What do you stock up on during your travels that you can't get at home?
Jul 7, 2003, 11:25 am
#46
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Washington, DC 20016
Programs: AA Gold; US silver
Posts: 95
France: Twining's Vanilla Tea, can be found in any little market in Paris but nowhere in the US
Italy: Idrasol Body Cream from the famous and ancient Pharmacia in Florence (although they now have branches in several cities in Italy)
Italy: Idrasol Body Cream from the famous and ancient Pharmacia in Florence (although they now have branches in several cities in Italy)
Jul 7, 2003, 12:13 pm
#47
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Reston, Virginia, USA
Posts: 653
From anywhere in the 3rd world - prescription antibiotics (you can get them over the counter). You never know when you will need cipro in a hurry.
From duty free - Cognac, champagne, blue agave tequila.
From central asia - caviar. Yes I know it comes from poachers. I am a baaad person.
From centra asia - carpets, art needlework. Buy from the source, instead of middlemen in Istanbul. Get a better price, and more of the money goes to the artist.
From Peru - Inca weaving. From a weaver's co-op near Cuzco. Again, the weaver gets my $$$, not middlemen.
From duty free - Cognac, champagne, blue agave tequila.
From central asia - caviar. Yes I know it comes from poachers. I am a baaad person.
From centra asia - carpets, art needlework. Buy from the source, instead of middlemen in Istanbul. Get a better price, and more of the money goes to the artist.
From Peru - Inca weaving. From a weaver's co-op near Cuzco. Again, the weaver gets my $$$, not middlemen.
Jul 7, 2003, 10:11 pm
#48
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska 100K - MM, defender of shoes on the carpeted bulkhead 4ever, AA LT PLT, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia
Posts: 7,441
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by letiole:
lalala: I love Club bars, but haven't been able to find them in London lately. Where do you pick them up?</font>
lalala: I love Club bars, but haven't been able to find them in London lately. Where do you pick them up?</font>
Tescos, waitrose, sainsburys. If you tell me what flavor you want, I'll pick up a few packages when I go in August.
Dearest taller one loves them from the freezer with a glass of milk.
lala
Jul 7, 2003, 10:51 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 303
When I go to Europe, I drink as many Fanta Lemon sodas as possible. I haven't tried to bring them home. I would love to find them in the U.S. but haven't so far.
You can get the Italian Limonada soda here but that doesn't have the same taste as Fanta Lemon.
You can get the Italian Limonada soda here but that doesn't have the same taste as Fanta Lemon.
Jul 8, 2003, 9:04 am
#50
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: between DCA and BWI
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat, UA Premier, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,652
Don't know about NY, but in DC you can get several kinds of Fantas (I think they are Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Strawberry) in Magruder's stores ( http://www.magruders.com/ )
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by spike74:
When I go to Europe, I drink as many Fanta Lemon sodas as possible. I haven't tried to bring them home. I would love to find them in the U.S. but haven't so far.
You can get the Italian Limonada soda here but that doesn't have the same taste as Fanta Lemon.</font>
When I go to Europe, I drink as many Fanta Lemon sodas as possible. I haven't tried to bring them home. I would love to find them in the U.S. but haven't so far.
You can get the Italian Limonada soda here but that doesn't have the same taste as Fanta Lemon.</font>
Jul 8, 2003, 9:40 am
#51
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Chicago,IL.
Posts: 3,022
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by letiole:
I usually stock up on Charles Worthington hair products in London (edited 07-05-2003).]</font>
I usually stock up on Charles Worthington hair products in London (edited 07-05-2003).]</font>
Aug 1, 2004, 10:29 am
#52
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posts: 12
Oral-B Brush-Ups
At the local Savon store in Southern California, I ran across a item I had not see before that some might find of interest to pack.
It is a little finger glove toothbrush. For $1.29, you get three individually packed, in very thin and small (think of a business card). You open up the packet, pull it on your finger and brush away. Granted, for years (much to the chagrin of my dentist) when my toothbrush/toothpaste was in baggage or left behind, I have done the same by wrapping a paper towel around my pinkie. The Brush-Up comes with a 'minty fresh' flavor that I have yet to find in any papertowel.
http://www.oralb.com/products/produc...o&pid=brushups
I used one while and a recent, 23 hour, domestic coach emergency trip and was pleased I had it along.
