the shopping trip

10 Best Shopping Destinations in the USA

Grab your pals and go – it’s more fun than shopping online.

As the birthplace of the mega-mall and many of the world’s best-known brands and retailers, it’s no surprise that the USA is home to many fantastic shopping destinations. Thriving cities like New York, Chicago and Boston have lively streets and chic neighborhoods to wander around and shop till your feet hurt, while the bustling malls in such places as Minnesota, Orlando and Houston offer a fun-filled day of shopping and leisure activities, including ice skating and amusement park rides.

Almost any city or town across the USA will have some enticing places to shop, so be sure to get out and explore, whether you’re in search of flea-market bargains or this season’s luxury goods. Here’s just a sampling of our favorite places to go shopping in the USA.

Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois

Windy city’s center for shopaholics.

the shopping trip

Extending for 8 blocks along downtown Michigan Avenue, the area known as the Magnificent Mile is a true shoppers’ haven. Upscale department stores like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom invite shoppers in with elaborate window displays, while those in search of designer labels will find plenty of shops to browse including Burberry and Chanel. For the kids, there's a LEGO store and the American Girl Place doll store.

Even non-shoppers will enjoy a wander along the Magnificent Mile with such museums as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, many restaurants and theatres to visit in addition to the 450 shops.

Location: Chicago, IL 60611, USA

photo by Ken Lund ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

The Galleria in Houston, Texas

Check out the ice rink for a hot-day escape.

the shopping trip

Found in Houston's Uptown Park district, The Galleria is the biggest mall in Texas with more than 400 shops. Shoppers could easily spend a few days exploring this bright and busy mall with designer shops like Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton and department stores including Neiman Marcus and Macy's. Find unique items at boutique shops like David Yurman for jewelry and the local menswear designer M. Penner.

After a day of shopping, it's easy to find a spot to unwind with a good meal and drink at the lively bars and restaurants that line the surrounding streets.

Location: 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77056, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +1 713 621 1907

photo by Roy Luck ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

the shopping trip

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Mall of america in bloomington, minnesota, visited by 40 million shoppers a year.

the shopping trip

The largest mall in the USA, the gigantic Mall of America is home to more than 500 stores and 60 restaurants plus attractions like the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Everything is found indoors, giving shoppers a comfy place to stroll year-round whether it’s a freezing winter day or a sweltering summer afternoon.

Major department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom are located here, as are many top brands including Apple, Michael Kors and Abercrombie & Fitch. Mall of America is found about 15 minutes away from downtown Minneapolis near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Location: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9:30 pm, Sunday 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +1 952 883 8800

photo by Runner1928 ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Manhattan streets & markets in New York City, New York

Bring your best walking shoes and a big wallet.

the shopping trip

As anyone who’s ever watched a Woody Allen movie or a Sex in the City episode knows, the streets of Manhattan are hectic and lined with myriad enticements for shoppers. Those in search of high-end goods will want to stroll along Fifth Avenue to see the elegant window displays of iconic shops like Tiffany’s and Bergdorf Goodman.

The kitschy souvenir stores amid the dazzling lights of Broadway are fun to explore, while in the Meatpacking District’s Chelsea Market you can discover a great range of bargain goods, local art and interesting New York characters. Head to Herald Square to find Macy’s department store, or check out Hell’s Kitchen for some street fashions, quirky gift shops and its weekend flea market.

Town Square in Las Vegas, Nevada

Offers free shuttle service from the strip.

the shopping trip

With an area of 100 acres to explore, Town Square Las Vegas might even entice the most die-hard players out of the casinos for some shopping and dining. Its architectural style is a bit like a cozy village, with shops, art galleries and restaurants set along palm-tree-lined avenues and plazas with fountains.

Found at the far south end of the Strip, Town Square is a family-friendly place with loads of activities for the kids including an 18-screen movie theatre, a children’s park and the Gameworks indoor entertainment complex with arcade games, bowling lanes and an e-sports gaming zone.

Location: 6605 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, USA

Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm

Phone: +1 702 269 5001

photo by Hermann Luyken ( CC0 1.0 ) modified

The Grove in Los Angeles, California

Find tasty eats at the original farmer’s market next door.

the shopping trip

If recent celebrity sightings are anything to go by, The Grove might just rival Rodeo Drive as the most compelling place to shop, see and be seen in Los Angeles. Found in West Hollywood, The Grove is a shopping complex in an open-air setting that takes full advantage of the balmy LA weather. You’ll find top brand names here like Diane von Furstenberg and Sephora as well as an eclectic mix of pop-up shops by local artists, designers or whichever Kardashian is hot at the moment.

Aside from shopping, The Grove is a great spot to just relax and immerse yourself into some Hollywood glamor with its retro architecture, dancing fountains and vintage trolley cars.

Location: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036, USA

Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm (Friday and Saturday open till 10 pm)

Phone: +1 323 900 8080

photo by Prayitno ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida

Venture beyond the mall for factory outlet bargains.

the shopping trip

The wonderful world of Disney is a big presence in and around Orlando so it’s no surprise that one of the area’s best malls is also a Disney creation. Disney Springs is a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, about 30 minutes away from downtown Orlando.

Entry is free and among the 150 shops are Star Wars and Marvel outlets where you can geek out at all the cool merch for sale. There's no shortage of entertainment here too, with live music at the House of Blues and free concerts at the Marketplace Stage to enjoy.

Location: 1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, USA

Open: Daily 10 am to 12 midnight

Phone: +1 407 939 6244

photo by Michael Rivera ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts

Known as the “rodeo drive of the east”.

the shopping trip

Found in the Back Bay area of Boston that was once underwater, the neighborhood was first established in the mid-1800s when parts of Boston Harbor were filled in. The stately red brick buildings lining Newbury Street that were originally high-society homes have since been converted into boutique shops, cafes, and galleries stretching for 8 blocks.

Some of the most beloved Newbury Street shops are Trident Booksellers & Café, with thousands of books to browse and all-day breakfasts, and Crush Boutique, which brims with local designer fashions. Even those not in the mood to shop will find it a scenic place to stroll, with the lovely Boston Public Gardens just a 5-minute walk away.

photo by WalkingGeek ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Charleston City Market in Charleston, South Carolina

One of the oldest public markets in america.

the shopping trip

Found right in the historic downtown area, this 2-century-old market covering 4 blocks is a fun place to explore and soak up some Charleston city charm. There’s a day market that opens daily as well as night markets that run on Fridays and Saturdays from April through December.

Some 300 vendors set up in the market’s open-air sections and Great Hall, with many bars and restaurants sprinkled throughout. There’s a good range of local arts and crafts for sale including sweetgrass basketry made by local Gullah people.

Location: 73 North Market Street, Suite A, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA

Open: Daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm (Great Hall open till 6 pm)

photo by Richard Hedrick ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Mission District in San Francisco, California

Old neighborhood with hipster edges.

the shopping trip

With its streets lined with trendy cafes and chic boutiques, the old San Francisco Mission District area has a fresh and vibrant vibe. Much of the action is along Valencia Street, where there’s a variety of hip, independent shops like Dandelion Chocolate Factory for tasty handmade sweets and the cutting-edge Betabrand, which sells crowdsourced fashion designs like “dress pant yoga pants” and “disco hoodies”.

For a break from shopping, veer off onto Clarion Alley to see the eye-catching and edgy street murals created by local artists, then stop to enjoy a cup of fair-trade coffee at Four Barrel cafe.

photo by PierreD ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Top Shopping Destinations to Love

the shopping trip

Do you consider shopping fun? Whether you have post-wedding cash to spend, simply enjoy browsing, or want a getaway most females will love, include time to shop on vacation.

