In the archaeological park of Pompeii, you can see an unusual exhibition: it displays artifacts that tourists from different countries took from the 'open-air museum' and returned years later, often with letters of repentance. While some simply admit their conscience troubled them, others over time see failed 'souvenirs' as the source of their misfortunes and claim that the curse of the ancient city is not a myth but reality. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
'I didn't know about the curse. Accept my apologies and your stones,' wrote a woman from Canada who was diagnosed with breast cancer after her trip. Another tourist from Spain called the piece of decorative plaster she took 'a harbinger of family troubles and misfortunes.' 'I don't want to pass this curse on to my children,' wrote a third.
Tour operators say mysticism can be left to legend lovers, but one thing is certain: some souvenirs from travels can indeed cause serious trouble, and not just moral concerns. A handful of sand, corals, an unusual shell, or an ancient coin can result in a fine, confiscation, criminal charges, or even arrest. What not to bring from vacation – in a review by Kursiv LifeStyle.
Fragments of Archaeological Sites
Many people mistakenly believe that if an object lies on the ground, it belongs to no one. But in countries with rich historical heritage, this logic does not work.
Several years ago, a French tourist found himself at the center of an international scandal: somewhere in the sands of Egypt, he found a small figurine and decided to take it home as a souvenir. Upon leaving the country, it turned out that the find was several thousand years old.
A similar story happened in Greece: a German tourist was detained after trying to export a fragment of an ancient column. While for the traveler it was an unusual keepsake, for Greek authorities (and who can argue?) it was part of the country's cultural heritage.
In countries with world-famous archaeological sites (Egypt, Greece, Italy, etc.), the illegal export of antiquities is considered a crime against national heritage – and this applies not only to large items. Sometimes investigations are triggered by ancient coins, pottery fragments, mosaic pieces, or even small stones found near archaeological sites.
In short, if an object looks old or is found near a historical monument, it's better to leave it where it lies – let it wait for archaeologists.
Corals and Shells
What to bring from a seaside vacation? Of course, a beautiful shell or coral. Especially since they are sold in many local shops – and if sold officially, there should be no problems. But in theory; in practice, a strict customs officer may remind you that coral reefs are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet, suffering from climate change, ocean pollution, and mass tourism. In short, dear tourist, our country has restrictions on exporting corals.
A similar situation applies to shells: some mollusk species are protected by international agreements, and since an ordinary tourist is unlikely to determine whether their find belongs to protected species, there is always a risk, even when buying from a souvenir shop.
Sometimes dried starfish, seahorses, and other marine creatures often sold as 'impressive home decor' are also prohibited.
Animal Products
Ivory, sea turtle shells, products made from exotic animal skins, rare plants, and even some types of wood share one thing: international trade in them is strictly regulated. However, many travelers learn this too late – at the border. The paradox is that a purchase may be legal in the vacation country, but that does not mean the item is allowed to be transported across an international border.
For example, ivory products can still be found in markets in some Asian and African countries, and while such an item may seem like a rare and valuable souvenir to a tourist, to customs officers it is a potential violation of environmental laws.
The same applies to products made from turtle shells, shark teeth, rare shells, stuffed animals, and some types of exotic leather – in many cases, special documents are required to transport such items, which ordinary tourists obviously do not have.
Plants and Food
At first glance, a packet of aromatic spices, fruit, or a few seeds of an unusual plant seem like the most harmless souvenir, but the key word is 'seem.' Such purchases often cause problems at customs.
There is a logical explanation: plants can carry pests, fungal diseases, and microorganisms that could cause enormous damage to agriculture. Therefore, many countries strictly control the import of seeds, seedlings, fresh fruits, vegetables, and even untreated wood.
Experts advise: if it concerns a live plant, seeds, or plant-based products, it's better to check the import rules of your country in advance.
Sand and Stones
Sometimes, while on the beach, you want to bring home not a shell or coral, but ordinary sand. However, the sand of the Italian island of Sardinia – sometimes silvery, sometimes pinkish – is hardly ordinary. Is it any wonder that every year thousands of tourists fill bags with it and carefully pack them in their suitcases?
Over time, the scale of sand and pebble removal from Sardinia's beaches became so serious that authorities had to intervene, and today attempting to take sand, shells, or stones from some of the island's beaches can result in a hefty fine. Not to mention that airport staff confiscate bags of sand and collections of sea pebbles from travelers.
However, Sardinia is far from the only example. In Iceland, tourists are asked not to collect volcanic stones on popular natural trails. In US national parks, it is prohibited to remove any natural objects, including stones, plants, and fossils.