The ABC’s Of Travel Shopping!

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”

I love traveling… the new smells, new people and brand new memories. But what I like most of all is the shopping! Whether you’re buying sparkling new trinkets and showpieces, or exotic gifts from a foreign land, a shopping trip is the best way to know the locals, learn their culture and get a truly enriching experience from your holiday. Though it is great fun to purchase memoirs of the place like a resort t-shirt or a wall hanging, you can also purchase a wide variety of gemstones, cigars, liquor or even electronic equipment at a much lesser price than in the US! Here are a few highly handy tips to keep in mind when shopping abroad.

The 3 A’s:

Act like you know what you are doing- The best way to escape from being taken for a ride is by getting a guidebook or a local to help you out. A planned hunt is much better than an elaborate excursion!

Allocate a budget before you travel, as one easily tends to drown in the allure of exotic perfumes, enticing clothes and elegant jewelry! This way you can spend right and be happy about it.

Always pack light- When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money! I also recommend folding an empty bag into your luggage, so you can fill it with your purchases and bring it home safely.

The 2 B’s:

Brand value- Not everything with a brand name, sold outside the showroom, is actually an original piece.  Be certain of an item’s quality before you pay a heavy price for it. To accomplish this, do the necessary research or don’t buy standard pieces that are anyway available in the US!

Bargain your way to the best price- One of the greatest advantages of shopping abroad is the bargaining.  Be sure to learn a few vital ‘shopping words’ in the local language. Then throw in a lot of ‘please’, ‘thank-you’ and smiles until you bring the price down to an awesome and acceptable rate.

The 1 C:

Clearing Customs- So, you’ve had a wonderful shopping trip during your travel. Now comes the important part- getting it home safely. Pack the delicate pieces carefully. If you’ve bought something too big to be transported, ask the shop about their shipping facilities or use a trustworthy courier service to send it home.  When you are back on US soil, you must declare every single new item in your bag in Customs. Here’s another handy tip. Make a list of stuff you have purchased beforehand, so clearing customs becomes   a speedy and breezy process.

Carpe Diem’ my ladies… now go ahead and splurge in style!!!