One of the most engaging things about travel is the opportunity to delve into other cultures and immerse oneself in different ways of being in the world. It can be a way of gaining perspective. And for those who enjoy shopping, travel can combine your passion and knowledge of an area, from handmade books to braided rugs, by individual craftspeople, traditional artisans, artists, and co-operatives of traditional craftworkers, at fair market wages.
Passion
You may have heard the advice to follow your interests or your heart in matters of relationship or vocation. It can also be true of travel and following your collector’s heart. Your interest will lead you to where you need to go. Are you fascinated by the slow journey of the eons captured in a beautiful amber necklace? Go to where the amber is, the Baltic Sea region. For silver jewelry, visit Italy, Thailand, India, and Indonesia. You get the idea.
Admiration
The journey is the destination. Admire it all, from the transit station to the way station. Stop and smell the flowers, the jasmine tea, and the air after the rain.
Discovery
Educating yourself pays dividends. It is how you know what you seek, guides you to your destination, and helps you understand your desired attributes. When the heart and head unite, incredible things happen. Know the epicenter of the art you seek — its finest practitioners, past, present, and upcoming. Look for the qualities and traits that call to you and that present value.
Respect for tradition and the way of life
With education comes respect. To see something is to value it and the practitioners of the craft, which brings us to bargaining. An art form worthy of consideration is deserving of fair payment. The best shoppers pay the fair market price to support artisans and the art form. This amount could mean livelihood, sustenance, pride, and encouragement to an artist.
Transporting your treasures
How do you get your treasures home? There are numerous options. Many higher-end stores, such as art galleries and ceramic or antique stores, may have shipping options, including purchase, in place. You can use a private shipping service. There are local mail options. If it’s something small, such as jewelry, it may be carried in your bag. Be aware that different countries have different requirements for declaring purchases at customs.
Reviews and word of mouth
As part of a community of people, whether those who respect the well-thrown clay pot, blown glass masterwork, antique Persian rug, or silver ring, it’s essential to contribute and to pay back some small measure of the delight that those who make or curate and sell these treasures bring into our lives, as savvy travelers such as Claudette Spinelli Schwartz know. That’s why you may want to leave a positive review for any business or artisan, craft, guild, or museum whose work you genuinely respect and want to share your enthusiasm with others in the community.
