a shopping trip

10 Best Shopping Destinations in the USA

Grab your pals and go – it’s more fun than shopping online.

As the birthplace of the mega-mall and many of the world’s best-known brands and retailers, it’s no surprise that the USA is home to many fantastic shopping destinations. Thriving cities like New York, Chicago and Boston have lively streets and chic neighborhoods to wander around and shop till your feet hurt, while the bustling malls in such places as Minnesota, Orlando and Houston offer a fun-filled day of shopping and leisure activities, including ice skating and amusement park rides.

Almost any city or town across the USA will have some enticing places to shop, so be sure to get out and explore, whether you’re in search of flea-market bargains or this season’s luxury goods. Here’s just a sampling of our favorite places to go shopping in the USA.

Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois

Windy city’s center for shopaholics.

Extending for 8 blocks along downtown Michigan Avenue, the area known as the Magnificent Mile is a true shoppers’ haven. Upscale department stores like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom invite shoppers in with elaborate window displays, while those in search of designer labels will find plenty of shops to browse including Burberry and Chanel. For the kids, there's a LEGO store and the American Girl Place doll store.

Even non-shoppers will enjoy a wander along the Magnificent Mile with such museums as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, many restaurants and theatres to visit in addition to the 450 shops.

Location: Chicago, IL 60611, USA

photo by Ken Lund ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

The Galleria in Houston, Texas

Check out the ice rink for a hot-day escape.

Found in Houston's Uptown Park district, The Galleria is the biggest mall in Texas with more than 400 shops. Shoppers could easily spend a few days exploring this bright and busy mall with designer shops like Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton and department stores including Neiman Marcus and Macy's. Find unique items at boutique shops like David Yurman for jewelry and the local menswear designer M. Penner.

After a day of shopping, it's easy to find a spot to unwind with a good meal and drink at the lively bars and restaurants that line the surrounding streets.

Location: 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77056, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +1 713 621 1907

photo by Roy Luck ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

The High Line in New York

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Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota

Visited by 40 million shoppers a year.

The largest mall in the USA, the gigantic Mall of America is home to more than 500 stores and 60 restaurants plus attractions like the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Everything is found indoors, giving shoppers a comfy place to stroll year-round whether it’s a freezing winter day or a sweltering summer afternoon.

Major department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom are located here, as are many top brands including Apple, Michael Kors and Abercrombie & Fitch. Mall of America is found about 15 minutes away from downtown Minneapolis near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Location: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9:30 pm, Sunday 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +1 952 883 8800

photo by Runner1928 ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Manhattan streets & markets in New York City, New York

Bring your best walking shoes and a big wallet.

As anyone who’s ever watched a Woody Allen movie or a Sex in the City episode knows, the streets of Manhattan are hectic and lined with myriad enticements for shoppers. Those in search of high-end goods will want to stroll along Fifth Avenue to see the elegant window displays of iconic shops like Tiffany’s and Bergdorf Goodman.

The kitschy souvenir stores amid the dazzling lights of Broadway are fun to explore, while in the Meatpacking District’s Chelsea Market you can discover a great range of bargain goods, local art and interesting New York characters. Head to Herald Square to find Macy’s department store, or check out Hell’s Kitchen for some street fashions, quirky gift shops and its weekend flea market.

Town Square in Las Vegas, Nevada

Offers free shuttle service from the strip.

With an area of 100 acres to explore, Town Square Las Vegas might even entice the most die-hard players out of the casinos for some shopping and dining. Its architectural style is a bit like a cozy village, with shops, art galleries and restaurants set along palm-tree-lined avenues and plazas with fountains.

Found at the far south end of the Strip, Town Square is a family-friendly place with loads of activities for the kids including an 18-screen movie theatre, a children’s park and the Gameworks indoor entertainment complex with arcade games, bowling lanes and an e-sports gaming zone.

Location: 6605 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, USA

Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm

Phone: +1 702 269 5001

photo by Hermann Luyken ( CC0 1.0 ) modified

The Grove in Los Angeles, California

Find tasty eats at the original farmer’s market next door.

If recent celebrity sightings are anything to go by, The Grove might just rival Rodeo Drive as the most compelling place to shop, see and be seen in Los Angeles. Found in West Hollywood, The Grove is a shopping complex in an open-air setting that takes full advantage of the balmy LA weather. You’ll find top brand names here like Diane von Furstenberg and Sephora as well as an eclectic mix of pop-up shops by local artists, designers or whichever Kardashian is hot at the moment.

Aside from shopping, The Grove is a great spot to just relax and immerse yourself into some Hollywood glamor with its retro architecture, dancing fountains and vintage trolley cars.

Location: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036, USA

Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm (Friday and Saturday open till 10 pm)

Phone: +1 323 900 8080

photo by Prayitno ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida

Venture beyond the mall for factory outlet bargains.

The wonderful world of Disney is a big presence in and around Orlando so it’s no surprise that one of the area’s best malls is also a Disney creation. Disney Springs is a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, about 30 minutes away from downtown Orlando.

Entry is free and among the 150 shops are Star Wars and Marvel outlets where you can geek out at all the cool merch for sale. There's no shortage of entertainment here too, with live music at the House of Blues and free concerts at the Marketplace Stage to enjoy.

Location: 1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, USA

Open: Daily 10 am to 12 midnight

Phone: +1 407 939 6244

photo by Michael Rivera ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts

Known as the “rodeo drive of the east”.

Found in the Back Bay area of Boston that was once underwater, the neighborhood was first established in the mid-1800s when parts of Boston Harbor were filled in. The stately red brick buildings lining Newbury Street that were originally high-society homes have since been converted into boutique shops, cafes, and galleries stretching for 8 blocks.

Some of the most beloved Newbury Street shops are Trident Booksellers & Café, with thousands of books to browse and all-day breakfasts, and Crush Boutique, which brims with local designer fashions. Even those not in the mood to shop will find it a scenic place to stroll, with the lovely Boston Public Gardens just a 5-minute walk away.

photo by WalkingGeek ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Charleston City Market in Charleston, South Carolina

One of the oldest public markets in america.

