11 Souvenirs People Pay Thousands For—Right Under Your Nose

Often, souvenirs simply appear to be tokens of travel, but these keepsakes can be far more valuable than you first think. Souvenirs don’t have to be keychains or T-shirts; collectors will pay thousands for certain items, and they could be perfectly ordinary things you’re seeing everyday.

The next time you’re on vacation or visiting a local market, keep an open mind. That gobbet or little trinket or that unassuming piece of art might just be what someone’s been looking for. And here are eleven surprising souvenirs that could be worth a small fortune that are right under your nose.

Vintage Postcards

Vintage postcards, although flimsy bits of paper, can be highly sought after — as has been the case for many, especially if they contain rare or historically significant locations. Collectors search for postcards with rare stamps, unusual postmarks, or with old, now demolished landmarks. You never know what you’ll find in a dusty box at a flea market.

Antique Maps

History lovers love antique maps, and people will plop down the big bucks for original, hand-drawn maps from long ago. Especially for old maps that display borders or areas that are not in existence anymore, some are very valuable. You don’t know if that faded, rolled-up map in a market stall is going to be a hidden gem worth thousands.

Local Artifacts

Whether it’s an ancient pottery shard, an old weapon, or a piece of folk art, local artifacts can become highly prized by collectors. Many travelers often overlook these relics, but a seemingly simple item with some historical or cultural significance can be worth quite a bit on the market. When you visit an old city or village with a good history, keep an eye out for these.

Rare Stamps

Rare stamps may not seem like the most glamorous hobby, but stamps can be worth a small fortune. Specifically valuable are stamps from periods of history with printing errors or from countries that no longer exist. A visit to a local post office or antique shop could easily produce something incredibly rare.

Handmade Rugs

Handwoven rugs from places that are known for their craftsmanship can be worth thousands of dollars. Collectors and interior designers are looking for Persian, Moroccan and Turkish rugs in particular. If you find one in good condition, consider what it’s worth beyond being a gorgeous piece for your living room.

Vintage Vinyl Records

Vinyl records have seen a big comeback in the world of music. Rare albums, first pressings or records that have been signed by the artist can be worth an awful lot. Old records can be found in markets and thrift stores, and often missed by collectors. It’s tempting not to pass on those dusty stacks but you may find a gem in them.

Old Currency

Rare coins or paper money is always what collectors are looking for. You can get thousands for old currency from defunct nations, limited edition mintings or those with rare errors. So if you have your hands on an old coin or bill, with a mistake on it, you could actually be holding something worth a lot more than face value.

Cultural Jewelry

Precious metals or stones handcrafted jewelry from different cultures are very desired. Vintage or antique jewelry of various tribes or any region can have pretty strong value on the collector market. But what looks like a cute local artisan necklace can actually be a hidden treasure.

Ceramic Figurines

Ceramic figurines, especially those that have historical or artistic significance, are often worth a lot of money, many people don’t know this and will sell them for a nominal amount. The brands you are looking for may be Meissen or Royal Doulton, but even lesser known makers can have pieces that collectors want. Look for stamps or marks at the bottom which show where and when they were made.

Autographed Books

First-edition books, depending on the author, can sell a signed copy for thousands of dollars. Rare and autographed books have a place in every store, even if you don’t find them. That old dusty novel might be a collector’s dream.

Vintage Cameras

According to LoveToKnow, the money to be made off selling old cameras, particularly old cameras from famous manufacturers like Leica or Polaroid often runs into the thousands of dollars. Camera enthusiasts and collectors are often scouring markets and second-hand shops for these items, and the right model in good condition can be a real find. Even that old faded vintage camera just sitting around gathering dust might be worth a lot more than you realize.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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