Article: It is easy to get dazzled by the flashy, tourist-attuned shops, but moving away from them has plenty of benefits. You'll be able to delve into the true, local markets for goods that are often cheaper and better quality than the overpriced magnet you were considering. You'll also gain a personal adventure to present when you give your gift. Search for information as to where you can find trustworthy shops and the gift you want. Ask your hotel concierge, a visitor's bureau, or search the Internet. Be wary of tour guides. Many tours have predetermined stops, and the shops there may offer the guide a commission and inflate prices. It's easy to fall in love with a local piece of artistry, but it's a lot harder to get it home in one piece. Once you've found something you think makes for a good gift, stop and consider how you're going to get it home. Smaller gifts can be packed into a carry-on bag, but larger gifts are more at risk. Ask yourself if you have room in a suitcase, can risk it getting broken or stolen, or can ship by mail and how this impacts your budget. Travel magnets may seem like a generic gift, but they have an advantage in ease of transportation as well as cost. You'll have to bring the gift home, and if it isn't something that can easily fit inside your luggage, it may not be worth the hassle. Before you take the plunge on a purchase, consult shipping rates for delicate gifts, large objects, or anything you want to send directly to either yourself or someone else. The costs add up and quickly dominate your budget. In addition to cost, consider the person who will receive this gift. A fancy or large gift may seem like a big gesture, but they're going to have to incorporate it into their life and environment. A decoration for someone in an apartment may clash with the furniture, be unable to fit, or otherwise be met with less enthusiasm than expected. . Most North American and European travelers won't be accustomed to this. Getting over the awkwardness, though, will enable you to get better deals and therefore better gifts. Many cultures throughout the world still include haggling in their business transactions, so don't feel bad about challenging the asking price. Appropriate places include markets, bazaars, and small shops. You wouldn't haggle in a department store in Japan or America. Check in guidebooks or online for local haggling customs. Different cultures use different tones, for instance, and doing it the appropriate way helps your chances at success. Once you have an approximate maximum price and amount you're willing to spend, set aside your cash before you begin, as this establishes a budget limit for both you and the clerk. Always maintain a positive and friendly tone. The goal isn't to beat the seller, and getting angry won't help. Take your time, don't show much interest, and don't be afraid to walk out. Chances are that if you do this, a clerk who once resisted your price will suddenly chase you into the street to offer a more agreeable deal.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Explore off the beaten path. Consider the gift's durability. Consider the gift's size. Haggle