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Travel Tips for Shopping Trips

A shopping trip is one thing, but shopping while taking a trip is an entirely different adventure. Shopping during a vacation combines two of our favorite things into one activity. The thrill of the hunt in unfamiliar land is exhilarating, which is why we’ve compiled some fun tips for shopping during trips.

Savvy Holiday Shopping
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the two-day events after Thanksgiving, are ranked among the busiest shopping days of the year. People often make travel plans for these events weeks or even months in advance. Some schedule trips to metropolitan areas like New York City or Los Angeles for savings on extravagant items, while others plan short trips to nearby towns with the best malls, big-box stores, or small business alliances offering deals on everything from high-end electronics to handmade earrings. Outstandingly, everyone from online giants like Expedia to small boutique hotels also offer amazing deals and savings on travel, hotels, flights, and more on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Outlet Mall Outings
Outlet malls are a target for holiday shoppers, but the outlets also see shopping tourists on a year-round basis. Expert shoppers often include a day at the outlet malls when planning a trip itinerary. For example, beachgoers spending a week in Clearwater, Florida, might set a day to drive south on I-75 to assess the Ellenton Premium Outlets for designer and name brand discounts. Similarly, folks staying in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, might head toward Hwy 501 to browse Tanger Outlets for designer deals.

Local Shop Stops
Not everyone is looking for commercial brands. Many tourists and travelers are on the hunt for special items they can’t find anywhere else. It’s wonderful to step into a tiny, local shop full of one-of-a-kind odds and ends that make the perfect gift for someone you love. Small shops like this are in every town around the globe. They are usually off the beaten path, but they are easy to spot with specialty façades and names bearing a local town’s name or an owner’s name. Check the local Chamber of Commerce or Independent Business Association when creating a plan for shops to visit during a trip.

Bazaars and Marketplaces
World travelers know that street markets and bazaars are some of the best places to find specialty goods, services, and locally grown foods. Whether in Thailand or London, street vendors won’t only give you a taste for the culture, but they will also safeguard you from paying brick-and-mortar prices. What’s more is that you can find an amazing beaded purse alongside the most delicious fruit you’ve ever enjoyed. Be sure to have local currency on hand and be prepared to haggle. Conduct research before your trip or ask a concierge, hotel staff, or local shop owner for suggestions on the best street markets.

Remember to also shop for travel deals. Travel savings can help boost your shopping budget. Book your transportation and accommodations in advance, ideally during off-season, to avoid peak prices. It’s worth your time to search numerous sites for discounted hotels or rentals. With internet travel bargains available at our fingertips, your hands will be free to carry more shopping bags full of unique treasures.

Do you enjoy some retail therapy during trips? Tell us on Twitter or Facebook where your favorite place is to shop-till-you-drop. Eat well, live long, and travel far!