Goods Getaways: Bring home a piece of vacation joy
In 2025, the on-trend traveler is choosing destinations where they can shop for goods they can’t get at home, and can’t live without. Welcome to the “souven-era”
The first time I went to Barcelona, I crafted an itinerary that hit all the marquee attractions: La Sagrada Família, the Picasso Museum, Park Güell, both important Gaudí houses, the beach. But when I sat down to plan my most recent trip, there were only two places on my agenda: La Boqueria food market, to stock up on saffron, smoked paprika and Spanish olive oil (for my kitchen); and Aprés Ski, a tiny boutique in the Gothic Quarter known for its one-of-a-kind jackets made from vintage table linens (for my closet).
I’m not alone. For many travelers, shopping has become a highlight of their trip, with those sought-after souvenirs becoming treasured memories. Open TikTok and you’ll see travelers packing vacuum-sealed French butter into travel-size coolers, stocking up on Korean sheet masks, or flying to Stockholm to shop Scandi designers. Gen Z travelers are taking Goods Getaways to Los Angeles, running straight from the airplane aisles to Erewhon aisles, and taking selfies with Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie at the cult organic supermarket rather than with stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Travelers’ most-wanted buys
1.
Candy from Japan
2.
Pistachio chocolate from Dubai
3.
Skincare from Korea
4.
Custom-made clothes from Vietnam
It’s all part of the new “souven-era,” where travelers are building getaways around getting the goods. More than aimlessly store-hopping, this trend is about maximizing the travel experience, with travelers researching brands as they set out to bring home the best their vacation destination has to offer.
Wondering where to go and what to buy? Here are eight trending Goods Getaways for 2025…
01
Souks and ceramics: Marrakech, Morocco
Shop for: Blankets, sandals and ceramics from LRNCE; caftans from Marrakshi Life; babouche slippers from Ahmed Ait Taleb in Souk el Kebir; spices from Le Mellah Spice Souk.
Don’t forget: Even seasoned shoppers can find the souks overwhelming. Consider hiring a guide for the first time you venture out, but don’t feel pressured to buy on the spot—you can always find your way back to the best stalls later.
02
Fine soaps and gourmet goods: Florence, Italy
Shop for: Lotions, soaps and fragrances from Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, founded in 1221 and situated in a convent chapel (try the Rosa and Mandorla soaps); hand-marbled paper goods from Riccardo Luci or Il Papiro (both offer workshops if you’re keen to try your hand); endless leather goods.
Don’t forget: Not to handle any produce in food markets—wait for the vendor to assist you instead.
03
Scandi style and cinnamon buns: Stockholm, Sweden
Shop for: Josef Frank table linens and Scandi home goods at Svenskt Tenn (the oven mitts make great gifts and are among the most affordable items in the store); minimal fashion and covetable handbags at Toteme; cinnamon buns and hand candles at Stora Bageriet; cute organic cotton childrenswear at Lindex.
Don’t forget: The favorable exchange rate means Toteme handbags are significantly cheaper in Stockholm than in the U.S. Know the styles so you can request the one you want by name at the flagship store.
05
Bright lights and specialty shops: Tokyo, Japan
Shop for: Vintage luxury designer handbags at Okura and Camellia in Shibuya; handmade caramels at Number Sugar; 18 floors of stationery inspiration at Itoya. Head to Cosme’s flagship store for a crash course in Japanese skincare trends; Allu for five floors of carefully curated vintage French high fashion; or The Conran Shop Daikanyama for a conceptual edit of cutting-edge Japanese design.
Don’t forget: Dedicated shoppers often bring extra suitcases on trips to Tokyo—prepare by folding a lightweight duffle bag into your luggage.
06
Marais style and macarons à la mode: Paris, France
Shop for: Roomy tailoring at The Frankie Shop and other Marais standouts like Merci, Soeur and A.P.C.; resin-handled salad servers and cutlery sets at Sabre; French skin- and haircare heroes at CityPharma; prettily colored and elegantly packed macarons at Ladurée.
Don’t forget: Live outside of the EU and want to claim a VAT refund on purchases over €100? Of course you do! Bring your passport shopping (you’ll need to present it to prove non-resident status) and request a duty-free slip at checkout.
07
Bright textiles and a bold spice box: Oaxaca, Mexico
Shop for: Mezcal cups at Colectivo 1050; handcrafted floral candles at Casa Viviana; beaded handbags and contemporary fashion at Marchanta Store; chilies, herbs and spices (chocolate too!) from Mercado 20 de Noviembre. For handmade textiles and fabrics, the nearby village of Teotitlán del Valle offers a huge range of artisanal work.
Don’t forget: Check rules around the importation of fruits and vegetables—dried chilies are the way to go.
08
Starry markets and easy chic: Los Angeles, California
Shop for: Dôen dresses and Goop skincare at the Brentwood Country Mart; red-carpet-ready vintage couture at Timeless Vixen; antiques and quirky vintage clothing at the Rose Bowl Flea Market; sea-moss gummies and chocolate almond milk at Erewhon.
Don’t forget: If a fellow shopper looks like a movie star, they’re probably a movie star. Blend in by appearing unbothered, even if you’re a little bit impressed.
Emily Cronin
Writer
Emily Cronin is an award-winning writer, editor and podcaster. She writes about fashion, lifestyle and pop culture for publications including the Financial Times, Elle, The Telegraph, British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. She also cohosts the podcast, Hello Girls.
Third-party research was conducted by market research firm OnePoll on behalf of Expedia Group from August 5–September 2 2024, counting 25,000 respondents across 19 countries among adults who have traveled for leisure or plan to in the next three years.
Scan the QR code or select one of the links below.
More stories
-
Inspiration6 winter sun getaways to warm your soul
January 2025 -
InspirationSet-jettingFind filming locations for The Traitors and more in Scotland
January 2025 -
IndiaSoloA life-changing journey through India
December 2024 -
InspirationUnited States6 of the best Lunar New Year celebrations in America
December 2024 -
First personCan a fear of flying be cured in a day?
December 2024 -
GuidesSet-jettingThe best beaches seen on screen
December 2024 -
Set-jettingThailandThe White Lotus effect: Thailand’s turn in the spotlight
December 2024 -
Trends25 travel trends to change your life in 2025
December 2024
