I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for souvenirs. It all began at the tender age of six with thimbles and spoons, and has blossomed into something I can only describe as a controlled obsession.

Once, many years ago, my husband made the mistake of forbidding me to purchase the object of my desire: a handsome bronze doorknocker in a tiny little shop on a nondescript side street in Italy. I never forgot about it. After a full decade of “non-buyers remorse,” I actually forced him to fly back to Italy with me, to the very same spot, to buy the blasted thing. (It took us five days to find the shop and, though we miraculously found the VERY SAME doorknocker design, it had quadrupled in price. Needless to say, my husband doesn’t object to my purchases anymore.)

I know I’m not alone in believing one of the great joys of traveling is bringing home a token or two (or twelve) to help one remember the journey. And whether I’m scouring the shelves of a quaint knick-knack shop in Dublin, or perusing a packed market stall in Marrakech, the thrill of the hunt gives me a rush that would rival bungee jumping off the St. Louis Arch and then receiving a congratulatory smack on the lips from George Clooney.

In recent years, however, it has become trickier and trickier to find souvenirs that are exclusive to a particular locale. I once purchased what I thought was an antique letter opener at a market in Europe, only to find the same item at TJ Maxx a few weeks later. Ouch. Which begs the question, how does a person track down an amazing, authentic travel memento? There are no guarantees, of course, but you can improve your chances of success by following a few simple suggestions:

Do your homework: Surf the web (or email any contact you might have at your destination—even a hotel concierge) before you depart to get the skinny on local shopping markets, festivals and street fairs. Gatherings like these are hotbeds for vendors who sell locally produced goods. For kicks, check out this list of the top 10 European markets.

Ask around: If you see someone decked out in interesting local attire or accessories, ask the person where they bought them. Or if you see another traveler holding an intriguing purchase, don’t be shy– approach and inquire. Most people are thrilled to spread the word about a find.

Barter: Depending on where you travel, you might have something worth trading. Levi’s jeans and American sports team apparel are coveted (and very expensive) in certain parts of the world, and items as simple as pencils and packaged snacks are appreciated other areas. A hand-sculpted ocarina might set you back a mere package of Oreos. Or you might score a locally woven tapestry in exchange for a gently loved Tebow jersey. The possibilities are intriguing, indeed.

Support Local Artisans: I once lucked upon a sale of student art at the port in Dubrovnik. (The unframed canvases were literally laid out on the concrete next to the boats.) I walked away with a one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly painting that brings back great memories every time I look at it.

Think outside the souvenir stand: Some of my most interesting finds have come from neighborhood grocery stores, hardware stores and pharmacies. Another country’s domestically produced packaged goods and beauty products make great, cost-effective take-homes and gifts. (As long as they’re legal to bring back to the U.S., of course.*)

*Which brings me to my next topic: keeping our friends at U.S. Customs from putting us on the naughty list. Every devout souvenir seeker has a responsibility to familiarize him or herself with the laws regarding importing foreign goods. If the U.S. Customs Department homepage isn’t on your list of frequented sites, no worries: I’ll be covering the basics in my next post. If, however, you simply can’t wait, feel free to contact your Travel Beyond consultant.

The following towns, cities and villages probably aren’t on your list of “must see” destinations, but perhaps they should be. (It would be pretty fun just to say you’ve been there.)

Disappointment, Kentucky
Can Do, North Dakota
ii, Finland
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Dollarbeg, Scotland
Fart, Virginia
Boring, Oregon
Slackbottom, Yorkshire U.K.
My Large Intestine, Texas
Odd, West Virginia
Tightwad, Missouri
Wagga Wagga, Australia
Embarrass, Minnesota
Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket U.K.
Naked City, Indiana
Frenchman’s Butte, Canada
No name, Colorado
Beer Bottle Crossing, Idaho
Bra, Italy
Plain City, Utah
Poopoo, Hawaii
Sexi, Peru
And finally…

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales

Roughly translated, the name means “St. Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel Near to the Rapid Whirlpool of Llantysilio of the Red Cave.”

The name originated in the nineteenth century as a means of transforming the community into a center of tourism. Creative? Yep. But they still didn’t win the award for length. That title goes to…

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, New Zealand

If you’re not quite ready for Disappointment (or in the mood for Boring), let our consultants help you discover amazing destinations that won’t be so Odd.

