Alternative to Buying 'Boring Souvenirs' Delights internet

Hate resorting to keychains and fridge magnets while looking to bag a quick souvenir before heading back home? One man has revealed a "new travel tradition" for souvenirs that could be just what you need for your future trips. Read more: Compare the Best Credit Cards for Travel Ben Ferney, a 28-year-old marketing professional from Utah, is advocating a creative alternative—plant pots—to the conventional souvenir in a viral video shared from his TikTok account. @benthebasic. The clip has had over 528,000 views since it was first posted on May 16. Ferney's idea originated during a special moment in his life. "I first got the idea to start collecting plant pots on my honeymoon with my husband," he told Newsweek. "I always love buying a souvenir from the places I go, but in the last few years, I've wanted to be more intentional about what I bring home. We were in Mexico, and my husband found a really cool pot. After looking at it, I knew I had to get it and that a new tradition was born," Ferney added. The latest post comes as travel is set to reach "record highs" in 2024, with global tourism spending expected to reach U.S. $2 trillion, according to a December 2023 survey by Euromonitor International, the market-research firm. Read more: The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access Travelers say they'll cut down on other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel this year, according to a global survey of over 10,000 travelers across nine countries, conducted by Ipsos and the Hilton hotel group.

'Stop Buying Boring Souvenirs and Do This Instead'

A caption shared with the latest viral post reads: "my favorite new travel tradition." Sharing his journey of collecting plant pots from different travel destinations, Ferney says in the latest viral clip: "Stop buying boring souvenirs and do this instead." He adds: "My husband and I got married last year, and whenever we go somewhere that we want to remember or it's a new country we're in together for the first time, we buy something to pot a plant in." He then showcases an array of unusual pots, from a whimsical face with a black mustache to a vintage tea tin. This tradition is more than just about acquiring objects; it's about creating lasting memories. Ferney told Newsweek: "I only buy plant pots when my husband and I go to a new country or somewhere special together. So far, I have three, and my favorite is a tea tin I bought in London. "At the end of the day, everyone can and should do what they want when it comes to souvenirs, but it's so much more special when it's something you intentionally think about. It's so easy to feel pressured to buy the classic tourist souvenirs, but when you look a little further, there are things that are much more special," he added. The video further explains the significance of these unique souvenirs. "Then I bring it home, we put a plant in it, and then it's sitting around the house and growing with us. A super fun way to remember a new place," Ferney says in the clip.

'Great Idea'

Users on TikTok were delighted by the alternative souvenir suggestion in the latest post, with some sharing their own unique souvenir alternatives. Ashleigh Christina wrote, "I'm doing this!" and Melissa Dg added: "Love this idea - We buy a Christmas ornament to put on our tree." Adrienne E posted: "That's a great idea. I've been doing decks of cards because they are small cheap and useful." Qrow commented: "my friends do shot glasses, but I don't drink anymore so THIS is a lovely alternative." Zulu the Wonder Dog wrote: "we purchase a piece of art from a local artist for our wall! it's my favorite tradition." Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.