Are you interested in learning how to buy art while traveling? So many times, we see beautiful art while we’re traveling, and we want to take it all home with us. Many times, this is easy to do. Other times it is more complicated. What should you consider when purchasing art while traveling?

Ease of Packing

There are many places where you can buy art that is easy to pack. Or if it is not initially easy to pack, it can be taken apart for easy packing.

This was the case when I bought a painting in Haiti. The canvas was removed from the inner wooden frame and rolled for easy transport.

Once I returned home, I stretched the canvas. See how I did this in the How to Stretch a Canvas post. Another option is taking the canvas to a professional frame shop to be stretched and framed.

Jewelry is another form of art that is easy to pack. The Caribbean has beautiful jewelry made from volcanic rocks. I made sure to pick up a few pieces in the Dominican Republic.

Vintage Japanese kimonos are beautiful to wear. However, many people frame vintage clothing items like these. This is a great way to buy art while traveling that is both versatile and easy to pack.

Paying Shipping Costs

I saw so many beautiful hand-made furniture pieces on a trip to Haiti. There was a wooden chair that really caught my eye. Unfortunately, it was not going to fit in my luggage. You have two options when you have something that is way too large for your normal carry-on or checked luggage. (Road trips are great for bringing home large items.)

Option one is to have it counted as oversized checked luggage. The fees for this type of luggage can be upwards of $200 USD. There will still be limits on dimensions and weight.

Option two is to use a local shipping service or courier. Each country will have different guidelines for what you can ship. Look into the local postal service of the place you will be traveling to. International couriers such as DHL, UPS and FedEx, work well too.

Extremely Delicate Items

Are you looking to buy art while traveling that is extremely fragile? I always pack bubble wrap or other types of packing supplies. This way I am able to protect small items that can fit into my luggage.

Sometimes even bubble wrap isn’t the answer. I purchased ceramic bowls in Japan, and one didn’t make it home intact. When it comes to especially fragile or expensive items, pay to have them shipped. Use one of the methods I mentioned above. Include insurance if necessary.

Where are you going buy art next? Will it be from your next travel destination? Now you have the tools you need to make that happen.