New York City Snow Globe: Photo by Annette Gulick, www.4loves.comSouvenirs can be a fun way to remember past vacations and trips. But, honestly — how many silver spoons or snow globes does a person
truly need?

With the cost of travel, whether by car, plane or train, at an all-time high, it's expensive enough for a family to hit the road for summer vacation. Instead of purchasing souvenirs on your next trip that you’ll probably just end up throwing in a junk drawer or closet, save a little cash and consider other ways to creatively commemorate your trip. Bring a camera, and take a special photo or a funny or memorable picture that represents the mood
of the trip. Or purchase an authentic item from your destination, such as a hand woven rug or a special decoration for your home.

For the kids, give them a disposable camera to take their own pictures with – this way they will have memories they want to remember, and not just the family photos. Also have them choose and write a postcard to send home during the trip – perhaps a new one every evening as you’re winding down for the night. This way, when they get home they’ll find
fun reminders of the vacation long after you’ve shaken all the beach sand out of your shoes.

Not only will these souvenirs lighten your load, but you’ll also be bringing home inexpensive yet thoughtful mementos of your trip to share with each other and your loved ones.