Going on a trip is very exciting, especially when going to such a magnificent and diverse place like Europe. From gothic cathedrals in Barcelona and Vienna to beautiful baroque buildings in Paris and Rome, Europe has it all, and that’s why it can be challenging to understand what is the best souvenir that you can bring back home from every country that you visit. In order to make your shopping a little easier, here are some ideas for souvenirs to bring from Romania, Austria, and Ireland.
Romania
If you plan on visiting Romania anytime soon, there are a few things that you should consider purchasing and bringing back from there. The first one is obviously țuica- a traditional spirit usually made of plumps, but it can also be made of different fruits and berries. You can find it in stores, but if you are lucky enough to make Romanian friends they will surely share some of țuica that either they or their parents or grandparents make at home. This drink has an alcohol level of 40%-55%, so it is really not for the weak. Another item that you should consider bringing back as a souvenir is ia, the traditional female blouse. It is usually made of cotton or linen, so it is the perfect garment for the hot spring and summer days. Ia is embroidered with traditional stitches and the designs differ from one part of the country to another. For example, back in 2012 the singer Adele wore a traditional Romanian blouse from the Transylvanian region for the Vogue magazine.
Ireland
We all know how popular and how good the English tea is, but few people know about the Irish tea. So if you need a present idea that is not on the pricey side, this is the right choice for you. The most common type is the Irish Breakfast tea, which is a mix of different types of black tea, and if you or any of your friends are not big fans of it, you can also find lots of other types or flavors. Go for traditional brands such as Barry’s Tea and Twinings and you won’t be disappointed. Aran sweaters are yet another Irish souvenir that everyone loves and brings back from trips. They are a bit on the pricey side, as their average cost is $100, but they are worth every penny, since they are made of high quality wool that will last many, many years.
Austria
Austria is the country of music, chocolate, and high quality jewelry. First of all, it would be a crime to visit this country and not to get something from Swarovski, as this is the exact birthplace of this company. Depending on your budget, you can find things like earrings for around $100-150, but the prices can also go far above that. Although not very affordable for a backpack traveller, this souvenir idea makes a lovely and thoughtful present for a loved one or a dear family member. If you aim for something more affordable, Mozart balls, as intriguing as the name sounds, are traditional chocolates from the Austrian city of Salzburg. They come in multiple types, such as the classic chocolate one, pistachio, almond, and many others.
