BY
CLAY LARROY
When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or
pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Don't be afraid
to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and
never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles
you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they
expire. Often you can use them on items other than travel, so check out your
options and get to spending. When
you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Whether you are a
novice antique lover or an expert appraiser, shopping abroad for antiques can
be truly a rewarding experience. You can join dealers that scour the cities and
the hamlets of the globe looking to find unique and authentic antiques. Finding
just the right collectible is a gratifying experience, so much so that many
have turned their antiquing leisure efforts into full time businesses.
Perhaps you are
looking for just the right piece to complement your existing decor. Or maybe
you are looking to furnish your entire home with authentic European cottage
furniture and anticipate shipping a full container back home. In either event,
doing your homework in advance is an invaluable exercise. You must know your
budget, have a good idea of what you want to purchase, and know how to locate
reputable dealers. Real, bona fide bargains can be found, but there are scams
and forgeries as well. Some pointed study before you travel, and the assistance
of a competent tour operator, will provide you with the discerning eye you need
to make informed decisions on your purchases.
Before you jet off
for an overseas tour of flea markets, antique shops and fairs, read this
article and engage the expert services of a good travel consultant. Traveling
abroad always requires a review of the laws regarding your travel
documentation, such as passports and visas. These are not complicated matters,
but are often overlooked until the last moment. If your passport is ready to
expire, remember that some countries require passports to be valid for some
months beyond your anticipated return. Once you know where you are going, you
will need to arrange transport to and around the shopping regions. Of course,
you will want to ensure that you have the quality accommodations that you require
to feel both safe and comfortable during your travels. In each of these
respects, a good travel consultant can save you both time and money. Turning
over these details will allow you to give more time and consideration to the
purpose of your trip: shopping for antiques.
Throughout this
guide, we will discuss the various services you should look for in a tour
operator acting as your host and guide service. Host tour operators that
provide antique shopping trips are varied in their size and the degree to which
they specialize. Some very large tour operators have begun to develop
theme-based antiquing tours to satisfy the growing demand from travelers.
Others are small, independent tour operators run by knowledgeable antiques
collectors or dealers. Most tour operators will offer guided tours of antique
shops, auctions, fairs and markets within defined geographic areas. They often
have a strong background of local trade outlets and associated merchants and
dealers.
Ask any prospective
host tour companies how long they have been in business and how long they have
been conducting antique shopping tours. The more experience they have, the more
likely they are to provide you access to real bargain opportunities and
authentic dealers. Make sure to have your travel agent request references.
When selecting a tour
company, ask about each of the services mentioned in this guide and determine
what the company offers. Also find out if they have any "minimum buy"
requirements. Most companies offer clients the opportunity to opt out of any
given day of shopping for private time at the destination - if that interests
you, see what’s possible. Finally, working with a bona fide tour operator also
ensures that you will be operating within the boundaries of local custom and
laws pertaining to the export of antiques - an important point discussed later.
You must decide if
you want to travel and shop as an individual or a small, private group, or
whether you would want to travel with others that you may not know. Private
tours are typically more expensive. However, the general trend among antique
shopping tours is to have small groups with a great deal of personal attention.
Many new acquaintances and contacts are found among groups made up of former
strangers. Itineraries tend to be flexible with customizable schedules to
accommodate the preferences of the participants. If you are traveling alone,
most tour companies will arrange a same-sex roommate, if desired, to lower your
costs. Naturally, private accommodations are usually available for a premium.
Most host tour
companies are happy to make accommodation arrangements for the traveler.
Alternatively, you may want to make those arrangements in advance with
consultation from the tour company. Your travel consultant can help you determine
which method offers the greatest value.
Whether you are
looking for antique furniture, clothing, china, books or any number of precious
items, the rules remain largely the same. Antiques are not just old or
shabby-chic, but have intrinsic value. Quality and condition are important
considerations.
Tour companies will
often brief their travelers in advance on the types of antiques typically found
in the destination. Prepare by carefully studying the materials sent by your
tour operator. To the extent possible, spend time developing an appraiser’s
eye. Purchase some antique books that cover the essentials of appraising
quality and condition and take notes in a notebook suitable for taking with you
when you travel. Don’t forget to take along any pictures you may have of pieces
resembling what you would like to find, along with paint chips and fabric
swatches.
One nice innovation
is the telephone camera. With relatively inexpensive international service, you
can stay in close touch with friends and family at home. Likewise, if you have
a trusted appraiser or friend at home you can quickly send photograph of a
piece for some quick advice!
Finally, set a budget
and then resolve to stick to it.
The decision about
where to go to do your shopping is really one of taste, a matter of the style
and periods in which you are interested. Antique hunting is a global
opportunity. Central Europe has become one of the most eagerly trafficked
destinations for antiquing in the world. Many of the antiques found in Western
Europe are imported there from the former Soviet-bloc countries. Central and
South America likewise have tremendous opportunities. The traditional markets
of Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and France are still filled with
wonderful bargains.
In many countries the
distinction between an antique, an antiquity and a cultural artifact is not
only close, but vitally important. In some countries, antiques are the province
of state-run shops. More often, however, many countries ban the export of cultural
artifacts or antiquities without a proper permit, and some items may not be
exported in any event. In addition, certain categories of antiques, such as
ancient paintings, calligraphy or firearms may be forbidden. Protected animal
products, ivory or hides often are not permissible items for export. In many
countries, the laws and regulations governing the export of antiques are
considerable and complex, moving well beyond VAT (Value Added Taxes) into the
realms of cultural antiquities and smuggling. Thus, one of the most crucial
services provided by a good host tour operator is compliance with local laws
regarding the purchase and export of antiques. Americans have been arrested in
some countries for the unauthorized purchase of antiques or other important
cultural artifacts. Always insist that the seller provide a receipt and, when
appropriate, the official museum export certificate required by law, if any.
Unwary purchasers can find their goods confiscated without compensation, and in
extreme cases, can even be arrested. Communicate with your host guide before
making any purchase and keep your receipts in order.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
I enjoy the preparatory
elements of travel - packing my bags and choosing my outfits - but my favorite
part is getting there.
Dominic
Monaghan
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