to find a bookmark I liked. After that, I started looking for them, and now I have quite a collection!
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Great idea. I’m going to mention this to my husband who travels domestically and internationally. Great way to have a keepsake, besides the usual postcards.
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Thanks Renee! Bookmarks are easy to find, too. And they make wonderful keepsakes!
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Bookmarks sound perfect especially to a writer. Keep posting those bookmark pics.
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That would be very easy. I have enough bookmarks that I could do a sequel!
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I usually collect post cards that I like from the different places that I go and use them as book marks! I suppose I should just start collecting bookmarks… Nice idea.
Laura V.
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I’m glad you like the idea. I also like your idea of using postcards as bookmarks!
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