Terrible at Buying Souvenirs? Follow These 5 Tips

Finding a good souvenir is a deceptively high charge.

After all, we should know our loved ones enough to spot the perfect gift—right?

On top of that, most tourist destinations are dotted with brightly colored and well-lit trinket shops. Finding souvenirs isn’t difficult.

So, what goes wrong?

Most problems are caused by indecision. We know what our loved ones enjoy at home, but what about in faraway places like Milan, Bangkok, or Rio de Janeiro? And what about narrowing down the souvenir search from the dozens of options available?

Toss in practices like bartering and things get even more difficult.

Souvenir shopping, at best, is a little disorienting. At worst, you might shell over a few hundred dollars for an absolute dud of a gift.

If you want to avoid the stress, read through this guide. I’m covering the basics of souvenir shopping along with five tried-and-true tips to find a great gift every time.

The basics of bartering

You might be expected to barter when shopping at street markets and bazaars in certain regions. This is usually the case in places like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

If you’re brand new to bartering, it can feel a little odd (or outright rude) to haggle over prices. Just remember that it’s cultural and that it’s usually meant to bring down the original asking price just a bit.

But don’t lose sight of how much you’re actually bartering over.

I’ve seen Americans stress out while haggling over an amount of around ten USD or less. Barter however passionately you like—but don’t lose sight of the total amount of USD you’re actually debating over.

What’s most important about bartering, in my experience, is knowing when to do it and when to pay full price. Aren’t sure if bartering is a thing in the market where you’re shopping? Do a little research beforehand (asking a concierge is a great idea) or wait for the seller to initiate.

Now onto how to find a great souvenir.

Tip #1: Ask beforehand

The easiest way to guarantee a great purchase is to ask your giftee what they’d like, especially if they already have a collection going.

Ideally, they’ll say they have an extensive magnet collection. Magnets and similarly small trinkets are easy to find, purchase, and take home with you.

Or maybe they’ve already done a little research into where you’re going and are dreaming of a specific product. Regardless, asking about what interests them is the most direct way to find the perfect souvenir.

Tip #2: Use the Marie Kondo method

Marie Kondo is a professional Japanese interior designer and organizer. The KonMari method revolves around decluttering using the simple metric of: Does an item spark joy?

Kondo usually sits with an object in mindful silence to gauge its personal meaning to her.

You don’t need to power down in a street bazaar with a tchotchke cradled in your hands—but the idea always serves me well. Before I buy a souvenir, I take a deep breath and consider the giftee holding it.

If I can’t easily imagine their reaction in a positive way, then I keep on shopping.

Tip #3: Treats are universal

Or if you can’t find a souvenir after extensive searching, then go for sweet treats.

Candy is a universal language, letting your giftee explore culture through the palette. In other words, even if they don’t love the treat, they’re going to be intrigued and engaged while sampling.

Just make sure to look out for food allergies. If the giftee is a little food-sensitive, it’s best to avoid this gift, as getting a clear sense of ingredients can be difficult when different alphabets and languages are involved.

Tip #4: So is liquor

Treats and candy go a long way… but if you’re shopping around for someone who doesn’t travel a lot and isn’t too interested in exploring new flavors, go for liquor.

Most countries have developed their own unique alcoholic drinks, from Poland’s soplica to Laos’s lao-lao to Brazil’s cachaça.

Just make sure to buy the correct size for your luggage. Most locations sell mini-bottles, which make it easy to take liquor souvenirs home in carry-ons. I’d avoid buying a full bottle unless you’re positive your giftee will enjoy the flavor.

Tip #5: The airport is your dirty little secret

If you’ve lost the reins, it’s okay. No need to barter. No need to find candies or liquor. No need to remember the name Marie Kondo.

Just make it to the airport with a few spare minutes before your flight and say goodbye to any money you haven’t spent already.

Airport gifts are notoriously pricey—but that doesn’t mean they’re low-quality. The more popular the destination, the more options you’ll have while rushing around the terminal looking for a souvenir.

Airbnb Experiences: Hang Out With Celebrities & Stay in Famous Homes

Airbnb is constantly expanding its horizons.