I suppose, by placing the Brush-up on a select finger and brushing away while next to an annoyning seat mate at the end painful red-eye, then pulling it out of your mouth and holding it up gleefully with a big grin on your face might make for an alternative message use of it as well
.....
It is a little finger glove toothbrush. For $1.29, you get three individually packed, in very thin and small (think of a business card). You open up the packet, pull it on your finger and brush away. Granted, for years (much to the chagrin of my dentist) when my toothbrush/toothpaste was in baggage or left behind, I have done the same by wrapping a paper towel around my pinkie. The Brush-Up comes with a 'minty fresh' flavor that I have yet to find in any papertowel.
http://www.oralb.com/products/produc...o&pid=brushups
I used one while and a recent, 23 hour, domestic coach emergency trip and was pleased I had it along.
I suppose, by placing the Brush-up on a select finger and brushing away while next to an annoyning seat mate at the end painful red-eye, then pulling it out of your mouth and holding it up gleefully with a big grin on your face might make for an alternative message use of it as well
.....
Aug 1, 2004, 3:19 pm
#53
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
A nice surprise to see this one pop up again. I love all the suggestions. Thought I'd add a couple more:
- Valor chocolate bars from Spain for making the best hot chocolate ever
(thanks to a FTer in Spain for sharing the secret)
- Arbequina olives from Spain
- Batteries are amazingly cheap in Croatia
- Giant wafers (about 12"x18") that are great for spreading Nutella on from Croatia. They're hard to bring home, but they're fun.
- herbal and olive oil soaps from markets and drug stores in France. So cheap compared to home.
- rose hip jam in Croatia
As for the C. Worthington products, I've never found the selection in the US that I've found in the UK.
Some of these things can be found through Internet sites without ever leaving home, but I've found the prices to be ridiculous. The Valor, for example, is $6 a bar at tienda.com plus shipping and I think I've been paying about $2 a bar in Spain. I was surprised to see the Labello prices about the same online as I've paid in Europe.
- Valor chocolate bars from Spain for making the best hot chocolate ever
(thanks to a FTer in Spain for sharing the secret)
- Arbequina olives from Spain
- Batteries are amazingly cheap in Croatia
- Giant wafers (about 12"x18") that are great for spreading Nutella on from Croatia. They're hard to bring home, but they're fun.
- herbal and olive oil soaps from markets and drug stores in France. So cheap compared to home.
- rose hip jam in Croatia
As for the C. Worthington products, I've never found the selection in the US that I've found in the UK.
Some of these things can be found through Internet sites without ever leaving home, but I've found the prices to be ridiculous. The Valor, for example, is $6 a bar at tienda.com plus shipping and I think I've been paying about $2 a bar in Spain. I was surprised to see the Labello prices about the same online as I've paid in Europe.
Aug 1, 2004, 3:26 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,400
From Sweden:
Vasterbotten cheese -- I'm sure someplace in NYC has it but I've not found one yet. The stuff is AMAZING!
From Czech Republic:
Studenska Pechat chocolate bars. YUM!!!!!
Vasterbotten cheese -- I'm sure someplace in NYC has it but I've not found one yet. The stuff is AMAZING!
From Czech Republic:
Studenska Pechat chocolate bars. YUM!!!!!
Aug 1, 2004, 3:39 pm
#55
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Sweden
Programs: Eurobonus
Posts: 33
Fabric softner sheets ;-)
From the US:
Baking stuff (mini m&ms, hershey's kisses, chocolate chips etc which are so exspensive in Sweden)
Ziplock bags
And most important - Bounce Fabric Softner sheets
the Netherlands:
Siroopwaffels (sp?)
Belgium/ France /Germany
Balisto mueslibars (the green variety)
Baking stuff (mini m&ms, hershey's kisses, chocolate chips etc which are so exspensive in Sweden)
Ziplock bags
And most important - Bounce Fabric Softner sheets
the Netherlands:
Siroopwaffels (sp?)
Belgium/ France /Germany
Balisto mueslibars (the green variety)
Aug 1, 2004, 7:52 pm
#56
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: QF Silver, Priority Club, Marriott Rewards, Hilton HHonors
Posts: 392
Ack...I thought it was just me that did this sort of stuff!!
When I'm in the US I get:
2 in 1 shampoo - Pantene & Fructis specifically. Can't get the 2 in 1s in Aust!
Altoids mints - love the tins - also not available here
I used to get ziplock bags but now Aust has caught up.
