The
Globetrotting
Project
What to buy
Where and How much
Buying souvernirs or something to bring back home from the country one has just visited is a 'must' for some travellers. Buying decorative items, magnets for your fridge and all the bric a brac we usually can't resist when on dispaly in wonderfully decorated stands and shop windows, is fine!We all deserve a treat and also brag about your new acquisition from the last place you visited. Super!
Here is list of what I consider as great bargains to carry in your suitcase back home after visiting certain countries. Wandering around the numerous, maze-like souks in the Middle Eastern countries or the chaotic markets in Indochina I have many times found real bargains to bring back home. Well,I love shopping....or better say, I love browsing and looking for bargains while at the same time love migling with locals and communicating with people, talking, tasting, smelling....using all senses and experiencing another part of travelling. It's true, shopping is part of the travel experience!
Alum crystal
This little magic stone, as I call it, is a natural deodorant and aftershave. It costs only a few cents and one stone can last for years. It's not only the money you save but also the fact that it's a 100% natural and that means not irritations and no chemicals absorbed in your body. It's not an antiperspirant but a natural deodorant....which will never fail you! You can find it in the souks of any Arab market next to the sacks of herbs at many Herbalist shops. You will see it under the name of Alum.
Wet the crystal with water and softly rub the area until it dries out and you are ready for the sweaties activities!
Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm is another little gem I discovered during my travels. It was invented by a Chinese herbalist in the late 1870s and it's 'a jack of all trades' oitment. You can find it in China or other Asian countries and of course much cheaper than Western countries. Buy a couple to give your friends or keep for future use. Tiger balm relieves nearly any minor ache or pain. It's also good for colds and headaches resulting from tension and stress. Better not use if your skin is chapped, irritated or sunburnt.
Tiger balm is always in my backpack when I travel to soothe my acking knees and any muscle pain.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil and its so many benefits. Youcan use the oil cook with or apply it to your body and hair as a natural moistouriser. The qualities of coconut oil are many. A bottle of natural coconutl oil in indegenous countries will definately cost a lot less than anywhere else. It might be difficult to carry big quantities back home but worth buying when you find it in local markets. It comes in simple glass jars andbottles. The natural oil will become solid in low temperatures and liquidify again wet.
I found it last in Panama in a souvernir shop and a 150ml bottle of oil cost me less than $2.
Rose water
One of the things you can buy in Bulgaria is Rose water and cosmetics based on rose water. Bulgaria is famous for its rose plantations and rose extract cosmetics and perfumes. The Bulgarian rose ,Rosa Damascena, is the finest rose in the world with its health and beauty benefits. I found many of these shops in Sofia while I don't remember seeing any in other towns. I last bought 250ml of Rose water, 2jars of 50ml of face cream each, 150ml body cream....and all for 50euros.
Argan Oil
Argan Oil is often refered to as 'Gold Liquid' with its benefits for the skin and hair. Buy Argan oil everywhere in Marocco. It's cheap and it's pure natural oil which comes from the Argan tree kernels. I trust the oil found in Morocco and definately not the commercialised Argan Oil prodtucts found around the world.
We've visited the place where the Argan Oil is made on our way the Atlas mountain. Definately worth a visit! There is a shop there, as well, with prices slightly higher than anywhere esle in the country but more variety.
Dead sea clay
What you can find in Dead sea and definately worth bringing back home, is clay from this unique place on Earth. Make sure you don't pay a fortune for it cause I've seen a huge difference in prices in different shops. You should definately not buy it in museum shops or near the Dead sea hotels where they try to sell a kilo of mud for $10 while they give the same quantity to locals for just $1! You can find lots of places where you can buy clay in normal prices in Madaba.
Greek Herbs
The picturesque village of Makrinitsa overlooking the town of Volos is one of the most beautiful villages in Pelion,Greece. Pelion, the mountain of Centaurus, the mythical half man half horse creature. It's a mountain blessed by the ancient Gods as it's abundant in all sorts of herbs. Mount Pelion has the richest vegetation in Greece with over 1000 species of plants and herbs of pharmaceutical and medicinal value. Make infusions and remndies for lots of health problems.
Fruity Flavour Wines
In the lovely traditional village of Şirince, 8 kilometre east of Selçuk very close to the ancient city of Ephesus, you can find the best fruity sparkling wines in Turkey. There are shops where you can sit down welcomed by the friendly locals, and taste all flavours before you make your choice. Raspberry, strawberry, peach, cherry......Think of your favorite fruit and there’s a good chance it has been made into wine. I was carrying 5 bottles of wine in my suitecase all the way bak home! Good thing I didn't have to board a plane.
Genuine leather
Morocco is where you can find genuine leather jackets, bags and shoes. Visit the tanneries in Fez and have the change to buy good leather products in very good prices and also see how leather is made and died where workers use the same methods today that were used centuries before. These tanneries is a wolrd known tourist attraction. It is an experience for the senses (especially the sense of smell) and one that should not be missed! You should always haggle the prices, that goes without saying in Moroccco as in all Arab countries.
Bargains in Electronics
If you ever find yourself in Cambodia, it's worth visiting the main market in Phnom Penh. In this market, also know as Psar Thmey, one can find everything from clothes and shoes,food and spices, to cosmetics and souvenirs. In the Electronics part of the market, there's a plethora of electornic gadgets and gear in much better prices than elsewhere. What I bought was a genuine NIKon battery for my camera for only $25 (that is half price than in western countries!). I thought I would find more in Vietnam but I was disappointed to see prices same as in Europe. So definately grab the chance for cheap electronics in Cambodia.