suze

I absolutely hate shopping so it's certainly nothing I go out of my way to do on vacation. That said, I bring SOMEthings home... postcards, small trinkets for friends, like that. Nothing major though.

scatcat

I always find something that I can't live without.

cigalechanta

I must have: My Provençal olive oil, and my true lavender essence, not the lavendin. My Pastis 51

nona1

Huh? There seems to be a feeling here that people are EXPECTED to go shopping on vacation - questions from customs, the OP fibbing that he'd bought stuff because he felt guilty about not...

Really? Everyone I know just goes on holiday. We don't go on shopping trips. We might buy a little souvenir but that's it. Never had a need to lie about buying stuff or been questioned by customs over it.

Some people like to shop on holiday. Sometimes it may make financial sense (I suspect if I ever make it to Hong Kong I'll come home with a few made to measure outfits). But when did it become a requirement?

OP - why on earth do you feel 'guilty' about not bringing goods back?

johnthedorf

I bought a "Puppy" bookmark at the Guggenheim last week.

AnselmAdorne

I share Christina's dislike of shopping, so I often buy nothing while in France.

For fellow Canadians, CanPass simplifies re-entry to Canada. Stop at the kiosk for an iris scan, answer the questions on the screen, and bypass the primary inspection line. You won't have to talk to a border services agent unless you are randomly selected for secondary. No need to stand in the customs line up worrying about missing your connecting flight.

Anselm

Vicky

Love shopping, it relaxes me, or at least looking does. So shopping is a big part of my traveling. In Rome all i bought was a pair of shoes; Switzerland was so expensive all i bought was an embroidered skirt, a Sworowski necklace and my friend bought me a Swatch watch with a train on it because we took the train all over. I've stopped buying 'junk' except for a fridge magnet. Florence is GREAT for shopping and I found some lovely clothes in Avignon. But I really am trying to be clutter free so I have to be careful - I try the one in, two out kind of deal.

marigross

With the exception of a few grocery items and some little knicknack for DD, I don't bring anyting back.

Viajero2

Not a chance.

FainaAgain

In Switzerland, I found great sales on... chocolate! Sure, I stocked up and didn't feel guilty. My family and co-workers will never know, and the taste and quality all the same.

And I hardly ever go shopping on vacations, souvenirs whenever I run into them, that's all. I live in San Francisco, what is it I can't buy here?

KidsToLondon

My luggage...(sigh)

midland

Instead of buying things we really don't need my husband and I select our favorite photo and have it framed for our travel wall. Our photographic display is always the subject of conversation when we have company and we love the memories they bring to mind.