At Pompeii Archaeological Park in Italy, one of the most unusual exhibits isn’t an ancient artifact but a collection of items returned by tourists. Over the years, visitors from around the world have mailed back stones, mosaic fragments and other objects they took from the archaeological site, often accompanied by letters expressing remorse.
Some say they were driven by guilt. Others claim the souvenirs brought them years of bad luck, insisting the so-called “Pompeii curse” is more than just a legend.
“I didn’t know about the curse. Please accept my apology and these pieces [pumice stones],” wrote a woman who said she was diagnosed with breast cancer after visiting Pompeii.
Another tourist from Spain described a fragment of decorative plaster she had taken as “a harbinger of family misadventures and misfortunes.”
Whether or not one believes in curses, travel experts say some souvenirs can lead to very real problems, including fines, confiscation, criminal charges and even arrest. Here’s what travelers should think twice about bringing home.
Archaeological artifacts
Countries: Egypt, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Iraq, China and others
Many travelers assume that if an object is lying on the ground, it’s free to take. In countries with rich archaeological heritage, that’s rarely the case.
Several years ago, a French tourist sparked an international incident after picking up a small figurine in Egypt and attempting to take it home. Authorities later determined the artifact was thousands of years old.
In Greece, a German tourist was detained after trying to remove a fragment of an ancient column. While the traveler viewed it as an unusual souvenir, Greek authorities considered it part of the country’s cultural heritage.
In countries with major archaeological sites, illegally removing antiquities is treated as a crime against national heritage. That applies not only to statues and large artifacts but also to ancient coins, pottery fragments, pieces of mosaics and, in some cases, even stones collected near protected historical sites.
Corals, shells and other marine life
Countries: Thailand, the Dominican Republic, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, Australia, the Seychelles and others
A seashell or a piece of coral may seem like the perfect beach souvenir. After all, many are sold in local gift shops.
However, coral reefs are among the world’s most fragile ecosystems, and many countries restrict or prohibit the export of coral, even if it was purchased legally.
The same applies to certain shells. Some mollusk species are protected under international agreements, and most tourists cannot determine whether a shell belongs to a protected species.
Dried starfish, seahorses and other marine animals commonly sold as decorative items may also be subject to export restrictions.
Wildlife products
Countries: South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Vietnam and others
Ivory, sea turtle shells, exotic animal skins, rare plants and certain types of timber are all subject to strict international trade regulations.
Many travelers discover this only when they reach customs.
An item may be legally sold in the country where it was purchased, but that does not necessarily mean it can legally cross an international border.
Ivory carvings, turtle-shell products, shark teeth, rare shells, taxidermy specimens and exotic leather goods often require permits under international wildlife protection rules. Travelers without the necessary documentation risk having the items confiscated and may face penalties.
Seeds, fruits and plants
Countries: Most destinations
Packets of spices, fresh fruit or seeds from an unusual plant may appear to be harmless souvenirs.
In reality, these are among the items most frequently confiscated by customs authorities.
Many countries prohibit or tightly regulate the import of plants, seeds, fresh produce and soil because they can introduce invasive species, plant diseases or agricultural pests. Even a small amount of undeclared plant material can result in fines or confiscation at the border.
Before bringing home natural products or agricultural items, travelers should check the import rules of their destination country to avoid unexpected legal issues.
The world’s most expensive handful of sand
Countries: Italy (Sardinia), Hawaii, Thailand, Iceland and others
A handful of sand may seem like the most harmless vacation souvenir. But on some of the world’s most famous beaches, taking it home can prove surprisingly expensive.
On the Italian island of Sardinia, beaches are known for their distinctive white, pink and silver-colored sand. For years, tourists filled bags and bottles with it as keepsakes, often slipping them into their luggage before flying home.
The practice became so widespread that authorities introduced strict penalties. Today, removing sand, shells or pebbles from protected Sardinian beaches can result in substantial fines. Airport security officers routinely confiscate bags of sand and stones found in travelers’ luggage.
Sardinia is not the only destination with such rules.
In Iceland, visitors are discouraged from taking volcanic rocks from popular natural attractions. In U.S. national parks, removing rocks, sand or other natural materials from protected areas is prohibited. Similar restrictions also apply at some beaches and protected coastal areas across the Mediterranean.
Authorities say the reasoning is simple: if every visitor took home just one stone or a handful of sand, many of the world’s best-known natural landmarks would gradually disappear.
Read also: Mushrooms, milk, and spiderwebs: The weird future of sustainable fashion.