I’ve seen more than a few intriguing offers on the platform, along with a few surprises. Did you know that some hotels can list their rooms on the platform? And that you can also find rentals from world-famous architects?

It’s all on the docket… but that’s hardly all there is to Airbnb in 2024.

I recently covered one of Airbnb’s latest offers: an exclusive stay at a Mattel-powered Polly Pocket-themed house.

It’s unclear for how long Airbnb will offer the unique rental located in Littleton, Massachusetts—but to sweeten the deal, Airbnb is also offering single-day adventures (billed as ‘playdates’) at the compact rental.

That brought me to one of Airbnb’s latest and most intriguing ideas—to offer exclusive experiences geared at tourists.

Want to take a look for yourself? Head to the main page and click on ‘experiences’ at the top-center of the page next to ‘stays’.

It’ll take you straight to a page with all of Airbnb’s flashiest non-rental offers.

A few days ago, bookings for a Kevin Hart speakeasy experience wrapped. The experience will take the lucky few into a Grand Coramino-centric hangout session at a swanky lounge in Los Angeles. (Gran Coramino is Hart’s personal line of tequila, by the way.)

If you’re interested, there’s also a makeup session with Doja Cat that will open for bookings in October, along with a rental at Prince’s Purple Rain residence in September.

As we wait for new experiences from the world’s most expansive rental platform, I’m taking a look back at some of the coolest experiences launched so far. (How the hell did I miss these?! Y’all, I have retro-FOMO.) Remember, these rentals are wrapped, meaning you can’t apply for a stay, unfortunately.

Home Alone House

It’s exactly how Kevin McCallister’s Chicago suburb mansion looks from 1990’s Home Alone.

It’s a cozy holiday by any stretch of the imagination—but you also get to relive some of the film’s best moments. As Airbnb puts it, you can ‘let out your inner 8-year-old Kevin’, which involves eating deep-dish pizza and watching all the best junk TV.

The cherry on top? It’s hosted by Buzz.

Read more here

The Last Blockbuster

In case you didn’t know, there’s one final Blockbuster still in operation in Bend, Oregon. It’s a bit of a cultural icon—and, yes, you can still rent movies there.

This experience allows guests to relive the 1990s (I’m noticing a nostalgic theme here) with movie marathons, ghost summoning, and beanbag chair-centric lounges. Plus, guests walk away with plenty of Blockbuster swag. Assuming they don’t die at Bloody Mary’s hands first.

Read more here

Musée d’Orsay

Paris is home to close to a dozen world-famous museums—and Musée d’Orsay is one of the most iconic, home to works from Monet, van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and more.

But this stay isn’t only about getting to spend the night in a legacy-level museum. This package was crafted with the 2024 Paris Olympics in mind, allowing guests the chance to watch the games and dine with a view of the Seine.

To be blunt, it almost sounds too fancy and life-changing for Airbnb.

Read more here

Shrek’s Swamp

I’m conflicted about this one. As someone with a lot of Donkey energy in them, I should be a shoo-in for this highly elaborate (and frankly stunning) Airbnb—should it ever come back on the market, that is. Along with fresh hot waffles in the morning, guests get access to a stellar location in the Scottish Highland.

There’s just one very serious hang-up I have: basking in something called ‘earwax candlelight’.

Read more here

Ferrari Museum

I’m a fan of Formula One racing who has an appreciation of Ferrari (and Charles LeClerc, specifically). Or, if not Ferrari, the type of passion its Tifosi is known for.

This Airbnb stay gives hardcore fans the chance to sleep on a bed made from Ferrari-caliber leather—and, more importantly, the chance to go 0 to 100 in less than three seconds (kmh not mph).

Oh, and tickets to the infamous Emilia-Romagna racetrack. If you’re an F1 fan, you understand how incredible the whole offer is.

Read more here

Success Stories: Tourism Saves the World

There’s a growing suspicion surrounding tourism.

The concept of traveling the world to explore and celebrate life isn’t a hard sell. Who doesn’t love downtime in scenic places, after all?

