Summer is upon us, which means many people are planning their dream vacations. Vacationing in the summer is popular because the weather lends itself to being able to explore and get the most of your trip. Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or New Zealand, you’re likely excited about all the experiences in store for you. One of the most exciting things about traveling is experiencing the culture in the countries you travel to – even different states in the US have markedly different cultures. Beyond food and language, part of the cultural experience is music, art, and even clothing. Picking up a piece of the local culture is an exciting way to remember where you’ve been, and the great times you had. While it’s easy to impulse shop cheap trinkets (and perfectly fine), there are some souvenirs that you should consider investing in over others. Let’s take a look at some of the best souvenirs to buy while overseas.

Fine Art

Buying art when you’re traveling can be tricky. Unless it’s a very small piece, getting it back may cost you – but it’s worth every penny. These are investments beyond mere mementos from more giant sculptures, ancient busts, and beautiful oil paintings. If you’re at an art museum or even a local cafe selling art and something speaks to you, indulge yourself. Who knows, maybe that local Catalonian artist will become a blue-chip artist one day.

Jewelry

For many people, a huge motivation to travel overseas is to purchase rare stones at a significantly lower price point than it would be in the states. The closer you are to where a gem is mined, the more affordable it will be, even if it’s still tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t want to buy loose stones to have them set in something back home, investing in fine jewelry on your vacation will always be smart. Jewelry can serve as a daily reminder of the memories you made on your vacation and can even become a treasured family heirloom one day. Places like Israel, Bangkok, and Cape Town are well-known as the best places to buy.

Handbags

Let’s face it; the bag makes the outfit, and who doesn’t love looking their best? In the same way that jewelry is often priced lower overseas, handbags are too. High-end and luxury designers like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior will all be a little less expensive overseas. No matter your net worth, everyone loves to save a little money. While you’re only looking at about a thousand dollars difference on the bags, this can mean the difference between purchasing one new bag on your trip or two. If you have a taste for designer handbags and are heading to Paris, expect to pay less – make sure you’ve got room in your luggage for your new bags!

Buy Land

Maybe you travel somewhere that changes your life. Plenty of people fall so in love with the places they’re visiting that they dream of a life lived there. If it’s in your budget, one of the best investments you can make is purchasing real estate. Whether you are buying land with a home already on it, a small flat, or an entire island, it’s one investment that will always be worth it. Sure, it seems extravagant, but life is short; why not have the option to spend some of it in a land you love.

Fragrances

Coming in as the most affordable on the list but just as important is a fragrance. Especially if you’re in France, a place renowned for its fragrances, this is the perfect take home for you or loved ones back home. Perfumes and colognes can set the mood and tell people about you without saying a word. Even if you have a signature scent you wear daily, find one that strikes you or reminds you of someone and grab a bottle or two.

Shopping while traveling is a fun and leisurely way to spend an afternoon. Some people travel overseas to shop for things they can’t find in their home country or that are more available overseas. Make sure you invest in someone from the above-mentioned list on your next getaway. Happy Trails!