America's best shopping spots are destinations in themselves. They remind us what we miss when shopping online: Personal service, the ability to feel and try on garments before buying, serendipitous unadvertised sales. Since you can't spend all your vacation time shopping, each place below is near a great place to visit.

Shopping California: Rodeo Drive - Beverly Hills

 TripSavvy / Maritsa Patrinos

Synonymous with Hollywood style and mega-budgets, Rodeo Drive was immortalized in the film Pretty Woman as an ultra-snobby place where sales clerks' hauteur melts at the flash of cash. While few budgets can afford a trinket from Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Harry Winston, glittery Rodeo Drive is incomparable for window shopping and people-watching. For a wider array of more-affordable retail, visit South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa on your LA vacation.

Shopping Nevada: Las Vegas

Las Vegas News Bureau/LVCVA.

Big winners and big spenders mingle on vacation in Las Vegas. The Fashion Show Mall, a cornucopeia of retail conveniently located in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, offers the largest selection. It has 250 stores and restaurants. A good portion of the retail is high-end; Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nevada's only Nordstrom store are located here.

Another shopping destination not to be missed is the recently expanded Caesars Forum Shops (pictured), which recreate Rome as it never was. 

Shopping New York: Madison Avenue, NYC

While tourists flock to Fifth Avenue and its commercial landmarks such as Tiffany & Co. and Saks are certainly must-sees true shopping aficionados on vacation head straight for Madison Avenue, from 57th Street up to 72nd. Here the world's best designers, including Armani, Dior, Donna Karan, Etro, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and others display their wares in exquisite boutiques. Don't have all day to shop? The Barneys flagship is located on East 61st.

Shopping New York: Woodbury Common - Woodbury

Every designer mentioned above has an outlet store in Woodbury Common, which is one hour north of New York City. This mega outlet mall goes way beyond the usual suspects to feature brands not normally found at discount: Tse cashmeres, Judith Leiber bags, Donald J Pliner shoes, Eileen Fisher apparel, and yes, even Prada (hint: it's located with Miu-Miu inside a store named Space). Neiman-Marcus Last Call and Saks Off Fifth are worthy anchors.

Shopping Florida: Sawgrass Mills - Sunrise

If you believe bigger is better, you'll appreciate 350-store Sawgrass Mall. One drawback for serious shoppers on vacation is that it attracts lots of families with strollers and young kids to navigate around. The newly opened and more upscale Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass features upscale brands including Ferragamo, David Yurman, and Burberry at discount. But for true shopping splendor, nothing beats Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Shopping Massachusetts: Newbury Street - Boston

There are no temperature-controlled, indoor malls for the hardy New England shoppers of Newbury Street. And there aren't many bargains to be found, either. But quality hounds on vacation appreciate this elegant throwback. The street retains its carriage-trade aura and features many jewelers, silversmiths, antiquaires, and Boston originals including the always-dapper Louis, Boston .

Shopping Minnesota: Mall of America - Minneapolis

Grand-daddy of USA mega-malls, the 520-store Mall of America was showing its age the last time I visited. Its Chapel of Love outside Bloomingdale's offers a way to get married without taking valuable time away from the serious business of shopping on vacation. With attractions that include Underwater Adventures Aquarium, LEGO Imagination Center, Dinosaur Walk Museum, Flight Simulation, and NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, this mall attracts many, many families with kids.

Shopping Virginia - Tysons Corner

The Tysons Corner retail megalopolis off I-495 consists of multiple shopping centers. These include the 125-store Galleria that boasts its own Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the 230-store Tysons Corner Center , and Fairfax Square . Just about 15 minutes from Washington, DC, Tysons Corner is a destination that serious shoppers on vacation can get happily lost in for days.

Shopping South Carolina: Charleston - King Street

This gracefully curving street is a fine place to wander and window shop on vacation but do it early in the day, as Charleston weather can get steamy. There's a Saks Fifth Avenue on the corner, a Starbucks, Abercrombie & Fitch, and numerous antiques stores. When it gets too hot, duck into the air-conditioned Shops at Charleston Place Hotel , where conservative dressers outfit themselves with duds from the likes of Lacoste, St. John, and Talbots.

Shopping Texas: The Shops at La Cantera - San Antonio

Although The Galleria in Houston is that city's no. 1 tourist vacation destination and the fourth-largest mall in America, San Antonio's Shops at La Cantera is a hipper, open-air marketplace. Its merchants include Nordstrom, Sephora, Abercrombie & Fitch, BCBG/Max Azria, Juicy Couture, Betsey Johnson, and many more well-known brands.

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Day Tripping USA

The perfect shopping day trip to New York City!

This NYC day trip itinerary is perfect for shoppers as well as for grabbing pics of the city’s iconic landmarks .

If you’re planning a shopping day trip to New York City, you could go about it in one of two ways.

You could grab a map, choose one of the city’s popular shopping areas, and have a perfectly okay time hopping from store to store. Or, you could go to one of the few spots in the city where in one day you can see some of New York’s most iconic sights  and  get your shopping done.

One day isn’t a lot of time, so that may sound impossible. But there is a place where iconic New York attractions and some of the city’s most glamorous shopping are close enough together that you can see them all on a day trip to NYC! 

Saks Fifth Avenue , Bergdorf Goodman , Louis Vuitton , Chanel , and budget friendly brands like Abercrombie & Fitch , Mango , Lululemon , Uniqlo and H&M all call this place home. So does the  Empire State Building  and the  Rockefeller Cente r.

And if you ever wanted to make like Audrey Hepburn in ‘ Breakfast at Tiffany’s ’, this shopping district gives you the chance to literally have breakfast (or lunch) at  Tiffany’s ! 

Iconic Fifth Avenue New York

Just in case you haven’t already guessed, Fifth Avenue is the place we’re singing the praises of. Actually Upper Fifth Avenue . And we’ve written you the perfect itinerary for shopping the area! 

Starting your New York City shopping day trip

Start your day at the  Central Park  end of Fifth Avenue (59th and 5th), because we did promise you would get to see some of NYC’s best sights! 

If you didn’t want to spend all day shopping, join a walking tour in iconic Central Park to hear about the movies filmed here, see some of the wildlife and of course the plants. Plus you’ll get access to areas cyclists are not permitted.

Of course, it won’t be possible to explore all 800 acres of the park. But this is one of the most gorgeous parts of Central Park so grab your camera and snap a few selfies with the city’s skyscrapers in the background. Or at the famous Gapstow Bridge which you’ve seen in movies like  Home Alone  and  The Devil Wears Prada .

Central Park in autumn

Fifth Avenue Shopping!

Leave Central Park and make your first shopping stop steps away at the world’s only  Apple  Store open 24 hours a day (58th and 5th Ave), for your favorite Apple gadgets. 

As you leave Apple, which is a whole block wide, get yourself mentally prepared and hold on to your wallet, since this part of Fifth Avenue mixes luxury stores with High Street brands. We’re taking you on a whirlwind of glitz and glamor for the next few hours. Even if just for the photos!

Stop at the well dressed  Bergdorf Goodman , just a few steps from Apple , for everything fashion and luxury. Balenciaga , Chanel , and Gucci are just a few of the brands you can expect to find inside the eight floors of Bergdorf Goodman .

Yellow cabs in front of Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue

Right next to Bergdorf Goodman, you can get your fix of the high end leather goods offered by  Louis Vuitton  (57th and 5th Ave). But you may want to stop to take in the wonder that is the store’s glass exterior before going in!

Leave Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton and explore the area between 57th and 59th Street for more high end shopping.  Chanel ,  Fend i,  Dior , David Yurman, and  Balenciaga  are major shops to look out for here.

