I just got back from Dallas, Texas a few days ago. Anytime I go on a trip, I bring back souvenirs. However this time I had an idea. What if I took photos of souvenirs instead of actually buying them? Would a mere picture of something be as good as buying it? Well, here are the results of my souvenir experiment.
As soon as I got off the airplane at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, there were souvenir shops selling postcards, refrigerator magnets, t-shirts and hats. I thought I’d wait because I don’t want to buy souvenirs of things I haven’t even seen yet!
Once in Dallas, I had more opportunities for souvenir shopping, like at the hotel. Still, I waited to buy anything. But here’s where I started taking pictures of souvenir displays. I spent time looking at the displays and admiring them. I thought, “Now here’s a way to save space in my suitcase!”
When it was time to go back to the airport for the trip home, I realized that I could have left Dallas without purchasing any souvenirs at all. In the end I did get some postcards and a mug (among other things) at the airport. But I like my virtual souvenirs, too, and I think the photos will work quite well as keepsakes of my trip.
Brilliant idea!
LikeLike
Thanks! It makes packing easier…
LikeLike
This is a great idea. When I buy souvenirs, they are often not of the name-of-city-here variety, but something that I might have bought myself at home, made all the more special by having bought it while on a trip. For example, I keep my toothbrush in a lovely floral mug that I bought at the CN Tower in Toronto, of all places. I’m likely the only one who knows it’s a memento of that trip, but it reminds me of a fun adventure with my children.
LikeLike
I agree with you! I also have non-touristy souvenirs like scarves, sweaters, and shoes that are special because I remember where I bought them. Good point!
LikeLike
Hi,
You just can’t beat photos, they are a wonderful way to remember what you may have seen on your trip. But it is always nice just to have a little something extra as well.
LikeLike
Definitely! Photos with some actual souvenirs are a good combination…
LikeLike
Photos are a great idea. Who needs all that stuff anyway?
LikeLike
That’s true. I almost need another room to store all my souvenirs!
LikeLike
I like the idea of photographing the souvenirs. I have difficulty throwing things out or repurposing them later so try not to add to the clutter these days. A cool idea.
LikeLike
Thanks. It may be a way to enjoy a souvenir without the clutter!
LikeLike
Yeehaw! Welcome to Texas! I do this, too and haven’t regretted it ,except once. I wish I had that Turkish rug I took a picture of….But, then again, my picture is soooo much cheaper! Great post.
LikeLike
Thanks! I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who takes pictures of souvenirs. I’m not ready to just take pictures of shoes, though…
LikeLike
Now that is an excellent idea. Well as long as you were not bringing them back as gifts :-)
LikeLike
You’re so right. It would be such a disappointment to just get a photo instead of a gift!
LikeLike
Great idea Meg, not only did you save space in your suitcase–you also did not have to pay for extra baggage. Lol
LikeLike
That’s for sure! Otherwise some (or many) of the souvenirs I photographed would have ended up in my suitcase :)
LikeLike
Each time I travel I tell myself I’m not going to buy too much and I’m getting better! I now tend to buy one nice item that represents the country well and other then indulging my passion for scarves thats about it ;-)
LikeLike
I like your spending plan a lot! Especially the part about the scarves… :)
LikeLike
I like it! Save your money (and space in your luggage) for the really awesome purchases.
LikeLike
That’s it exactly. And there’s usually something special (not a trinket) to buy wherever you go!
LikeLike
Well, if that isn’t the greenest, most creative thing I’ve ever heard! I’ll try it too!
LikeLike
I’m really glad you liked this! I wanted to try something different when it came to buying souvenirs, and this worked for me.
LikeLike
I love the souvenirs you brought home! What a wonderful idea,Meg! I think of all the trinkets acquired through the years, especially when traveling with children. This idea would have been a fun and creative plan! I echo Laurie–Brilliant! Debra
LikeLike
Thanks Debra! And when I look at my photos of the souvenirs, I have the same recollection of where I was as if I had actually purchased them. So I would say it is something worth trying…
LikeLike
I agree with everyone that this is a great idea!! Other than a few pieces of jewelry I bought in Scotland, my best souvenirs were the hundreds of photos I took…they bring back memories of a great trip!
LikeLike
You probably have a lot of beautiful photos from Scotland that bring back wonderful memories! And thank you :)
LikeLike
What a fantastic idea that I will certainly “steal” and use your method of souvenir shopping of my next trip.
LikeLike
You should definitely take as many photos as you can of souvenirs, and then spend your money on something you’ll really enjoy!
LikeLike
I did this with “keepsakes” when we downsized to an apartment a few years ago, and I haven’t once regretted all of the things we parted with, even things I thought I was horribly sentimental about. Just being able to reflect on the stuff *if* I want to is plenty. You took it to the next logical level; how great!! The only thing that’s too bad is that you were less than an hour away from me in Dallas and I didn’t know to look you up! Next time, my friend. :)
LikeLike
It’s true-once you have a souvenir, it’s hard to part with it. The photos help keep the focus on the memories, I think. And I will definitely let you know the next time I’m in Dallas!
LikeLike
What a great idea! I need to do this! I certainly don’t need another tee shirt! :)
Thanks for another great tip, Meg!
LikeLike
Thanks Judy! I’m sure I’ll still buy souvenirs, but maybe this will help me buy a few less of them… :)
LikeLike
What a great idea! This way, you get to have it all, and still have money in your wallet!
LikeLike
That’s just what I had in mind when I tried this! And it worked for me… :)
LikeLike
I thought photos of the trip were the virtual souvenir!!!! I know they are my favourites. :)
LikeLike
You’re right about that! The pictures that we bring back make the best souvenirs…
LikeLike
What a good idea, much as I like to buy things often its just clutter that I don’t have space for. I so like to support crafts item made by local women though.
LikeLike
You make a really good point: your purchase supports local artisans, and that is well worth it!
LikeLike
I agree with everyone else, that’s a great idea. You could always print and frame any particularly nice photos and give them as presents, or make photos into a calendar using one of these online calendar creation sites (Vistprint does them really cheaply).
LikeLike
That is such a good idea! Using the photos to make a calendar (or framing them) is something I will have to try… :)
LikeLike