It's easy; you don't have to go crazy just a few things here and there can make a difference. Here's our choice of some of the things that might help you savour the memories of your trip longer after its finished.

Kitchen mess

Stuff to put in your kitchen is pretty easy to carry and won't take up too much of your space. Fridge magnets, coffee mugs, dish or kitchen towels and bottle openers are good starts. They will jog a few memories when you're back to reality and struggling to clean up that stinky fridge or wash a pile of dirty dishes.

Postcards

They are a bit of a cliché aren't they? But they work and you can bypass the whole done before snag by doing it better this time around. Write something on them. Whether you actually mail them or not is up to you, but use them. Pen your thoughts at the back of them so you don't carry home blank cards. Who actually uses blank postcards after they bring them back from vacation?

Music

Buy all kinds of recordings that appeal to you. It doesn't matter if it's stuff you've never heard of before, you will appreciate it once you get back home. At that point it wouldn't make a difference that you can't understand the lyrics. You also don't have to buy professional, if you hear street musicians playing something you like, record the audio or take a video.

Posters

You can either buy these or get them off the streets like some kind of poster vandal. These can be of anything. A play you went to see in a different city, an image of the place you're visiting, a funny headline, etc. Get a nice tube to hold them and bring them back home with you.

Bar, hotel restaurant memorabilia

If you are particularly fond of a bar, hotel or restaurant you visited during your trip away; get something to remind you of the good times. Personally, I think hotel matches are kind of old. The robe is a classic, but make sure you're allowed to take it. Otherwise grab the menu, the hotel stationery or the umbrella!

Paper stuff

Train tickets, paper luggage tags, stickers and maps make great souvenirs. But don't go overboard because it can easily look like stash for a hoarder and you don't want that kind of crazy. Just a few meaningful bits are enough.

Get the holiday gifts you do want next time when you grab these great holiday deals.

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