Found right in the historic downtown area, this 2-century-old market covering 4 blocks is a fun place to explore and soak up some Charleston city charm. There’s a day market that opens daily as well as night markets that run on Fridays and Saturdays from April through December.

Some 300 vendors set up in the market’s open-air sections and Great Hall, with many bars and restaurants sprinkled throughout. There’s a good range of local arts and crafts for sale including sweetgrass basketry made by local Gullah people.

Location: 73 North Market Street, Suite A, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA

Open: Daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm (Great Hall open till 6 pm)

photo by Richard Hedrick ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Mission District in San Francisco, California

Old neighborhood with hipster edges.

With its streets lined with trendy cafes and chic boutiques, the old San Francisco Mission District area has a fresh and vibrant vibe. Much of the action is along Valencia Street, where there’s a variety of hip, independent shops like Dandelion Chocolate Factory for tasty handmade sweets and the cutting-edge Betabrand, which sells crowdsourced fashion designs like “dress pant yoga pants” and “disco hoodies”.

For a break from shopping, veer off onto Clarion Alley to see the eye-catching and edgy street murals created by local artists, then stop to enjoy a cup of fair-trade coffee at Four Barrel cafe.

photo by PierreD ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Top Shopping Destinations to Love

Do you consider shopping fun? Whether you have post-wedding cash to spend, simply enjoy browsing, or want a getaway most females will love, include time to shop on vacation.

America's best shopping spots are destinations in themselves. They remind us what we miss when shopping online: Personal service, the ability to feel and try on garments before buying, serendipitous unadvertised sales. Since you can't spend all your vacation time shopping, each place below is near a great place to visit.

Shopping California: Rodeo Drive - Beverly Hills

 TripSavvy / Maritsa Patrinos

Synonymous with Hollywood style and mega-budgets, Rodeo Drive was immortalized in the film Pretty Woman as an ultra-snobby place where sales clerks' hauteur melts at the flash of cash. While few budgets can afford a trinket from Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Harry Winston, glittery Rodeo Drive is incomparable for window shopping and people-watching. For a wider array of more-affordable retail, visit South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa on your LA vacation.

Shopping Nevada: Las Vegas

Las Vegas News Bureau/LVCVA.

Big winners and big spenders mingle on vacation in Las Vegas. The Fashion Show Mall, a cornucopeia of retail conveniently located in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, offers the largest selection. It has 250 stores and restaurants. A good portion of the retail is high-end; Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nevada's only Nordstrom store are located here.

Another shopping destination not to be missed is the recently expanded Caesars Forum Shops (pictured), which recreate Rome as it never was. 

Shopping New York: Madison Avenue, NYC

While tourists flock to Fifth Avenue and its commercial landmarks such as Tiffany & Co. and Saks are certainly must-sees true shopping aficionados on vacation head straight for Madison Avenue, from 57th Street up to 72nd. Here the world's best designers, including Armani, Dior, Donna Karan, Etro, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and others display their wares in exquisite boutiques. Don't have all day to shop? The Barneys flagship is located on East 61st.

Shopping New York: Woodbury Common - Woodbury

Every designer mentioned above has an outlet store in Woodbury Common, which is one hour north of New York City. This mega outlet mall goes way beyond the usual suspects to feature brands not normally found at discount: Tse cashmeres, Judith Leiber bags, Donald J Pliner shoes, Eileen Fisher apparel, and yes, even Prada (hint: it's located with Miu-Miu inside a store named Space). Neiman-Marcus Last Call and Saks Off Fifth are worthy anchors.

Shopping Florida: Sawgrass Mills - Sunrise

If you believe bigger is better, you'll appreciate 350-store Sawgrass Mall. One drawback for serious shoppers on vacation is that it attracts lots of families with strollers and young kids to navigate around. The newly opened and more upscale Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass features upscale brands including Ferragamo, David Yurman, and Burberry at discount. But for true shopping splendor, nothing beats Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Shopping Massachusetts: Newbury Street - Boston

There are no temperature-controlled, indoor malls for the hardy New England shoppers of Newbury Street. And there aren't many bargains to be found, either. But quality hounds on vacation appreciate this elegant throwback. The street retains its carriage-trade aura and features many jewelers, silversmiths, antiquaires, and Boston originals including the always-dapper Louis, Boston .

Shopping Minnesota: Mall of America - Minneapolis

Grand-daddy of USA mega-malls, the 520-store Mall of America was showing its age the last time I visited. Its Chapel of Love outside Bloomingdale's offers a way to get married without taking valuable time away from the serious business of shopping on vacation. With attractions that include Underwater Adventures Aquarium, LEGO Imagination Center, Dinosaur Walk Museum, Flight Simulation, and NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, this mall attracts many, many families with kids.

Shopping Virginia - Tysons Corner

The Tysons Corner retail megalopolis off I-495 consists of multiple shopping centers. These include the 125-store Galleria that boasts its own Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the 230-store Tysons Corner Center , and Fairfax Square . Just about 15 minutes from Washington, DC, Tysons Corner is a destination that serious shoppers on vacation can get happily lost in for days.

Shopping South Carolina: Charleston - King Street

This gracefully curving street is a fine place to wander and window shop on vacation but do it early in the day, as Charleston weather can get steamy. There's a Saks Fifth Avenue on the corner, a Starbucks, Abercrombie & Fitch, and numerous antiques stores. When it gets too hot, duck into the air-conditioned Shops at Charleston Place Hotel , where conservative dressers outfit themselves with duds from the likes of Lacoste, St. John, and Talbots.

Shopping Texas: The Shops at La Cantera - San Antonio

Although The Galleria in Houston is that city's no. 1 tourist vacation destination and the fourth-largest mall in America, San Antonio's Shops at La Cantera is a hipper, open-air marketplace. Its merchants include Nordstrom, Sephora, Abercrombie & Fitch, BCBG/Max Azria, Juicy Couture, Betsey Johnson, and many more well-known brands.

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How to Have a Successful Day of Shopping

Last Updated: April 18, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Candace Hanna . Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 136,445 times.

