Girls' Guide to Shopping While Traveling

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Since I still have a hangover from my recent trip to Thailand, let me share with you some shopping tips i've collected over the years. Some of these i've learned on my own while the others are second hand information from seasoned shoppers posing as travelers (or vice versa) who have burned much more milleage points than I have.

1. If you know someone from the place, bring them with you. They know the best shopping haunts from the tourist traps. In Yogyakarta (Indonesia), my friend brought me to a place selling Mango and Zara over-runs. Same style, same quality...at a much cheaper price.

2. Buying in bulk will get you big discounts.

3. Don't keep your money in one place. Distribute them thorughout your pockets and wallets (i bring more than one).

4. It always pays to have a map or a layout of a bazaar before shopping. Most of them are huge, with confusing mazes inside. You'll save a lot of time and energy if you know what particular area to go to. This site has a really helpful map of Suan Lum night bazaar.

5. I buy most of my cosmetics in airports, where they have exclusive travel packs.Small and handy, these aren't only convenient when you travel. Since we don't lug around backpacks and satchels all the time, smaller cosmetic cases are preferable. Now, theres no need to sacrifice bringing make-up along because of a tiny purse or bag.

6. Bring a notepad to keep track of your expenses because not all shops, especially in a bazaar, issue receipts.

7. If you suck at mental math, bring along a tiny calculator so you have an idea of the currency conversion rates.

8. Do some research before shopping so you know the "specialty" of the place. To name a few: Thailand has good silk and other textiles, India has cheaper gold and gems, the Philippines offers high-quality but very affordable pearls, and Taiwan specializes in teas.

9. Finally, when you have bought your loot, please do not wear them all at once. The idea is to accent your everyday outfits and not to look like a U.N delegate in national costume. A little is enough to lend you the air of a globetrotter: an exotic scarf with a GAP sweater, a beaded belt with your little black dress, unique earrings with your work clothes.

Do you have any shopping while traveling tips of your own? Please share them with me!

TAGS: Shopping Tips, Suan Lum, Thailand, Travel