I bring something back with me from every place I visit, whether it’s a piece of artwork, fabric, or even furniture. Before you head out on your summer travels here are a few tips to take along with you on what is worth going over your luggage limit for and what’s not.

Most people bring back kitschy items from their adventures—pieces to collect dust and clutter their space. When thinking about pieces to bring back, keep in mind where you will place them and how you will incorporate elements in your décor. Try to bring back unique pieces, things with stories behind them, that you will love and show off.

If you’re planning a visit somewhere known for its fabulous fabrics, such as China, Thailand or Africa, then by all means—work it out! Embroidered pieces, batiks, silks, and other such fabrics are a great way to bring something with cultural significance back from your travels. You can think about utilizing these by framing them, stretching them over a frame like a piece of artwork, and even making pillows from them.

I have found some beautiful fabrics on my travels and used them as feature pieces throughout my home. A great way to find extraordinary fabrics is to look for textile museums, where you will find keepsakes of fantastic workmanship, and learn about the origins of the fabrics and the meanings behind them.

In keeping with the fabric theme, bringing back traditional attire from the places you visit is also fantastic. On a recent trip to Japan, I found a gorgeous vintage Obi (the fabric tied around the waist of a Kimono by a Geisha) and have used it as a wall hanging. Traditional costumes are pieces of artwork! Hang robes, dresses and other time-honoured pieces on your walls when you return for a quirky way of showing off finds from your travels.

It’s also in good taste to support local craftsmen. Don’t be lazy and bring back shot glasses or T-shirts, instead think of where your potential purchases were made: maybe not in the same country you’re in. By buying local wares, you are promoting their way of living and again, by chatting with the artisan you might learn something about the culture. Carved and woven items are a fabulous way of introducing a bit of an ethnic feel into your home. What a better way to be reminded of your worldly travels?

Furniture pieces can be costly to bring home, but if you have the means to do it, go for it! There are some amazing furniture pieces up for grabs from Europe and Asia that will add interest and tradition to your interiors. Pay close attention to how the pieces are made—you want to make sure that they are sturdy, joined properly and made with quality materials.

Beware of how the change in climate might affect the furniture as well. If you are purchasing from a place that is quite humid and tropical, you can almost be guaranteed that the piece, if made of wood, will start to crack. Calgary is an extremely dry city and anything brought back from a humid climate won’t fare well. Be sure that the pieces are pack­aged well if they are travelling overseas to ensure they arrive safe and sound.

If you are like me, I often need to buy an extra suitcase before I come home for my excessive (albeit necessary) pur­chases. For those of you travelling on a budget, stick with smaller, unique pieces you can bring back. Fabrics, small accessories, and carvings will fit very nicely in your suitcase; if you splurge on larger pieces, don’t be afraid to ask at your hotel about shipping options.

Buy pieces that are as special as the places you visit. Don’t get caught up in the tourist frenzy, take a left turn instead of following the crowd to the right and see what you find. Instead of coming home with items fit for  your next garage sale you will find items to be proud of.

Happy Travels!