Shopping is a lot of fun, which is why you probably love spending a day at the shops! Sometimes, though, you just need to get in and out with what's on your list. No matter what your attitude towards shopping may be, streamline your experience so you don't wear yourself down or break your budget. Make a plan before you head out, and then work on finding the perfect items. Also, use sales to your advantage to snag deals.

Making a Plan

• Take the amount you plan on spending in cash with you to the store instead of a credit card. That way, you can only spend what you have on you.

• If you need more clothes, spend time digging through your closet. You may decide you need more everyday pants, a couple of button-up shirts, and a nice pair of shoes. That gives you a target for when you go shopping.
• If you're buying for other people, think about what type of gift you'd like to get them, so you can decide where you want to go.
• Group like items together, as you'll likely be visiting the same stores for those items. [3] X Research source
• When deciding what to buy, pick the items you need most first, so you're not stuck doing without something you really need because you spent your money on something frivolous.

• For instance, maybe you just have your lunch break, or maybe you can spend a couple of hours one afternoon.

• Decide on the stores you want to visit and make a route. Once you have everything grouped, pick the stores you need to visit for each set. For instance, you may have 2-3 stores you want to visit for clothing and a couple of stores you want to visit for gifts. [5] X Research source
• Plan out a route that's efficient, so you're not doubling back.

Making the Most of Your Day

• However, if you have completely different shops in mind, it may be best to just go separately.
• Go by yourself if you need to get a lot done. Shopping with a friend is fun, but you can also get distracted and waste time. If you have a large amount of shopping to get done, consider going by yourself. You can stay focused just on the shopping and work on hunting down deals.

• On the other hand, if you know you want to buy a candle or specific genre of book, head to that section! Figure out what you need, grab it, and go.
• If you can, try to plan an efficient route around the store.

• You can also use this same technique if you're trying to decide on a gift for someone. Pick up a few things, then just buy the one you decide on. However, make sure you give any items you don't want to a sales person, instead of just leaving them on a random shelf.

• If you're trying on clothes, buy only what you absolutely love. If you don't love it, you won't wear it, and you'll be wasting your money. [9] X Research source
• When deciding what to buy, consider the price of the item, your budget, and how important it is right now. For instance, maybe you need those 3 shirts for work, but the shoes can wait for another time.

Saving Money

• If you want to stay with one brand, check other models to see if the company is discounting those instead.

• For instance, you can start getting deals on winter clothing and bedding towards the end of January and February.

• However, always check the prices in the weeks leading up to the holiday, as sometimes "sale" prices aren't that great. You can use a price tracker for online websites or just check back every few days. [13] X Research source

• Once again, it's always a good idea to check prices in the weeks leading up to this holidays, as some items won't be that discounted.
• Also, don't forget Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, the Saturday and Monday right after Thanksgiving.

Expert Q&A

• Wear comfortable shoes so your feet don't hurt! Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1
• Save all of your receipts, just in case you need to make a return later on. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
• If you are storing bags in your car, make sure they're not visible from the outside so thieves can't see them. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/how-to-make-a-budget-and-stick-to-it
• ↑ https://advicefromatwentysomething.com/shopping-tips-ford-fiesta-movement/
• ↑ https://stepupmoney.com/going-shopping-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-shopping-trip/
• ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/the-best-day-to-score-great-deals-is-thanksgiving-not-black-friday.html
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-16/shopping-holidays-the-best-days-to-shop-in-2018

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Andrea Dekker

16 Comments

Tips for Planning a Big Shopping Trip

July 22, 2011

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure here.

This morning, Dave and I WERE SUPPOSED to drive to our closest IKEA store {2.5 hours away} to do some serious shopping!

We actually even rented a small U-HAUL trailer because we were planning to purchase a couch, some mattresses, a couple of chairs, and a bunch of other things for our {almost} newly renovated main floor bedrooms, bathroom, office, and living room.

However, the truck we were planning to use did not have the correct electrical hook ups for the trailer so we found out late last night that we could no longer go today.

Yup, I was just a little bummed… !

However, I already had this post written — because I really DID do a bunch of planning for this shopping trip. And since it’s good advice for anyone planning to do some serious shopping, I’m still going to post it — and then hopefully we’ll go to IKEA next weekend!

Believe-it-or not, I actually don’t love shopping. I only shop when I have something to buy — not just for the fun of browsing. I always shop with a list {big shocker there} and I try to get in and out as quickly as possible.

However, for huge shopping trips like our IKEA trip — involving U-HAULS, pick-up trucks, several hours in the car, and lots of specific things to buy — I am willing to take my time, make a game plan, and really enjoy the whole experience.

Here are some of my tips for large shopping trips:

1. Set a Date.

We’ve had this date on our calendar for several weeks now as we figured we would be nearly finished with the bulk of our house projects {which we are}. We also wanted to get the shopping trip in before August as I’m hosting a wedding shower for my cousin and we’ll need a couch in our living room!

By setting a specific date, it gave us a chance to clear our calendars for that day and plan ahead in order to rent a U-Haul etc. {NOTE: we really did check out the electrical hook up on our truck before hand, and thought they would work!}

2. Make Your List

I don’t even go to Meijer or Target without a list — so you better believe I have a list for all my big shopping trips too.

IKEA actually has a pretty cool program {as do many other stores} where you can add items to your “on-line” shopping list and then email the list to yourself or print it off. This tool has been so helpful for me because it not only give me the picture and the price for every item on my list, it also tells me where each item is located within the store.

Talk about a time-saver!

3. Have Pictures and Measurements

We are planning to purchase several pieces of furniture at IKEA so I made sure to write down all the measurements of our rooms, along with any specific spaces we are trying to fill. That way, I’ll know if a piece of furniture will fit or not.

I also take photos of each space and bring my camera long, just in case I want to see the room again before making a purchase.

4. Dress Appropriately

If I’m going to be sitting in a car and walking around all day, I want to be comfortable! So I always wear comfortable clothing with pockets and very comfortable walking shoes {no flip flops today}.

I also try to bring a smaller purse/bag that will fit across my shoulders so I won’t be constantly readjusting my purse or worry about setting it down and leaving it.

