When I first started travelling, I used to bring home the usual souvenirs — fridge magnets, printed T-shirts, and snow globes that all looked the same after a while. But as I travelled more, I realized that the most beautiful memories aren’t found in souvenir shops — they’re found in markets, villages, and handmade stalls.
That’s when I began a new habit: sustainable and local shopping while travelling.
Instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs, I started buying directly from local artisans and small family businesses. Each piece I brought home carried a story — of people, places, and pure passion.
Here are five of my favorite sustainable finds from around the world.
Georgia — Sweet Threads of Tradition
In Tbilisi, I discovered a street filled with colorful strings hanging from wooden stalls. At first, I thought they were candles, but the vendor laughed and said, “No, this is Churchkhela!”
It’s a traditional Georgian sweet made from grape juice and nuts — and every family has its own recipe. I bought a few from a kind grandmother who told me she dries them under her balcony every winter.
That moment made me realize that buying local isn’t just shopping — it’s connecting.
Azerbaijan — Stories Woven in Silk
While walking through the old city of Baku, I came across a small workshop filled with rugs hanging on the walls. A man sat quietly knotting a carpet, his fingers moving like poetry.
He explained how every color and pattern carries meaning — blue for peace, red for courage, gold for hope. I bought a small silk carpet, and he smiled proudly, saying it was woven by his wife.
That rug now sits in my living room, a daily reminder of how craftsmanship keeps cultures alive.
Thailand — Handmade With a Smile
In Chiang Mai’s Sunday Market, I met Mali, a young woman who made handbags out of bamboo and leftover fabrics. Her stall was small, but her smile was huge.
She told me she started making them during lockdown, and now travelers from all over the world buy her work. I picked one with hand-painted flowers, and she tied a tiny thank-you note to the handle.
It wasn’t just a bag — it was a story of resilience and creativity.
Indonesia — Woven by Nature
On a quiet morning in Ubud, Bali, I joined a local weaving workshop. Women sat under a thatched roof, dyeing threads with natural colors made from leaves, turmeric, and flowers.
They let me try weaving for a few minutes — I was slow, but they cheered me on! I bought a bright orange scarf that smelled faintly of coconut oil and sunshine.
Every time I wear it, I remember those women laughing together, their hands moving in rhythm with nature.
Italy — Timeless Leather and Lasting Craft
In Florence, I found a small leather shop tucked between two busy cafes. The craftsman was shaping a wallet by hand, the smell of leather and wood polish filling the air.
He told me, “Good things take time.” That line stayed with me. I bought the wallet, and years later, it still looks new.
It taught me that sustainability is not just about materials — it’s about making things that last.
What Sustainable & Local Shopping While Travelling Means to Me
Now, whenever I travel, I make it a rule to:
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Buy handmade or locally produced items.
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Support small family businesses or artisans.
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Choose quality over quantity.
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Ask about the story behind the product.
Each small purchase makes a big difference — for the planet, and for the people keeping their culture alive.
The next time you travel, skip the tourist gift shops. Wander into a local market, listen to the stories behind the products, and let your souvenirs carry meaning — not just logos.
Because when you practice sustainable and local shopping while travelling, you don’t just collect things — you collect stories worth remembering.
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