By Kim Bercaw

Pretty much every country around the globe has a strange law or two (or fifty) on the books, and all of these have one thing in common: They apply to locals and travelers alike. Kooky or not, familiarizing yourself with the statutes below might just save you a night in the Swiss slammer or the Peruvian pokey. (If any of these laws are actually enforced, that is.) If you have a thing for breaking laws, this information could prove useful on your next vacation, though we generally do not recommend attempting to get arrested in a foreign country.

In Switzerland it’s illegal to flush the toilet after 10:00 p.m.

In Singapore, if you’re caught littering three times, you’ll be sentenced to pick up the city’s refuse while wearing a sign around your neck that says, “I am a litterer.”

In Cambodia it’s illegal to use water guns in New Year’s celebrations.

In Australia it’s illegal to wear hot pink pants after noon on Sunday.

In Canada you may not pay for a fifty-cent item with only pennies.

In France, a pig may not be named “Napoleon.” Also in France, it’s illegal to kiss on railways.

In Germany, a pillow can be considered a weapon.

In Israel it is forbidden to bring your bear to the beach.

On a slightly more serious note, your Travel Beyond consultant is a great resource for familiarizing you with local cultures and customs. Making sure you’re wearing proper attire is a common consideration when traveling someplace new, as is social grace and etiquette.

If you have any funny stories or questions please share them below. A helpful Travel Beyond consultant will be glad to help.

Source: www.dumblaws.com

Toothbrush? Check. Underwear? Check. Trip insurance? (Confused silence.) If an insurance plan isn’t at the very top of your travel essentials checklist, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, a mere 30 percent of us say “yes” to this type of coverage. Shocking, considering how unpredictable life can be. Just last spring my family was headed for a week of bliss in the West Indies when our connecting flight from Atlanta to Provodenciales was unexpectedly cancelled. Had we skipped the travel coverage, we would have found ourselves on a flight home, crying into our complimentary bag of pretzels. Instead, we were able to re-book to a new destination on the spot and received full refunds for our original hotel reservations AND our pre-purchased island excursions. Relief? Let’s just say there was some spontaneous dancing going on that day at the customer service counter.

A typical plan averages five to seven percent of your total trip cost, which is small in comparison to the potential loss of nonrefundable hotel rooms, flights and activities.  I usually choose my plan based on:

• The likelihood that one of my kids will come down with a croupy, vomitous scourge three hours before we depart (58%)
• The chances of my travel dates inadvertently coinciding with an elderly relative’s 100^th birthday celebration (12%)
• The odds of me incurring serious bodily injury halfway through the trip because I can’t resist cliff diving or swimming with killer jellyfish or engaging some other ridiculous activity I would never in my right mind do at home (25%)

You, of course, will have your own unique reasons for choosing a plan. Here are some common types of coverage:

Trip cancellation
Trip interruption
Medical coverage
Evacuation coverage
Baggage coverage
Flight insurance

Interestingly, there’s also:

Golf course closure coverage
Work-related cancellation coverage
Student coverage
Hurricane coverage

You can even purchase insurance that allows you to cancel your trip FOR ANY REASON. It would be really pathetic if you backed out of a vacation because your bunion was acting up or because of a bad hair day, but isn’t it great to know you COULD?

If the above coverage options seem a bit overwhelming, never fear. Your Travel Beyond consultant will be more than happy to help you pick out just the right plan.

No matter how many times I hand over my trusty Tumi bags at airline check-in, I never seem to get over that slightly uneasy feeling that sits in the pit of my stomach as I watch them disappear down the conveyor. Off they go, to airport Neverland, and into the hands of baggage-handling strangers. It’s similar to the feeling I get when I drop my kids off at summer camp. In both cases, I take a deep breath, say a short prayer and hope they’re at the designated pick-up location when I arrive to claim them.

The whole baggage handling process is pretty miraculous, really. According to Wikipedia, the odds of a bag being lost en route are less than one percent. But when something does go awry, a trip can turn into a tragedy faster than you can say “airline-issue overnight courtesy bag.” Last year, after being separated from my checked bag in Atlanta, I came dangerously close to wearing a complimentary XXL Delta Airlines logo t-shirt to a dinner party.