5. Bring Snacks

I’ve always been a “grazer” and have learned to carry snacks, water, and gum with me wherever I go — but for big {long} shopping trips, it’s even more important… especially if you’re shopping with kids.

There is nothing worse than whining kids or a growling stomach to spoil the mood of your shopping trip!

By taking a few moments to plan through a large shopping trip, you should be much more successful and hopefully won’t need to return anything later.

I’ll share more about our shopping trip {and our purchases} once we actually make it to IKEA — but for now I’d like to know…

What are your best tips for planning large shopping trips?

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ANNE MARIE says

08/01/2011 at 2:57 pm

Andrea – great tips! We purchased all our office furniture (for the company) at IKEA and they were and still are great. We have one in Canton, MI and it’s pretty close to us. My advice for going to IKEA – bring extra cash! The way it is set up, you will no doubt find something cool on your way through the store to the check out that you want to buy. Also, check the AS IS section for great deals too! Saw a huge white table/desk/dining table for $100! Was sold for way more than that – just sorry it was too big for my tiny house!

Andrea says

08/01/2011 at 6:33 pm

Thanks Anne Marie! We’re home again and our trip was a total success. We did go to the Canton IKEA — but we also had a pretty strict list and stuck to it {for the most part!}. I actually think I saw the table you were talking about too. We were trying to think where we could put it for such a great price! Great minds must think alike — or maybe just “organized minds” — hehe!

08/01/2011 at 10:39 am

IKEA is just around the corner from me~ however, have only purchased a few room decorations from my teenagers rooms, and nothing else. Regarding the furniture from IKEA, I would not even consider buy. If you want uncomfortable and “just to look at” furniture, then buy it there. Otherwise, spend your money wisely and dont buy your everyday furniture there, otherwise you will be replacing it before you know it.

Lea Stormhammer says

07/24/2011 at 10:23 pm

This made me grin!

We’ve been doing some major “remodeling” in four key rooms in our house to make them more functional for our family and IKEA has been our place to go. We live in the Twin Cities and are about 20 minutes away from IKEA, so it’s not as major a shopping trip for us. Since we’re doing this major “remodeling” we’ve been to IKEA 4 times in the last 9 days! 🙂 We have one more trip (possibly two) before the whole project is done…those won’t come until the middle/end of August.

I would recommend that for buying items, particularly large ones, to make sure you have room in your vehicle to haul them home. We have a great story about a friend of ours hanging onto our couch during an hour-long drive home from the store we bought it at (I was 8 mo. pregnant with twins so I didn’t go with!) so that the bungee cords wouldn’t be so tight they might snap on the ride home. Exciting adventures we could have definately done without!

Great tips! Lea

Suzanne says

07/22/2011 at 7:52 pm

Great tips! The only one I would add would be to know your budget and add a small amount for unexpected extras.

07/22/2011 at 5:16 pm

Love IKEA. Was in Singapore (tagged along on husband’s business trip) in 2007, when they had a grand opening of one there. Now that was COOL! Got the little blue IKEA bag they were giving away to first day patrons.

I love to shop…to browse and/or buy. I don’t hit the malls in my area so much anymore, but love special trips to outlets, IKEA, annual fall trip to Chicago, small town boutiques, etc. I usually keep a list and measurements of needed items in my bag or at least in my car at all times. I also bring color swatches in case I want to coordinate an accessory. i.e. a paint chip, a spool of thread, a piece of fabric.

I treat myself by budgeting some money for ‘etc’ or ‘whim’ or whatever you want to call it. I take it in cash and only spend that amount. Sometimes it’s $30 and sometimes (after a birthday card from mom with $$) it’s $100. Often, because it is cash, I don’t even spend it. It’s harder to part with cash than swipe the debit or credit card. But if something catches my eye, I can treat myself without the guilt of breaking my budget. (It’s a Dave Ramsey FPU principle)

07/22/2011 at 4:02 pm

I can see the new IKEA that is opening next week just south of Denver from my office- I’m looking at it now, and its less than 15 minutes from my house!

My son wants to camp out to be one of the first in line for the opening. I don’t think we’ll do that as there isn’t anything we need right now. But we’ll have to go soon just to see it (haven’t been to any of their stores) and to check out the restaurant. I hear the food is good.

Kristia {Family Balance Sheet} says

07/22/2011 at 11:43 am

IKEA is about 2 hours from us too…which is probably a good thing, but we only go when we have a specific need. That place is dangerous without a list.

We looked at the sectional. Very cute.

Rochelle says

07/22/2011 at 12:13 pm

We’ve been making a yearly trip to IKEA for the last 3 years. We go with some friends. We always stop on the way home at the Outlet mall in Howell. Not sure if you have time for this, but it is right on the way & you can find some good deals if there is anything you need. My favorite thing I bought at IKEA this spring, is a shoe organizer/cabinet. It is wood with 4 sections that hold 8 pairs of shoes. It works awesome & looks nice in our small entry way.

07/22/2011 at 11:46 am

Hi Andrea, My best tip when shopping at IKEA is to use your debit card. IKEA stores are giving you 1% back of your total purchase as a coupon off your next order!!! YAY…every little bit helps.

Stacey says

07/22/2011 at 11:00 am

Ugh, i want to go to IKEA soooo bad, i normally take an annual trip with friends in April but my baby was still kind of small and i didnt want to put up with such a long drive with her and i didnt want to leave her for that long. They just need to build an IKEA in Grand Rapids. Then i will be all set!

My best tip for a large shopping trip would be – don’t take the kids;)

07/22/2011 at 11:07 am

I could NOT agree more Stacey — they need to get an IKEA in the Grand Rapids area!!!

And great tip about not bringing the kids. I’m sure I’ll realize how true that one is in just a few months 🙂

07/22/2011 at 10:43 am

Perfect timing since the grand opening of IKEA in Denver is this Wednesday and I’m planning a trip with a long list! 🙂

07/22/2011 at 11:06 am

Lucky — I’m officially jealous now!

07/22/2011 at 7:49 pm

Andrea (op) aren’t you excited! I’m so looking forward to doing a nice long browse only trip soon for inspiration followed by a doing trip!

