Why you shouldn't buy cheap souvenirs
<p>Magnets, tshirts, tea towels, figurines – souvenirs seem to be an inescapable part of travel. But should you really be buying them?</p>
<p><strong>The ethics of souvenirs</strong></p>
<p>All those little knick knacks might seem innocuous, but it pays to think a little deeper about what you’re actually buying. Many souvenirs are mass produced in large factories by workers who are operating in sub-standard conditions and receiving poor wages. Check the labels – what you think is an authentic local souvenir is very likely made in China. In developing countries, there are often few regulations surrounding the use of animal products in souvenirs, so you could be purchasing bones, fur or shells from animals that have been illegally poached.</p>
<p><strong>Purchasing pressure</strong></p>
<p>If you’ve ever walked through a busy market in Bali or tried to get out of a carpet shop in Turkey without buying something, you’ll know what we mean. Purchasing souvenirs, especially in developing countries, can be very stressful and you’ll be under a lot of pressure from the shopkeepers. It’s very easy to end up buying things you don’t want out of a feeling of obligation. If you're purchasing souvenirs as gifts, you may also find yourself trekking through stores looking for something perfect for Aunt Alice so she won't feel left out when you'd really like to be out enjoying the sites.</p>
<p><strong>Suitcase space</strong></p>
<p>Then there’s the logistics of getting all these souvenirs home. If you’re anything like us, your suitcase is usually bulging at the seams when you arrive. Add in a whole lot of extras (many of them breakable) and you could have a real problem. Are those ‘must have’ souvenirs really worth the excess baggage fees? Or simply the hassle of dragging all that extra weight through the airport? Probably not. You’ll also need to think about customs when buying anything containing wood, seeds and animal parts, or any food.</p>
<p><strong>What are the alternatives?</strong></p>
<p>In the digital age, photographs are the greatest free souvenir you can find. Snap away on your phone or camera and come home with endless memories (and no extra baggage!). Collect maps, tickets or coasters to create a scrapbook of your journey. Send postcards to your friends and family (or even to yourself) to keep a sort of living diary of the trip. If you visited somewhere that really touched you, like a school, orphanage or animal shelter, you can spend your souvenir money on a donation and make a difference to the people who live there.</p>
<p>Have you ever purchased a souvenir you’ve regretted?</p>
