My bruises from a recent Himalayan backpacking trip turned into the best mementos. Many of the contusions are still there three months later; they are obstinate scars that are not expected to go away. They have a narrative that only I know, and I know exactly where they originated from. They are also more personal than anything I could have purchased, and there are no hidden costs to the environment or people. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been as interested in typical keepsakes over time. I now place a higher value on experiences than material possessions, seeking significance in my return rather than merely another souvenir.
However, that might just be me. Two out of every three Americans return from their trip with a memento, and in 2022, US sales will surpass $21 billion (£16.7 billion).
