5 Free (or Almost-Free) Travel Souvenirs

I've never been much of a souvenir collector — I typically like to reserve my travel budget for tours, meals and other experiences. I do, however, save small mementos from my trips, like ticket stubs and postcards. That's about where it ends though: I save them, but I don't do anything with them. With a little creativity, these free (or almost-free) souvenirs don't have to sit in dusty boxes in the back of the closet; they can be displayed proudly in your home just like any purchased trinket. So, gather up your old travel keepsakes, and get inspired by these budget-friendly ways to bring your travels into your decor.

Photos

If you own a smartphone, you have a high-quality camera in your pocket or purse at all times. Turning your favorite travel photos into artwork is quite affordable: Companies like Shutterfly and Snapfish start at 25 cents or less each for 4" x 4" prints (the perfect size for your Instagram photos). Buy some inexpensive frames from a big-box store to create a gallery wall, or make a cool photo display, like this DIY string art world map. Watch the video above to see how it's done.

Postcards

Postcards are a super inexpensive keepsake that you can pick up just about anywhere, and they look great when grouped together on a wall. Take a cue from Jennifer McMurray of The Bachelorette Pad Flip, who tacked twine inside a salvaged frame and clipped on colorful postcards with clothespins. This display is ideal if you're a frequent traveler, since it's easy to rearrange as your postcard collection grows.

Sand and Seashells

If you collect sand or seashells on beach trips, there are lots of ways to incorporate them into your decor. Sarah Ramberg of Sadie Seasongoods displayed her coastal treasures in antique aqua Mason jars. The bubbles in the old glass add to the oceanic vibe.

Feeling crafty? Transform your shells into a nautical-inspired necklace holder. Just spray paint them metallic gold and use heavy-duty craft glue to attach them to a piece of wood. Watch the video above for more shell projects.

Ticket Stubs

I have a massive collection of tickets stubs from concerts, plays, museums and more just waiting to be displayed. On my decorating to-do list: A DIY collage of all my tickets. I love this project from our friends at DIY Network, which uses decoupage glue and inexpensive letters from the craft store.

Maps

After your trip is over, don’t discard your trusty maps — hang them on the wall as art instead, and fondly remember your adventures every time you see them. If you don’t use paper maps when you travel, you can buy a cheap atlas at a flea market or used bookstore after your trip, then frame the pages showing the places you’ve vacationed (as designer Robin LaMonte did here).

If you don’t mind cutting them up, you can also upcycle maps in a variety of fun ways. Watch the video above for a few of our favorite ideas.