The On-Stop Guide to Shopping Smart on Vacation

The On-Stop Guide to Shopping Smart on Vacation appeared first on OLENA.

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but sometimes you just want something tangible to take home with you to remember an incredible trip. Space in your suitcase is prime real estate, so whatever it is you plan on lugging home better be worth the extra weight.

These 9 easy-to-follow tips will help you determine what’s worth hauling home and what’s better left behind.

Pick New Pieces Strategically

Look at the pieces in your closet that truly speak to your personality– an arsenal of amazing hats, colorful, eye-catching prints or vintage bags– and use these as inspiration for your getaway buys. Your new pieces will add sentimental value to your wardrobe and they’re sure to get a LOT of wear.

Know the Area

To make the most out of your trip and bring back awesome, authentic goods to remember it by, it’s best to know your stuff before boarding the plane. Do a little research about the country and the regions you’ll be visiting beforehand and find out about the area’s history, culture and if they specialize in certain types of cuisine or artisanal skills. Learning a bit about the local culture can also help you figure out what you might want to pass on as well, like anything made from exotic animals or plants– both of which can be illegal and will be met with a lot of questions when you go through customs.

Shop Local

You can score some seriously great stuff at local markets. Be sure to ask the right questions: who made the item, where, how and with what materials.

And don’t forget to read up on market culture to ensure you’re conducting yourself in a manner that’s both polite and sensitive to local customs.

It’s great because you’ll actually be able to use it and the pieces will bring back fun memories every time you wear them. That being said, you’re better off passing on shops that you can find at home– we’re talking H&M, Zara and the like. Support small local businesses instead by seeking out local designers and boutiques and take home a more one-of-a-kind creation that will give your wardrobe a unique, personalized flair.

Discover the Artists and Makers that Give the Place Local Flavor

If you follow any bloggers based in the area, check out if they have any recommendations or favorite local haunts, or use Etsy to scope out artisans in the area. And if you are part of the Couchsurfing network, be sure to ask locals if they know of any must-visit shops.

Beware of Counterfeits

Counterfeits are out of the question. In many European countries, counterfeiting is kind of a big deal and you definitely don’t want to get caught buying any of these fake designer items. And while most people are under the impression that authorities only penalize people who plan to use the counterfeits commercially, more and more they’re cracking down on individuals who purchase them for personal use.

You Can’t Bring Everything Home

You’ve fallen in love with a stunning tapestry, a one-of-a-kind piece of art or a pair of impeccably handcrafted shoes, but there’s just one problem: there’s no space in your suitcase. Not only will this make you think more carefully about how you spend your money during your trip, but you won’t have to deal with that last-minute scramble to find an extra carry-on bag. If you do go a bit overboard, ask the shop if they offer shipping.

Choose Gifts Thoughtfully

Want to bring back a few mementos for your family and friends? Ditch the kitschy doodads and “I Love X” t-shirts (unless that’s totally their thing) for something that isn’t destined for the dump or the back of the junk drawer. You don’t have to throw down mad cash for rare jewels and the like, but finding something that reflects the place you’re visiting and that the recipient will actually enjoy is a way better way to spend that hard-earned cash.

Budget

Because you still need to eat and pay rent when you get back home, it’s not a bad idea to make a vacation budget. Figure out who you want to buy for and what they might like, then estimate how much the items will cost and try not to go over that amount. And if you don’t feel like dropping a lot of dough, go for something more sentimental in nature like a nice card or cool prints from a local artist.

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