When it comes to vacation souvenirs, most travelers opt for traditional items like postcards, magnets, or keychains. However, for those with a taste for the unique finds and the thrill of the hunt, thrift store shopping and antiquing while on vacation can provide an exciting and memorable experience. Exploring local thrift stores and antique markets allows us to immerse ourselves in the culture and history of a destination, while also uncovering one-of-a-kind treasures to bring back home. (Yipee!) Today I am going to take you on a little European thrifting adventure, in BELGIUM!
My husband works for a Belgian company here in the States and has to travel overseas at least once a year. Sometimes I get to go with him. Yes this has been a dream come true for me. While he is at the office I am free to wander, by foot, all around the city of Kortrijk, Belgium. As an avid thrift store shopper and lover of everything vintage, the last time I tagged along on one of his work trips I thought it would be great fun to explore some thrift and antique shops!
Care to come along? Pull out your phone, open Google Maps and let’s GO!
Let’s Go Thrifting In Belgium!
Eco-Shop was my first stop on my European thrifting adventure. I grabbed my cloth shopping bags, bundled up (it was a bit chilly) and walked my little legs off from the hotel. The walk was 1.5 kilometers or almost 1 mile.
This place was GREAT! Soooo many goodies to look at! The thrill of not knowing what you might find when you walk into a thrift store or antique shop is undeniably exciting. There’s a sense of anticipation and possibility that accompanies every trip, keeping you on your toes as you scan the shelves for that one extraordinary piece that has your name on it!
This particular shop was big and had an eclectic mix of typical thrift store household goods and vintage items.
There was so much that I would have loved to bring home. Is that on old galvanized bathtub?
One of the best aspects of thrift store shopping and antiquing while on vacation, is the chance to discover hidden gems at affordable prices. Unlike traditional tourist shops that often sell overpriced items, thrift stores and antique markets offer a wide range of vintage and retro items that can be found at a fraction of the original cost. From vintage clothing and accessories to antique furniture and homeware, these unique finds add a touch of individuality to any collection. Although, good luck fitting a gorgeous chest of drawers into your suitcase!
I loved this French provincial chair. Sadly there were so many items I would have loved to bring home but were just too large.
On To The Next Shop
The next day I walked my little legs off again to another shop in town. This one was more of an antique store. A bit pricier but I still found some treasures to bring home. And oh what fun it was to look at everything else.
I loved these old suitcases. Hey now that’s an idea! Buy some old suitcases while out thrifting and fill them up with your treasures. The extra $50 for an added checked bag at the airport would be a lot cheaper than paying and waiting to have it shipped via parcel service.
The Haul….
So being that I was limited to what I could fit in my suitcase I had to curb my spending and stick with smalls. First, lets go over what I purchased at the thrift shop.
I loved the lines of this candle sconce. The elegant scrollwork, so shabby chic! I knew I could do something with it. And oh how I did! I will share that in a later post!
Upon browsing through the art selection at the thrift store, I made the decision to invest in some budget-friendly artwork pieces that caught my eye.
I just adore transferware. Especially in red and blue. Whenever I see a piece and the price is right I snatch it up. I could not pass up this French blue and black transferware plate for 2 euro.
Ok. This is what I bought from the antique store. Some adorable tea towels, a dresser scarf, dainty hankies, vintage gloves and a beautiful transferware pitcher.
Tips For Thrifting and Antiquing On Vacation
Before embarking on your thrifting and antique shopping expedition, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind.
Do Your Research Beforehand to identify the best markets and shops in the cities you’re visiting. Understanding their operating hours and days will help you plan your itinerary accordingly.
Bring Cash: Many vintage shops and flea markets may not accept credit cards. Especially if it is an open air market.
Pack Light: Leave some extra space in your luggage to accommodate your thrifted treasures. When packing, consider the weight and size of items you are likely to purchase. It’s always better to have a little extra room to bring home your discoveries without worrying about exceeding weight restrictions. I wrapped my breakables in my suitcase wrapped in my clothing. Everything survived wonderfully except for the plate. Luckily it broke in just a few large pieces and I was able to glue it together. You can’t even notice the repairs from where it sits on the shelf.
Learn the Local Thrifting Customs: Each country may have its own thrift store etiquette and bargaining practices. Familiarize yourself with the customs to ensure a smooth thrifting experience. For example, in some countries, haggling is common, while in others, prices are fixed and non-negotiable.
Embrace the Adventure: Thrifting while on vacation is all about embracing the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to explore off-the-beaten-path stores, rummage through piles of items, and try on unique clothing pieces. The true joy of thrifting lies in the surprises and hidden gems that reveal themselves when you least expect it.
Displaying My Thrifted Finds
I was so happy to see the little blue and white creamer completely in tact when I unpacked. It now lives in my craft room where I can admire it while working.
The broken plate distressed me a bit but I was able to crazy glue it back together. It sits up high on another shelf in my craft room/office. And unless you actually get up real close to it you cannot even see the cracks. I can live with that.
Hmmm. Can you tell????
The charming little red French candy tin now finds its home in my kitchen, elegantly positioned atop the soffit space above the cabinetry.
It not only adds a splash of color to the decor but also serves as a delightful reminder of cherished memories of my European thrift shopping trip!
I collect milk glass. When I saw these two adorable vintage bud vases I knew they were meant to come home with me. I loved the rose motif. They look great filled with roses or tucked up on a shelf when not in use.
Ok, so what about the artwork you ask? They ended up in my living room. I apologize for the lighting in the following 2 photos. My husband has a huge saltwater aquarium in our living room and the lighting on it makes everything in the room look off. Rembrandt and the Mona Lisa were fitted in a couple of thrift store frames and hung in a corner. So, who needs to go to the Louvre in Paris when I have old Mona right in my own home to enjoy everyday? Lol
In the master bedroom, the dresser serves as an elegant showcase for a carefully selected arrangement of cherished finds. This is where the dresser scarf and vintage ladies’ dress gloves now call home.
Paired with a vintage silver hairbrush set and my Grandmother’s costume pearl necklace, the gloves add a touch of feminine sophistication to the space.
So which was your favorite thrifted find?
The experience of treasure hunting in thrift stores and antique shops in Belgium was truly one to remember. From the joy of the search to the thrill of the discovery, this adventure offered a glimpse into the past and a chance to bring a piece of history into my home!
Remember, treasure hunting is as much about the journey as it is about the final find. Enjoy the process, soak in the history, and let yourself be enchanted by the stories that each item holds! I love that about decorating with thrifted finds.
Thrifting while on vacation not only provides you with tangible souvenirs but also creates lasting memories. Each item becomes a reminder of the place you visited and the experiences you had. It adds a personal touch to your travel journey and allows you to bring a piece of your vacation home with you! Have you ever thrifted while on vacation? What was your favorite find?
Happy Hunting!
~Lisa
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