The Chanel store will be a particular delight if you love Chanel purses. But the shop also stocks Chanel makeup and the brand’s iconic earrings – if you happen to go on a day they aren’t sold out.

If you have a Lego shopping list, you could easily spend an hour in this mega store alone, on the corner of W 51st and 5th Ave.

Of course this street is a whole other spectacle at Christmas time when these amazing store windows are dressed to impress. Christmas in New York is a Bucket List trip.

Saks Fifth Avenue at Christmas time!

Take your Bergdorf Goodman and Chanel bags and sashay your way to the famous St Regis Hotel to try one of New York City’s most celebrated  brunches  at the impressive  Astor Court  Restaurant (55th and 5th Ave).

Not in the mood for splurging? Walk a bit further to local favorite  Piccola Cucina  (60th and Park Ave) for what is seriously the best Italian food in the city, at good prices.

Or if you want to have “breakfast” at Tiffany’s, we’re thrilled that Audrey Hepburn fans can book a table in Tiffany’s new restaurant which is opening in 2023!

If you’re more of a brunch person, you’ll love this list of the best NYC brunch spots over on Blogger at Large.

Afternoon 

For the afternoon you’ll continue your New York City shopping trip at Armani and Dolce and Gabbana before seeing another icon and giving your wallet a break at more budget friendly shops.

Dolce and Gabbana  (55th and 5th Ave) is perfect if you love to make a splash when you enter a room! And their interior is just as wild as their clothing.

Just steps away,  Armani  is more subdued, but if you are in the market for a well tailored suit for yourself or a male, this is the best place for that on Fifth Avenue. 

Next you’ll be heading to  Coach   (54th and 5th Ave) for some of the brand’s instantly recognizable purses. Coach remains a favorite with both locals and visitors because of their obsession with customer service and their fun displays. An added bonus is the repair section where you can get your Coach bags fixed.

Right next to Coach is a  Stuart Weitzman if you want nice stilettos to go with your new Coach purse!

On your way to the more budget friendly shops, stop at your second NYC icon,  St Thomas Church  (53rd and 5th Ave). This gothic style cathedral is just as stunning as St. Patrick’s but less crowded most days so if you desire you can slip in and easily admire the stained glass windows inside. 

St Thomas's Church wedged between high rises

Leave the church and head to the ever chic  H&M   (48th and 5th Ave) for affordable basics like tanks, jeans and shorts. Business blouses, skirts and suits are also on offer nice and cheaply.

Across from H&M, Lululemon , the Canadian budget brand that has become a leading name in workout wear and yoga pants, has a store if you’re a fan of their clothing. 

This part of Fifth Avenue also has Sunglass Hut and Sephora where you can get lost in a fog of makeup and affordable perfumes. Also look out for the area’s mid-range shoes stores Puma , Aldo , and Adidas , and to round off the shopping experience, Ann Taylor is filled with girly blouses and cute skirts, close by.

For Dinner in NYC

For dinner, you’ll be close to Rockefeller Center so take advantage of any of the  famous restaurants  inside. Whatever you do, Bar 54 is highly recommended for a drink before or after dinner. The views from the  rooftop  bar may literally take your breath away if you visit when the city’s lights start twinkling.

Or these amazing rooftop restaurants in NYC will have something to wow you.

After dinner (or if you managed to blitz the previous suggestions), walk through the expertly curated floors at  Saks Fifth Avenue . Be sure to stop at the floor dedicated to shoes. It’s so extensive, it had to be given its own zip code!

When you’ve had your fill of shopping at Saks, as promised, you’ll be ending your day at another of New York’s iconic sights. Walk a few minutes to the Top of the Rock Observatory and end your day gazing at panoramic views of the city’s famous buildings ( book skip-the-line tickets here ). This is the best view you’ll get of the Empire State Building .

Epic views from the Top of the Rock

Best tours in NYC in one day!

If you’d rather explore than shop, we’ve selected some great tours and attractions you might want to get skip the line tickets for and make the absolute most of your day in NYC.

» If you’d the inside track on where to shop in New York, take a private shopping tour .

» If you’d rather go sight-seeing than shop all day (or maybe your other half would!) take a one day NYC guided sight-seeing tour in a luxury coach including 911 Memorial admission ticket.

» Take a NYC by Night bus tour to explore this amazing city under lights.

» Get out on the water on this Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour .

» Head into the sky on this incredible helicopter tour over the Statue of Liberty and all the city icons. Make sure your phone is charged for this one!

» An NYC must-do is tour the 911 Memorial Museum with a timed entry ticket.

» Buy a ticket to the top of SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt for sweeping 360˚ views from three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences on the tallest skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan.

*These are affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this new blog!

Other great day trips nearby

If you’ve been to New York and seen all the sights, how about visiting Brooklyn for the day? This post covers a one day itinerary in Brooklyn including best spots for photos, where to shop, eat and some fun tours to take.

How about Washington, DC in a day? The capital city could keep a visitor busy for a month and you’d still not run out of things to do, but I’ve selected my top 3 things to do on a day trip to Washington, DC .

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Plan the Perfect All-Day Shopping Trip

Grab your friends and hit some stores for a bonding (and buying) adventure.

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Step away from that laptop. Close that virtual shopping cart. 

Sure, online shopping is convenient, but in-person shopping — especially with friends or family — deserves its due. You’ll make progress toward that 10,000 steps-a-day goal, bond with others and even get a happiness boost, all while checking items off your to-do list. 

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So, gather up those unused gift cards and pull out some comfortable shoes. Here’s how to plan an ideal shopping day.   

1. Think ahead

 “Don’t just get in the car and go to the mall,” says Candace Corlett, president of the consultancy WSL Strategic Retail. “Plan your day, not unlike how you would plan a holiday.”

A smart first step: Scroll through shopping center websites. They are often packed with helpful information, such as a map of stores and details on parking, says consumer shopping and finance columnist Trae Bodge.

2. Explore new terrain

Be adventurous — explore beyond your go-to shopping haunts, says Corlett. Ask friends and family for advice and check out local newspapers for destination ideas. “It could be more interesting to drive to a great Main Street that has shops and restaurants than to go to the mall,” Corlett says. 

3. Break out those unused gift cards 

Take inventory of your gift cards and slide them in front of credit cards in your wallet as a reminder to use them, advises Andrea Woroch, a writer and commentator who specializes in saving money. Not a fan of the store the card is for? Swap cards with your companions or sell and/or exchange gift cards on online sites like Cardpool or CardCash. Also, some Target stores will take gift cards from select other retailers and in exchange give you a Target GiftCard.

4. Incorporate nonshopping activities 

Plan to get what you need, but also round out the day with activities like a nice lunch, advises Jean Chatzky, an AARP financial ambassador and host of the financial-focused HerMoney podcast.

“Happiness research shows us that doing things is more satisfying than buying things,” she says.

Choose your day wisely. Some shopping centers host concerts, art exhibitions and fashion shows, while some individual retailers have in-store events such as yoga sessions and cooking classes.

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5. Make a restaurant reservation

Food courts can be crowded, chaotic and come with the possibility that you won’t be able to find open seats together, says Bodge. Yelp can help you locate restaurants that satisfy your group’s budget and taste buds, adds Woroch.

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6. Be cognizant of your companions’ needs 

Talk through any physical, monetary or dietary restrictions to find solutions that work for all. “You wouldn’t choose stores on Fifth Avenue in New York City if you knew your friend’s budget was more suburban malls,” says Corlett.

7. Take care getting dressed

Wear clothes that are easy to put on and pull off, says Woroch. Yet, resist the urge to don ill-fitting sweats. If you feel insecure about the way you look, you are more likely to buy new things, says Sarah Newcomb, a behavioral scientist at investment research firm Morningstar who specializes in consumer psychology. 

