Every travel adventure leaves an imprint on our hearts, shaping who we are, broadening our horizons, and making us more aware of other cultures and nations. No matter if you’re an experienced traveler or someone who enjoys going on vacations once every few years, we all tend to preserve the essence of these captivating journeys, capturing them in souvenirs that we can revisit whenever nostalgia calls. We’ve put together a list of a few creative travel mementos that you can collect that will always remind you of your trips.

Culinary Books

Food is an important aspect of understanding a culture, and culinary experiences are an integral part of any travel adventure thus collecting local cookbooks is a wonderful way to bring those flavors back home. Explore the culinary traditions of each destination by picking up cookbooks filled with authentic recipes, family secrets, and regional specialties. If you’ve visited a traditional restaurant and tried a meal that you really enjoyed, try recreating that dish in your kitchen and invite friends over for a travel-inspired dinner.

Glass Shots

Once you start collecting shot glasses, you understand that these are more than just vessels for drinking, but rather a work of art, adorned with the emblems, landmarks, and cultural symbols that reflect the identity of the region. From the intricately etched patterns of European cities to the vibrant colors of tropical paradises, every shot glass holds the memories of the places you’ve raised a toast to. Scottish glasses from online stores, for example, are often made with pewter and feature traditional designs which makes them a perfect unique souvenir. Build a shelf where you can safely store them at home and add one to your collection every time you go to a new destination.

Written Cards

Despite living in the digital age, the charm of handwritten postcards hasn’t faded. Instead of buying pre-printed postcards, make it a tradition to send yourself postcards from each destination. This makes a wonderful alternative to a travel diary that can sometimes get too heavy to carry around on your trips. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and highlights of the trip, then mail them to your home address and when you return, you’ll find a stack of heartfelt messages waiting for you. These postcards capture your emotions at the moment and serve as precious snippets of your travel experiences.

Local Currency

Local currency makes an excellent collectible souvenir for those who don’t like spending money on memorabilia but would still like a tangible piece of a destination’s identity. Collecting coins and banknotes from different countries can offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s history, culture, and artistic expression, as each currency bears the symbols, colors, and historical figures that hold significant meaning for the country’s people. In case you’re traveling to countries that use the same currency, for example, those in the Eurozone, you can write down the name of the county on the banknote so that you know exactly where you got each one from.