Former Vogue editor Ruth Manton is a shopper who prefers to do her homework before she travels. “I know Israeli companies do terrific casual shoes, knits and swimwear — all bargains,” she says. Thailand is famous for raw silk, she adds; Morocco for leather and jewelry, Milan for designer clothing and furniture. “In Belgium, if that handmade lace seems cheap, move on — it was machine made in China,” she adds. Whether you’re a professional fashionista or a frugalista, these top shopping destinations should prompt you to pack your bags (leaving one empty, of course) and go, stat.
[See: Best Shopping Destinations in the USA.]
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Home to the world’s largest mall, Dubai‘s glittery boutiques, entertainment and world-class dining keeps shoppers enthralled for days. In Dubai, shopping is more about elegance than bargain hunting, but along with sky-high temperatures, the summer season ushers in a world-famous sale from July to Aug. 12, known as Dubai Summer Surprises. Organizers promise visitors that they will find up to 75 percent off items at all shops, with the greatest savings on Fridays and event days, when discounts are compounded. Fly via the national carrier, Emirates, and use your boarding pass to get up to 30 percent off at top restaurants. Interested in Burberry, Armani, Cartier, Dior or Tesla? Go now to snatch up a bargain, or wait until January’s Dubai Shopping Festival, when the weather is milder, and sales abound.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
You may not be familiar with the bright paisley and floral patterned totes that made the Vera Bradley label famous, but 50,000 fans from 50 states and 16 countries come to her annual, five-day outlet sale each April. After 34 years, what began in the Bradley basement now occupies 175,000 square-feet in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. During the first three days, shoppers buy a $5 timed entry ticket for a chance at bags, luggage, clothes and more; entry is free later on in the event. “We bring in 40 semis with 700,000 pieces from stores around the country, including some seconds, retired patterns and made-for-outlet items,” says Holly Wagner, Vera Bradley’s director of public relations. Prices are 40 to 60 percent off retail; the “Final Chance” table has the best bargains. “People come for the experience and it’s huge,” Wagner says. “We see a lot of reunions, and three generation shoppers training the grandchildren,” she adds.
[Read: 10 Great Gifts for the Traveler on Your List.]
Each customer registers so they can track the $3,500 spending limit, and a percentage goes to charity. A variety of other local product sales coincide with the event. For example, Cinda B handbags are up to 25 percent off and Peg Perego baby gear, ride-on John Deere tractors and toys with training wheels are all 20 to 50 percent off.
Chicago
Fashion Outlets Chicago, run by Macerich Shopping Centers & Fashion Outlets, boasts more than 130 upscale shops featuring up to 75 percent off merchandise. Anchor tenants include a variety of outlets (think: Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom), and are just a 10-minute drive away from O’Hare International Airport. “Our luxury stores are more of a draw for international shoppers,” says Jennifer Devermann, senior manager of tourism marketing at Macerich. With their traveler-oriented Concierge Services, visitors can store luggage, exchange currency, print out boarding passes and even have extra shopping bags held. What’s more, texting via a special phone connects shoppers to a personal language translation service to help them pick sizes and colors. “We have Gucci, Burberry and the only Brunello Cucinelli in the Midwest,” Devermann adds. Plus, outposts for top Italian designers, including Prada, Armani, Etro and Zegna, attract trendsetters on a budget.
Lisbon, Portugal
Set in a futuristic neighborhood along the Tegus River, Lisbon‘s the Centro Vasco da Gama is located at the impressive Oriente train station, just a quick ride from Lisbon Portela Airport. Budget-minded visitors can check out top discount stores, including Sweden’s H&M,and about 140 mostly European stores. Even better, Portugal — a bargain destination in Western Europe — participates in the EU’s VAT Refund policy, so ask for VAT tax slips as you shop, and keep the merchandise you purchase handy for inspection at the airport.
This indoor mall also has some great amenities that wellness-oriented travelers will appreciate, including a health club and day spa, six movie screens and a supermarket selling souvenirs such as local olive oil. It’s also equipped with Wi-Fi, free loaner strollers and two nurseries with toddler-friendly toilets. Extended opening hours are from 9 a.m. to midnight for the supermarket and rooftop beer garden, and 10 a.m. to midnight for the shops. The center’s 33 restaurants range from little food concessions for a bargain cappuccino to waterview eateries for an upscale meal. When you’re ready for a break from shopping, walk five minutes down the waterfront to the fascinating Oceanarium, an innovative aquarium featuring several marine environments.
Istanbul
Istanbul is known for its stunning Ottoman architecture and legendary Grand Bazaar, founded in 1455 for nomads and merchants along the Silk Route. Steep discounts await visitors who are drawn by the colorful chaos of the bazaar, showcased in the 2012 James Bond film “Skyfall.” Explore inside, past cheap trinkets, and make your way to Bedestan, the original labyrinth of stone corridors lined with rug, antique, ceramic and jewelry vendors in shoebox stalls.
[See: 10 Bucket-List Destinations That Don’t Cost a Fortune.]
Hasan Semerci of Adnan and Hasan, for example, has sold rugs over a cup of tea to royalty, celebrities and the world’s notables, for decades. While his shop is stocked with treasures, inventory is available online. “We do regular ‘Show, Tell and Sell’ tours with rug dealers around the world to visit past clients,” he says. The nearby Handicraft L’Orient, run by Murat Bilir and sons since 1980, deals in “pieces closely related with human history,” such as antique copperware, silverwork and unique Bedouin arts. In his cozy 60- -square-foot shop lit by linen luminaria, there are 1,250 distinct items. Murat doesn’t haggle over prices, preferring to gift another item after a sale. “I have always described my pieces as ‘the silent witnesses of their times’ and as part of my professional responsibility, I hear all their whispering and put them in words on our letterhead for my visitors who show interest in cultural objects,” he says. That’s priceless.
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