8. Enlist support

Let your shopping mates know your budget and encourage them to help you stay on track, says Chatzky. Also ask them for honest feedback on your potential purchases. “There’s a big difference in the opinions that you’ll get from friends and what you’ll get from a salesperson,” Chatzky says. 

9. Think about big-picture goals

It can be disappointing to bypass out-of-budget items. To counteract feelings of deprivation, focus on what you are gaining by that decision. Not buying pricey shoes may mean that you have more money for an upcoming vacation. “Don’t focus on what you are saying ‘no’ to,” says Newcomb. “Focus on what you are saying ‘yes’ to.” 

10. Celebrate your success

Rejoice in your shopping accomplishments, especially if you snagged items on sale. But remember, the ultimate reward isn’t necessarily those material goods. “The real goal you are meeting isn’t for stuff, it’s time with people that you care about,” Newcomb says.

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How to Have a Successful Day of Shopping

Last Updated: April 18, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Candace Hanna . Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 136,843 times.

Shopping is a lot of fun, which is why you probably love spending a day at the shops! Sometimes, though, you just need to get in and out with what's on your list. No matter what your attitude towards shopping may be, streamline your experience so you don't wear yourself down or break your budget. Make a plan before you head out, and then work on finding the perfect items. Also, use sales to your advantage to snag deals.

Making a Plan

Step 1 Set a budget so you don't go overboard.

  • Take the amount you plan on spending in cash with you to the store instead of a credit card. That way, you can only spend what you have on you.

Step 2 Make a list of what you need before you leave the house.

  • If you need more clothes, spend time digging through your closet. You may decide you need more everyday pants, a couple of button-up shirts, and a nice pair of shoes. That gives you a target for when you go shopping.
  • If you're buying for other people, think about what type of gift you'd like to get them, so you can decide where you want to go.
  • Group like items together, as you'll likely be visiting the same stores for those items. [3] X Research source
  • When deciding what to buy, pick the items you need most first, so you're not stuck doing without something you really need because you spent your money on something frivolous.

Step 3 Decide how much time you want to spend shopping.

  • For instance, maybe you just have your lunch break, or maybe you can spend a couple of hours one afternoon.

Step 4 Make an itinerary for your day.

  • Decide on the stores you want to visit and make a route. Once you have everything grouped, pick the stores you need to visit for each set. For instance, you may have 2-3 stores you want to visit for clothing and a couple of stores you want to visit for gifts. [5] X Research source
  • Plan out a route that's efficient, so you're not doubling back.

Making the Most of Your Day

Step 1 Carpool with a friend with a similar itinerary to save money and have fun.

  • However, if you have completely different shops in mind, it may be best to just go separately.
  • Go by yourself if you need to get a lot done. Shopping with a friend is fun, but you can also get distracted and waste time. If you have a large amount of shopping to get done, consider going by yourself. You can stay focused just on the shopping and work on hunting down deals.

Step 2 Make a sweep around the store to find what you want.

  • On the other hand, if you know you want to buy a candle or specific genre of book, head to that section! Figure out what you need, grab it, and go.
  • If you can, try to plan an efficient route around the store.

Step 3 Collect a pile of possible items as you go and sort them later.

  • You can also use this same technique if you're trying to decide on a gift for someone. Pick up a few things, then just buy the one you decide on. However, make sure you give any items you don't want to a sales person, instead of just leaving them on a random shelf.

Step 4 Decide what you're going to buy.

  • If you're trying on clothes, buy only what you absolutely love. If you don't love it, you won't wear it, and you'll be wasting your money. [9] X Research source
  • When deciding what to buy, consider the price of the item, your budget, and how important it is right now. For instance, maybe you need those 3 shirts for work, but the shoes can wait for another time.

Saving Money

Step 1 Be flexible on the brand or model.

  • If you want to stay with one brand, check other models to see if the company is discounting those instead.

Step 2 Pick up items when they're going out of season.

  • For instance, you can start getting deals on winter clothing and bedding towards the end of January and February.

Step 3 Shop on holidays to get deals.

  • However, always check the prices in the weeks leading up to the holiday, as sometimes "sale" prices aren't that great. You can use a price tracker for online websites or just check back every few days. [13] X Research source

Step 4 Look around for holiday bargains on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

  • Once again, it's always a good idea to check prices in the weeks leading up to this holidays, as some items won't be that discounted.
  • Also, don't forget Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, the Saturday and Monday right after Thanksgiving.

Expert Q&A

Candace Hanna

  • Wear comfortable shoes so your feet don't hurt! Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
  • Save all of your receipts, just in case you need to make a return later on. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1
  • If you are storing bags in your car, make sure they're not visible from the outside so thieves can't see them. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2

the shopping trip

You Might Also Like

Become a Secret Shopper

  • ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/how-to-make-a-budget-and-stick-to-it
  • ↑ https://advicefromatwentysomething.com/shopping-tips-ford-fiesta-movement/
  • ↑ https://stepupmoney.com/going-shopping-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-shopping-trip/
  • ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/the-best-day-to-score-great-deals-is-thanksgiving-not-black-friday.html
  • ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-16/shopping-holidays-the-best-days-to-shop-in-2018

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Shopping and city breaks inspiration

From lively markets to dazzling skyscrapers and megamalls

Whether you’re looking for a weekend city break in hotspots like Singapore and Cape Town, a unique shopping trip in retail hubs like Tokyo, Paris and Shanghai, or a tour around the world’s iconic city attractions from London to Rome, our shopping and city breaks will take you there.

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Get away on a short city break

Need a break? We’ll take you on a big city tour in just a few days. Discover the European icons like London, Paris, Amsterdam and Rome, or take a break in Singapore’s gardens or Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. You could even combine the city with nature on our short city breaks in Tokyo and Mount Fuji, Sydney and the Blue Mountains, or Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.

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Relax with some retail therapy

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop with our city shopping breaks. Stroll down Nakamise shopping street in Tokyo, hit the megamalls of Bangkok, walk down New York’s 5th Avenue, explore the chic boutiques of the French Riviera, or search for treasures in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. Whether you prefer luxury buys or vintage finds, there’s a shopping trip waiting for you.

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Get the most out of your city break

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a week, our city breaks are packed with as much adventure as you can handle. You could go from Kensington Palace to Stonehenge, or discover both Bangkok and Saigon in a few days, glide up Table Mountain then sip wine in Stellenbosch, or see the highlights of Rome, Vatican City and even Pompeii in one thrilling week.

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Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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If you’re short on time, you can still make the most of it with a weekend city break to cities like London, Sydney, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, Rome or even Devon and Cornwall. Check out our city breaks for inspiration, then choose your favorite Trafalgar trip, pack your bags, and you're on your way!

What are the popular cities for city breaks?

If you’re itching for a city tour, you can’t go wrong with some of the world’s most popular cities. Bangkok, Paris and London were the top three most-visited cities last year, with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York City, Istanbul, Tokyo, Osaka, Phuket, Milan and Barcelona all making up the top 20 most-visited cities.

Where should I go for a weekend city break in Europe?

There are endless choices for your weekend break in Europe. We love to go shopping in London, walk down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, wander the canals in Amsterdam, see the ancient sights of Rome and relax in the pubs of Dublin.

Where to go for a winter city break?

If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland with snowy streets, cosy cafes, twinkling lights and festive cheer, look no further than the European cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Dresden, Lucerne and Zurich, along with the Scandinavian cities like Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki. We also love St. Petersburg in Russia and Reykjavik in Iceland.

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Tips for Planning a Big Shopping Trip

July 22, 2011

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure here.

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This morning, Dave and I WERE SUPPOSED to drive to our closest IKEA store {2.5 hours away} to do some serious shopping!

