Traveling costs money. We all spend so much on airline tickets, lodging, as well as destination and touring costs. Rarely do we plan on saving enough money to buy souvenirs. Don’t bother skimping on your lodging or flight just so you can buy some souvenirs. Make sure you’re staying somewhere safe so that you make it to that lodging safely… and in one piece. So, we recommend spending all of your money on traveling safely. Therefore, rather than buying pointless purchased items, use these tips to take home some free or practically free souvenirs that are great mementos from your fantastic vacation that you can hold onto for a lifetime. 

Photos

     You’re going to take dozens of photos when you’re on a trip – those evoke many more memories than some small tchotchke you buy at a shop. A refrigerator magnet is not worth 1,000 words. In fact, it’s worth about 2 words, refrigerator, and magnet. A photo, however, reminds you of your memorable trip. Plus, there’s typically a far more interesting story behind it compared to the refrigerator magnet. People will much rather look at your photos than your magnets and your trip will seem a whole lot more dazzling when you show them. 

Postcards

     Postcards are photos that have been taken by another party but have already been printed for your convenience. Postcards aren’t free but they cost hardly anything and they’re sturdy enough meaning there’s a strong chance they’ll survive the trip back home. If you buy a vase or something similar, odds are that it’ll break when you attempt to transport it home. Further, the designs in foreign countries are very unique – making it very different compared to whats at home.

Sand and Seashells

     Talk about cheap! Filling a zip lock bag with sand and shells is the cheapest souvenir possible. You may feel a little funny spending a day on your vacation scooping sand into a bag, but once you get home and throw the sand and shells in a jar you will be left with a beautiful memento from your trip that will surely be the envy of all of your friends. 

Ticket Stubs

     You’re going to go see these wonderful sites and shows while on vacation anyway. So why not save your ticket stubs so you have a free piece to not only remember your historic trip to the museum, theater, or concert? Ticket stubs make great mementos and are often linked with some of the most memorable moments of your trip. Therefore, save the stubs and bring them home. All of these souvenirs are way more meaningful than ones you can buy in stores, anyways.

     New York City is easily one of the most expensive cities in the world, but you don’t have to make your trip expensive. You can enjoy the locale like a local and have a blast in the Big Apple… for free. It may sound impossible but you can certainly enjoy it for free! This magical city is composed of fun activities and events that won’t require a single dime.

Museums

     Several museums in New York offer patrons free entry a few days a month. New York is known for its incredible museums, full of culture and classic works of art, but often they carry a hefty price tag. If you know where to look, you can find out that most of these museums offer free or heavily discounted rates. Keep your eye out for these free culture passes.

Art Galleries

     Most art galleries in New York are free to enter because they want people to browse in order to make a sale. It must feel great to faux art shop in Chelsea. Within a 10 block radius are some of the best art galleries in all of New York, so check out 18^th to 28^th streets between 10^th and 11^th avenues. 

Public Parks

     New York is known for maintaining spectacular public parks and we aren’t just talking about Central Park. Urban parks have incredible sculptures and statues, while others feature fountains and playgrounds. All are free. Take your kids to the Washington Square Park fountain or Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. These parks are here for your pleasure… enjoy them!

Free Ferries

     Get out there and see The Statue of Liberty for free by taking a free ferry. The ferry runs from lower Manhattan to Staten Island every 20 minutes and takes passengers pretty close to Ellis Island and old lady liberty herself. Best yet… you don’t have to stay in Staten Island, just get off and back on the ferry and head back to the city. You can get amazing pictures of The Statue of Liberty from the deck.

Iconic Sightseeing

     There aren’t better places in the world to just walk around and sightsee. The city’s oversized buildings surround some of the most iconic sights you will ever see, so check out the city. Only a few buildings charge to get to the top but many times you can find views for free. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or checkout times square. The busier the attraction, the more there are to see.

     There are those that swear by it and some that don’t even know what it is – we’re talking travel insurance… and it actually may be much more beneficial than you may think! You never know what may happen when traveling so it’s always best to be prepared for anything and everything. The last thing you’d want is a ruined trip thanks to one unavoidable issue. This guide will help breakdown the extra expense and explain everything you need to know about travel insurance.

Needed?

     First and foremost, we’ll start by saying that it is definitely not necessary for any and all vacations. It all depends on what kind of trip you’re taking. Officially, you can ensure any trip that involves traveling at least 100 miles. so if you’re taking a short driving trip to visit family or friends within your state or a neighboring state, chances are you won’t need to bother. But, once your trip involves a longer flight, travel insurance can be a safe bet.

     However, there are many misconceptions about the insurance. It doesn’t cover any expenses that may come up during your trip. It will only ensure payments that took place before your departure. So, that suggests any shows or sporting event tickets, hotel expenses, pre-paid car rental, etc. can all be covered by travel insurance. But, if in the middle of your trip, you decided to catch a concert last minute, that expense cannot be covered by your travel insurance. Similarly, travel insurance cannot cover anything that is refundable, even if it was purchased before departing on your trip.

     Also, it is very important to compare and contrast plans before picking one. There are several different options out there. Take your time and consider everything about your trip and your budget. Consider the ages of all parties involved, the location of the trip, and the length of the trip. And make sure the one you choose is comprehensive and includes things like emergency medical coverage and baggage protection.

Again, travel insurance isn’t always necessary, but it can be extremely helpful and can help ensure you enjoy a safe and enjoyable travel experience.