Travel Shopping: Avoid Buying Crappy Souvenirs And Regrets

Travelling is fun, but it can be hard to resist the urge to buy things we don't need. Here are some tips to avoid buying crap when you travel. Firstly, understand why you buy things. Are you bored? Lonely? Shopping to fill an emotional void will only provide temporary happiness. Instead, find fulfilment in non-material things like experiences, family, and nature. Before buying something, pause and ask yourself if you really need it. Waiting 24 hours will help you assess whether the purchase is impulsive. Take pictures of items you want and look for cheaper alternatives online. You can also set a rule to only buy things that are locally made or that you can use every day. Unsubscribe from retail emails and avoid window shopping to remove temptation. Finally, remember that money gives you options, while extra stuff limits you.

Take pictures of items you want and look for cheaper versions online

Taking pictures of items you want and then looking for cheaper versions online is a great way to avoid buying tourist "crap" when travelling. It's a simple yet effective method to ensure you only buy things that will continue to bring you joy in the future.

Here's how it works: when you're travelling, instead of buying something that catches your eye, simply take a picture of it. Tell yourself that you'll look for a cheaper version of the same item online later. Chances are, you'll never end up looking at those pictures again or buying the item, but you'll still feel satisfied as if you had made a purchase. And if you do eventually buy something online that you saw at a gift shop, it's likely something you'll continue to appreciate in the future, rather than forget about and stick in a junk drawer.

This method also helps you avoid impulse purchases, which make up a good deal of unnecessary spending. By taking a picture and waiting, the urge to buy will often fade after a few hours. You can also use this time to assess whether you really need the item and do some research to find a cheaper version.

To further avoid impulse purchases, it's a good idea to avoid temptation altogether. If you're trying to lose weight, you don't want to stock your home with junk food. Similarly, if you're trying not to buy things you don't need, don't go to the mall to window shop or browse online stores. Instead, find other fun activities to do, like going for a walk in nature or having a game night with friends.

It's also helpful to be aware of the psychological tricks stores use to get you to spend more money. For example, stores use colour to make products attractive and encourage sales. Red stands out and can prompt you to take action, which is why it's often used in advertising. Navigation roadblocks are another tactic—stores force you to walk around items you don't need to get to the ones you're looking for. Having a list of what you need and going straight to it can help you avoid this trap.

By taking pictures of items you want and looking for cheaper versions online, you can avoid buying tourist "crap" and make more thoughtful, financially savvy purchases.

Set a 24-hour pause before buying anything

When you're on holiday, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement and buy things you don't need. A 24-hour pause is an effective strategy to curb impulse purchases and save money. Here's how to do it:

Pause before purchasing

Take a step back and resist the urge to buy something immediately. This is especially important when travelling, as shops and markets often employ various tricks to encourage you to spend money.

Wait for 24 hours

Give yourself a 24-hour cooling-off period. During this time, don't make any purchases, no matter how tempting they may seem. This waiting period will help you assess whether you truly need the item or if it's just a passing desire.

Evaluate the purchase

After 24 hours, reassess your decision. Ask yourself critical questions: "Do I really need this?", "Will it bring long-term value to my life?", and "Can I afford it without compromising my financial goals?". By evaluating the purchase objectively, you can make a more informed and rational decision.

Consider alternatives

While you're waiting, explore alternative options. Research similar products, compare prices, and read reviews. You may find more affordable options or realise that you don't need the item at all.

Prioritise savings

Instead of spending impulsively, prioritise saving money. Allocate the funds you would have spent on impulse purchases towards your financial goals, such as building an emergency fund, paying off debt, or investing for the future.

Practice mindful spending

By implementing the 24-hour rule, you'll develop more mindful spending habits. You'll learn to differentiate between impulsive desires and genuine needs, leading to a more intentional approach to managing your finances, both while travelling and in your daily life.