We actually even rented a small U-HAUL trailer because we were planning to purchase a couch, some mattresses, a couple of chairs, and a bunch of other things for our {almost} newly renovated main floor bedrooms, bathroom, office, and living room.

However, the truck we were planning to use did not have the correct electrical hook ups for the trailer so we found out late last night that we could no longer go today.

Yup, I was just a little bummed… !

However, I already had this post written — because I really DID do a bunch of planning for this shopping trip. And since it’s good advice for anyone planning to do some serious shopping, I’m still going to post it — and then hopefully we’ll go to IKEA next weekend!

Believe-it-or not, I actually don’t love shopping. I only shop when I have something to buy — not just for the fun of browsing. I always shop with a list {big shocker there} and I try to get in and out as quickly as possible.

However, for huge shopping trips like our IKEA trip — involving U-HAULS, pick-up trucks, several hours in the car, and lots of specific things to buy — I am willing to take my time, make a game plan, and really enjoy the whole experience.

Here are some of my tips for large shopping trips:

1. Set a Date.

We’ve had this date on our calendar for several weeks now as we figured we would be nearly finished with the bulk of our house projects {which we are}. We also wanted to get the shopping trip in before August as I’m hosting a wedding shower for my cousin and we’ll need a couch in our living room!

By setting a specific date, it gave us a chance to clear our calendars for that day and plan ahead in order to rent a U-Haul etc. {NOTE: we really did check out the electrical hook up on our truck before hand, and thought they would work!}

2. Make Your List

I don’t even go to Meijer or Target without a list — so you better believe I have a list for all my big shopping trips too.

IKEA actually has a pretty cool program {as do many other stores} where you can add items to your “on-line” shopping list and then email the list to yourself or print it off. This tool has been so helpful for me because it not only give me the picture and the price for every item on my list, it also tells me where each item is located within the store.

Talk about a time-saver!

3. Have Pictures and Measurements

We are planning to purchase several pieces of furniture at IKEA so I made sure to write down all the measurements of our rooms, along with any specific spaces we are trying to fill. That way, I’ll know if a piece of furniture will fit or not.

I also take photos of each space and bring my camera long, just in case I want to see the room again before making a purchase.

4. Dress Appropriately

If I’m going to be sitting in a car and walking around all day, I want to be comfortable! So I always wear comfortable clothing with pockets and very comfortable walking shoes {no flip flops today}.

I also try to bring a smaller purse/bag that will fit across my shoulders so I won’t be constantly readjusting my purse or worry about setting it down and leaving it.

5. Bring Snacks

I’ve always been a “grazer” and have learned to carry snacks, water, and gum with me wherever I go — but for big {long} shopping trips, it’s even more important… especially if you’re shopping with kids.

There is nothing worse than whining kids or a growling stomach to spoil the mood of your shopping trip!

By taking a few moments to plan through a large shopping trip, you should be much more successful and hopefully won’t need to return anything later.

I’ll share more about our shopping trip {and our purchases} once we actually make it to IKEA — but for now I’d like to know…

The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Travel

FASHION , Travel Clothing

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Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Shopping for your everyday outfits and shopping for travel are two very different things. Shopping for travel requires a different mindset and process. Follow our guide to shopping for travel to help you build the perfect travel wardrobe!

Shopping for Travel

Creating the perfect travel wardrobe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are many times where you can shop your own closet and have everything you need.

Once you review the clothes you already own, decide if you need to purchase any new items. Follow these shopping tips to make the most of your budget!

Where to Start

  • Learn the art of the capsule wardrobe – this is key to packing light. Read our Signature Capsules Wardrobes to learn how!
  • Clean out your closet . Find as many pieces as possible you think would work on your trip. Follow these guidelines on how to choose the right travel clothing .
  • Plan a budget! Do you have money allotted to buy clothing or gear for your trip or will you shop in your own closet ?
  • Mark down what you have and what you need to buy. Stick to your budget! Have fun!
  • Before you go shopping, make a list of any items you weren’t able to find in your closet. Refer to the list of favorite retailers you created earlier in the course and hit the shops! You can find a listing of recommended retailers on Travel Fashion Girl’s Best Online Shopping Sites directory.
  • Always keep receipts and don’t remove tags until you finalize your travel wardrobe.

the shopping trip

Because of my nomadic lifestyle, I didn’t always have access to the best retail stores in every location, so I shopped online – a lot. In fact, I still do. I have certain go-to stores that make my life easier.

My favorite place is Amazon because you can sometimes find lower prices than other retailers, and you can read tons of feedback and other buyers’ reviews.

Plus, as a Prime member, I get free 1-2 day shipping and sometimes free returns, making the online shopping process much faster.

the shopping trip

My other favorite site is Nordstrom because I get a wide breadth of selection from decent brands and quality, and it doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. I like that they offer the latest styles with the quality that I desire.

Nordstrom Rack is my other favorite place to shop because it’s Nordstrom clothing with budget prices. In addition, I also frequent H&M , Zappos , and Zara .

I like shopping online because I can research all the possibilities, read reviews, and start planning my initial capsule wardrobe!

Here are some money saving tips to purchase clothing and travel gear:

  • Shop off season! I love shopping after summer and winter because you can get great deals on clothing that would be perfect for your next vacation. I’ve just purchased the majority of my clothing for my upcoming trip to India from $5 to $15 per piece!
  • Sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to get updates on their latest sales. I wanted a pair of shorts from Athleta for the longest time, but refused to pay $55. The second Athleta had a sale, I got an email and bought my shorts for 30% off. Score!
  • Find out if the retailer has an outlet. Many popular stores have online outlets including REI , Mango , J. Crew , and Nordstrom (my favorite). Sometimes they carry merchandise at a fraction of the cost as the current price in the regular store. I bought a designer handbag for $150 at Nordstrom Rack when it was selling for $300 at Nordstrom . Love it!
  • Head over to your nearest discount retailer and scour the racks for highly discounted gear. TJ Maxx , Ross , and Marshalls are great options in the US, and in the UK they have TK Maxx . I especially like these stores for deals on shoes, fitness wear, and under garments. I’ve also seen highly discounted luggage brands such as Tumi , Fossil , and Eagle Creek.
  • Buy big ticket items like luggage, backpacks, and electronics during holiday sales such as Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. My absolute favorite time to shop for these items is the day after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Take advantage of the early bird deals all weekend. This is how I bought my first backpack. I couldn’t believe that the majority of outdoor bags were well over $200, and not only did my backpack go on sale during Thanksgiving, but they were offering 25% off on top of that! My $200 backpack cost $125. A price tag that was way more manageable.
  • Search for the diamond in the rough at second hand stores . You might find an excellent winter coat with a bargain basement price tag or a cute handbag that would add a hint of vintage appeal to your outfits. Buyer beware – make sure it’s in good condition, because the last thing you want is your suitcase falling apart in the middle of your trip (or in the beginning, which sort of indirectly happened to me).
  • If you want to sport designer digs, but don’t have the budget to back it up, look for consignment shops in your area or search for some online. This is basically like a designer eBay where people sell their high-end clothing and accessories at a fraction of the cost. Merchandise is usually inspected and approved by the shop owner, so authenticity and condition are guaranteed. I haven’t purchased anything at a consignment shop, but I did sell my Marc Jacobs and Givenchy shoes at the famous Decades in LA. I didn’t make as much money as I would have like, but it was better than keeping them in storage.
  • Beg, borrow , but don’t steal. Ask your family or friends if they have items such as luggage, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear to loan you for your trip. On my first two-week overland trip in Africa, I was using a friend’s backpack, sleeping bag, and rolling mat. I saved tons of cash and reaped the benefits from the quality of their very expensive gear.
  • Have a clothing swap with your friends or family! When I was working in the fashion industry, some girls and I would get together and bring a pile of clothing we no longer wanted. We traded one-for-one and had a brand new selection of clothing while clearing out old items we no longer wanted. You can apply this same principle to anything. I held a Freecycle event in Koh Phangan, Thailand, the first recycling event on the island, and people brought stuff they no longer wanted and people could take anything for free. It’s a fun way to shop sustainably.
  • Sign up for “free” online sites where people give away things they no longer need. It may be a long shot for you to find that perfect suitcase, but you never know. Give it a shot. Sites with free merchandise include Craigslist, local Couchsurfing forums, and freecycle.org.
  • Check out online sites such as eBay, Craigslist (US), Gumtree (UK), and Local Swap/Sales Groups on Facebook. People sell a variety of stuff. I’ve seen Eagle Creek backpacks, The North Face trousers, and other outdoor goods for sale. Likewise, if you buy items for a trip that you only plan to use once, sell them on these sites and make some money back. I want to do this with my collection of Osprey Bags, but I can’t bring myself to part with them even though I could probably get a few hundred for them.

