1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
A look at where to score great deals while battling for enough space in your suitcase
While we are usually excited about traveling and seeing the world, we also like to bring back gifts and souvenirs from our visits. And the best souvenirs are those that you find cheap and brag about when you get home. Here's a look at 8 fashion-frenzy cities where you can travel and shop in style without paying hefty prices.
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Thanks to the currency devaluation and an economic crisis, Buenos Aires has emerged as a hotspot for Latin American design in housewares and clothing. You can easily while away hours at the chain stores of Calle Florida or in the Palermo Soho area choosing exquisite antique housewares at affordable prices.
2. Hoi An, Vietnam
Considered the shopping capital of Vietnam, Hoi An is known for its 100 plus shops that offer pure silk and cashmere for cheap. Stroll down Tran Phu Street to buy high-quality original artworks or visit the Central Market area to get a three-piece tailored wool suit.
3. Sao Paulo, Brazil
With shopping malls full of great bargains for Brazilian shoes and clothing, you'll be able to get your hands on some great deals for the latest fashion trends. Despite being an upmarket fashion district, you can parade around Rua Jose Paulino or Iguatemi for great merchandise at reasonable prices.
4. New York City
A gold mine of priceless finds, New York City is home to a multitude of boutiques and chain stores. You can head to B&H on Ninth Avenue for electronics or take your pick of clothing bargains between Fifth and Eighth Avenues. If you're looking for discounted designer clothing and accessories, look no further than Century 21 on Cortlandt Street. Of course, you can't miss out on the massive sales at Macy's and Lord & Taylor with discounts of up to 70%.
5. Bangkok, Thailand
With low prices and a vast selection of clothing, textiles, housewares and knock-off electronic products, you could easily spend days in Bangkok immersed in retail therapy. Start with the shops in and around Siam Centre and Siam Paragon on Sukhumvit and work your way through the malls on Petchburi Road like Platinum Fashion Mall, which are fantastic for cheap clothing.
6. Shanghai, China
With the added bonus of being able to bargain with vendors almost everywhere, Shanghai is a fantastic place to shop for non-branded clothing, accessories, shoes and art at super low prices. Visit Huaihai Lu and Shanxi Lu to shop for clothing and North Shaanxi Road for shoes. For ridiculously cheap fashionable glasses, there's Sanye Wholesale Market.
7. Bali, Indonesia
While once upon a time shopping in Bali used to be all about local Batik clothing, woodcarvings and cheap souvenirs, the retail scene has come a long way. Bali has now become a major shopping destination in Southeast Asia for inexpensive yet stylish clothing, shoes, furniture, jewelry and housewares. For quality shopping in small boutiques, Seminyak is the best location, while the areas of Legian and Kuta are also popular shopping spots.
8. Barcelona, Spain
A sensational city for clothes shopping, you can find street fashion, young designers and chain stores battle it out along the streets off the central causeway, La Rambla in Barcelona. Everything is available around the central Pla ça Catalunya area. If mall shopping is more like your thing, head to L'Illa on El Diagonal.
With such an extensive list, it's time to pack your bags; but leave enough space to stock up on the fabulous finds from around the world. Since bargain shopping can involve haggling over prices in crowded markets, there are chances of losing your valuables or pickpocketing. Invest in a good travel insurance to stay financially protected from such risks. Safe travels!
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