Intro
There are many different types of souvenirs. They can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Also, souvenirs can be for many different types of people. You can buy them friends, family, coworkers and most importantly, yourself. These items are a way to remember and/or share memories. However, you need to realize that whatever you buy has to make its way home with you. There are a few rules I think everyone should follow when buying gifts. I say rules, but they are more like guidelines. The guidelines are made up of my life experiences and common sense. Take my rules for what they are, but someone will always ask about what to buy. Furthermore, it seems like there is always that one person that wants to purchase some type of contraband. They need to realize they are not Mark Wahlberg and won’t be getting anything through customs.
Our Guidelines
Whenever you set up guidelines, it’s best to go as simple as possible. Creating only five rules seemed simple enough to me. First rule of souvenirs, you don’t talk about souvenirs. Just kidding! This isn’t Fight Club. The first rule is to make sure it is legal. It would be cool to take home a medieval weapon, but it’s not realistic. Do you really think a sword can go on a plane when you can’t even bring nail clippers on board? The second rule is to always think about weight. The heavier the item, the less souvenirs you will be able to bring back. Otherwise, you will have to pay an extra baggage fee or for international shipping. However, there is a loop hole for the first two rules. You can ignore them if you have the money. Who says money can’t buy happiness?
Next, rule three is consider the structure. You should ask yourself a few key questions. Is it breakable? How will I pack this? Will it get ruined before I get home? Leave it to turbulence to destroy valuable items. Rule four is to make sure you buy something for yourself. You spent good money to go on this vacation. You should always reserve the nicest and most expensive gifts for yourself. A little splurging never hurt anyone. Please make sure you spoil yourself! Finally, rule five applies to everyone you wish to buy souvenirs for. You need to make sure that person is worth it, will appreciate it and would do the same for you. I never expect to receive a gift after I give one. However, gift giving should never be a one-way street for all eternity.
Souvenirs & Tradition
This section doesn’t contain a rule. However, I wish to share a little of my own experience. Travelers far and wide tend to collect specific knick-knacks from all the places they visit. For example, my wife and I purchase magnets from everywhere we go. Now, we remember what it’s like in places like Ireland, Italy and China every time we open the refrigerator. Another “souvenir” type thing we do is print a picture of the places we visit. It’s our way of capturing memories. Photos are much easier to pack too! These examples have become traditions that my wife and I do on every trip now. In a way, it helps with our souvenir purchasing experience. It guarantees that we always buy a little something for ourselves. I encourage you to start your own tradition(s). That way you have something to look back on after all your years of traveling.
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