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  • Amazon is an excellent place to score deals on everything from shoes to luggage, underwear, and travel gear. As you’ll read below I do most of my shopping online and at least half my stuff is from Amazon. They have a wide selection and many times items are cheaper here than anywhere else. I’m an Amazon Addict!

For our favorite retailers, check out our best online shopping sites list!

What would you add to this guide to shopping for travel? Comment with your tips below!

For more shopping tips, please read:

  • Online Shopping Guide
  • How to Shop for Travel Shoes
  • 6 Places to Get Cheap Plus Size Clothing for Travel
  • 7 Essential Travel Clothing Brands

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We Tested Lo & Sons’ Best-selling Travel Bags Across the Country — Here Are Our 5 Favorite Styles

Shop these spacious, stylish, and functional bags ahead of your spring travels.

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

Packing for any trip is a multi-step process of paring down exactly what you’ll need to be the most prepared for any adventure. Of course, clothing and proper footwear may be the first things that come to mind, but selecting the best travel purse for the job is also key for setting you up for a stress-free (and stylish) vacation. As a self-proclaimed purse connoisseur, I was thrilled when the Travel + Leisure team was recently granted the opportunity to put Lo & Sons’ high-quality range of travel-ready bags to the test — and my fellow writers and editors felt the same after taking the thoughtful and luxurious bags to the real world.

Tested from the streets of New York to Boston and Los Angeles, Lo & Sons travel purses proved to provide next-level organization and space for every trip you might have on the horizon. So, keep reading to find our team’s favorite styles, so you can make the best selection for your itinerary. 

Pearl Crossbody

Lord & Sons

“My purse collection is my pride and joy, and while I firmly believe that you can never have too many, I have also found that since testing this shockingly spacious and versatile bag I have begun reaching for my other pieces significantly less. I’ve been in need of a new black bag to take the place of the one I’ve been using since college, and the roomy compartments and adjustable straps of this purse easily slid right into my collection — so easily, in fact, that I have received compliments from nearly every friend that I’ve worn it around.

Apart from one large primary compartment that’s secured with three snaps, this bag also boasts two additional zippered pockets which offer all the security I’m looking for in any purse I’m traveling with. I’m even able to fit my basic essentials (phone, wallet, keys), alongside a book, notebook, and a glasses case, with room to spare during busy days running around New York City. 

I’ve been wearing this purse as a shoulder bag but was impressed to find that it’s not only adjustable to crossbody length (which is ideal for maximum security while traveling), but it also comes with an extra looped strap that turns this bag into a handy wristlet for upscale dinners and nights out. And while my biggest gripe with other purses is that my keys often get lost within the depths of the pockets, a convenient key leash has completely put this issue to bed. All that to say, this is the perfect purse for every single occasion, day or night — and it’s absolutely gorgeous!” - Merrell Readman, Senior Commerce Writer

Travel + Leisure / Merrell Readman

Bond Crossbody Sling Bag

Lo & Sons

“I’ve had my eye on this stunning leather sling bag for quite some time, and I was ecstatic when the opportunity came to test it. The bag’s functional design, which is stocked with plenty of pockets and a spacious main compartment, makes it roomy enough to hold a day’s worth of essentials, whether I’m getting on a flight, exploring a new city, heading to an appointment, or hiking (I don’t love to expose the high-quality sheepskin leather to the elements, but if you have the spot-cleanable polyester version, then definitely don’t worry about getting it dirty). 

But, what I really love is how long the strap is. I’m busty, and I’m finding that not every sling bag’s strap is long enough to comfortably drape over my chest — which has made me hesitant to hop on the bag trend. However, The Bond’s 29.5-inch strap expands up to 40.25, giving me plenty of room to wear it crossbody style without feeling constricted. But, it's so smooth and soft to the touch that I love holding it. 

And, unlike other belt bags that I’ve tried, this one actually looks like a purse with its luxe leather exterior — not a frumpy fanny pack. This means that I can easily wear it for casual outings and even dress it up for fancier occasions.” - Emily Belfiore, Commerce Editor

Waverley 2 Convertible Crossbody

“After testing this genius 4-in-1 convertible bag at home in Boston, I can honestly say that I've never tried a travel purse that's so versatile. Thanks to its adjustable strap, it can be worn four ways: crossbody, belt bag, shoulder, wristlet/clutch — which means I can dress up my look depending on what's on the itinerary. Running errands or walking around town, I loved the casual crossbody and belt bag styles, while on a dinner night out I loved the sleeker wristlet and shoulder styles. Based on a photo review I saw on the website, I even tried running the strap through my belt loops as a literal belt — that was a first for me style-wise, but I loved the security, so I will be doing it again.

At 5.6 inches by 8 inches by 2 inches, it's just big enough to hold my essentials — wallet, keys, phone, AirPods, and Chapstick — but it's still small enough to look inconspicuous (and elevated) for a night out and not be burdensome. It's light at .6 pounds so it feels natural yet still secure when it's on me. My only note is that travelers who will be out all day and need to load up on snacks and a change of clothes might want a bigger bag with more storage space, but I found this perfect for short jaunts.

I loved the thoughtful features like a clever back pocket for a card (as in a Metrocard, or in my case, Charlie Card) — I wish I'd known a bag with a feature like this existed sooner, because it's been so convenient for quickly and easily whipping out when I enter a subway station. It also zips up for added security and has several thoughtfully placed interior pockets for cards.  Finally, the leather makes this look super stylish — and as someone who tends to go for function over style, I'm happy to have found the rare bag that truly does both. It'll definitely be coming on all my trips this summer.” - Kayla Becker, Senior Commerce Editor 

Nouvelle Crossbody

“I have a few different crossbody bags that I swap between, but ever since I got the Nouvelle Crossbody, it’s been the only bag I’ve wanted to wear. It’s the perfect size — not too big, not too small — and can hold all of my personal belongings on a day-to-day basis (lip gloss, wallet, keys, phone, etc.) with room to spare. Not to mention it has super convenient inner pockets that I can store extra cash, cards, and other belongings that I want quick access to. 

I also love how the bag itself feels almost a bit cushioned, so I use it as a protective pouch whenever I’m traveling or wandering around with my camera. And as a surprising treat, the straps are also padded, which makes it extra comfortable for carrying around all day long. As for the material, I’m personally a fan of its nylon construction that allows for easy cleaning if I get a smudge on it. All in all, it’s an excellent bag.” -Ali Domrongchai, Commerce Writer  

Aoyama Purse

Lo & Sons 

"I've been on the crescent-shape bag train for a while now since the style allows me the room to carry more than my hip belts, and I was excited to add an ivory version to my travel rotation for spring and summer. In comparison to my current go-to, this Lo & Sons purse is one of the most spacious and versatile bags I've tried.

