Things I Never Going to Buy on Vacation in Asia

I know it is hard to resist not to buy something on various markets in Asia, as there are plenty of different colorful souvenirs that catching your attention. They might seem attractive at first, but some of them just being stored somewhere and will never be used after you back to your home-country. In addition to that, desire to dress and behave like a “wanna be professional travelers” or a local, might just look awful. For myself I decided that it is time to be a more responsible shopper and truly pay attention to what I bring from the trips.

Budda’s Head

First, it’s forbidden to buy Buddha head in Thailand, if you do not use it for religious purposes. It’s not meant to be made to decorate your interior just for fun, for Buddhists it’s a sacral symbol and it harms their religious beliefs if used in other unappropriated way. Unless you do believe in Buddha as a Buddhist, his head should not be used for aesthetic purposes.

Oversize / Loose Harem Pants

Made of breathable fabric, comfy and let you put some extra weight on your bum and tummy without anyone notice it… But, be honest, they do not look attractive at all, especially if hundreds other tourists marching in them. I’m sure many guys will support me on that one, because this pants just so not feminine and sexy! Also, have you noticed that locals rarely wear them? Do you still want to be untidy like many other tourists and ruin your holiday photoshoot with these unsexy and awful looking clothes? Why not to buy something authentic but pretty and that goes well with the rest of your wardrobe?

Vietnamese Hat

I don’t have anything against the hat itself, it looks suitable on Vietnamese people, protecting from harsh sun. It is also very light-weighted and easy to carry while working on the rice fields. However, transporting it to your home country is very inconvenient and it is more likely that is not going to be used anyway. Have you seen anyone walking in this hat on Oxford street in London?

Over Shoulder Bag (in combination with pants described above)

This one I can only tolerate when it’s not worn with the loose pants that I described previously. May be as an accessory itself it’s not so bad, when matching with something not oversized and loose. However, I think there are many more prettier bags can be found.

Fake Bags, unless You are in China

Instead of investing your money in a fake item and support illegal manufacture of copies, I choose to buy a locally made bag that produced in the country I’m visiting with a local touch. I don’t like walking on the street and be on pins and needles if someone will recognize that the bag is fake. I don’t see any advantage of having not original item. If you cannot afford a real one, it’s better to get nicely done authentic bag and not to be like everyone else.

Interior Items not Matching your Apartment Style (unless you want to make it look like an open-market)

Maybe the fear of making the house look like chaos containing items from all over the world developed after being raised in Soviet Union, when people were happy to receive anything from overseas and slowly apartments were full of unnecessary things, some of them proudly stored on the shelves and collected dust or less attractive one placed deep inside the wardrobes. I would think twice before buying any statue, lantern or piece of art. First thing, step back and think if it will match the overall style of the apartment. Second, evaluate the importance of this item to you. Will it make you happier than photographs that you took and non-material things, such as good memories from your trip? Useful household items such as coasters, cup holders or handmade passport holder can be a great alternative.

Have a great shopping!

 

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