Women like to scratch their shopping itch when traveling abroad. Here are a few items to reconsider.
Shoes. Shoes in Western Europe, especially Portugal, Spain and Italy are mouth-wateringly attractive and cheap. Bear in mind the following: the ‘last’ used in European shoes can be different from the ‘last’ used in shoes made for the American market. European shoes can be narrower, with sizing based on centimeters not inches. The difference in measurement can alter the shoe fit. Some tips (as we know you will buy shoes in Europe)
Try on shoes when your feet are tired. Inspect the inside of the shoe; some budget loafer shoes I bought had lovely tassels. However, the inside stitching of the tassel left a rough edge. They are unwearable.
Multi chains of beaded necklaces and cheap costume jewelry are fun and add a pop to any outfit. Who doesn’t love a Moroccan red bead and silver ornate necklace discovered in the souk or a funky bracelet from a street market. You will love it until it needs restringing. Restringing a multi chain necklace costs more than the necklace. Same problem with cheap pins, bracelets —rings less so—, repairs on non gold metal are hard if not impossible.
Tips for Buying Costume Jewelry. There are very good European costume jewelry companies: Two I know are Agnes in Paris and Nice where we go for Thanksgiving 2024, Butler and Wilson in the UK. Of course there are all the famous names: Chanel and such. In all cases, inspect the functional workings of the item: clasp, pin etc. before you buy.
Sunscreens in European products contain ingredients that are not FDA approved. This is for the following reason: in the US, sunscreens are regulated as non-prescription drugs by the FDA In Europe they are categorized as cosmetics. European sunscreens contain more effective UV filter ingredients; but have not undergone sufficient safety testing for the Food and Drug Administration. PS The FDA hasn’t approved a new sunscreen filter since 1996. Personal note: I buy European sunscreen at Boots in the UK and on the Continent. Boots is now part of Walgreens, so in future you might find European sunscreen there. It will compete aggressively with US brands, so don’t hold your breathe.
Bandaids overseas often come in a long strip. The strip needs to be cut to size. As you hold the bandaid to cut it, it loses some of its sanitary nature. Butterfly bandages are also not easily found overseas Nor are the extra sensitive ones easy to find. (In most European cities, pharmacies have a lighted cross as a sign).
Liquor and wines bought overseas are bit different. Liquors might have a lower alcohol content. Wines do not include preservatives like sulfates. Moreover, except for holiday seasons, US liquor stores seem to have endless sales at the same prices. I just went on an AMA cruise on the Moselle River; the vintners we visited were pleased to share their wines which had no sulfates.
Vegetable dyed carpets are gorgeous; if you buy one, have it professionally cleaned. Carpet mites love vegetables even in dye form.
Anything on the do not bring list from US Customs. Please do not buy designer fakes; they damage industries and often come from sketchy sources.
Final note: photo your item before leaving the store, if being shipped. Make sure the invoice has freight forwarding included. Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group, award winning small group luxury tours for women. Call us during office hours: 9-5 Eastern Time.
