You Collect More Than Photos When You Travel.

When you start collecting, trips take on a whole new meaning.  I’m not talking about shot glasses or mini-spoons, those are souvenirs.   What  I am referring to are items worth collecting, with real meaning or intrinsic value.

Coincidentally, items that are worth collecting are often worth giving.  This is why, when I see something on one of my travels, I ask myself, “Is there anybody who would want this that doesn’t even know they want this?”

I believe quite strongly that starting someone’s collection has a snowball effect.  Suddenly they want to travel, to collect their own things, and maybe they’ll even find something that you didn’t know you wanted.

Examples of these things are what I call “anti-souvenirs” and can include:

• Anything that supports local arts and crafts or a national heritage or identity.  One of the best gifts I have ever received was a framed set of Indian Rupees from smallest to largest.
• Something you cannot get at home, be it food, wine, or a Bollywood soundtrack.  Another good way to go is to grab a variation of something you have at home.  I still remember worshiping the Sprite Ice I found in Canada on a family trip when I was 14.
• A lifelong friend or an acquaintance.  I have standing offers for room and board on 5 Continents and over 10 countries, all because I had the guts to hold a door open for someone, or start a conversation in line at a concert.

It’s worth it to get out there, and if you care at all about Karma or something similar you will do your best to inspire others to get out there as well.  Oh, and if you need somewhere to stay anywhere except for Africa or Antartica, you can always find me at: nbrendanpickering@gmail.com

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