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Plan the Perfect All-Day Shopping Trip

Grab your friends and hit some stores for a bonding (and buying) adventure.

Step away from that laptop. Close that virtual shopping cart. 

Sure, online shopping is convenient, but in-person shopping — especially with friends or family — deserves its due. You’ll make progress toward that 10,000 steps-a-day goal, bond with others and even get a happiness boost, all while checking items off your to-do list. 

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So, gather up those unused gift cards and pull out some comfortable shoes. Here’s how to plan an ideal shopping day.   

1. Think ahead

 “Don’t just get in the car and go to the mall,” says Candace Corlett, president of the consultancy WSL Strategic Retail. “Plan your day, not unlike how you would plan a holiday.”

A smart first step: Scroll through shopping center websites. They are often packed with helpful information, such as a map of stores and details on parking, says consumer shopping and finance columnist Trae Bodge.

2. Explore new terrain

Be adventurous — explore beyond your go-to shopping haunts, says Corlett. Ask friends and family for advice and check out local newspapers for destination ideas. “It could be more interesting to drive to a great Main Street that has shops and restaurants than to go to the mall,” Corlett says. 

3. Break out those unused gift cards 

Take inventory of your gift cards and slide them in front of credit cards in your wallet as a reminder to use them, advises Andrea Woroch, a writer and commentator who specializes in saving money. Not a fan of the store the card is for? Swap cards with your companions or sell and/or exchange gift cards on online sites like Cardpool or CardCash. Also, some Target stores will take gift cards from select other retailers and in exchange give you a Target GiftCard.

4. Incorporate nonshopping activities 

Plan to get what you need, but also round out the day with activities like a nice lunch, advises Jean Chatzky, an AARP financial ambassador and host of the financial-focused HerMoney podcast.

“Happiness research shows us that doing things is more satisfying than buying things,” she says.

Choose your day wisely. Some shopping centers host concerts, art exhibitions and fashion shows, while some individual retailers have in-store events such as yoga sessions and cooking classes.

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5. Make a restaurant reservation

Food courts can be crowded, chaotic and come with the possibility that you won’t be able to find open seats together, says Bodge. Yelp can help you locate restaurants that satisfy your group’s budget and taste buds, adds Woroch.

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6. Be cognizant of your companions’ needs 

Talk through any physical, monetary or dietary restrictions to find solutions that work for all. “You wouldn’t choose stores on Fifth Avenue in New York City if you knew your friend’s budget was more suburban malls,” says Corlett.

7. Take care getting dressed

Wear clothes that are easy to put on and pull off, says Woroch. Yet, resist the urge to don ill-fitting sweats. If you feel insecure about the way you look, you are more likely to buy new things, says Sarah Newcomb, a behavioral scientist at investment research firm Morningstar who specializes in consumer psychology. 

8. Enlist support

Let your shopping mates know your budget and encourage them to help you stay on track, says Chatzky. Also ask them for honest feedback on your potential purchases. “There’s a big difference in the opinions that you’ll get from friends and what you’ll get from a salesperson,” Chatzky says. 

9. Think about big-picture goals

It can be disappointing to bypass out-of-budget items. To counteract feelings of deprivation, focus on what you are gaining by that decision. Not buying pricey shoes may mean that you have more money for an upcoming vacation. “Don’t focus on what you are saying ‘no’ to,” says Newcomb. “Focus on what you are saying ‘yes’ to.” 

10. Celebrate your success

Rejoice in your shopping accomplishments, especially if you snagged items on sale. But remember, the ultimate reward isn’t necessarily those material goods. “The real goal you are meeting isn’t for stuff, it’s time with people that you care about,” Newcomb says.

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How to Pack for a Shopping Trip In Any Country

Going somewhere awesome and you know you’re going to end up turning it into a shopping trip like buying hermes birkin bags for sale ? Awesome. Singapore, where I hail from, is a land of malls.

We have new shopping malls sprouting up every year, and a recent survey found that shopping was second on the list of the average Singaporean’s favorite past times (the first was eating!).

Being centrally located in South East Asia is a blessing for my wardrobe and a curse for my wallet – I love Bangkok, Taipei and Seoul for a huge range of affordable shopping trips!

So if you’re like me and you’re planning on bringing back 6 pairs of shoes and 9 dresses from a shopping trip (two separate occasions, but true story), here are some tips on how to pack.

Pack Light and Right

Save that luggage space for your new stuff by bringing only the essentials:

• A little notebook/pen – for noting down shops with good buys or prices for comparison, but also useful if you’re trying to bargain for prices. Write down the prices quoted for confirmation so you’ll have record and won’t get fleeced by a shopkeeper denying that he quoted you that price earlier.
• A small calculator – great for calculating exchange rates on the fly, and as a bargaining tool to show shopkeepers while you’re haggling. If you’re without a calculator, just find an easy formula way to convert cash in your head so you’ll have an estimate of prices in your head. Or download the XE app before you travel.

The right clothes are essential for your shopping trip – If you’re looking to shop at street shops, like Bangkok’s Chatuchak or Taiwan’s Ximending for example, where there’s little to no chance to try on clothes in a proper changing room, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed right:

• Separates – while a dress is easier to pack and requires less coordination, it’s harder to try on clothes quickly, especially without a changing room. If you’re lucky, the shop might have a sarong or a long skirt you can pull on so you can change bottoms, so I suggest shorts or a skirt instead.
• A thin top – so you can pull on jackets or shirts to try on without having to change out. I favor tank tops and a strapless/tube bra so I can try on anything fuss free, changing room or not. I carry a scarf or a light jacket separately in case it gets cold in the evenings or there’s a sudden need to pop into a temple.
• Easy shoes – shoes that are easy to slip on and off make it more convenient to try on shoes when shopping. You don’t want to be fiddling with straps every time you try on a shoe! If you’re ick-ed out about sticking your feet in foreign places, wear really thin socks to protect your feet. I personally prefer slippers, depending on the weather!

Bring Extra Bags

You don’t want to be lugging around a million plastic bags when you’re on a shopping trip. The chance of you accidentally leaving a bag behind is very high.

