It is said that 'Men are from Mars & Women are from Venus'. As a general rule most women love to shop. When it comes to identifying great shopper's paradise' India's capital New Delhi stands out as a shining example. Delhi is an absolute treat for shopaholics considering the wide variety of products it has to offer, so much so that places like Sarojini Nagar, Janpath Market and Greater Kailash Market are almost synonymous with affordable shopping in India. When women travel abroad in a group, they must be given an opportunity to explore the shopping scene in that particular destination. We have identified some tourist destinations that appeal to the 'Shopping instincts' of Indian women and are affordable too.
1. Bangkok: It serves as a microcosm of New York City, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo all rolled into one, while retaining certain unique characteristics of its own. It boasts of a plethora of budget shopping opportunities: right from Central World to MBK Shopping Centre, from Pratunam to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, from the Patpong Night Market to the Floating Market, Bangkok is an absolute paradise when it comes to shopping. Every imaginable thing under the sun is easily available in the Thai capital and that too at throwaway prices. If you are ready to forget big brands, you can get your hands on some exceptional deals on electronics, the fanciest and trendiest of clothing and accessorries.
2. Shenzhen: This modern metropolis is a mecca for shoppers and everything from cheap but good-quality clothing to accessories, shoes, jewellery and even electronics are available in abundance. Interestingly, Shenzhen is also one of the most important export hubs in China. Fancy that ridiculously expensive but gorgeous dress you saw at this boutique in your city? It might have just come in from Shenzhen at one-fourth the price. There is so much that you can buy in Shenzhen, especially at the Dongmen Shopping Street, that you are tempted to buy more than you actually need.
3. Tokyo: There are certain souvenirs that are exclusive to Japan and what better place to get hold of them than this crazy yet adorable capital city? Right from anime and Manga goods, arty stationery, the coolest gadgets, cosmetics to the trendiest fashion on this planet, every step in Tokyo is a colourful surprise. Shinjuku and Shibuya are major fashion districts and a lot of moderately priced but trend-setting clothes and shoes can be bought in the many underground plazas and stores dotting these places. However, if you intend to lay your hands on the weirdest electronics that only the Japanese are capable of inventing, head to Akihabara. Also, there are a plethora of '100 Yen' shops almost everywhere (Japan's answer to the 'Dollar Stores' in America) and you could get hold of a lot of interesting local products for 100 Yen each. It is imperative for you to understand that Japan is not the best place to bargain. However, the locals are the sweetest people you will ever meet and you will not be cheated.
4. Istanbul: With more than 4000 shops, the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and if you are adapt in bargaining, you are in the right place. You could lay your hands on the most beautiful carpets, antiques, shawls and even jewellery. The icing on the cake is the fact that the many splendid cafes dotting these markets will ensure that you have generous helpings of Baklava and Turkish coffee once you're done with all that shopping.
5. Barcelona: The lively Spanish city of Barcelona, apart from being a tourist magnet courtesy of its cathedrals, museums and Gaudi, is surprisingly a great place for bargain shopping. Zara, Mango and Bershka happen to be famous Spanish brands and thus Barcelona is just the place for finding leftover outlets that have clearance stocks. As a matter of fact, Barcelona is the city of factory outlets and therefore, getting impossibly cheap deals on clothing, shoes and accessories from high-end brands, is an everyday scenario. And then of course there is the La Boqueria food market where you could grab the cheapest and the tastiest snacks for yourself and even carry some home.
6. Florence: When one thinks of budget shopping, this beautiful Italian city is quite a treasure chest of fairly priced stuff. Unlike Rome and Milan, both of which can burn a serious hole in your pocket, Florence has a lot of budget options when it comes to souvenirs and clothes. The city loves its outdoor markets and you should too. The San Lorenzo Market, for example, is a great place to buy good quality leather at almost throwaway prices. It is equally good for stacking up on some local food as the fare is a lot cheaper when compared to other markets in Florence and even around Italy for that matter. Additionally, a lot of small, local boutiques around Via Del Corso have affordable bags, clothes, shoes and even lovely pieces of art. If in case you are feeling slightly more generous, the city of 'David' is the perfect place to buy gold. When in Italy, make sure you spend your money in Firenze (Florence) and take home a truckload of happy memories along with a (literal) slice of Italy.
So, what are you waiting for! Pack your bags to join us on any one of our specially curated tours that give you an opportunity to shop for your favourite stuff.
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