Today’s travellers crave authentic finds that are richer in story, wallet-friendly and far more thrilling when purchased where they originate.
Whether it’s sipping matcha at source, tracking down artisan rugs or getting your hands on the latest tech, here’s our guide to what to buy across the world.
Japan: matcha
Our obsession with matcha shows no sign of abating, while celebs Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt swear by its energy-giving properties without coffee’s jittery side-effects.
Uji is home to the finest matcha, where aficionados can even pick their own leaves. In Kyoto, find matcha essentials from Ryuoen Chaho, favoured by Japanese tea ceremony masters – and get matcha perfume and KitKats elsewhere.
UK/ABROAD
Matcha: £19/£5
Our obsession with matcha shows no sign of abating, while celebs Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt swear by its energy-giving properties without coffee’s jittery side-effects (FILE PHOTO)
Turkey: carpets
Near hip Bodrum lies Etrim, a village of just 400 residents famous for their rug making. Be dazzled by a riot of patterns and colours with prices far below city levels – plus, you can politely haggle.
In Istanbul, the art of traditional weavers is also appreciated at Jennifer’s Hamam (Arasta Bazaar). They produce top quality, handwoven organic cotton bath towels, robes and peshtemals (light Turkish towels).
UK/ABROAD
Turkish rugs: £395/£250
Near hip Bodrum lies Etrim, a village of just 400 residents famous for their rug making. Be dazzled by a riot of patterns and colours with prices far below city levels – plus, you can politely haggle (FILE PHOTO)
South Korea: skincare
K-beauty is a global phenomenon for those in search of a ‘glass skin’ complexion. Olive Young offers a free skin analysis before you shop – fans love its sheet masks and Reedle shots – while Chicor offers discounted international brands and free samples.
UK/ABROAD
Reedle shot: £27/£10
K-beauty is a global phenomenon for those in search of a ‘glass skin’ complexion. Olive Young offers a free skin analysis before you shop – fans love its sheet masks and Reedle shots – while Chicor offers discounted international brands and free samples (FILE PHOTO)
Oz: fashion (and Uggs)
Australia’s fashion capital Melbourne is brimming with bespoke boutiques and cut-price designers and is the place to slip into a pair of Uggs.
UK/ABROAD
Ugg boots £185/£73
Australia’s fashion capital Melbourne is brimming with bespoke boutiques and cut-price designers and is the place to slip into a pair of Uggs (FILE PHOTO)
Jaipur: gemstones
The epicentre of India’s gemstone trade, Johari Bazaar is lined with shops offering dazzling jewellery. The Gem Palace has dozens of counters gleaming with colourful jewels.
UK/ABROAD
Blue sapphire £150/£70
(depending on quality)
The epicentre of India’s gemstone trade, Johari Bazaar is lined with shops offering dazzling jewellery. The Gem Palace has dozens of counters gleaming with colourful jewels. (FILE PHOTO)
Costa Rica: coffee
You can’t help but wake up and smell the coffee in Costa Rica, where every blend is legally required to be 100 per cent Arabica. In the mist-draped hills of Monteverde, plantations dot the landscape. Early risers can hike the 5,436ft Arenal volcano before touring North Fields to trace the bean-to-cup journey.
UK/ABROAD
1kg bag £29/£7
You can’t help but wake up and smell the coffee in Costa Rica, where every blend is legally required to be 100 per cent Arabica. Early risers can hike the 5,436ft Arenal volcano before touring North Fields to trace the bean-to-cup journey (FILE PHOTO)
USA: tech and fashion
The US may not be the bargain it once was, but it still beats UK prices, with Apple products around £250 cheaper and iconic brands such as Levi’s costing markedly less.
UK/ABROAD
MacBook Air £999/£737
Levi’s 501 £100/ £59
The US may not be the bargain it once was, but it still beats UK prices, with Apple products around £250 cheaper and iconic brands such as Levi’s costing markedly less (FILE PHOTO)
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The must-have bargains you NEED to bring home from your holidays
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