Instead, bring along larger reusable bags where you can pop all your smaller wares in. You can pack more in, and you’ll be saving the environment by doing without all the little plastic bags. I favor bags that are easy to fold up and carry along.

For all your shopping at the end of the day, bring a larger duffel bag that you can check or carry on, in case your luggage runs out of space, and bring space savers like large Ziploc bags to help squash your buys together.

Take Care of Your Money

Split up your cash into different spots. Have a main purse or wallet that only you can access easily, and keep some spare cash in your shoe or another safe place.

Most of these shopping areas in Singapore are crowded and are prime locations for pickpockets looking out for clueless tourists. Don’t lose sight of your belongings while shopping.

Try and break your larger value notes into smaller value ones so you don’t run the risk of getting the wrong change. This is especially pertinent in countries which have lots of zeroes in their currency. Shopping in Vietnam and Korea was often confusing for me because of all the zeroes in their currency!

Have you ever gone on a shopping trip? Where do you like to shop overseas?

About author.

Jaclynn Seah is an Occasional Traveller from sunny Singapore who really hopes to become a more frequent traveller someday. But for now, she has a little blog and shop over at The Occasional Traveller where she hopes to inspire and remind others like herself to take some time off and just... escape!

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Thanks for the shopping tips! I’m a teen girl. If you are looking for other shopping tips check out my website- http://marasmusings.wordpress.com/ ! 🙂

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StarTribune

How to prepare for a shopping trip.

Whether you're headed to the neighborhood boutiques with some friends or hitting the outlet mall for a critical seasonal stock-up, consider doing some prep work in advance of your shopping trip. Regardless of your goals, before you stroll out the door, credit card in hand, you'll probably want to:

Know your budget: No, really. Do NOT shop without knowing how much cash you have, and how much you can comfortably spend. Shopping blindly leads to shopping regret of one kind or another.

Inventory your closet: Annoying, but worth it. Many of us buy duplicates or near-duplicates, and that practice can be avoided by familiarizing yourself with your current wardrobe. And before you buy anything, ask yourself: Do I love this because it's perfectly "me" or because it's incredibly familiar?

Eat something: DO NOT shop on an empty stomach. You will become crabby and tired in under an hour.

Wear fitted underlayers: For easiest dressing room changes, I try to construct an outfit with a tight tank and leggings as the base. That way, I don't need to strip down to undies every single time and can still roughly gauge garment fit. I can also duck in and out of the fitting rooms more easily since my base layers stay on my bod.

Wear your hair up: If you've got long locks and will be trying on shirts or dresses, you're likely to give yourself Dandelion Head in no time flat. Tie your hair back.*

Consider footwear: If you're going to be doing a lot of walking, you'll want to wear comfortable shoes, of course. However, if you're shopping for dress pants and typically wear heels to work, bring an additional pair. Trying to eyeball pant length is nearly impossible.

Take breaks: If you're planning to shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., work in a lunch break and at least one other short break. You might be able to power through, but at a certain point you'll become overwhelmed and exhausted. Scheduled breaks will keep you focused and refreshed.

Drink water: Nothing parches my throat like hours of shopping. Tote a water bottle, hit a drinking fountain, or get a beverage on one of those aforementioned breaks.

Set a deadline: I'm sure that some of you have no trouble stopping shopping, but if I'm questing for something? I will run myself RAGGED looking for it. Giving myself a set number of hours to shop helps me keep from going overboard.

What are your guidelines for a successful shopping trip? Do you do any or all of these things? Other suggestions to add?

Image via weheartit .

*If you're shopping for a garment that will be worn with a specific hairstyle and you need to know how the two will interact, you can definitely get done up before you shop. But in my opinion, it's easier to shop with simple hair, then do a second round of try-ons at home with the fancier 'do and return what doesn't work.

Sally McGraw is the author of Already Pretty , a daily blog about the intersection of style and body image.

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How To Simplify Your Meal Planning & Shopping Trips

Meal prep & grocery shopping tips that will actually make your life easier.

Does this sound like you? Exhausted, rushing to the grocery store after work with no shopping list or a real plan for dinner? How many times have you wandered around the store, grabbing anything that looks good, and ended up spending more money than you’d planned?

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to make the entire meal planning and grocery shopping experience so much simpler.

When you start meal prepping (getting a full week of meals ready in a few simple steps), you can say “buh-bye” to those overwhelming evenings and “hellllooo” to a lot more free time. If you’re not sure you can carve out enough time to make all those meals ahead of time, it might feel impossible even to begin. If you’re used to stopping by the grocery store every time you head home from work, won’t it be overwhelming to fill an entire cart?

With these easy steps, it won’t be.

Read on for simple tips so you can make your next trip to the grocery store manageable, productive… and even enjoyable. By knowing what essential ingredients you need, you’ll have the entire shopping process streamlined in no time.

This post contains affiliate links, and I’ll receive a commission at no cost to you if you decide to use them.

Ease Your Way Into Meal Prepping

Meal prepping is all about saving you time, so it’s best to start slow. You’ll immediately see the benefits by easing into meal prep, and you can slowly add more recipes and meals into your plans as you get more familiar with the system. Before you know it, you’ll be skipping those extra trips to the supermarket and saying goodbye to the days when your only dinner options were the fast food restaurants on your way home.

Start with the Basics

There are a few staples you’ll always need to keep on hand for easy meals. With rice, eggs, flour, oatmeal, and a few essential spices, you’ll be able to walk into your kitchen and have all you need for almost every meal on your menu.

If you pick up some frozen chicken and an assortment of veggies, you’ll be even more prepared to create simple, easy, healthy meals for the whole family. This favorite local shopping planner will help you  keep track of where you find the best things. You can also subscribe for free to the vault and get instant access to the entire printables library right here. 

Keep a Balanced Diet in Mind

When you’re planning out your meals, make sure they’re balanced and include a mix of meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy products.

And here’s a bonus: if you have any leftovers after you’ve shopped for the week and prepared all the ingredients for your meals, you can include them in your meal plans for next week! It’s that much easier to figure out what recipes you should plan for in the future and saves you time and money while avoiding waste.

