Travel Thrifting: Find the Best Local Stores

Whether you’re traveling purely to thrift or squeezing thrifting activities into your other vacation plans, it’s important that your secondhand shopping time be well-spent and productive. From large city centers to quaint small towns, each travel destination has its own treasure trove of used clothing stores waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the basics of how to research, plan, and maximize your thrifting adventures in a new location.

Research your destination

Once you have selected a location for your holiday, it’s time to start checking what’s available in the area before you arrive. Get started by pulling up Google Maps. Search for your location, then zoom out a bit and search for “thrift store”. If all goes well, you’ll see a big list of thrift stores on the left side of the page with lots of reviews. Go through the list, read some reviews, and map out your favourites. Which reviews mention great prices and high-end items? Those might be your best bets.

If you’re not finding much, or you just have a lot of time on your hands, try additional searches for “consignment store”, “charity shop”, etc. You might turn up some more matches that could end up being your best sources.

Next we’ll switch over to Google itself, where it’s time to read some blog posts (there will inevitably be some guides, though you may need to translate them) about thrifting experiences in your destination. Beyond blogs, Reddit and local Facebook groups can also be great sources for local thrifting advice.

If you haven’t yet selected a hotel, look for something close to a cluster of thrift stores that you want to visit. If you have chosen a hotel, check into transportation options for getting around.

Create a Thrift Store Itinerary

To get the most of your visit to a new destination, taking some time to plan your route and itinerary will help you cover more ground and find more garments. When considering your route, assume that you might need longer at stores that are larger and have more reviews. Don’t forget to check store hours as well; the last thing you want is to visit a store on the day or at a time when it’s closed.

If there are specific items you’re interested in that are the specialty of certain stores, make sure you prioritize those as well. Plan to get started early each day and try to visit stores when they’re a bit less busy.

How to pack

Be prepared for your thrift store tour before you leave home. If you’re planning an extensive shopping trip, maybe taking a single carry-on bag won’t cut it. Perhaps you need to dig out that old piece of larger luggage that needs to be checked so that you have an easy way of bringing everything home.

Also consider bringing along your usual thrift store accessories. A tape measure is always good to have on hand, as are reusable bags that you can use to carry your finds. And don’t forget comfortable shoes and clothing for your long days out thrifting.

Thrifting for souvenirs

If you’re out shopping anyway, why not pick up a few souvenirs for friends and family?

Thrift stores are a great source for unique, local items that you can bring back home with you. Regional crafts and handmade items are always well received, and vintage postcards, books, and local memorabilia can make great memories.

Conclusion

Travel is not only a great way to see the world and experience other cultures, but a fantastic opportunity to explore new vintage stores and make great finds. Equipped with the advice in this article, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your travel time and giving your wardrobe a global flair.