Shopping Vacations and Getaways
For those who can think of nothing more fun or relaxing than shopping while on vacation, many hotels, and tour companies are now offering shopping travel packages. Whether you are interested in the latest fashions, antiques, or the best outlet shopping around, you are bound to find a shopping travel package that fits your needs and your budget.
What Is a Shopping Travel Package?
Shopping travel packages are getaways that many hotel chains and tourism companies offer travelers. They usually include a hotel stay for a weekend or longer, as well as transportation to and from the best shopping in the area in which you will be staying. Many of these shopping travel packages also include goodie bags which are full of samples from area shops and boutiques, as well as coupons for discounts in shops, restaurants, and area tourist attractions. Breakfast is often included as part of the shopping travel packages, as well.
Many travel and tour companies gear their shopping travel packages toward women. These packages are billed as “girlfriend getaways,” and are ideal for mother/daughter getaways, bachelorette parties, or just a weekend away with some friends. These trips often include trips to area spas for treatments such as massages, facials, manicures, and more.
Best Destinations for Shopping Travel Packages
The destinations for shopping travel packages are virtually limitless. There are great hotels and shopping districts across the United States, Europe and beyond. Best of all, with such a variety of destinations to choose from, travelers can find shopping travel packages to fit almost any budget.
Some of the most popular destinations for upscale, luxury shopping travel packages include New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. These spots are well known for their museums, fine dining, attractions, and their high end shopping districts. It is not difficult to find travel companies offering shopping travel packages to these exciting cities. These cities are also home to Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas (www.reddoorspas.com/) which offer a variety of beauty and relaxation services which can be included in a shopping travel package. After a long day of shopping and sight seeing, travelers can relax, unwind, and be pampered.
One of the hottest spots in the country for shopping travel packages is, of course, the Mall of America® (www.mallofamerica.com). With over four miles of store fronts, many people travel to Bloomington, Minnesota just to experience this amazing mall. The Mall of America® is an ideal place to book a shopping travel package. There is something there for everyone from twenty-somethings and couples to teens and families. The fashionistas will enjoy miles and miles of shopping through trendy shops which offer the latest fashions and accessories.
There are also a number of shops and salons offering beauty products and services. For entertainment, travelers can visit LEGO® which provides four stories of opportunity for children and adults alike to exercise their imaginations. The Mall of America® also boasts the country’s largest indoor theme park, an aquarium, miniature golf, a movie theater, a speedway, and a flight simulator. When travelers get hungry, they can stop by the food court for a quick bite to eat, or sit down to a more leisurely meal at one of more than a dozen restaurants. Couples can even get married at the Mall of America®. The Chapel of Love wedding chapel is located right in the mall, and has been named one of the top ten places in America to get married. With all of this to offer, it’s easy to see why the Mall of America® has become one of the most popular destinations for shopping travel packages.
These are just a few destinations for shopping travel packages, but the list could go on and on. Most tourist destinations, from beachside towns to bustling cities, offer a variety of shopping travel packages. With a little research, they are easy to find.
Best Time to Take a Shopping Vacation
Although the best time to take a shopping vacation will vary depending on the location you choose, there are several things that can help you decide when to book your shopping travel package. The first thing to keep in mind is that most places will be at their most crowded during the summer months and holidays. If you are trying to beat the crowds, try to book your shopping travel package in the spring or fall. The off-season is also often the best time to get great deals and discounts on shopping travel packages.
A favorite time of year for many shopping travel package destinations is during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Although places such as New York City and other popular shopping destinations may be crowded, the excitement and shopping experience found during the holidays often make it well worthwhile.
Finding Great Deals on Shopping Travel Packages
Your best bet for finding great deals on shopping travel packages is to do what those of us who love shopping do best – shop around! Spend some time comparing the shopping travel packages offered by a variety of hotels and travel companies. A little research can go a long way in saving you money.
Another way to save some money on shopping travel packages is to keep the dates you are willing to travel flexible. It is not uncommon for hotels, airlines, and travel companies to wait until the last minute to offer the best deals. If you can be flexible about the dates you are traveling, or are willing to travel with little notice, you may find yourself saving on these packages.
Another option for those looking to save some money on their next shopping getaway is to travel off the beaten path. Although the more popular tourist destinations often offer a wider variety of activities, less well-known spots often offer a unique shopping experience. These types of places often boast great outlet shopping, and may really appeal to those with a sense of adventure.
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