It’s all the little details in between that tend to breed problems. Transportation demands create environmental degradation; large tours and cruise ships cause overcrowding; scammers prey on unsuspecting tourists to make a quick dollar.

I live in Barcelona where a lot of the blame is thrown onto tourists. (A lot of water is also thrown on them.)

But is it actually the humble traveler whose responsible here?

Isn’t it the travel groups, hotels, rental companies, tour guides, and other hospitality-centric companies who benefit?

They benefit disproportionately from mass tourism, contributing to issues like rising housing costs, degradation of natural resources, and a hospitality-centric economy that doesn’t favor the worker.

When it comes to problematic tourism, the main culprit is irresponsible development that usually involves foreign investment, aggressive marketing approaches, and a cheap-at-all-costs approach.

(A quick caveat: I know that some tourists also behave very poorly, and my arguments here aren’t meant to excuse or ignore their behavior. Rude tourists are a perennial issue.)

Overdevelopment and overtourism manifest in many diverse ways. From locals pointing water guns at tourists to new trends that destroy fragile biomes, the travel industry has the potential to do serious harm on local and global levels.

But tourism, when done ethically, also has the potential to do wonderful things, like empower local communities, preserve (and even expand) important ecologies, and educate visitors on what life beyond their bubble is like.

Hungry for a little hope? I’ve got two tourism success stories that showcase the positive potential of travel.

Adventures On the Gorge

West Virginia

West Virginia is one of the poorest US states when it comes to median household income. Infrastructure is limited, while its economy has steadily declined thanks to the decline of mining and coal communities. (It’s also one of the lovelier states I’ve ever visited, blanketed with forested Appalachian hills.)

Back in 2017, I visited Adventures on the Gorge with my dad and brother. We spent a few days white-water rafting and otherwise enjoying the spoils of New River Gorge National Park. It was a blend of nature-driven downtime and white-water adventures.

During one rafting tour, our guide took out a black and white photo depicting a bombed-to-dirt landscape of barren hills

To our shock, he explained that those hills were the very same that we were drifting past. The fertile, lush hills looked nothing like the photo held up—despite the fact that mining only ended in this area in the early 1960s.

If you see a photo of the New River Gorge today, you’re likely to be just as starstruck as I was. This is the important lesson I’d like to pass on: nature regenerates when we let it, and not all tourist ventures damage natural wonders.

The New River Gorge National Park was first shortlisted for national park status in 1978 before nabbing the designation in 2020. Not only is the New River one of the oldest rivers in the US, but it now serves as a premier white water rafting destination.

In cases similar to these, natural restoration and preservation ensure the long-term viability of outdoors adventures.

Jamu Lodge, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Ecuador

Let’s venture out of the US and into one of the world’s most important and threatened biomes: the Amazon.

Back in 2001, Jamu Lodge opened its doors in the Cuyabeno region of Ecudaro’s Amazon. A few years later, the hotel partnered with the Rainforest Alliance in order to roll out more sustainable operations.

Similar to treks to Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, access to the lodge is facilitated by the Siona tribe. Siona guides are also available for tours, allowing locals to earn income while also guiding travelers into the Amazon.

Both elements are important: locals should benefit directly and financially from tourist projects while also maintaining control of when and how visitors explore the jungle.

In terms of sustainability, the eco-lodge remains small in order to better handle infrastructural challenges.

For example, all wastewater is treated at the hotel, using enzymes and bacteria to treat the water on-site. The lodge also relies on solar panels to offset its electrical needs.

The result is a tourist experience that delivers cultural intrigue, environmental delights, educational opportunities, and, most importantly, a responsible way to visit the Amazon.

The lesson here is that there’s no environment too fragile for tourism, so long as visits are guided by locals and tourism ventures are scaled correctly for the area.

North Korea to Re-Open Borders to Tourists in December 2024

When you imagine a great tourist destination, what comes to mind?

Some people dream of escaping from busy cities where they can get in touch with Mother Nature. Others are more focused on cultural explorations of architecture, art, and more. The spare few might instead be focused on language exchanges, volunteer work, and other immersive forms of travel.