Make Your Lists Ahead of Time

Step 1: Decide what meals you’re going to make this week.

Step 2: Create a list of ingredients you need for each of those meals.

If a whole week’s worth of groceries is overwhelming, you might want to start out by listing the ingredients for a few meals you’ll have during the week, or only the ingredients you’d need for lunch, for example.

Plan for Everyone Who is Eating

While you’re planning out your meals, make sure you include any special events, dietary needs, or special guests who might be joining you for your meals. (If you know you’ll be dining out with friends, for example, don’t prepare anything for that dinner!)

If any of your family members or guests have dietary restrictions or preferences, take those into account while putting your grocery list together. This will save you from rummaging around in the fridge, hoping the soy milk you bought a few weeks ago is still good. By including them in your plans, you’re instantly a more gracious, considerate host. And it won’t take up any extra time!

When you have more mouths to feed at the table, you’d better have more food to feed them. If you’re planning for house guests, you’re going to need more food purchased, prepared, and served. By meal prepping, this extra work is streamlined right with your weekly prep work and only adds a couple of minutes, tops.

Use Online Resources

To further ease your grocery shopping experience, print out one of the many “grocery list” templates online and use it to organize your shopping list before you ever step foot in the store. Like my blank template that you can use to organize your meals: https://apersonalorganizer.com/meal-planning-organizing-tips/

Online Calendars – Budget

If you’re planning meals on a budget , or with specific fitness goals in mind, check online for different planning calendars and forms. There are tons of handy resources out there that include calorie counters, nutrition calculators, and other tips for dividing your meals into healthy portions, so everything you need to prep for your weekly meals is all in one place.

Organize Your Trip By Aisles

If you can, organize your grocery list in the order, you walk around the store, aisle by aisle. You’ll save time and get everything without having to backtrack. If you search online, you can find a variety of online templates that divide grocery lists by produce, deli, frozen items, and others.

Organize Your Fridge and Pantry Ahead of Time

By taking the time to organize your pantry , freezer, and fridge, unloading will become a quick and efficient step in your meal prep process.

You’re already purchasing groceries by category, so why get them all mixed up in a chaotic kitchen? By unpacking your groceries by category as well, you’ll save time.

Before you leave for the store (or, while you’re waiting for your groceries to be delivered), take a minute to prep your fridge and pantry so you can unload everything without taking any extra time. Trust me, this will be much easier before you fill your kitchen counters with groceries!

I put together a quick 15-minute cleaning routine if you need a place to start.

Buy in Bulk

Especially if you’re on a budget, you’ll save money and time in the long run if you buy a lot more of one ingredient in bulk, or while it’s on sale.

Be careful to purchase only items that will last longer, like dry or frozen ingredients.

Divide the ingredients so you can store them quickly, then use as needed. As you go forward, you can even include more recipes that use this item since you’ll already have it on hand.

Try New Things

Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Just because you’re keeping your meals simple doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Have a little fun with your next shopping trip by planning for a fun new recipe, or maybe a few fresh spices or other ingredients you’ve never cooked with before.

Sure, you’re not going to like everything you try, but who knows–you might just discover a new favorite.

Hi! It's Helena. I love cooking, gardening, decorating, hosting, organizing, and keeping things simple. I favor quality over quantity, need silence to replenish, am a homebody, and see purpose in everything we do. I share tips and tools on the blog so you can enjoy your life just as you want it.

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The perfect shopping day trip to New York City!

This NYC day trip itinerary is perfect for shoppers as well as for grabbing pics of the city’s iconic landmarks .

If you’re planning a shopping day trip to New York City, you could go about it in one of two ways.

You could grab a map, choose one of the city’s popular shopping areas, and have a perfectly okay time hopping from store to store. Or, you could go to one of the few spots in the city where in one day you can see some of New York’s most iconic sights  and  get your shopping done.

One day isn’t a lot of time, so that may sound impossible. But there is a place where iconic New York attractions and some of the city’s most glamorous shopping are close enough together that you can see them all on a day trip to NYC! 

Saks Fifth Avenue , Bergdorf Goodman , Louis Vuitton , Chanel , and budget friendly brands like Abercrombie & Fitch , Mango , Lululemon , Uniqlo and H&M all call this place home. So does the  Empire State Building  and the  Rockefeller Cente r.

And if you ever wanted to make like Audrey Hepburn in ‘ Breakfast at Tiffany’s ’, this shopping district gives you the chance to literally have breakfast (or lunch) at  Tiffany’s ! 

Just in case you haven’t already guessed, Fifth Avenue is the place we’re singing the praises of. Actually Upper Fifth Avenue . And we’ve written you the perfect itinerary for shopping the area! 

Starting your New York City shopping day trip

Start your day at the  Central Park  end of Fifth Avenue (59th and 5th), because we did promise you would get to see some of NYC’s best sights! 

If you didn’t want to spend all day shopping, join a walking tour in iconic Central Park to hear about the movies filmed here, see some of the wildlife and of course the plants. Plus you’ll get access to areas cyclists are not permitted.

Of course, it won’t be possible to explore all 800 acres of the park. But this is one of the most gorgeous parts of Central Park so grab your camera and snap a few selfies with the city’s skyscrapers in the background. Or at the famous Gapstow Bridge which you’ve seen in movies like  Home Alone  and  The Devil Wears Prada .

Fifth Avenue Shopping!

Leave Central Park and make your first shopping stop steps away at the world’s only  Apple  Store open 24 hours a day (58th and 5th Ave), for your favorite Apple gadgets. 

As you leave Apple, which is a whole block wide, get yourself mentally prepared and hold on to your wallet, since this part of Fifth Avenue mixes luxury stores with High Street brands. We’re taking you on a whirlwind of glitz and glamor for the next few hours. Even if just for the photos!

Stop at the well dressed  Bergdorf Goodman , just a few steps from Apple , for everything fashion and luxury. Balenciaga , Chanel , and Gucci are just a few of the brands you can expect to find inside the eight floors of Bergdorf Goodman .

