Tourists Can Face A Hefty Fine For Picking Up This Type Of Souvenir While Visiting Greece

When we travel, it's hard to resist bringing back a piece of the place with us. Whether it's a fridge magnet, a hand-painted vase, or a bottle of local wine, souvenirs help us hold on to the magic of our trip for a little longer. But not every keepsake is as harmless as it seems, and in some destinations, the wrong choice could leave you seriously out of pocket.

In Greece, this mistake could be as simple as slipping a pebble or seashell into your pocket as you stroll along the seashore. Tourists who do so risk fines of over $1,000 — a steep price to pay for what they imagined was a free memento. One place where the fines can be particularly hefty is on the island of Skiathos. The distinctive white pebbles of Lalaria Beach began to disappear after the spot rose to fame as a filming location for "Mamma Mia." There's even a pebble return box at Skiathos Airport for travelers who regret their choice of souvenir.

But why all the commotion about a simple shell or pebble? Well, their role isn't simple at all. Pebbles and shells protect against coastal erosion and provide habitats for algae and marine life. Sure, taking one might not seem like much, but if every single visitor takes a pebble or shell, the beach could disappear fast. So, choosing your souvenirs carefully is one of the smartest travel tips for visiting Greece.

Greece isn't the only place cracking down on tourists taking the beach home with them. The Italian island of Sardinia is famous for its white sand, but it has become a precious commodity in recent years. Now, visitors attempting to smuggle some home can face fines of up to $3,500. In the U.S. state of Hawaii, the fine can go as high as $100,000 for those caught making off with sand from the islands' beaches.

But most travelers still want to take something home from vacation, so what can we buy instead? In Greece, budget-friendly souvenirs include foods like local olive oil, olives, and honey, or products made from these items, such as soap. If you prefer jewelry, komboloi (worry beads) are everywhere in Greece and are actually used by the locals. The beads are often made of amber or coral and can cost as little as a few euros. Jewelry featuring the Greek evil eye is also popular and may even serve as a talisman during your trip. If in doubt, stick to the old adage: Take nothing but pictures.