Weird souvenirs: The craziest things to pack in your carry-on

Mmm, worms: Next time you’re in England, bring home some English Garden Worm Gin.

By Jennifer Olvera

Sometimes traveling takes you outside of your comfort zone. Sure, you see new places, but it’s also a chance to try new things. The truth is, they can range from strange to shudder-inducing.

Garlic is technically a flower, right?

Ever want to grow thick, lustrous long hair? The next time you’re in Turkey be sure to score a bottle of Nival’s garlic shampoo. Touted as a growth stimulant, rumor has it that it also prevents breakage. On the flipside, vampires beware.

Perhaps you’ve dreamed of traveling to Japan. There’s no better time, especially sinceyou can score a bird-poop facial while you’re there. That’s right: Just look for Uguisu Nightingale Droppings Rice Chaff Facial, and prepare to be wowed by geisha-like, porcelain skin.

Then again, the next time you find yourself staying in Sardinia, true adventure seekers should suss out some casu marzu cheese. The distinct flavor of this sheep’s milk number comes courtesy of live larvae—maggots, in fact—who ferment the product and turn it soft and liquidy inside. Some people eat the larvae; others do not. It’s your call!

And if insects are your thing, a trip to southern England is in store—if only to procure a bottle of English Garden Worm Gin. Each bottle features an edible, “nutritious” earthworm. Now if that isn’t a good excuse to take a London vacation, really, what is?

Jennifer Olvera is a culinary travel writer, recipe developer and author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Chicago.

Tagged: Italy, Japan, London