Find Bargains and Treasures on a European Antiquing Trip - By: Chris Robertson

When you think of antiques, what makes your heart soar? Jewels?
Books and prints? Furniture? Carpets? Paintings? There's no
doubt that antiques possess qualities that makes modern
merchandise pale in comparison - qualities like exquisite
craftsmanship, character, attention to detail, and timelessness.
Similarly, American items that are considered to be antiques -
the older items you might find at estate sales and auctions -
are youngsters when compared with European antiques.

If you collect antiques or are an antiques dealer, you really
haven't lived until you've gone on a European antiquing trip. If
you're taken aback by thoughts of the expenses associated with
such a trip, it may be time to think again. By connecting with
others who have experience in European antiquing and by
employing the right strategies, you can find the treasures of a
lifetime at bargain prices. Here are five tips to ensure success:

1. Rely on the experience of others. If you're new to the
European antiquing scene, hook up with others who have practical
knowledge about finding the best European antiques. There are
European antiquing trip tours specifically designed for those
who are looking for a great selection at great prices, so take
advantage of their expertise. Even if you have been antique
shopping in Europe before, it's refreshing and enjoyable to
travel with others who share your interests.

2. Forget the frills. If you're truly looking to come home with
treasures at bargain prices, it makes no sense to overspend on
accommodations and meals. You don't really need that mint on
your pillow, and you don't want fancy retail antique shops. You
do need convenient accommodations and transportation that will
allow you to arrive at the best venues early in the morning.

3. It's all about timing. If you go on a European antiquing trip
during the peak season, you can forget about finding bargains.
When's the best time to travel? As is the case in the United
States, the European antiquing business is slow from the latter
part of November through Christmas. If you time your trip
correctly, you'll be finding bargains in Italy while everyone
else is at the mall.

4. Find the best wholesale antique sources. When you're in
Europe, forget the antique shops. Instead, go to places like the
Arezzo fair in Italy, the Paris flea markets, the Newark England
antiques show, and the incredible antique fair at Swinderby Air
Base in Nottingham.

5. Plan ahead for shipping. You don't want to have to drag your
purchases around from country to country, and you probably don't
want to deal with the hassle of declaring everything when you
come through customs on your way home to the United States. It's
best to use a trusted shipper in each of the countries you visit
and complete all of the customs paperwork at that time. Better
yet, it you use a tour company that specializes in European
antiquing trips, they will arrange to have all of your items
(and those of others in the group) shipped to their warehouse,
where you can pick them up stateside.

When you make the decision to go with a specialized tour group,
make sure that their fee includes all airfares from, for
example, Boston to Italy, Italy to England, and Paris back to
Boston. The fee should also include all hotel charges, ground
transportation to antique fairs, English-speaking guides in each
country, breakfast each day, and early entry tickets to antiques
venues that require admission. Beyond that, be sure to wear
comfortable walking shoes and have a blast finding bargains on
your antiquing trip!

When you think of antiques, what makes your heart soar? Jewels?
Books and prints? Furniture? Carpets? Paintings? There's no
doubt that antiques possess qualities that makes modern
merchandise pale in comparison - qualities like exquisite
craftsmanship, character, attention to detail, and timelessness.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon
International, one of the worlds most popular href="http://www.majon.com">internet marketing companies.
For tips/information, click here: href="http://www.europeantiquetrip.com">Antiquing Trip
Visit Majon's href="http://www.majon.com/directory/Antiques">Antiques
directory.