The best way to minimize the M.I.A. baggage blues is to always pack the essentials in your carry-on. Obvious choices include toiletries, a change of clothing and any medication you might require. If you’re me, you also bring along a 27-year old pillow known affectionately as “James.” (But that’s another post entirely, suitable for a blog about unnatural childhood attachments.) The point is, carry on anything you consider vital to your happiness should you be without your luggage for a few days.

Lost baggage is by no means limited to portable, densely packed containers of clothing and accessories. According to the London Heathrow Lost Property Office, items recently recovered at their airport include a samurai sword, a prosthetic arm, a coffin, a puffer fish and a stuffed fox. One elderly gentleman even came to the office to turn in a pair of false teeth he had found on the baggage claim conveyor and mistook for his own. Interestingly, it had taken him a few hours to figure out the teeth were someone else’s.

Do you have any lost baggage stories? Share them in the comment section below!

For a few more hilarious tales of lost luggage, read this Daily Herald article.

A recent USA Today article featured helpful tips on beating wireless roaming charges while traveling abroad.

Here are a few tips from the article:

• Rent a pocket Wi-Fi hot spot to access the internet
• If internet access is available, use a web-based app like Skype to place calls with cheaper rates
• Consider a pay-per-day unlimited data plan
• Get a local SIM card from the airport for cheaper calling rates
• Ask your phone carrier about an international plan
• If all else fails, be sure to turn off roaming function to avoid accidental charges

For more recommendations and specific rates, read the full article.

Do you have any personal tips on cell phone savings? Or do you have a “Good Question” you would like answered? Please share them below.

When communicating in foreign lands, what we say and what we mean to say are sometimes very different. But let’s face it: Inadvertently unleashing a family insult or silly comment isn’t quite as horrifying when you remember to pack your sense of humor.

I’ll never forget my first Australian rugby match. Not the game, mind you. Instead, I remember the seemingly effortless way I managed to lodge my foot in squarely in my mouth just moments after finding my seat. Hoping to make a little polite conversation with some locals, I confidently turned to the young man next to me and asked him which team he was “rooting for.” I quickly discovered the term has a very different meaning Down Under than it does in the States– a much more, ehem, salacious meaning, if you will. By the time the laughter had subsided, my face was as red as Uluru.

Truth be told, anyone with a Passport probably has a similar story to share. In an effort to spare us all future embarrassment, here are a few common spoken pitfalls that can be easily avoided:

“Sobo” sounds remarkably similar to a popular type of Japanese noodle, but be warned: the proper spelling is “soba.” The former means “to eat your grandma.”

“Estoy embarazado” may sound like you’re admitting embarrassment in Spanish, but you’re really stating that you’re pregnant. For fewer amused stares, try “Me da verguenza.”

“Caballero” or “gentleman” in Spanish, is a perfectly respectable moniker for a man. But one slip of the tongue and you might just call someone a “caballo,” or horse.

“Chin Chin” will surely inspire your peers to raise their glasses in Italy, but in Japan the phrase is used to describe one’s private parts.

The good news? If you make a mistake while trying to speak another language, most people will likely appreciate the effort as much as the hilarity of the faux pas.

For more examples of language blunders watch this entertaining video from the BBC.

Do you have any funny language slip stories?  Share them in the comments section below.

As the pumpkins and leaves in home décor aisles give way to snowflakes and sleighs, it’s clear that the holiday season is once again upon us. As the seasons change and the cold weather moves in, our hearts and minds are warmed by the thoughts of the approaching holiday season. During this time, we’ll once again find ourselves searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends. For those looking for a way to avoid the department store hustle and bustle, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite holiday gift ideas.

Colorful Travel Memories

It’s easy to create a personalized gift without spending the entire holiday season at a craft store. Capture and share travel memories in a custom photo book from Shutterfly.com. Simply choose a theme and book style from Shutterfly’s diverse library and upload digital photos from your computer or Facebook account. This is an easily (and stylish) way to keep special travel memories alive.

Where to find it: Shutterfly.com

Bags for International Adventures

Most travelers are familiar with the strict luggage size regulations on major airlines and purchase luggage accordingly. When travelling abroad, however, you may be travelling with a less-familiar airline that has its own luggage rules and restrictions. For example, the limited cargo space on most flights taken while on safari in southern Africa restricts guests to carrying only soft-sided luggage with much smaller dimensions than the airlines we often fly with in the states. For those heading on an African safari, or any off-the-beaten-path adventure, we recommend the Eagle Creek No Matter What™ small duffel, with lockable zippers and a removable padded shoulder strap for simple and secure travel.