For starters, it's actually multiple bags in one, which gives you more bang for your buck when you're paying a higher price tag for luxury style. The adjustable strap turns this purse into a crossbody, shoulder bag, and even a cute clutch — just unclip the strap and snap the two outer clips together. This feature helps it effortlessly transition from day to night during a trip.

With a length of 15 inches and height of 11.4 inches, this thing is roomy; I've nicknamed it my Mary Poppins bag. On a weekend outing, I can pack all of my necessities — phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses case, tissues, chapstick, a baseball cap, and a lightweight sweater — inside without it feeling overly bulky or heavy. Thanks to interior pockets and a key leash, staying organized on the go is super easy.

The bag is incredibly comfortable to carry, even when full, and it's very lightweight coming in at less than a pound. It's the perfect travel purse, as it can also fold down flat into my carry-on luggage, if I'm bringing my laptop backpack as my personal item on a flight.

And, it's stunning. Made of the most buttery-soft leather (with an easy-to-clean poly interior), the slouchy design is super cool, it comes with a wide sporty fabric strap, and has a large exterior side zip pocket that gives me quick and convenient access to my essentials. It is quickly becoming a staple in my wardrobe and I can't wait to travel with it this summer." - Susan Brickell, T+L Commerce News Director 

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Laura Dern Celebrates the Launch of Vivier Express, Recalls a Fateful Shopping Trip With Isabella Rossellini

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Roger Vivier was a formative shoe for Laura Dern. As a teenager, the actress fell in love with the brand after seeing the pair of low black pumps worn by Catherine Deneuve in the Bunuel film “Belle de Jour .” Several years later, after filming “Blue Velvet” with Isabella Rossellini, she purchased her first pair of Viviers as a coming-of-age present to herself.

Dern , who’s currently filming a Noah Baumbach feature in Italy, was in town to cohost an intimate dinner with Roger Vivier creative director Gherardo Felloni in celebration of their collaborative short film “Vivier Express.” The evening was a full circle moment for Dern, who met Felloni several years ago — long after being captivated by the footwear worn by Deneuve’s Séverine.

“It was the sleekness of the shoe,” said Dern. “And that she would dress herself as this object of desire in this incredible lady shoe.”

In the short brand film, which takes place on a train, Dern also plays a questionable object of desire. Spoiler: the object of desire is the character’s Roger Vivier bag.

“Everything [Felloni] comes up with has the same tongue in cheek, sweet irreverence. An homage, but it’s sort of a joke,” added Dern. “He’s always at play, which is why I’m as in love with the shoes as my daughter. They’re perfect for everybody.”

Felloni also had high praise for his muse. “She’s amazing. Of course she’s super talented, she’s iconic, but on top of that, she’s super nice.”

After dinner, there was another performance in store.

Fiona O'Keeffe, Team USA, FN, Footwear News, March 2024, cover, magazine, magazine cover, print media

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Roni The Travel Guru

Moscow Metro – Part 2

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Have you been to Moscow ? In all seriousness, they have the prettiest metro stations I have ever seen and I still can’t believe how immaculate and lovely every station was. There are several different stations pictured below and this is the second of several posts where I will show you the beauty of the Moscow Metro. Did you see part 1 ?  There really isn’t much to say because I think the pictures speak for themselves. I have so many more pictures to share with you!

moscow metro

Have you ever been to Moscow? Is it someplace you have thought about visiting?

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She speaks fluent English, French and Spanish, and works for a major airline. And guess what? She’s also a licensed elementary teacher and has an MBA.

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This is the train STATION?? Oh my god… So gorgeous. Moscow has never even crossed my mind as a possible travel destination but this is gorgeous…Hmmm… LOL

I know, right? We spent several hours in the metro, just marveling at the beauty of each one. Thanks for stopping by!

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Elektrostal'

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Elektrostal' Travel Guide

Experience elektrostal'.

The Moscow Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin

Krasnaya ploshchad'

Krasnaya ploshchad'

State Historical Museum

State Historical Museum

St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral

Great Moscow State Circus

Great Moscow State Circus

Moscow State University

Moscow State University

GUM

Moscow Metro

Moskva River

Moskva River

Arbat Street

Arbat Street

Where to stay, hotel pioner, yahonty noginsk, house in pushkino, gostinyi dvor hotel, recreation center dubki, yakhontovy les apartments, sloboda na klyazme, what to eat.

Cafe Vostochny Express

Cafe Vostochny Express

Kroshka Kartoshka

Kroshka Kartoshka

Ermitazh

Coffee Shop Usy Teodora Glagoleva

Fabrika Obedov

Fabrika Obedov

Yason

Beer Club Tolsty Medved

Cafe Antresole

Cafe Antresole

Teremok

Quest-Cafe 4 Komnaty

Prima Bolshogo

Prima Bolshogo

Other recommended cities.

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Popular attractions in elektrostal', popular restaurants in elektrostal', popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, more things to do in elektrostal'.

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The best carry-on luggage to buy for all your trips in 2024, according to reviews

  • Published: Apr. 19, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Best Carry-On Luggage 2024

These are some of the best carry-on luggage you can buy today, including these popular styles from Samsonite and CALPAK. Amazon, CALPAK

  • Dawn Magyar | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If you have a vacation planned this year, you’ll definitely want carry-on luggage to keep your most important essentials by your side.

These all-important carry-on bags can hold everything you need while on the plane but don’t trust to pack in your checked luggage. This may include your laptop, medications, a change of clothes and other valuables you want to keep an eye on.

Making carry-on luggage even more crucial to your trip is the ability to skip the dreaded wait at the baggage claim with all space to pack your belongings inside. Plus, there’s often plenty of pockets and storage features to keep your necessities organized and in place.

But with so many different carry-on luggage options on the market today, it can be a real challenge to decide which one to buy.

To help, here are some of the most recommended carry-on luggage available, including styles from Beis and CALPAK .

  • Beis The Carry-On Roller: “This brand from actress Shay Mitchell has gone viral on TikTok thanks to its stunning monochromatic designs and its unique features, including a built-in weight indicator that lets you know if your luggage is over 50 pounds. It also has an extendable strap in the front that lets you attach a smaller bag, helping to free up your hands while traveling,” Good Housekeeping says.
  • CALPAK Ambeur Mini Carry-On: “They’re slim, sleek, sport a rock-solid polycarbonate shell, feature an assortment of pockets and plenty of storage space, but its low price point makes it an especially attractive option for thrifty travelers,” Time says.
  • Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: “Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and any scuffs it has accumulated have been easily buffed out. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it’s a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on,” Travel + Leisure says.
  • Away The Carry-On: “The lightweight polycarbonate-shell suitcases come in a spectrum of Instagram-worthy colors at a reasonable price. You can pick and choose upgrades like suitcase or luggage tag monogramming or an ejectable USB charger that keeps tech juiced up,” Forbes says.
  • Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Carry-On Spinner: “This bag is designed to disappear by your side. It earned top marks in both ease of transport and for design and functionality. Well-placed grab handles and adequate adjustment stops on the telescoping handle make it easy to carry, load, or roll the bag, depending on the situation. There is even a grab handle on the bottom side of the case, so you won’t find yourself patting around to find an extra handhold when you need it,” GearLab says.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

IMG_5767

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

IMG_5859

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Screen Shot 2015-04-01 at 5.17.53 PM

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

the shopping trip

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

IMG_5826

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya metro station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

IMG_5893

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

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January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

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December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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  1. 10 Best Shopping Destinations in the USA

    As the birthplace of the mega-mall and many of the world's best-known brands and retailers, it's no surprise that the USA is home to many fantastic shopping destinations. Thriving cities like New York, Chicago and Boston have lively streets and chic neighborhoods to wander around and shop till your feet hurt, while the bustling malls in

  2. 10 Best Shopping Cities in the U.S.

