What to Buy, Where? (hotel, France, best, Greece)

[goldengrain]

I don't know if there are any bargains to get in other countries.
Prices in tourist areas are sure to be higher than in others.
Mostly anything from around the world that is worthwhile is probably available in major cities.

Are there any bargains to be had?
Hats, handmade sweaters, jewelery, etc.

Are there places in surrounding towns which offer better prices than in the major European cities?

There was a really fun travel show in which a guy had a shop in New York City and traveled the world for shops offering unique goods to stock it.

[rational1]

I have rarely seen anything I would regard as a bargain. (Talking mostly about Europe here). Now I only buy things that are unique, or memorable, or particularly characteristic of the area. And I don't feel compelled to bring back something- if I see it, fine; if not, I have photos and memories.

[Chava61]

Originally Posted by rational1

I have rarely seen anything I would regard as a bargain. (Talking mostly about Europe here). Now I only buy things that are unique, or memorable, or particularly characteristic of the area. And I don't feel compelled to bring back something- if I see it, fine; if not, I have photos and memories.

I think for bargains one has to go Africa, the Middle East, Asia or South America to non-tourist areas. I doubt one is going to find many bargains in Europe.

[chilaili]

I was told once upon a time that buying leather goods in Italy was a good bargain but I don't know if that still holds true these days

[sponger42]

Sure, but you have to find local markets and get well away from touristy spots. Lots of it is food and must be consumed immediately.

UK - WWII and cold war antiques like gas masks and canteens.
France - LV stuff. Bread and cheese.
Belgium - Pommes Frites
Netherlands - Pot, Mushrooms.
Germany - Local beer.
Austria - Kasekrainer
Slovakia - 2ndhand work clothing from thrift stores, beer.
Hungary - Not much. Maybe liqour.
Switzerland - 2ndhand designer clothing from thrift stores.
Italy - Pizza. Maybe leather products in the right town.
Greece - Nada.
Spain - Nada.
Portugal - Ceramic tiles.
Taiwan - Shoes, clothing, electronics; especially flash drives and memory chips.
Japan - Nada.
India - Fabric/textiles. Saris. Especially in the north.
Maldives - Nada.
Malaysia - Brand-name knock-off purses/bags and some clothing.
Thailand - Nada.
Cambodia - Nada.
Vietnam - Tailored clothing, especially jackets/coats.
China - Nada.

[BlueWillowPlate]

I agree with Sponger that finding favorite food is one of the more easily obtained bargains. And yes, sometimes you just have to consume it there, but not always.

So many people say that Italian olive oil is the best, but that's not always true. It is usually the priciest.

I don't know how it is now, but Greece used to be great for inexpensive, delicious olive oil. We brought a bunch of it back in July 2001, our cans clanking through security, and then two months later 9/11 happened, forever changing the way we travel.

For Spain, our favorite bring-home item is something few Americans seem to like: Anchovies (in jars). We just adore them. During other trips, we have brought them back from southern France. We brought a bunch back from Spain last year and our son will bring more home at Christmas.
We also happen to consider Spanish olive oil to be pretty good stuff.

Finally, Herbes de Provence are way cheaper in France than they are here, and you can buy them in larger amounts. Look on the jar or bag to make sure it is really French. I make my own, but it's nice when our son brings us some.

If you get up REALLY early in the morning, and know your stuff, you might find some good bargains at the London markets. I went with a friend who was an antique expert, and she helped me find a couple nice things at the Bermondsey market. But you can't just mosey on over whenever you feel like it. The good stuff goes fast. It was still dark when we left our hotel.

[MelanieGermany]

In my opinion the FRESH olive oil in italy is the best, too. Greece for example is buying lots of olives from the italians and sell it as olive oil from greece. FRESH olive oil is a bit expensive, right. But if you buy or choose the right one - you will fall in love with it!!! Forget Bertolli :-)

[sponger42]

When I say "nada" it just means I don't know of anything. I'm not cultured enough to tell olive oil from canola, let alone other olive oils.

[elfstorage]

Morocco has some very beautiful ceramics and leather goods that are a very good value, especially if you can haggle. I think that most place that have a strong artisanal community you will be able to find good things. Otherwise local foods. Just don't go to another country and buy something that was made in China (unless, perhaps your in China).

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by MelanieGermany

Greece for example is buying lots of olives from the italians and sell it as olive oil from greece.

Some Greeks told me the exact opposite. A recent article below confirms this. Other countries take credit for the Greek olive oil.

"We are working just for the Italians. They take our product and they bottle it with other, cheaper bottles, and they make a very good product which is sold everywhere," says George Eliades.

Italy and Spain have larger and more efficient companies. In addition to using Greek olive oil, they also import from places such as Tunisia. The freshest and purest stuff is bought at the source.

Another what to buy, where: I found beautiful blue and white ceramics in Galicia, Spain. I would not exactly call them cheap, but buying them at the source probably saved me some money, and they were less expensive than you might see in a typical store in Italy.