8 things you should never bring home from a holiday
A souvenir is the best way to remember your time overseas, but some aren’t worth the risk. These are the items you really don’t want in your carry on.
1. Anything illegal
This one should be a no brainer. No drugs, no weapons, no ancient artefacts. Just because it’s legal to indulge in marijuana in Amsterdam doesn’t mean that you can bring some home to continue the party. You also need to consider things like “decorative” or “ceremonial” weapons, which are generally considered very real and very illegal in Australia. Use your head.
2. Prohibited goods
These are a little different for illegal items and vary from country to country and depend on where you’re coming from. In New Zealand, prohibited items generally include things like fruit and vegetables, fresh food, plants or medicines. It also covers many animal products like fur, skin or bone used in souvenirs. You will need to declare these items and may be able to keep them after treatment. Don’t try to sneak them in – there’s a hefty fine if you’re caught.
3. Nasty bugs
Getting sick is a little out of your hands, but do your best to stay healthy on the road and avoid bringing home any new bugs. That means taking precautions around handwashing and food preparation, as well as getting the appropriate vaccinations or medications required for certain areas. Nothing takes the shine off a holiday like having to spend a week in bed when you get home.
4. Sunburn
Everyone likes to get a bit of colour on holiday, just remember to take it easy. As well as the horrible aging effects, even a few bad sunburns can seriously raise your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen and a hat should be your holiday essentials.
5. Tattoos
Unless you go for the henna variety, tattoos are a lifetime commitment. It can be easy to get caught up in the spur of the moment excitement and want to commemorate your trip forever, but it’s probably not a good idea. You also can’t be sure of the safety or quality of foreign tattoo parlours, which aren’t subject to the same laws as ones at home.
6. Currency
Empty your pockets before you leave, because otherwise those random notes and coins will end up rattling around in a drawer at home. You generally don’t have enough left to make it worth paying the change fee, so either spend it before you go or donate it to the charity collections in the airport or on your departing flight.
7. Things you don’t need
You’ve probably bought a few things specifically for this trip that you won’t need anymore at home. In developing countries, locals can really appreciate donations of camping gear or clothes that you no longer need. It lightens your pack and makes you feel like you’ve given a little something back.
8. A fake accent
This one is just really annoying for anyone who has to be around you. No one (and we mean no one) picks up an accent in a couple of weeks. You don’t want to do a Madonna…
Do you agree with our list? Are there any other things you think we should never bring home from holidays? Let us know in the comments section.
Related links:
7 things never to do on a plane
How to eat well and stay active while travelling
10 things you didn’t know you could ask for on a plane