If you’re looking for the best places to buy souvenirs, sometimes it can be right under your nose, well, not literally!
There’s nothing wrong with your standard souvenirs like magnets and keychains, but you have to agree that they can get a bit stale, right? Well, when you travel, by all means, you deserve to get yourself a nice souvenir, but it doesn’t always have to be the same thing.
Better yet, why not take it up a notch? Maybe something permanent? If that’s not your style, then something not-so-permanent can work too. But what exactly? Well, here are some unique travel souvenirs you’ll want to consider at least once!
Top 5 Best Memorable Souvenirs for Your Next Travel
Piercings
If you’re feeling adventurous, or if you have a really deep love for piercings, why not get one during your next trip?
So, one of the biggest questions might be about recovering, but most piercings might be a tad painful for a couple of days. However, they shouldn’t really get in the way of your travels. Even if you’re after something like a snug piercing learn more here; you’ll understand that it won’t impact your trip if you opt for this.
But the same goes for a nose ring, belly button ring, or even more out there. My brother got a nose ring when we were traveling to Bali a few years ago, and it went pretty well.
It’s really about the studio you choose. So, just make sure to choose a reputable studio with good hygiene standards to ensure your new piercing is a fantastic souvenir and a safe one.
Tattoos
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A tattoo can be a profound way to commemorate a significant trip. Plus, they’re permanent (unless you get it removed).
I got my first tattoo a couple of years ago when I was in Izmir, because it was my first time being back in the city after my cat Disco died in 2018.
If you didn't know, Izmir was my first travel destination overseas, and it was the first time I had to live away from home. Disco got sick after I left Indonesia, and I think there was no better place to get a tattoo of my cat than Izmir.
In some places in Southeast Asia, tattoos are also such a big part of the culture that getting a traditional tattoo has become one of the best excursions there.
In the Philippines, Apo Whang-Od is one of the most prominent figures for being the oldest tattoo artist. In North Thailand, it's also pretty popular to get a Sak Yant tattoo when you travel to cities like Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.
When selecting this type of souvenir, it’s important to research ahead of time; look for highly recommended tattoo artists with a solid portfolio.
Well, when it comes to any tattoo, you’ll want to do it. Seriously, the last thing you want is a disaster being on your skin. So, just look into the tattoo artist or studio; this ensures your permanent artwork is meaningful and beautifully executed.
Hairstyles
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Well, not just a new hairstyle, but a haircut, a hair dye, basically any work done. In a way, it can be a liberating way to immerse yourself in local fashion and trends- that goes for the hair, too.
What you could do (if you were comfortable) would be to opt for something radically different from what you'd normally have at home or try a traditional style local to the area.
Why? Well, it’s not just about the souvenir aspect. You’re in a new location, and no one knows you, so you can be and act how you usually wouldn’t. It’s a temporary change (unlike the two above), but it’s a wonderful conversation starter and a fun way to remember your travels.
Cooking Class Recipes
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Why not take a cooking class where you can learn how to make local dishes?
Especially if you choose to travel to some foodie destinations like Italy or Thailand, the recipes and skills you bring back are souvenirs that keep giving—every time you recreate the dish at home; you’ll be reminded of your travels and the flavors of the culture you explored.
I got a chance to join a Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai, and we had a blast learning how to mix the herbs and spices, Thai style.
Plus, the cooking class also comes with a recipe book that we can recreate back home which makes it an insightful way to spend your time on your trip!
Postcard for Yourself
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While getting postcards as a souvenir is pretty standard, to make it unique you need to do it with a twist.
What I like to do is get a postcard and write a letter for myself so I can post it to my home address. Finding a post office in your travel destination isn't really hard, the easiest way to do it is to go to one that's close to the most popular tourist attraction in your destination.
On the postcard, you can write anything you want. From the highlight of the trip, or some random advice for your future self.
Sometimes, if I meet someone on the road, I'll also ask them to write it for me so I can send it without knowing the content of the postcard until I receive it at my home address later. It's fun to track your own travel memoir!
Conclusion
There are so many things you can do on your trip to make it memorable and permanently imprinted on you without breaking the bank.
While buying regular souvenirs like magnets or keychains is more practical, you can also get some permanent souvenirs like tattoos or piercings if you're up for it. Be mindful that it's permanent though, so you need to be sure that you want it before you go out there and get yourself pierced or tattooed!
So, are you ready to get your unique travel souvenirs for your next trip?
Disclaimer:
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