7 Of The Best Non-Physical Souvenirs To Collect While Traveling

“I used to be that traveler who brought home a suitcase filled with souvenirs from every tourist trap. You know the ones: shot glasses, keychains, fridge magnets, and some figurines,” Michael Donovan, travel expert and the co-founder of StayNewEngland.com told Forbes. “But when I went home and unloaded everything, none of it truly brought back the romance of the locations I’d been. They just felt like clutter, with no greater meaning.”

“I’ve discovered that the most memorable keepsakes don’t take up much physical room or cost a lot of money,” added Donovan. “The best keepsakes capture the actual essence and spirit of your adventures through experiences rather than tangible possessions and these days, I’m considerably more conscious of what I bring home.”

Looking for inspiration on non-physical souvenirs that’ll be much more meaningful than the stuff you’d find in your average tourist shop? Here are some thoughtful suggestions from regular travelers looking to practice a more minimalist approach to memory-making while abroad:

Poignant photographs

“Photographs undoubtedly top my list of cherished souvenirs. Rather than snapping away indiscriminately, I aim to capture a few poignant shots that encapsulate the heart of my experiences,” said Donovan. “An elderly gentleman playing chess at a park in Havana. The warm hues of a Tuscan sunrise… These images have become visceral reminders of the moments that truly moved me. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words—and a thousand memories.”

Digital souvenirs

“With today’s technology, it’s easy to film snippets of video on our phones as we travel and then weave them together into a short, shareable movie once we return home,” said Donovan. “The videos let me relive those experiences in such a vivid way. I’ll stitch together scenes from lively markets, locals going about their day, amazing views—anything that captures the full feel of that destination. It’s like bottling the entire atmosphere.”

Recipes

“Food is such a great conversation starter and a way to connect—I’ve gotten recommendations and recipes from cab drivers, hotel front desk clerks, or even other travelers,” said Malia Yoshioka, freelance writer and founder of Shoyu Sugar. “I always have a small notebook on me and scribbling down some of the steps or ingredients of a recipe has given me the chance to really interact with locals, even if there’s a language barrier. Google translate and hand gestures go a long way!”

Playlist of songs

“When I travel, I like to use the app Shazam to learn what song is playing whenever I’m in a place where the music catches me,” said Yoshioka. “For example if there’s a pop song that comes up often in my trip, or a song I’ve overheard at a restaurant during a memorable meal, or something the DJ has on that seems to be getting the crowd to sing along. I’ll add them to a playlist and use that when I’m back at home, reminiscing about my trip.”

Language lessons

“You meet new people who speak different languages when you go to different places and you can then learn a few words or phrases in the language of the people you met,” said Hans Mast, travel agent at Golden Rule Travel. “This can be a useful souvenir that connects you to their culture and way of life. Language lessons can come in many forms, such as audiobooks, audio recordings, or even online courses. It all depends on how interested you are in learning the language.”

Handwritten journals or sketchbooks

Some travelers like to write down their memories. “Keeping a handwritten journal or sketchbook while you travel can be a personal and meaningful way to remember your trip,” said Mast. “Writing down your feelings, observations, and artistic creations can help you remember the times and feelings you had on your journey.”

Donating to a local community organization

“Consider giving an intangible gift during your visit by donating to a local community organization,” suggested Whitney Smith, director of marketing at Tourism Cares. “This way, you can be a thoughtful visitor, supporting the destinations and people even after you’ve left.”

According to Smith, donations often come with annual update letters, weekly newsletters, or other communications to keep you informed about the organization’s and community’s progress. “Regular updates allow you to witness change, see the community grow, and reminisce about your time there,” she said.