Breathe in Italy from Home: How a Quirky New Souvenir Lets You Experience Lake Como Like Never Before!

As seasoned travellers, we've all experienced that bittersweet moment when a holiday comes to an end, and we must return to our everyday lives, leaving behind the breathtaking views and unique atmosphere of our vacation spots. We often try to capture the essence of our travels through photographs and souvenirs, attempting to hold on to those fleeting moments of joy and relaxation. But what if you could take home more than just images and trinkets? What if you could capture the very air of your favourite destination?

Enter the novel concept from Italy, where an Italian company has taken the idea of souvenirs to a whole new level, offering tourists the chance to bring home a can of air from the picturesque Lake Como. This isn't just any air; it's 400ml of '100 per cent authentic air' from a region renowned for its stunning beauty and celebrity allure. With the likes of George and Amal Clooney owning a residence nearby and the area serving as a backdrop for films such as 'Casino Royale' and 'House of Gucci,' Lake Como has cemented its status as a must-visit locale.



In 2023 alone, more than 5.6 million people were drawn to Lake Como's charm, according to the Lombardy tourism bureau. With such a surge in popularity, marketing specialist Davide Abagnale saw an opportunity. Initially, he launched an e-commerce site selling Lake Como posters, inspired by the plethora of San Francisco and Los Angeles posters he encountered on his honeymoon in 2022. But his latest venture, the canned air, is designed to offer tourists 'something original, fun and even provocative,' as described by a spokesperson for ItalyComunica.


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Inhale the fresh air of Lake Como with its canned air! Credit: Lake Como Air


Abagnale's vision is to provide a tangible memory, a piece of Lake Como that can be easily tucked into a suitcase and cherished long after the holiday tan has faded. He told CNN that the can, once opened, can serve a second purpose as a souvenir pen holder, giving it a practical use while evoking memories of Italian escapades.



Not everyone is convinced, however. Como's mayor, Alessandro Rapinese, expressed his preference for tourists to take home more traditional souvenirs, such as the region's famed silk scarves. Nevertheless, he conceded that if visitors wish to capture a bit of Lake Como's air, alongside their beautiful memories, he's all for it.

Chiara Piscitelli, who stocks the canned air in her Como bookstore, described it as a real 'gadget,' highlighting its novelty appeal. And while Lake Como might be the latest to offer its air in a can, it's not the first. The concept has roots in other Italian locales, like Naples, and has even been adopted internationally. In 2020, a company began selling bottles of air from various parts of the UK, and tourists have been able to purchase canned air from places like Iceland and Canada.

This quirky new souvenir taps into a desire for a more immersive reminder of our travels, one that engages the senses in a way that a keychain or postcard simply cannot. It's a testament to the creativity of the tourism industry and the lengths to which we go to preserve our travel experiences.



Key Takeaways
  • An Italian company has started selling canned air as a unique souvenir for tourists visiting Lake Como.
  • Each can contains 400ml of '100 per cent authentic air' from the region, which also boasts celebrity associations and filming locations for famous movies.
  • The idea is to offer a transportable and original memory of a tourist's visit to Lake Como, which can even be repurposed as a pen holder.
  • While the concept has raised eyebrows, it follows a trend of other locations selling their local air, and Como's mayor is open to it provided tourists also take home fond memories.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what do you think of this innovative memento? Would you consider purchasing a can of Lake Como's air to reminisce about your Italian adventures, or do you prefer more traditional keepsakes? Share your thoughts and your own unique ways of remembering your travels in the comments below. And remember, whether it's through a can of air or a silk scarf, the memories we make while exploring the world are the true treasures we bring home.
 
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Is this for real ??? and not an April Fool's Day stunt?? If it is real it is a huge life threatening explosion waiting to happen. Plenty of toxic gases. I hope it was banned on all planes. Imagine if it suddenly ignited.
 
Cans of local air and even aerosol cans of local air have been available for decades around Europe and I think also USA. I just could never justify spending a huge amount of money for a can of nothing.
 
I can offer you a bottle of real Sydney air to take back to any country in the world. I will make sure the lid is screwed on securely
 
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