As with photographs and videos, souvenirs are the most cherished items which evoke memories of a trip — reminders of the activities you did and the sights you saw which you will most likely never forget.

Souvenirs are also a way to take a piece of the place where you visited home with you as a reminder of that faraway land every time you look at it — whether it is a work of arts and crafts; a natural object such as a rock or a sea shell; an item which is considered unusual in the region where you are based; or perhaps a few notes and coins of the currency of the country itself…

…but that prized item you brought home with you can become tarnished — literally and figuratively — when you realize that…