Understand how stores manipulate your senses to make you spend more

Stores use many tricks to manipulate your senses and make you spend more. Here are some of the ways they do this:

Sight

The use of colour is a powerful tool for retailers. Red, for example, is often associated with sales as it inspires people to take action. Black is associated with luxury and higher prices. Retailers also use colour to create a brand image and convey a certain lifestyle. For instance, Pottery Barn creates a theme for a room or a party, and customers are enticed to buy the products to replicate that lifestyle.

Stores also use roadblocks and displays to slow you down and make you linger. For example, placing milk at the back of a grocery store forces you to walk through the store and see other items, increasing the likelihood of you picking up something extra.

Touch

Research shows that when people touch things, they are more likely to buy them. Stores use various tactics to encourage this, such as creating roadblocks or having displays that are a little off-kilter, making people more comfortable with picking things up.

Smell

Scents can evoke powerful memories and emotions, and retailers use this to their advantage. For example, the smell of baby powder in the baby department or coconut in the summer clothes section can make you spend more.

Hearing

Music is used to create a certain feeling and tap into your emotions. For instance, playing classical music in a high-end jeweller's or slow music in a supermarket can make you linger and spend more. Upbeat music can also prompt impulsive purchases.

Avoid shopping for the sake of it

Shopping while travelling is a great way to remember your trip and the places you've been. However, it can be easy to get carried away and buy things you don't need. Here are some tips to avoid shopping for the sake of it:

Understand why you buy things

Before you go on your trip, take some time to think about why you buy things. Are you trying to fill an emotional void? Are you bored or lonely? Understanding your motivations can help you avoid making purchases you'll later regret.

Set a financial goal

Instead of spending money on souvenirs, set a financial goal for yourself. For example, you could plan to save for a trip, remodel your home, or buy a new car. This will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary spending.

Take inventory of what you have

Before you leave, take stock of what you already own. You might be surprised at how many similar items you have, such as pens, shoes, or clothes. This will help you realise what you don't need to buy.

Declutter

Get rid of any items you no longer need or use. This will help you appreciate what you have and make you less likely to buy things impulsively.

Unsubscribe from retail emails

Retailers will try to tempt you with discounts and sales. Avoid the temptation by unsubscribing from their emails. That way, you won't be constantly reminded of the things you could buy.

Find other ways to fulfil yourself

Shopping and browsing can take up a lot of time. Find other hobbies or activities to fill your time, so you're not tempted to shop out of boredom.

Give yourself a 24-hour pause

If you see something you feel you have to buy, try waiting 24 hours before purchasing it. This will give you time to think about whether you really need or want it.

Embrace minimalism

Consider adopting a minimalist mindset. Owning fewer possessions can give you more time and money to focus on what's really important to you.

Make a list of everything you own

Making a list of everything you own is a great way to gain perspective on your spending habits and curb impulse purchases. It can be a tedious task, but it is an effective way to reprogram your mind and change your buying behaviour.

Firstly, gather your data. Make a list of every single thing you own. Categorise your items into four groups: "Need", "Sometimes Need", "Want", and "Crap". Be as honest as possible with yourself when categorising these items. "Need" items are those that you cannot go a day without. "Sometimes Need" items are those that you use regularly but not daily. "Want" items are those that you bought because you wanted them, not because you needed them. "Crap" items are those that you have no good reason for owning and know that you need to get rid of.

Once you have your list, review it. Ask yourself the following questions: "When was the last time I used this?", "When will I use this again?", and "Does this item bring me joy?". Be honest and adjust your list accordingly. If an item doesn't get much use or doesn't make you happy, add it to the "Crap" list.

Now it's time to do some serious decluttering. Everything on your "Crap" list needs to go. You can donate these items, sell them, or give them away. Before you get rid of everything, take a picture of all your stuff together. This will help you remember all the things you bought that you didn't need.

Calculate how much money you spent on the items on your "Crap" list. Attach this amount to the picture of your stuff to remind yourself of how much money you spent on things you didn't need. You should also consider the time you spent acquiring and using these items. Attach this information to the picture as well, and think about the other ways you could have spent that time.

This exercise will help you identify what you don't need and reprogram your mind to stop buying unnecessary items. It will also help you gain a sense of gratitude for the things you already have and realise that you already have enough.

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