Holidays are all about authentic experiences that create memories to treasure. But fond memories are more fun with a momento to match. From your plane seat to the streets of Singapore, follow our destination experts on a journey of designer clothes, cultural keepsakes and all the sights and sounds to look out for when you go shopping on holiday.
Dubai
Dubai’s fascinating culture clash of old versus new is one of its most beguiling features. And somewhere between the futuristic skyscrapers and fishing-village heritage lies its unique appeal as a shopping destination. Join the bustle of the waterfront souks to barter for traditional items like Arabica coffee pots and Persian rugs, or go up-market in the world famous mega malls. No holiday to Dubai is complete without a visit to one of these cathedrals of commerce. We recommend Dubai Mall not just for its shops and restaurants but also its family attractions like Kidzania and the aquarium. Stay at Vida Downtown Dubai hotel for easy access to Dubai Mall and other amazing attractions like Burj Khalifa.
Shop for traditional items like Arabica coffee pots and Persian rugs in one of Dubai’s atmospheric souks.
Hong Kong
No one can ignore the staggering impact of Hong Kong’s skyline, but this colossal mega city of tomorrow hasn’t lost its sense of yesterday’s traditions. Hong Kong ascends from the iconic junk boats and night markets of Victoria Harbour to the clouds, but on the way passes Buddhist temples, the world’s best wonton vendors, beautiful old bamboo theatres, bespoke tailors and an array of modern malls. Great news for shoppers who like a choice of old and new; east meets west. Keep all the best shops in easy reach on your holiday to Hong Kong when you stay at the sensational The Mira Hong Kong at a great price from Kenwood Travel.
Airside, Onboard or Online
Do it the old fashioned way with a mad dash round the airport lounge before you board. Save it for the plane with a leisurely flick through the in-flight magazines. Or, join the 21st century and shop for all your duty free items online before even arriving at the airport, courtesy of companies like Airshoppen. Here you can place your orders from the comfort of home and pick them up at the gate before take-off. Going shopping on holiday doesn’t get any easier than this.
For many travellers, grabbing a duty free bargain at the airport is one of the highlights of shopping on holiday.
New York
Macy’s, Barney’s, Bloomingdales… New York is home to the world heavyweights of department store shopping. And how about the designer stores that line Madison Avenue? Flagships like Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana make this the spiritual home of retail therapy. For one-off wonders like rare books, vinyl, and vintage clothes, try Greenwich Village or cross the bridge to Williamsburg and explore the hipster heartland of Bedford Avenue. With mid-haul flight times and affordable accommodation in the heart of Times Square like Ameritania Hotel, New York holidays make the perfect weekend break to go shopping on holiday.
New York icons in miniature; perfect keepsakes of a trip to the Big Apple.
Singapore
In the shadow of the mighty Marina Bay Sands hotel – itself home to snazzy mall The Shoppes – Singapore’s harbourside streets throng with markets and stalls. Browse for local souvenirs like kaya coconut jam and Merlion statuettes that celebrate ‘Singapura’ – ‘lion city’. Grab some street food and admire the timeworn temples that dot the water’s edge. From here, shop till you drop beneath Orchard Mall’s glamourous glass curves or navigate the warrens of the Little India and Chinatown districts for authentic wares from this cultural melting pot. Stay close to the action on your shopping spree with an affordable-luxury booking at Marina Mandarin Singapore.
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