    New York City, New York. New York City is considered to be among the best of the best when it comes to shopping cities, regularly found on lists with London, Paris and Milan as one of the fashion capitals of the world. Many visitors come to the Big Apple just for the shopping, with Fifth Avenue in particular a shopper's paradise with retail ...

  3. The 10 Best Destinations For Shopping In The USA

    What are the best shopping malls in the USA? There are several world-class shopping centers in the United States. Some of the best are the Mall of America (Minneapolis), King of Prussia Mall (Pennsylvania), The Galleria Mall (Houston), The Grove (Los Angeles), and the American Dream (New Jersey).

  4. Where to Shop in New York City: The Ultimate Guide

    Here are some tips to help you make the most of your shopping trip: Set a Budget. It's easy to get carried away in the city that never sleeps, so know your budget before hitting the stores. Know the City Sales Tax. NYC has a 4.5% city sales tax on top of the normal 4% state sales tax. Clothing and footwear under $110 are exempt from this city ...

  5. Top U.S. Shopping Destinations to Explore

    Explore the USA's malls, outlet centers, boutiques, markets and more. It's the thrill of finding a major deal on a designer dress, or the simple joy of discovering the perfect gift in a local artisan's store. From city streets and massive malls to independent boutiques and bustling markets, the USA is a shopper's paradise like nowhere else.

  6. Top Shopping Center Destinations in the US

    Shopping New York: Madison Avenue, NYC. While tourists flock to Fifth Avenue and its commercial landmarks such as Tiffany & Co. and Saks are certainly must-sees true shopping aficionados on vacation head straight for Madison Avenue, from 57th Street up to 72nd. Here the world's best designers, including Armani, Dior, Donna Karan, Etro, Prada ...

  7. THE 10 BEST United States Shopping Tours (Updated 2024)

    28. Dallas Best of Outlet Malls in the Luxury Private Limousine. 10. Shopping Tours. 5 hours. Dallas is well-known for its fabulous outlet shops, and the Best of them is Allen Premium Outlet Mall and Grapevine Mills…. Recommended by 100% of travelers. from. $780.

  8. The perfect shopping day trip to New York City!

    Leave Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton and explore the area between 57th and 59th Street for more high end shopping. Chanel, Fend i, Dior, David Yurman, and Balenciaga are major shops to look out for here. The Chanel store will be a particular delight if you love Chanel purses. But the shop also stocks Chanel makeup and the brand's iconic ...

  9. 12 best shopping cities in the world

    Fang Fong Projects, 67A Peel St., Central, Hong Kong; +852 3105 5557; open daily 2-8 p.m. The hippest district in town: The likes of WDSG, Kapok, Club Monaco Men's Store, Monocle are found in in ...

  10. World's Best Cities for Shopping in 2017

    According to Travel + Leisure readers, it's also one of the best places on Earth to shop. 11. Chicago, Illinois. Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images. You can shop for just about ...

  11. THE TOP 10 USA Shopping Tours (UPDATED 2024)

    13. Embark on an enchanting journey through Joshua Tree & Palm Springs with this self-guided driving tour. Discover the glitz of Liberace's homes and the historic charm of The Movie Colony. Follow the stars at the Walk of Stars, then immerse in nature's beauty at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve.

  12. 10 Tips to a Stress-Busting Shopping Trip With Friends

    2. Explore new terrain. Be adventurous — explore beyond your go-to shopping haunts, says Corlett. Ask friends and family for advice and check out local newspapers for destination ideas. "It could be more interesting to drive to a great Main Street that has shops and restaurants than to go to the mall," Corlett says. 3.

  13. How to Have a Successful Day of Shopping

    1. Set a budget so you don't go overboard. Checking out your finances isn't fun, but you have to do it when you're going shopping. Look at your finances and decide how much you have to spend. Make a budget and stick to it. Don't wrack up debt because you want a new purse.

  14. City Breaks & Shopping Trips

    Stroll down Nakamise shopping street in Tokyo, hit the megamalls of Bangkok, walk down New York's 5th Avenue, explore the chic boutiques of the French Riviera, or search for treasures in Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market. Whether you prefer luxury buys or vintage finds, there's a shopping trip waiting for you.

  15. Tips for Planning a Big Shopping Trip

    However, for huge shopping trips like our IKEA trip — involving U-HAULS, pick-up trucks, several hours in the car, and lots of specific things to buy — I am willing to take my time, make a game plan, and really enjoy the whole experience. Here are some of my tips for large shopping trips: 1. Set a Date.

  16. Caillou: The Shopping Trip

    Accompanying his mother to the store, Caillou decides to wander off to do some shopping on his own. Designed to help children learn to make appropriate choices for navigating the ups and downs of their emotional development, this tale explores themes of confidence and life challenges. Illustrations.

  17. The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Travel

    Buy big ticket items like luggage, backpacks, and electronics during holiday sales such as Christmas, New Year's, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. My absolute favorite time to shop for these items is the day after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Take advantage of the early bird deals all weekend.

  18. The Shopping Trip (Dannie's Dilemmas #1)

    The Shopping Trip, though it sounds like a wonderful look into the life of Dannie, an eleven-year old girl living with Asperger's, it is, in reality, terribly anticlimactic and predictably dull. The storyline is plain and simple, despite the author's idea to jazz up the story by adding one measly choice for the reader as a pseudo "Choose-Your ...

  19. The monster shopping trip

    http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglishkids Watch The monster shopping trip and read along to the story with the words on the screen. There are more fun a...

  20. THE BEST Kotelniki Shopping Centers & Stores (Updated 2023)

    To help you plan your visit, here is our guide to the best places and shopping areas in Kotelniki. Select from our best shopping destinations in Kotelniki without breaking the bank. Read reviews, compare malls, and browse photos of our recommended places to shop in Kotelniki on Tripadvisor.

  21. 5 Editor-loved Travel Purses From Lo & Sons

    Packing for any trip is a multi-step process of paring down exactly what you'll need to be the most prepared for any adventure. Of course, clothing and proper footwear may be the first things ...

  22. Laura Dern, Beanie Feldstein & More Attend Roger Vivier Party in NYC

    Laura Dern Celebrates the Launch of Vivier Express, Recalls a Fateful Shopping Trip With Isabella Rossellini. The actress was joined by her daughter, her "Blue Velvet" costar Isabella Rossellini ...

  23. Moscow Metro

    Ihere is something special about seeing art and beauty while hundreds of feet underground. The metro in Moscow is breathtakingly beautiful, don't you think?

  24. Elektrostal' Travel Guide 2024

    Explore Elektrostal' with Trip.com's comprehensive travel guide. Discover the city's top attractions, best local dishes, essential travel tips, and hidden gems. Get insights from real travelers' reviews and make the most of your visit.

  25. Airbnb Experiences: What to Know Before Booking

    The best travel memories aren't the souvenirs you buy or the hotels you book (well, most of the time). It's the people you meet and the cultural experiences you have that make the longest-lasting memories—and that's why platforms like Airbnb Experiences are pretty incredible. The booking platform functions the same way regular Airbnb does—but instead of finding unique properties, you ...

  26. The best carry-on luggage to buy for all your trips in 2024, according

    Shopping Tips and Deals; The best carry-on luggage to buy for all your trips in 2024, according to reviews. Published: Apr. 19, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

  27. Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

    6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders. Novoslobodskaya metro station. 7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power.