But I doubt North Korea comes to mind for the average traveler.

Even adventurous tourists and fans of ‘dark tourism’ might have a hard time imagining a trip to Pyongyang, the nation’s capital.

That being said, North Korea has an active tourism department.

Visitors can enter the country through Pyongyang or even via train from the northern border it shares with China. Sure, tourists have very limited options when it comes to working with one of four state-run travel companies and using their smartphones.

Still, that hasn’t stopped brave-hearted travelers in the US, Europe, and China from wandering past its borders. Some visitors even stayed behind or returned later to work at Pyongyang University or participate in humanitarian efforts.

US citizens have been banned by the US Department of State from visiting since 2017.

But we were never the primary target for North Korean travel companies. One report from BBC estimated that upwards of 100,000 Chinese visitors explored the country back in 2019, along with around 5,000 Westerners.

But the country’s borders were locked when the COVID-19 pandemic started. And they’re only now preparing to re-open to tourists.

Let’s dig a little deeper into one of the world’s most fascinating (is that the right word?) tourist destinations.

North Korea preparing to re-open

North Korea was one of the first countries to shut its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic. From January 2020 until January 2024, the nation restricted most forms of travel in and out of the country.

Even when its borders opened in January 2024, only Russian nationals were allowed to visit. Recently, reports from two Chinese travel agencies (which work alongside North Korea’s state-run tourism groups) hint that tours will be limited.

At the moment, reports from China-based Koryo Tours and KTG Tours state that the only North Korean city that will open to tourists is Samjiyon. Whether other major cities, including Pyongyang, are open for visitors remains to be seen.

Samjiyon is a small city near the border with China that serves as an important recreational destination for tourists. Over the last few years, Samjiyon has been undergoing renovations to expand and improve tours that explore the sacred Mt. Paektu, the Revolutionary Museum, and the Martyrs Cemetery.

Tourism in North Korea: it’s bigger than you think

It looks like Samjiyon will be the only option for visitors who flock to North Korea this December. It reflects efforts to boost tourism, which has been a focus for the country over the last two decades.

Like most Americans, I’ve never associated North Korea with tourism. But it’s efforts to create a profitable tourist sector have succeeded, especially when it comes to the Chinese market.

In 2010, a tourist train was completed between China’s Dandong and North Korea’s Pyongyang, offering a more direct trip than previous routes from Beijing. Luxury hotels were put up, along with—brace yourself—two casinos.

No, they’re not open to locals, as gambling is strictly prohibited. Instead, they’re designed to serve Chinese gamblers who aren’t wooed by a trip to Macau. They can choose between a trip to the Hotel & Casino in Rason or the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang.

Casinos aside, there are other familiar amenities dotting the country, including water parks, amusement parks, museums, circus shows, ski resorts, and plenty of great hiking trails.

So, there’s more going on in terms of tourism than you might think.

We need to talk about Dennis

I was shocked to learn that Americans were only officially banned (by the US Department of State) from visiting North Korea in 2017. Does that mean… Americans were visiting the country for fun before then?

I’m sure we can all name one American fan of North Korea: Dennis Rodman. He’s one of the NBA’s most controversial all-stars, former husband to Carmen Elektra, and North Korea’s most unlikely ambassador.

I don’t have the time to dig into what brought Rodman and Kim Jong-un together—it’s a long and sordid topic.

What’s worth pointing out to me is that Uri Tours, a travel company that specializes in taking Westerners to North Korea, facilitated the trip. And Westerners can still travel to North Korea with Uri Tours.

So, yes, Americans were visiting North Korea prior to the ban in 2017; Rodman was far from the only participant in tours from companies like Uri Tours. And while we’re used to hearing about difficult run-ins between American visitors and local authorities, thousands of Americans have visited without incident.

Miami Mixes: Best Cocktail Bars in The Magic City

For years, I’ve recommended Miami to my non-American friends who ask for suggestions on where to visit.

Miami is distinct from the rest of Florida (and much of the US) for a few reasons. First and foremost, its Latin influence can be experienced in many ways—from eateries in Little Havana to the reggaeton music pumping from cars on major avenues.

