Trip Souvenirs

When I was a kid, I learned early on that most touristy places have high end shops and your challenge is to find the low end shop early on and not waste your money in the higher-priced stores. The lower -end shop may be at the wrong end of the beach and sell shirts for 5.99 or 2/$10. I have bought souvenir items that say "Florida" at border truck stops/fruit stand/souvenir shops for a few bucks. You can buy stuff for the people back home and yourself for less than you think. Just keep an open mind and LOOK for a place that isn't catering to the upper-middle class. Be willing to walk a little and explore or drive a little. Don't ever assume the shop right in front of you is the only option. Also, if you look even in mid-grade type souvenir shops, they may have a clearance rack at the back! Its good to do this early on in a trip because you (or your kids, if you have them) are less likely to get your heart set on some overpriced doodad if you have a less expensive resource at the ready.