Tips for Shopping in the World’s Ritziest Fashion Capitals

In terms of fashion-savvy cities, Paris, New York, London, and Milan are collectively referred to as the “Big Four” with the latter often regarded as the de facto “fashion capital of the world.” This global industry has become increasingly intertwined in the tourism market in recent years with many people citing shopping as one of their primary motivations for traveling. Although you can shop anywhere, there’s something special about hitting cities with some of the biggest brand names. To help make your trip a success, here are some tips for shopping in the world’s ritziest fashion capitals.

Have a conversion calculator handy.

All stores abroad will price items in local currency. Instead of relying on rough guestimations, it’s recommendable to keep a conversion calculator around to convert the price into US dollars. This way, you can be sure you’re getting a good deal while sparing yourself an unpleasant surprise when your credit card statement arrives. If your phone doesn’t have a built-in currency converter, there are several apps you can download to get accurate and up-to-date exchange rates. Currency Converter and XE Currency are two great choices. You can always use a website if you don’t have any apps handy.

Understand your bank’s relevant travel fees.

Most banks levy certain charges against cardholders for international usage. This may come in the form of a withdrawal fee for using a foreign ATM, an international transaction fee for making a purchase abroad, or a conversion fee for buying an item in another currency. The type of travel fees and the exact amount you’ll incur while on vacation is wholly dependent on the terms and conditions of your particular provider and card. Be sure to speak with your bank to learn about these fees before going abroad.

Ask about potentially shipping items home.

If you only plan on coming back from your trip with just a few extra pieces of clothing, you don’t have to worry about paying extra for luggage. But if you’re picking up an entirely new wardrobe, it might be worth considering having your items shipped home to avoid the extra fees you’d pay for extra baggage. Most stores should have options available to send your purchases directly to your address so you don’t have to worry about mailing it yourself. Be sure to compare these costs with those of securing more luggage to find the most cost-effective method.

Avoid the crowds by visiting in the off-season.

During peak season, the streets of popular fashion districts around the world are flooded with eager visitors. While it might be cool to see these cities in action, fighting your way through crowded streets and shops doesn’t sound like the ideal vacation. To make the most out of your shopping getaway without having to deal with the normal hoards of people, consider visiting these ritzy fashion capitals in the off-season. Sure, the weather won’t be as ideal, but you’ll be spending most of your time inside anyway. You’ll be just in time for those off-season deals too!

Find deals in outlets further outside the city.

If you’re falling in love with trendy clothing in a city’s expensive boutiques but aren’t so fond of the prices, we’ll let you in on a little secret: You can often find the same brands and quality in outlets a little further outside most major fashion-centric cities for discounted prices. While you might not get the same Pretty Woman-feeling as you’d get from perusing racks at some of the world’s most prominent stores, you’ll still be able to lock in some great deals. Besides, you can always split your trip into window-shopping and bargain-hunting.

If you’re ready to embrace your inner fashionista and visit some of the world’s premier fashion capitals, head on over to CI Azumano Travel to get in touch with some of the industry’s leading travel planners. Our passionate team will help you plan every aspect of your trip. All you have to worry about is getting all of your newest outfits back home.