Where to find it: SafariClothingStore.com

Luggage for Little People

As the company tagline explains, Trunki makes “luggage for little people.” A Trunki is small enough to fit inside overhead bins on airplanes and large enough to hold the books, toys, snacks and change of clothes necessary for travel with small children. Most notably, the hard plastic luggage doubles as a wheeled cart on which tykes can ride when their little legs get tired, pulled by a special tow strap behind their parents. Trunkis come in a variety of personalities and colors, from Penelope the Princess Carriage to Freddie the Fire Engine, ensuring the luggage is something your child won’t want to leave behind.
Where to find it: Trunki.com

Practical Style

A light jacket is a necessity for cool airplanes, early morning adventures and evening strolls, even in a warm environment. For women, Columbia Sportswear’s Women’s Fast Trek fleece jacket is the perfect weight for varied environments. The soft fleece jacket can double as a pillow on the plane, and its zipped pockets will ensure that even her smallest belongings don’t fall out. While the jacket comes in an array of colors, we recommend a neutral color to more easily match a variety of outfits, saving precious packing space for new purchases and souvenirs.

Where to find it: SafariClothingStore.com

Tis the Season for Giving

Teach your children the importance of giving this holiday season by donating to a worthy cause. One program we’ve supported for many years is Children in the Wilderness, an educational safari camp program in southern Africa. Children in the Wilderness brings together kids from local communities in southern Africa and teaches them about protecting their environment, the geology and geography of the region in which they live, arts and crafts, nutrition, health and HIV/AIDS prevention.

During the Children in the Wilderness camp, kids spend their time bonding with peers and learning from adult mentors, including camp staff and safari guides; many of whom attended the camp when they were kids. This program plays an important role in inspiring and educating local children throughout seven countries in southern Africa.

Donate at ChildrenInTheWilderness.com

Give Them the World

There’s a sense of joy found in watching a child or grandchild open a special present on Christmas morning. But often, the gift is just one of many toys, gadgets and articles of clothing that will be used for a while and then forgotten. Now imagine the joy of traveling with children and grandchildren and literally giving them the world, sharing with them the wonders of ancient civilizations, amazing wildlife, and foreign cultures. Intergenerational trips give families the opportunity to experience the world together, making lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.

For parents and grandparents who are looking to give their children or grandchildren the gift of travel down the road, Travel Beyond has created America’s first-ever Travel Trust™. Our original family trust program allows parents and grandparents to place tax-exempt gifts into a family trust. The Trust funds can be used for enriching travel experiences today and in the future. Use the funds to take your grandchildren on an intergenerational trip next year or allow them to choose a destination for personal travel down the road.

Learn more at TravelBeyond.com

Share the Travel Experience

For an experience and special holiday gift your child or grandchild won’t soon forget, we recommend an Adventures by Disney vacation this holiday season. Adventures by Disney offers travel experiences around the globe, from Australia to Peru. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find an experience perfect for your family’s many interests. In Europe, Adventures by Disney experiences range from spending the night in a historic English castle to learning how to make pasta in Tuscany or taking part in a detective scavenger hunt at the Louvre in France. In Central America, Disney guests can zip line above the rainforest canopy, explore a pineapple plantation and tour ancient forests filled with exotic creatures. With kids-only activities, family movie nights and special private tours, all Adventures by Disney itineraries add Disney magic to international adventure.

Learn more at TravelBeyond.com

Some destinations are better suited for family travel than others, and the moms and dads on our staff were eager to share their favorite places to travel with their own kids.

Craig’s Pick: The Galapagos Islands

“Kids really love the Galapagos in the summertime. Not only do the Islands offer a unique wildlife experience on par with an African safari, but the routine makes for good family fun. The Islands are on the Equator, and the ships cross it numerous times during the cruise so the weather is the same year round. But in the summer the ships are loaded with mature, well-traveled kids, typically age 7-17. The early morning and late afternoon activities keep everyone in the family engaged and the timing of the activities and life on the ship keeps everyone on the same sleeping and eating schedule. With other kids onboard the parents can really enjoy some downtime during the siesta (10am-2pm) while the kids have fun and make new friends. This seems to be a perfect balance of family time, activities, kids’ time, and parents’ time.”

