Top shopping holidays for shop-a-holics

Get your purse out for Palma

Oh-so-pretty Palma has made a bit of a name for itself. Its seams are bursting with independent boutiques, as well as high-street staples like H&M and Mango. Stock up on accessories in Position Concept Store by Kling, and take advantage of the in-store stylists hired to help find that made-for-you outfit. But that’s just one shop. Borne’s known as the golden mile of Palma, and it’s a street in good company. Treat yourself in Louis Vuitton, bag the ultimate arm candy in Mulberry, or lust over Hugo Boss. If it’s homeware you’re after, you won’t be disappointed, either. Get new #interiorgoals and test out the sofas at the eclectic Rialtho Living store, or head down the tiny cobbled lane of Via Veri to give street style a new meaning and bag the ultimate vintage accessories.

Strike a pose in Marrakech

Marrakech’s signature look starts in The Jardin Majorelle. Bought in the ‘80s by Yves Saint Laurent, the garden’s accessorized by cobalt blue buildings and a flower-power botanical scene that attracts fashion lovers from every corner of the planet. And it’s not just those into their floral prints, either. Get the must-have Instagram picture on Jardin Majorelle’s famous marble stairs, pose oh-so-candidly by ponds filled with lotus flowers and get fashion-smart at the brand-new Yves Saint Laurent Musee opening its doors in September. Designers aside, if you’re a bargain-hunter, swap shops for souks in the Jemaa el-Fnaa market. This Aladdin’s cave offers up everything from silver jewellery to colour-popping pointy shoes that make any outfit stand out. More into hand luggage? Head over to the tanneries, hidden in the centre of Marrakech, and top up your arm candy stash with a hand-made leather bag.

Get your five-a-day on 5th Avenue

Ever since Sarah Jessica Parker and co. became style icons in Sex and the City, New York’s topped our definitely-must-visit list. Strut towards Fifth Avenue, and you’ll find a complete A-Z of your favourite shops from Armani to Zara. It’s fair to say the iconic street’s just as big a deal for brands as it is for shoppers, too. It’s treated as a labels mecca, with most choosing the street as a home to their flagship stores. But what benefits does that bring for shoppers? Stock-wise, there are way more one-off pieces and exclusive lines available. Looks-wise, each store is dressed to the nines and looks amazing inside and out.

Go tailor-made in Vietnam

If the shoe fits, wear it. It’s a mantra that often gets us into trouble on spending sprees, but it’s got a whole new meaning in Vietnam. Get tailor-made suits, dresses and everything in between in Hoi An and you’ll have a new wear-everywhere outfit in no time. Forget hours spent hunting for ‘the one’ either. Pick and choose your fabric, colour, shape and size and watch tailors work their magic. Or, head over to Ho Chi Minh City for the historic Bến Thành Market for stalls piled high with colour-popping souvenirs and lunchtime dishes. Worried about missing out on the top shopping spots? Pack them all in with a Vietnam Multi Centre.

Turn heads in Florida

Being the cover girl of your holiday album is expected, but you’ll turn heads everywhere after a trip to International Drive. Strut down its catwalk of designer factory outlets to get kitted out in must-have outfits for a slither of the price. Refuel between trips at one of the hundreds of restaurants all vying for your attention, or slurp on a milkshake at one of the All American Diners (we’d recommend a 70s Grease look for this). If you want to save your cash for clothes, you’ll find the biggest McDonald’s in the world there, too. Don’t forget, double cheeseburgers are so in this season.

Ready to holiday in style?

Before you make your mind up, check out the January sales you can’t miss at Dubai’s Shopping Festival. Make sure you watch our quick video on packing hacks, too – let’s face it, you’re going to need as much space in your case as you can get.

Author: Lucy Perrin