A new ‘trend’ has been coined by Expedia’s recent study ‘goods getaways,’ where travelers are seeking out certain items in destinations and bringing them back like skincare in Japan, chocolate in Switzerland or perfume from Paris. Those always make for nice gifts for loved ones as well. It’s a great way to support the local economy and small businesses when you’re intentional of where you buy from. Every country is known for certain souvenirs and keepsakes, so do a little homework before hand and ask locals where to find it.

Recently, I was influenced by Instagram to seek out this perfumery in Lisbon where you could create custom perfumes in various sizes, many perfect for travelers with solid scents and gorgeous leather-wrapped travel sized bottles. When I arrived at Next Memory Atelier, I wasn’t the only one. The line of ladies revealed that they too were influenced by a viral TikTok. We patiently waited for our 1:1 in the beautiful shop, and it didn’t disappoint. While you didn’t create your own perfume scent, you customized your pieces with a monogram, colors and atomizer.

Typically, I am always seeking out a ‘good’ that represents the destination that I visit such as lace in Belgium, beer steins in Germany, papyrus in Egypt. masks in Venice, wood crafts or textiles in Africa or silk custom-made PJs in India. If you’re traveling over the holidays, Christmas Markets are the best place to pick up festive trinkets and collect mulled wine mugs. We came back with a festive mug, so we have about 20+ from our river cruise, which I’ve used when I host holiday parties.

However, the item that I always pick up is local art. I look for artists on the street in less crowded areas and ensure it’s done by the person I’m buying it from - no prints or mass sellers. I like watercolors or oil paintings of the destination. Every year, we go to frame the latest pieces to adorn my walls around the house, specifically my travel agency office.

**Trip Whisperer HQ**

*“In 1762, Archibald Askins moved to a newly built brick rowhouse near the Delaware River.*
*Askins and Jessica Parker, the Queen Village home’s present resident, have something in common: a life of travel.” -* *Philadelphia Inquirer* *by Sally Downey*

If you’re planning on coming back with a lot, tuck in a small duffle bag that can expand and be a back up bag. For breakables, leave room in you carry on to keep things upright and from getting banged around in the bins above. If you’ve purchased a lot of breakables at a certain market, it would be worth shipping home if they can and make sure to get the receipt or any tracking details from the vendor. Similarly if you’re in a wine region or Champagne, you should ship the juice home to avoid any mishaps in your bag, since you won’t be able to carry on.

What goods are you traveling for next or favorite souvenir you’ve bought?

Travel Trend: “Goods Getaways”

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