Resources for Souvenir Shopping Around the World
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Posted by Karen Berger Sep 4, 2009 |
"I came, I saw, I got the souvenir." I admit it, I'm a shopacholic -- as long as I'm in another country. I love wandering the local markets, and finding the perfect gift for someone back home. Or for me. My own particular obsession is musical instruments, but I also like to collect masks, necklaces, scarves or wraps, and interesting fabrics.
Whatever your shopping interest, learn what's available in various countries - -and, just as important -- how to bargain for it. The following articles talk about souvenirs to buy in different destinations, and give hints for bargaining strategies.
Souvenir Shopping in Switzerland: Watches, Army Knives, Cuckoo Clocks, and Food are Swiss Souvenirs
From watches to army knives, Swiss fondue to Swiss wine, and crafts ranging from beer steins to cuckoo clocks Switzerland offers interesting shopping to souvenir hunters. more...
Sep 3, 2009
Trips to Machu Picchu offer opportunities to buy colorful Quechua crafts from street vendors. In Lima, Peru, travel to upscale Miraflores for fine silverware. more...
Feb 15, 2009
Bargaining in an Egyptian marketplace takes some getting used to for western visitors. Some clever strategies can lower prices for souvenirs from rugs to cheap beads. more...
Mar 3, 2009
Souvenir Shopping in Nepal: Buying Carpets, Beads, Paintings in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Travelers in Nepal can buy souvenirs such as Tibetan carpets, beaded jewelry, prayer wheels, and painted masks. Bargaining is expected in the marketplaces of Kathmandu. more...
Mar 1, 2009
Souvenir Shopping in East Africa: Buying Carvings, Textiles, and Baskets in Kenya and Tanzania
The markets of Kenya and Tanzania are filled with woodwork, beads, textiles, baskets, and other souvenirs. When on safari, be prepared to bargain. And bring an extra bag more...
Feb 15, 2009
Souvenir Shopping in Egypt: Buying Egyptian Souvenirs, Carpets, Alabaster, Papyrus, and Jewelry
An Egyptian souk is a cacophony of sights, sounds and smells. Egyptian souvenirs make nice mementos and gifts, but tourists should bargain and check for authenticity. more...