Every religion in the world has places of sacred pilgrimage. Some are the birthplaces of gods, some are thought to be gifts from the gods, some are centers of religious leadership, and some are simply beautiful places to worship. These destinations, awe-inspiring even to the people in their own religion, draw pilgrims from all corners of the world. A pilgrimage is a metaphor for life.

In a world where everything seems to have been ‘Made in China’ and plastic is at pandemic levels, it’s nice to know that some places still value the creation of authentic handicrafts. Traveling the world allows us to bring back memories, as well as unique treasures from the places we visit. They tell the story of a region’s history, while helping preserve culture and support artisans. In countries like Mexico, Thailand, Portugal, Russia, Benin and New Zealand, traditional crafts are still alive and thriving. Each of these countries is known for specific types of artisanal work that are highly sought after by tourists and collectors alike. Whether you’re traveling or just curious, here’s a guide to some of the most iconic handicrafts from these diverse countries.