Beyond its Latin influence, Miami also stands out for its architecture and design.

From its Art Deco buildings to its distinct Miami Modern (MiMo for short) constructions, you’ll feel like you’re walking through an effortlessly chic world. Even pastel hues and neon colors haven’t fallen out of style in Miami.

Musical influences and architecture aside, one of my favorite ways to experience a city is through its cocktail bars.

Many cities have their own unique cocktails born from the mixologists of yore—and Miami is no exception. Local bartenders have invented drinks like the rum-based and frozen Miami Vice to the Tiki-bar-inspired Rum Runner. The daiquiri, though not invented in Miami, is also a staple that you’ll find in all shapes and sizes.

But where should you drink when you visit Miami?

If you’re on the hunt for a seriously good cocktail, I suggest boozing at one of these elevated Miami cocktail bars.

Sugar

Rooftop bar located in EAST (hotel)

What’s better than a cocktail with a view from the 40^th floor? A Balinese-themed bar that serves as a coworking space during the day and transforms into a swanky lounge at 6 pm. Welcome to Sugar, a drinker’s dream. With cocktails like Soft Silk Sip and Silent Tickle available, I’m intrigued. And thirsty. (And also feeling kind of flirty?)

Check it out

Over Under

A Florida-centric watering hole with tasty dishes

You’re going to be pressured to try the gator bites in Florida—and I suggest you do it here. Over Under puts a huge emphasis on style and details, which you’ll also notice in its curated food menu. It’s also got a solid range of drinks for those who don’t like fruity cocktails, including its elevated beer-and-shot combo.

Check it out

Beaker & Gray

Award-winning cocktail bar inspired by cool things the world over

It’s moody, it’s swanky, it’s not too brightly lit. Despite the emphasis on austerity, Beaker & Gray hasn’t lost sight of favorites like boozy brunches and shareable plates. If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable and edgy cocktail without the pretentious vibes, head to Beaker & Gray.

Check it out

The Sylvester

A sustainability-focused bar with a focus on nostalgia

Who says sourcing ingredients locally can’t be groovy as hell? The Sylvester seamlessly bridges the world of sustainable mixology with a kitschy-as-hell design. Its menu is just as unique. For example, their Danger Zone Punch, features ingredients like spirits, berries, and danger. I’ll have five, thank you.

Check it out

ViceVersa

Classic Italian aperitivo bar offerings get Miami-fied

One of Miami’s best cocktail bars (the Michelin-rated Jaguar Sun) recently closed its doors—but core members of the team can be found working at ViceVersa. If you like bitter standouts like Vermut and negronis, along with more unique offerings like rum coffee and Lambrusco spritzes, then ViceVersa is your North Star.

Check it out

Sweet Liberty

A classic choice beloved by locals and tourists alike

Sweet Liberty is one of the least pretentious spots on this list—but that hasn’t stopped it from nabbing praise from The World’s 50 Best Bars and Time Out Bar Awards over the years. It’s cocktail menu shines. While hits like Gin & Juice and the Big Apple Martini aren’t exactly mind-blowing concepts, they’re crafted with love and care, and then sent out with a top-tier presentation.

Check it out

Brother’s Keeper

All things Miami converge at this cocktail bar & restaurant

I’m barely cool enough to be on this bar’s website, nonetheless to drink at Brother’s Keeper. Seriously, its cocktail menu is next-level awesome in terms of its twists on classics, inventive new ideas, and even its design. From the Millionaire Swizzle (rum-based) to the Filthy Cherry & Almond Manhattan (whiskey-based), I’m invested. While the cocktails are a little pricey, I’m convinced they’re worth the money.

Check it out

Airfare Made Easy: How to Use Google Flights & Booking

I’ve given up on a seamless airport experience, especially if I need to catch a connecting flight.

Airports are facing a myriad of challenges, from a lack of air traffic controllers to issues like lost luggage to the perennial risk of missing flights. In other words, it’s become very common for travelers to experience problems while in transit.

But that’s not the worst part of traveling by plane for me.

