Couples are collectors. Especially honeymoon couples. After all, once all the wedding gifts are organized, most couples realize there's still so much they need to buy.
Why not devote part of your vacation to shopping for items that are beautiful, memorable, and convey a sense of place?
On a trip to a flea market, antiques district, crafts fair, or local commercial area, you have an ideal opportunity to find unique and exotic artifacts to decorate your new place.
One other place to look is airport shops: They keep improving their offerings, and in some destinations you may find a better selection of goods for sale at lower prices at the airport than in local shopping districts.
Depending on where you travel to, you may want to go shopping for any of the following:
Shopping for Your Home
- Baskets
- Wall hangings and tapestries
- Woven rugs and blankets
- Masks
- Lace and embroidered table linens
- Mirrors
- Pottery
- Glazed tiles & ceramics
- Original artwork and sculpture
- Antiques
- Vintage maps
- Copper kitchen utensils
- Miniatures
- Boxes
- Candle Sticks
If you're traveling outside the USA, be sure to check customs regulations before you go. Some items, such as Cuban cigars, ivory, and tortoise shell, cannot be imported to the United States, and there's a limit on the value of items you can bring home without paying import duty.
Do save receipts on purchases over $25. When they add up, you can turn them in to receive a refund of VAT taxes charged in Canada and in Europe.
You may also want to pick up inexpensive souvenirs that communicate a sense of place for the folks back home -- as well as the two of you. These are among the least expensive memorabilia as well as the easiest to find and carry :
Shopping on the Cheap
- T-shirts
- New or antique postcards
- Stamps
- Pins
- Refrigerator magnets
- Travel books
- Snow globes
- Beach towels
- Holiday ornaments
- Locally made jewelry
- Embroidered garments
Also see:
Free and Cheap Souvenirs
