Support small and local businesses when you travel!
Are you a shopper? Some people love to load up on souvenirs when they travel while others like to travel light, only taking home memories. When I travel, I love to shop for goods indicative of the local area I’m visiting. I so enjoy bringing something unique back with me to remind me of my time spent in that area but I also love supporting a local business owner. When I lived in Hawaii, I worked in a beautiful shop where local artists could sell handmade items using traditional methods. Seeking out venues like this is a deep-seated impulse I have and is something my husband and I naturally seek out during our travels. With small businesses around the world trying to recover in the Covid era, let’s get shopping!
Below are some wonderful stores to visit when you visit these areas.
Polynesian Treasures
Haleiwa-Oahu, Hawaii
This family-owned operation has provided a venue for traditional crafters and artists for over 25 years. The Cooper family has cultivated relationships with artisans from Hawaii and throughout the South Pacific, delivering truly unique designs and keepsakes. The owners and employees are well-versed in the history of the traditional methods used to create these art pieces. These are some of my favorites from my collection.
Belizean Arts
San Pedro-Ambergris Caye, Belize
Sharing creations from Belizean artists for over 30 years, the variety found in Belizean Arts is impressive. From gorgeous paintings to woodcarvings and jewelry, it’s clear that you’re surrounded by items that were made with incredible care and talent. Their website showcases the artists they represent, detailing their works and processes. These are some of the beautiful pieces I picked up while in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in Belize.
Do you have a favorite store you discovered while traveling? Tell us about it!