Jim’s Pick: Hawaii

“Hawaii is often thought of as a romantic destination for couples. But what most people outside of the West Coast don’t realize is the islands are one of the best family destinations in the world. Hawaii offers a worry-free environment that is safe and comfortable. Plus, you can drink the water! Some of my favorite family activities include: watching whales from a boat off the coast of Maui, kayaking to the Mokulua twin islands on Oahu, hiking through ancient lava tubes on the Big Island, riding mules down the Pacific’s highest sea cliffs on Molokai and taking a helicopter tour to see the stunning beauty of Kauai.”

Sande’s Pick: South Africa

“South Africa is an incredible experience for kids. Not only does it have game viewing but also so many other options. In Cape Town, the waterfront area is fun for kids to walk around with parents to go shopping and exploring. Take the kids on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet with picturesque crashing waves, and on the return stop by Simons Town and see the Jackass Penguins whose loud bark sounds like a donkey.

Want more adult activities with the kids? Take them to a winery for a tour–still very interesting no matter what the age. There are also wineries that have many other kid friendly activities, like one that also houses a Cheetah sanctuary.

The Eastern Cape is an excellent area for game viewing with young kids because it is located in a malaria-free zone and still has the Big 5. Kruger and the Sabi Sands have some of the most incredible game activity in the country and the most beautiful family lodges. The information kids learn from the game rangers is amazing, and they soak up the information like sponges. The lodges also give you time to connect to your kids because they really have to unconnect to the world of Facebook and the internet and have some fun time just being with parents. There aren’t many places anymore that can still offer this.”

Debbie’s Pick: Egypt

“Kids can’t help but be impressed by Egypt’s rich history when they can take pictures in front of ancient pyramids, explore royal tombs and discover colorful artifacts and treasures. From viewing mummies to riding camels, a trip to Egypt is an unforgettable vacation for kids. The Egyptologists at the Valleys of the Kings and Queens are especially great at keeping kids of all ages engaged. Older kids can appreciate Egypt’s history and culture, and younger kids will be impressed by the majesty of it all. After taking my son to Egypt a few years ago, it’s one of my favorite travel destinations.”

Note: Egypt is on the road to recovery. U.S. travel warnings have been eased and elections are scheduled for Fall 2011. We anticipate family travel to Egypt will be safe and very popular in the years ahead.

Facebook Fan Pick

We recently asked our Facebook fans about the best place they’ve taken their kids. Here’s Travel Beyond client Kathy Klofft’s pick: “Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. We did a real “jungle cruise,” slept in a treehouse and listened to crickets all night and howler monkeys in the morning.”

Do you have a favorite spot for kids that wasn’t covered? Let us know in the comment section below!

Enrich their lives through travel

Let us know if you’re looking for new destinations to explore with your kids. Looking to enrich your children’s lives through travel? Learn more about Travel Trust®, which allows parents and grandparents to place tax-exempt gifts into a family trust.

Time is Booming Away. Many Americans in their golden years are going nowhere fast. On average, Baby Boomers have only visited 36% of the places on their Bucket List.

Young and Fun. Even with limited budgets, Gen Y is still managing to see the world. On average, Americans ages 18-34 have been to over 20% of their must-see destinations. In addition, 76% of Gen Y believes that they will visit the rest of their list within their lifetimes – a likely outcome at the rate that Generation Y is flying the friendly skies.

Oh! The Places You (Might) Go! Feeling pessimistic about completing your travel list? Make 2011 the year that you do something about it. Only 6% of Americans have managed to visit the bulk (meaning over 75%) of the destinations they want to see before they die. When it comes to travel, time is willing to wait – but not forever.

Buck the Trend

To ensure you visit all your bucket list destinations, it’s important to start planning now. We’re very excited about Wanderlist®, our new bucket list travel planning service, but don’t just take our word for it. Read why travel writer Janis Turk calls Wanderlist® “great news.”

If you’d like more information on Wanderlist® or you still have questions, let us know. We’re happy to explain the process, look at your bucket list and help you organize your travel dreams.