A dress shirt scooped on High Street in London. Luxe loafers from a tiny leather shop in Milan. A vintage suede chore coat picked up at a thrift store in Montana. You may not think of purchases like these as “souvenirs” from a vacation, but they’re actually the best souvenirs you can treat yourself to when traveling.
On your next trip, why not create memories and build your wardrobe—by bringing home pieces that carry the story of where you’ve been? Shopping on vacation is more than souvenir shopping—it’s curating keepsakes you’ll actually wear when you get home.
Bottom line? When it comes to the best souvenirs, memorable additions to your wardrobe rank at the top.
How to score the best souvenirs on vacation:
1. Prepare to Shop Before You Leave
I like Paravel’s packing cubes when I travel, but whatever your system, just be sure that you’re not stuffing your suitcase before your trip even starts.
The time to be struggling with your zipper is on the last day of your vacation, not the night before it even starts.
The tl;dr:
- Pack smart: Use packing cubes to organize and consolidate the clothes, shoes, and accessories you’re bringing on your trip to avoid an overflowing suitcase on day one.
- Think ahead: Leave space for souvenirs you plan to purchase on your trip. A roomy suitcase at departure prevents the panic of zippers refusing to close later.
2. Schedule Shopping Time!
Duh, right? But the last thing you want to do is buy a brand-new suit in Shanghai and then have to carry it to lunch and afternoon sightseeing.
Carve out time in your itinerary to shop when you’ll be able to return to your hotel or Airbnb shortly after in order to drop off your purchases.
The tl;dr:
- Add shopping to the itinerary: Slot in shopping after breakfast or early afternoon, when you can drop bags back home before dinner or more sightseeing. This removes the burden of hauling items around.
- Factor in logistics: Especially for bigger purchases, consider transit time and customs declarations—planning ahead helps avoid unwelcome surprises.
3. Budget for the Best Souvenirs You Can Afford
Maybe you know ahead of time that you want to return home with a new leather bag, or embroidered espadrilles. Or even a brand-new, made-to-measure suit.
Whatever it is, consider how much you want to spend on your souvenir purchase so you have a number in mind when shopping.
This should ease at least some guilt over spending money on yourself on top of what you’ve already paid for the trip.
The tl;dr:
- Determine a shopping allowance: Decide in advance if you want to splurge—for example, on a handmade leather briefcase or custom suit—and earmark that spend within your overall trip budget.
- Shop guilt-free: Knowing you’ve pre-allocated funds keeps post-purchase buyers’ remorse at bay, so you can enjoy bringing home a meaningful piece.
4. Buy Local
This should go without saying, but don’t buy anything you can get at home (or easily order online).
That’s not to say you have to find only local artisans crafting handmade shoes since 1805 or whatever, but at least stick to high street stores only available in the country you’re headed.
At a small shop I stopped into in Florence on my last trip to Italy, I scooped a linen shirt that has become my go-to summer beach cover-up. I can’t pronounce the name on the label, but I love wearing it and always think of the vacation when pulling it on.
- Skip generic finds: Do your research ahead of time to find out the brands and retailers the locals love. Bookmark boutique shops or local designers on travel blogs or Instagram to authentically integrate local flavor into your wardrobe.
- Explore hidden gems: Look beyond main streets—small boutiques, local markets, or family-run ateliers often carry unique wares.
5. Ask for Advice
I’m not saying hit up the concierge for tips, but consider asking a particularly well-dressed bartender or barista where they shop. You never know what they might turn you onto.
The tl;dr:
- Talk to the stylish locals: You’ll likely discover coveted local brands or underrated neighborhood stores.
✈️ Bonus Tip
Bring a lightweight cloth tote or foldable duffel with you—traveling with something extra like this makes it easy to carry new purchases day-to-day and keeps your main luggage safe.
Final Takeaway
Vacations come to a close..why not come home with clothes?
By planning ahead and seeking out the best souvenirs to buy locally, you turn shopping into a meaningful extension of your trip. Next time you wear a piece you bought on your trip, it’ll be a nostalgic reminder of your adventure, and maybe even a conversation starter.
Psst, Friends With Benefits community members are crowdsourcing their favorite local spots in the subscribers-only Discord. Join us there!
