SHOPPING/TRAVEL SPECIAL...DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

SHOPPERS’ PARADISE 

Top destinations to shop till you drop as you scout for the world’s best in fashion, food, antiques and artefacts

    If you didn’t already know, there are people who like to travel just to shop. Of course, a shopping vacation also involves checking out the other things that a destination has to offer visitors. A shopping escapade is actually just an excuse to hop over to a new place, admire wonderfully built lavish departmental stores in Paris, appreciate the service metted out to customers in Milan, combat shopping fatigue with a sip of chilled beer along with fish and chips for company in London. Trail the markets of British Columbia and explore the malls or rummage through the antique stores in quiet bylanes to find exclusive items at great bargains. New York City and London are great destinations not just to shop, but to catch a glimpse of
majestic structures and to know the history behind  it. It’s official — Retail therapy is now proven to have a positive effect on a shopper’s psyche. The excitement of looking at beautiful items releases hormones that in turn make you feel great about yourself, rescuing you from slumping into depression. So why not make use of this scientific fact and tour the world to shop and always be in a good mood

LONDON
WHAT AND WHERE: The city has the capability to give stiff competition to other destinations known primarily for shopping. London has Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Hamley’s, so the entire family is spoilt for choice. The mustvisit spots in the city are Bond Street, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Regent Street. The best part is that major brands apart, the little boutique stores will charm you as well. Independent stores at Covent Garden, for instance, have all that one can look for, in the fashion department. Oxford Street, with multiple brands in its vicinity boasts of over 200 million visitors annually. Regent Street has ample options on the high street brands front.

DON’T MISS: All these shopping venues are laced with quintessentially English cafes, serving tea and delicious muffins. The perfect end to a tiring shopping outing.

PARIS
WHAT AND WHERE: No doubt, Paris is synonymous to fashion, but Parisians have the knack of including style not just in their wardrobe, but every sphere of life. Food, decor, paintings — throng the markets of Paris to find the best of the lot. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are worlds of their own, offering everything that one can dream of under one roof. Designer wear, gourmet stores, interior stores... name it and you'll find it in one of these malls. DON’T MISS: Parisians are famous for having a sweet tooth, but with a chocolatey twist to it. You'll find the world's best truffles and desserts in patisseries here. Raspberry ganaches, spicy and herbal chocolates, bitter chocolate with rum centre fills, milk bars, Paris has a huge variety when it comes to chocolate and desserts. Michel Chaudun, Christian Constant and Pierre Herme are some of the world renowned dessert chefs and chocolate artisans who have set shop in Paris.

NEW YORK CITY
WHAT AND WHERE: Bergdorf Goodman’s, Bloomingdale’s, Henri Bendel — New York City is home to some of the most luxurious shopping spaces one can come across. World renowned brands and exclusive boutique outlets are sprinkled across these departmental stores. Great customer service and many options for both men and women are reasons enough for fashionistas to keep coming back to these legendary stores.

DON’T MISS: New York City has a thriving and enviable nightlife. Comedy clubs, bars, pool halls, bowling alleys, lounges, jazz clubs, after-party bars, NYC doesn’t have a dull evening.

MILAN
WHAT AND WHERE: This place is all about runway fashion and architecture. People travel from various parts of the world to fill their designer luggage bags with outfits fresh off
the ramp and the fashion capital doesn’t disappoint. La Rinascente and 10 Corso Como are some of the famed shopping stores to go to while in Milan.

DON’T MISS: Designer labels aside, this haute couture destination has a lot in store for those looking for a good bargain too. Quadrilatero d’Oro is a pedestrian shopper’s dream come true as is Navigli. Naviglio Grande is great for antiques. Milan’s Chinatown has leather goods at a steal and Via Torino is where to head to satiate your shoe fetish.

Compiled by Sujata Reddy ETTR121129