One of my favorite things to do while traveling is SHOP. Shop owners seduce us with the 5 for $10 promotions and before we know it, we're back home with a bunch of odds and ends to never be seen again. T-shirts, mugs, ashtrays, magnets, snow globes, shot glasses, key chains, pens, hats, bags, water bottles and so on. However, it only took me ONE time to come home with a suitcase full of junk to re-think my entire shopping strategy.

Since I scrapbook, I try not to purchase too much and I use free items as souvenirs. Menus, maps, publications and receipts make for a great scrapbook page. Other things I look for are art-work, unique statues/sculptures or one-of-a-kind housewares. Staple souvenirs I collect from each destination are patches. I sew the patch onto a backpack I've had since high school. I took this bag on my first trip abroad and the idea stuck. It has proven to be a great conversation starter when I am sitting alone in an airport.

Another neat idea I picked up a few years ago is to find things to frame. Currency looks beautiful matted and framed. I met a lady who collected menus on her trip to France. She had them matted and framed, then displayed throughout her kitchen. On my cousin's last trip to Africa, I was gifted a drum. I loved it. On top I placed a wooden Geisha doll I got in Japan. The decor at my place is very United Nations with trinkets that have no apparent connection or theme - but that is the point. I take what I collect on my travels and a create an environment (both abstract and concrete) that is inspiring and reflective of my lifestyle. I do collect the cute I ♥____ T-shirts and key chains - those come in handy.

Sometimes people forget about using their camera to collect souvenirs. Don't want to buy it, snap a picture of it. Want to remember a beautiful desert or delicious meal? Snap! Flirted with a cute waiter? Snap! Snap! Picture can be the best souvenirs.

Usually when I am researching a destination ( domestic and international), I look for things unique to that area. This summer, I am in a few Latin countries and I've read faceless dolls and clay artwork are a must. Amber is mined in DR, so I'll be on the look for jewels as well. Stay tuned to see what I bring back.