Bras! Much cheaper in the US.
Travel sized toiletries. Just love browsing drug stores!!!
When I'm in the US I get:
2 in 1 shampoo - Pantene & Fructis specifically. Can't get the 2 in 1s in Aust!
Altoids mints - love the tins - also not available here
I used to get ziplock bags but now Aust has caught up.
Bras! Much cheaper in the US.
Travel sized toiletries. Just love browsing drug stores!!!
Aug 1, 2004, 8:15 pm
#57
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Abu Dhabi UAE
Programs: EY Plat, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 895
Indonesia
Indofood Sambal Lampung and Sambal Extra Pedas. Also, for when you are travelling, little sachets of Sambal Asli (From ABC brand)
This is only for those who really enjoy superhot chili sauce. I have not been able to find a Thai product yet that beats these.
Let me know if you do.
Indofood Sambal Lampung and Sambal Extra Pedas. Also, for when you are travelling, little sachets of Sambal Asli (From ABC brand)
This is only for those who really enjoy superhot chili sauce. I have not been able to find a Thai product yet that beats these.
Let me know if you do.
Aug 2, 2004, 2:12 am
#58
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 790
From the US
Tigi Shampoo,Conditioner, Anthony for men skincare profucts, Slimfast High Protein Low sugar Bars(ideal for long flights), a few cans of diet Mountain dew, Ambercrombie clothing, paper denim cloth or chip pepper jeans, California fruits skittles.
From France
Haribo crocodiles
From Spain
Chupa chups lollies and usually some porno playing cards(not for me)
From Aus + NZ
Darrell Lea Licourice(not for me), boardshorts, unfortunately unable to bring back hokey pokey ice cream
Dubai
Sunglasses and vodka(duty free)
Tigi Shampoo,Conditioner, Anthony for men skincare profucts, Slimfast High Protein Low sugar Bars(ideal for long flights), a few cans of diet Mountain dew, Ambercrombie clothing, paper denim cloth or chip pepper jeans, California fruits skittles.
From France
Haribo crocodiles
From Spain
Chupa chups lollies and usually some porno playing cards(not for me)
From Aus + NZ
Darrell Lea Licourice(not for me), boardshorts, unfortunately unable to bring back hokey pokey ice cream
Dubai
Sunglasses and vodka(duty free)
Aug 2, 2004, 8:15 am
#59
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: BRU, SIN, PEK
Programs: SQ TPP, LH SEN
Posts: 3,235
From M'sia
- Colgate toothpaste (it's cheap)
- stickers
From HKG
- The famous "Jet Goose" from Yung Kee
- SK II & H2O products
- Pocky snacks
From Vietnam
- toothbrushes (it's VERY cheap)
- vegetables: kohl rabi, artichoke, ngo sen (stuff you can't get in Singapore)
From Belgium/France
- however much dark chocolate I can carry
- Comte (hv only found it in one place in Singapore, and it's not great)
- deli items (jambon de parme, mousse de foie gras)
- Valrhona Manjari ecorces d'orange chocolate bars
- Cracotte brand crispbread
- mustard
From US
- New York Times (esp Sunday)
- Altoids (yum!)
- taco seasoning (I think I've got plenty now)
- Hamburger Helper (it's a college thang)
- used to get meds like ibuprofen & Tylenol, but now available in SG
- cheap magazines
- Blistex Lip Medex
- couscous
Gosh. I'm a shopping fiend... and a foodie!
- Colgate toothpaste (it's cheap)
- stickers
From HKG
- The famous "Jet Goose" from Yung Kee
- SK II & H2O products
- Pocky snacks
From Vietnam
- toothbrushes (it's VERY cheap)
- vegetables: kohl rabi, artichoke, ngo sen (stuff you can't get in Singapore)
From Belgium/France
- however much dark chocolate I can carry
- Comte (hv only found it in one place in Singapore, and it's not great)
- deli items (jambon de parme, mousse de foie gras)
- Valrhona Manjari ecorces d'orange chocolate bars
- Cracotte brand crispbread
- mustard
From US
- New York Times (esp Sunday)
- Altoids (yum!)
- taco seasoning (I think I've got plenty now)
- Hamburger Helper (it's a college thang)
- used to get meds like ibuprofen & Tylenol, but now available in SG
- cheap magazines
- Blistex Lip Medex
- couscous
Gosh. I'm a shopping fiend... and a foodie!