The Travel Souvenir Dilemma: Travel Link Up

I read once that instead of buying useless tact while traveling that inevitably doesn't go with the rest of your stuff when you return home you should buy useful items; specifically kitchen items so that way whenever you use said item you'll think about your travels and the events surrounding the purchase. Over the years I have taken this to heart and bought the most useful items of coasters, garlic grater, wine bottle holder, wine cork, wine bottle opener (ignore the theme).

But sometimes when you find yourself in yet another souvenir shop in the touristy area of town and you spot that completely useless, tacky, flashy magnet for the 4th time you suddenly realize just how adorble it is and that even though your fridge is stainless steel, you'll find a spot for it cause you totally want to remember your amazing trip though this plastic item. The off centre paint job and visible glue glob just totally adds to it's charm. No judgement from me, as long as you don't judge my hand blown glass horse from Venice, tiny wooden turtle from Jamaica, or countless badges from all over.

To not have buyers remorse, sticking with the practical piece is safer, but you're on vacation! Live a little. Go on, get them both.

Collection of magnets that live everywhere but on the fridge. Nowhere useful. 

This is part of this month's travel link up hosted as per usual by Emma, Rebecca, and Kelly with special guest host Jamie. Lovely posts. Check them all out!

Souvenir Shopping

"I Was Here" creates a different kind of travel journaling, forcing the traveler to think outside of the box and to notice more than just the typical tourist scenes.

One of the suggestions in it is to purchase a small household item or appliance as a souvenir. Every time you use this item you will be reminded of your trip. This means that you can avoid buying tacky 'made in china' nick-knacks that just clutter up your home (or storage areas). Win. Win.

While in Glasgow, I picked up ceramic coaster from the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, it has a pretty Scottish Thistle on it. It was when I bought this item that I realized I tend to buy coasters whenever I go travelling. I generally like missed matched home decor and I love that whenever I use the coasters I remember where I was when I got it. This is now going to be my thing, "the girl who collects souvenir coasters". I am so cool.

I have some friends that buy Starbucks mugs in every new city they visit because most sell porcelain mugs with the local town name or city scene decorating it. I didn't even know this was a thing, but I think it's a great idea.

What do you collect when you travel?

Fun travels!