Little Company, Big World
Standby Rate’s Blog – keeping in touchArchive for travel tips
Thursday Travel Tip – Buying Memories
Are you a traveller that loves to invest in every memorable trinket and treasure that you can get your hands on while holidaying in a foreign city, exploring the sites and sounds?
I am.
I travel only to come back with twice as much luggage as I arrived with, and sometimes having a whole suitcase dedicated to my wonderful ‘finds.’ The irony is that the first and last time I actually appreciated the thing that I bought was probably back in the little dinky market store where I first fell in love with it. So I have two dilemmas here.
- How to save money
- What to buy that would actually serve its purpose to bring back the happy memories of a trip
According to Jane E. Fraser’s Sydney Morning Herald article, souvenir shopping can still be more meaningful and purposeful than the little awkward statue of a hula girl with a slight chip off her arm. (Which is why you got it at a bargain price in the first place)
I’d like to take some time out to share with you some of her thoughts…
Firstly- Artworks
Sure, that makes sense. Chances are, buying a piece of artwork isn’t going to be lodged off to the poor and needy anytime soon and being showcased in the house somewhere will definitely open the floodgate of memories each time you pass it. Not a bad idea.
Secondly – Useful Items
It’s so simple but yet, so true. If you can use it, then you’ve definitely got your money’s worth. The memories are an added bonus. How about an African sculpted pot plant or South American mixing bowl? – Genius
Thirdly – Genuine Collectables
Already harbouring a collecting hobby – stamps, spoons, currency or fridge magnets? Just add to the collection! Hunt out the memorabilia that will enhance your current pool of treasures and you will find your souvenirs to be overflowing with value.
Fourthly – Classic Jewellery
Any wearables that you know can be cross-cultured without the need of waiting for a fancy dress party is definitely a keeper. Jewellery that can be easily meshed into a fashionable statement you’ll find not only brings a bit of awe and curiosity from your companions but is a great way to reminisce your life in another world.
Finally – Visual Memories
Drowning in a sea of vacation photos? Instead, how about making a special collage of the photos and framing it into a mountable frame? By doing so you have the unique, captured moments of your adventures but they are ready for display in a creative manner hence saving your friends and family the countless hours of album browsing and picture downloads.
If you’re not camera-keen then even postcard collecting with recorded thoughts on the back will definitely add value to the souvenir.
So there we have it, a quick run-down on how to make potential travel trash into timeless treasures.
Don’t forget to check out our daily rates on www.standbyrates.com.au so you can go out, explore and enjoy. Live a little, save a lot
…Going into Standby
Angela Nguyen
Distribution Partnerships
Floriade- Flowers to be Seen
Each year, Canberra hosts its prime festival showcasing tuplips, orchids and nature in all its beauty.
Yes, this event is the one and only Floriade.
Blossoming into action, Floriade is taking place this year 15th September – 17th October as well as hosting the Australian Icons, Myths and Legends theme, so everything from vegemite, BBQs, and your token kangaroos and Ned Kellies of course.The Floriade enthusiasts would already know of the abundance of flowers and exhibitions that are on display but what about everyone else?For those who are not huge flower fans but do enjoy a great day of sights and sounds, lazing in the sun, relaxing walks or just an excuse to head out for an ice-cream, this is the place. There’s usually a program published of all the events that are held around this flower festival from scavenger hunts, musical p
erformances, exhibitions, competitions, workshops and did I mention ice-cream?
Families generally love it - the kids get a chance to run around madly, exerting all their energies into exploring the imaginative garden designs while parents can sit back and enjoy the manicured tulip beds… and ice-cream.
Couples love the romance – a chance to steal away from life and into a rich, lush and extraordinary garden.
So for your chance to take a peaceful stroll down the sculptured gardens, get a lesson in flower arrangements or to sit down amongst the flowers to enjoy the live entertainment while eating delicious ice-cream, go to www.standbyrates.com.au to see what Floriade packages are available for you this year at our fine selection of Hotels.
Going into Standby…
Angela Nguyen
Distrubtion Partnerships