I’m even having trouble finding affordable flights and completing the booking problem.

I’m relatively hopeful that airports and airlines will stabilize in a few years. Most problems, especially those related to staffing, are the direct result of pandemic-era layoffs. In other words, most problems are solvable.

But I worry about the future of finding affordable flights. Like airports, deal-driven platforms have taken a hit in terms of customer experience and even functionality.

Fortunately, I’ve found a solution that works for me. One that helped me save on airfare without compromising on the quality of the experience or the validity of the booking.

Welcome to my new favorite way to book airfare: Google Flights and Booking.

The basics of booking flights

In case you missed my series on how to book cheap flights, there are a few tricks that any traveler can use.

Some involve avoiding dynamic pricing features using VPNs, while others focus on flying on the day of major holidays. Most of my advice revolves around understanding how airports and airlines work, along with discount booking platforms like Kayak and eDreams.

Those discount booking platforms are an important part of the equation… even if they aren’t without their faults. (More on this below.)

Deal sites are almost uniformly cheaper than purchasing tickets directly from an airline. And given many travelers (especially millennials and Gen Z) are on an ardent hunt for savings, signing up for an airline loyalty program probably isn’t a viable option.

So, how can travelers find cheap flights on platforms that don’t ramp up the total with price hikes and other sneaky tricks?

The problem with booking on deal sites

The issue with booking airfare on discount platforms is that they use dynamic pricing features to continually ramp up prices.

Want to switch out one of your flights for another? Price hike. Ready to finalize your purchase? Price hike. What about hitting the ‘back’ button to make sure you selected the right amenities? Price hike.

The closer you are to paying for your booking, the steeper those price hikes often become. (Airlines know you’re close to sealing the deal.)

Price hikes aside, discount platforms also have very low customer satisfaction ratings. Flights might be canceled without warning, causing a traveler’s entire trip to be swiped.

In fact, that happened to me recently.

I booked a round-trip from Barcelona to Milan using eDreams. I paid for my booking after three price hikes, received a confirmation email, and then went on with my day. Two weeks later, I went to check on my flight and realized my booking had actually never actually gone through.

I found an email notifying me that the original booking hadn’t gone through. Why? I’m not sure. The only explanation was an email with the original flights marked out with red with the word ‘rechazada’ (rejected in Spanish) next to them.

To be fair, I missed that second email notifying me that the booking wasn’t complete. Additionally, I was fully reimbursed for the charges without any problem. And I’ve had plenty of time since then to rebook my flight.

But the core issue for me is that these experiences make chip away at my trust in booking sites. (It’s not hard to see why many travelers are handing over this type of responsibility to travel agents.)

But there’s a silver lining to this airfare madness.

When I rebooked my round trip from Barcelona to Milan, I decided to stick with the same routine—but I opted for different providers. Not only was my ticket cheaper, but my booking hasn’t been canceled. Here’s how I did it.

The holy grail of cheap bookings: Google Flights & Booking

Google Flights works similarly to other discount platforms—just with a slightly cleaner interface.

I used Google Flights to shop around for the same offers that I saw on eDreams and Kayak. The major difference was that I had the option to finish the booking through Booking.com after selecting my flights.

Compared to at-a-glance estimates from eDreams and Kayak, Booking’s offer was around $50 more expensive. As someone who has used Booking in the past with consistently good results, I was encouraged rather than dissuaded.

If Booking was charging more, it had to be for good reason. (I mean it when I say trust is important.)

As I finished booking my flights (with the same airlines as the original eDreams booking), I wasn’t up-charged for a single thing. Not a single price hike—and, for whatever reason, I also wasn’t charged for carry-on luggage.

In the end, the booking was almost $75 cheaper than the original.

If you’re looking to book reliable and affordable airfare, I highly suggest you search for flights using Google Flights, then finish the booking via Booking.

*Caveat: Unfortunately, Booking isn’t available for all flights. But Google Flights offers a pretty straightforward price overview, so you should be able to find another good option. They also have a price evaluator, which lets you know what it’s normal to pay for a similar booking.