Six Sensational Shopping Destinations

 

Have you ever thought of planning your multi centre holiday with the shops in mind? Hop between designer malls and bustling souks to experience a true variety of worldwide shopping as you haggle to bag some bargains; just don’t forget to take an empty suitcase!

 

This is where we go to spend our hard-earned cash:

 

Dubai, the shopping mecca of the world, is the ultimate haven for designer addicts and those in search of a luxurious shopping experience like no other. With jaw-dropping architecture, the malls around the city glisten and shine as you peruse the rails and window shop. For an impressive array of designer names and brands, head to one of the largest malls in the world – the Emirates Mall. Here you will not only lose hours wandering the shopping levels but you can also take to the runs of the indoor slope, Ski Dubai. Complete with an 85 metre high mountain, ski lift, five different slopes and a small penguin colony this really is one of the coolest experiences in the world.

 

Head to the Big Apple for a stylish shopping experience where you can pick up anything from designer wears and expensive jewellery to unusual items and vintage gems. A shopper’s paradise, the city is home to some of the best-known department stores in the world such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Barneys New York, so you are never far from a big name. For the ultimate shopping experience in New York, book your trip around Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. The streets turn into a chaotic bustle of bargain hunters as the city celebrates the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

 

Brush up on your haggling skills before heading to the bustling souks of Cairo where the narrow alleys are filled with sweet aromas and spices. The perfect places to find unusual souvenirs, the famous bazaars are a delight for the senses with everything from colourful spices and intricate lamps to traditional rugs and camels for sale. Haggling for a bargain is part of Egyptian tradition, so pace yourself for a playful negotiation of prices before being offered a refreshing mint tea to close the deal. 

 

The sandy beaches and party atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro aren’t the only appeal for hundreds of holidaymakers each year. With a vast complex of over 600 stores, streets of quirky shops and  locals selling souvenirs on the golden beaches, you can purchase everything from tacky memorabilia to bikinis, jewellery and local crafts. At the weekends, browse rows of arts and crafts at the Feira Hype where you can enjoy street food and henna stalls alongside vibrant paintings and cool vintage finds. 

 

A haven for shoppers in search of shiny new gadgets and innovative technology, Japan is a popular choice for customers wanting a flashy shopping experience that is leaps ahead of the rest of the world. From quirky anime goods, eccentric fashion stores, traditional crafts and peculiar gadgets, Tokyo covers all of your shopping needs. With many different shopping districts, you can join the busy hub of Shinjuku for outlets and flagship stores or find your inner child at ‘Kiddyland’ with six floors of noisy games, Hello Kitty and robotic pets.

 

As the sun begins to set the stalls begin to appear at the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. One of Thailand’s biggest markets, the bazaar attracts hundreds of people to rummage through local handicrafts and sample the wide selection of delicious street food. Lining both sides of the street, we would highly recommend a visit here! Within minutes, the market soon becomes an exciting, bustling hub of noise as people haggle for bargains. 

 

So whether you want a shopping inspired journey or a city and beach break that blends in shopping bags and sandy beaches, start planning! (We already have!)