Why Every Backpack Needs a Bizarre Souvenir

Because what’s a travel story without a three-eyed troll figurine from Norway or a singing coconut from Thailand?

Melissa Ridge

5/12/20252 min read

Because what’s a travel story without a three-eyed troll figurine from Norway or a singing coconut from Thailand?

The Joy of Collecting the Weird, Wacky & Wonderful

Sure — postcards and magnets are cute, but if you’re a traveler with character (and a sense of humor), your backpack deserves better. I'm talking about that odd, utterly impractical, questionably tasteful thing you had to have on your trip.

My own collection includes a voodoo doll from New Orleans, a tiny bag of sand from the Sahara, and a porcelain pug wearing a sombrero from Mexico. Do I regret buying them? Never. Do they spark stories and weird conversations at home? Absolutely.

Why Bizarre Souvenirs Matter

1. They Make the Best Stories
Anyone can say they brought home a snow globe. But a hand-carved wooden vampire toothpick holder from Romania? Now you’ve got a conversation starter.

2. They’re Memory Triggers
Every oddball item instantly takes you back to that market stall, random side street, or hilarious travel mishap.

3. They’re Unexpectedly Useful
A glow-in-the-dark llama keychain? Perfect flashlight substitute when your hostel power goes out. A tiny gnome figurine? Great prop for your next Instagram reel.

Where to Find Your Next Bizarre Souvenir

Need transportation to those quirky markets and weird roadside stops? Check out these handy travel services:

BikesBooking for scooters and bikes in weirdly beautiful places
Trip to book stays near quirky markets
TiQets for unusual museum entries
WayAway for deals on offbeat destinations
Aviasales to hunt for those affordable flights to odd places

And don’t forget travel insurance with VisitorsCoverage — because breaking a toe chasing after a haunted marionette is a thing, trust me.

Blog Disclosure

Heads up, savvy traveler: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps fund my weird souvenir addiction and keeps this site running. Win-win.

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