Delicious Discoveries from Around the Globe
Traveling opens the door to a myriad of culinary delights, and one of the most rewarding aspects of exploring new destinations is the opportunity to bring home unique food items that capture the essence of the places visited. Whether it’s the invigorating aroma of Moroccan mint tea, the rich flavors of Japanese matcha, or the vibrant spices found in local delicacies, every traveler has their own cherished food souvenirs. For instance, Adrienne Adhami, a wellbeing coach, has embraced tea as her daily ritual since giving up coffee, particularly enjoying the strong matcha from Kyoto. Similarly, private chef Phillippa Fern Kenyon Shutes swears by the addictive Aceitunas gazpachas olives from Spain, marinated with pickles and spices, which she stocks up on from local organic shops. Patrick Williams, an interior designer, fondly recalls bringing back Armagnac prunes from his childhood home in Gers, France, while choreographer Patricia Zhou always ensures she has Ethiopian or Kenyan coffee beans in her luggage. The thrill of discovering local food items extends to a variety of goods, including makrut lime leaves from Bangkok’s bustling markets, which travel blogger Kash Bhattacharya picks up each year for a mere 50 baht. Likewise, Jessica Nabongo, a travel writer, has cultivated a collection of local spirits from her travels, including gin from Botswana and unique concoctions from Laos. From Swedish gummies to exquisite olive oils from Mediterranean countries, each item tells a story and serves as a delicious reminder of the experiences gathered abroad.
Fashion Finds and Beauty Essentials
Beyond food, travel also inspires a passion for unique clothing and beauty products. Fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley emphasizes the chic yet affordable children's wear available at French store Monoprix, reminiscent of Bonpoint but at H&M prices. Additionally, Lucy Williams, a stylist, highlights the ubiquitous evil-eye bracelets found in Greece, which have become a summer staple for her. For those seeking luxury, Kate Berry always brings back scarves from Hermès and shirts from Charvet during her visits to France. The thrill of vintage shopping is not lost on Natasha Shafi either, who often finds herself at Skat Vintage in Paris, where she can’t resist timeless pieces that often end up in her daughter’s wardrobe. Beauty enthusiasts also have a treasure trove of options, with Divia Thani praising Hong Kong's white flower oil for its soothing properties and recommending Pudin Hara from India for digestive relief. The distinct scents of artisan colognes, such as Nenuco Agua de Colonia from Spain, also capture the essence of summer travels, while Lucy Williams recommends the beautiful artisan candles from The Naxos Apothecary in Athens. With each purchase, travelers not only bring home tangible items but also the memories and experiences associated with them, enriching their everyday lives with a touch of wanderlust.
As reported by theguardian.com.
