Posted by Joseph Reyes in 
As the annual travel season gets under way for South-of-the-Equator destinations, vacationers assemble their budgets: X for travel, Y for lodging, Z for meals… And whatever is left over can go towards finding just the right souvenir. The modern realities of airline security, however, have been known to thwart the most intricate of plans. Even things as seemingly innocuous as coasters – to prevent those unsightly coffee table rings – can be scrutinized half to death by security agents in any country.
The World on Your Shoulders
The maze of various Customs regulations can make souvenir purchases a risky proposition, but there is one sure way to breeze through the lines (relatively speaking, of course) without any grief from the folks wearing the bright blue rubber gloves. Some of the best souvenirs might be the women’s designer dresses that can be worn on your back or packed in your luggage. There may indeed be some second glances, but only in the most complimentary sense.
Wearing the Culture
When vacationing in popular places like Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Brazil or anyplace else, there may be no more distinct expression (or reminder) of your cultural experience than the finest of local fashion, which can be kept conveniently in your closet, and displayed for all to see on the most special of occasions. The covert bonus that only you know about: Nobody else is going to be wearing what you’re wearing, because they didn’t shop where you did.
If you travel regularly, collecting the outfits of the world might become equal parts passion and obsession, with return trips to update your global style. Whether you find that perfect high-end souvenir outfit in a resort boutique or in a back-alley street market, the clothes you wear will say a lot more about where you’ve been than a bunch of boring stamps in your Passport booklet ever could.