Right next to Bergdorf Goodman, you can get your fix of the high end leather goods offered by  Louis Vuitton  (57th and 5th Ave). But you may want to stop to take in the wonder that is the store’s glass exterior before going in!

Leave Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton and explore the area between 57th and 59th Street for more high end shopping.  Chanel ,  Fend i,  Dior , David Yurman, and  Balenciaga  are major shops to look out for here.

The Chanel store will be a particular delight if you love Chanel purses. But the shop also stocks Chanel makeup and the brand’s iconic earrings – if you happen to go on a day they aren’t sold out.

If you have a Lego shopping list, you could easily spend an hour in this mega store alone, on the corner of W 51st and 5th Ave.

Of course this street is a whole other spectacle at Christmas time when these amazing store windows are dressed to impress. Christmas in New York is a Bucket List trip.

Take your Bergdorf Goodman and Chanel bags and sashay your way to the famous St Regis Hotel to try one of New York City’s most celebrated  brunches  at the impressive  Astor Court  Restaurant (55th and 5th Ave).

Not in the mood for splurging? Walk a bit further to local favorite  Piccola Cucina  (60th and Park Ave) for what is seriously the best Italian food in the city, at good prices.

Or if you want to have “breakfast” at Tiffany’s, we’re thrilled that Audrey Hepburn fans can book a table in Tiffany’s new restaurant which is opening in 2023!

If you’re more of a brunch person, you’ll love this list of the best NYC brunch spots over on Blogger at Large.

Afternoon 

For the afternoon you’ll continue your New York City shopping trip at Armani and Dolce and Gabbana before seeing another icon and giving your wallet a break at more budget friendly shops.

Dolce and Gabbana  (55th and 5th Ave) is perfect if you love to make a splash when you enter a room! And their interior is just as wild as their clothing.

Just steps away,  Armani  is more subdued, but if you are in the market for a well tailored suit for yourself or a male, this is the best place for that on Fifth Avenue. 

Next you’ll be heading to  Coach   (54th and 5th Ave) for some of the brand’s instantly recognizable purses. Coach remains a favorite with both locals and visitors because of their obsession with customer service and their fun displays. An added bonus is the repair section where you can get your Coach bags fixed.

Right next to Coach is a  Stuart Weitzman if you want nice stilettos to go with your new Coach purse!

On your way to the more budget friendly shops, stop at your second NYC icon,  St Thomas Church  (53rd and 5th Ave). This gothic style cathedral is just as stunning as St. Patrick’s but less crowded most days so if you desire you can slip in and easily admire the stained glass windows inside. 

Leave the church and head to the ever chic  H&M   (48th and 5th Ave) for affordable basics like tanks, jeans and shorts. Business blouses, skirts and suits are also on offer nice and cheaply.

Across from H&M, Lululemon , the Canadian budget brand that has become a leading name in workout wear and yoga pants, has a store if you’re a fan of their clothing. 

This part of Fifth Avenue also has Sunglass Hut and Sephora where you can get lost in a fog of makeup and affordable perfumes. Also look out for the area’s mid-range shoes stores Puma , Aldo , and Adidas , and to round off the shopping experience, Ann Taylor is filled with girly blouses and cute skirts, close by.

For Dinner in NYC

For dinner, you’ll be close to Rockefeller Center so take advantage of any of the  famous restaurants  inside. Whatever you do, Bar 54 is highly recommended for a drink before or after dinner. The views from the  rooftop  bar may literally take your breath away if you visit when the city’s lights start twinkling.

Or these amazing rooftop restaurants in NYC will have something to wow you.

After dinner (or if you managed to blitz the previous suggestions), walk through the expertly curated floors at  Saks Fifth Avenue . Be sure to stop at the floor dedicated to shoes. It’s so extensive, it had to be given its own zip code!

When you’ve had your fill of shopping at Saks, as promised, you’ll be ending your day at another of New York’s iconic sights. Walk a few minutes to the Top of the Rock Observatory and end your day gazing at panoramic views of the city’s famous buildings ( book skip-the-line tickets here ). This is the best view you’ll get of the Empire State Building .

Best tours in NYC in one day!

If you’d rather explore than shop, we’ve selected some great tours and attractions you might want to get skip the line tickets for and make the absolute most of your day in NYC.

» If you’d the inside track on where to shop in New York, take a private shopping tour .

» If you’d rather go sight-seeing than shop all day (or maybe your other half would!) take a one day NYC guided sight-seeing tour in a luxury coach including 911 Memorial admission ticket.

» Take a NYC by Night bus tour to explore this amazing city under lights.

» Get out on the water on this Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour .

» Head into the sky on this incredible helicopter tour over the Statue of Liberty and all the city icons. Make sure your phone is charged for this one!

» An NYC must-do is tour the 911 Memorial Museum with a timed entry ticket.

» Buy a ticket to the top of SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt for sweeping 360˚ views from three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences on the tallest skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan.

*These are affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this new blog!

Other great day trips nearby

If you’ve been to New York and seen all the sights, how about visiting Brooklyn for the day? This post covers a one day itinerary in Brooklyn including best spots for photos, where to shop, eat and some fun tours to take.

How about Washington, DC in a day? The capital city could keep a visitor busy for a month and you’d still not run out of things to do, but I’ve selected my top 3 things to do on a day trip to Washington, DC .

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The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Travel

FASHION , Travel Clothing

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Shopping for your everyday outfits and shopping for travel are two very different things. Shopping for travel requires a different mindset and process. Follow our guide to shopping for travel to help you build the perfect travel wardrobe!

Shopping for Travel

Creating the perfect travel wardrobe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are many times where you can shop your own closet and have everything you need.

Once you review the clothes you already own, decide if you need to purchase any new items. Follow these shopping tips to make the most of your budget!

Where to Start

• Learn the art of the capsule wardrobe – this is key to packing light. Read our Signature Capsules Wardrobes to learn how!
• Clean out your closet . Find as many pieces as possible you think would work on your trip. Follow these guidelines on how to choose the right travel clothing .
• Plan a budget! Do you have money allotted to buy clothing or gear for your trip or will you shop in your own closet ?
• Mark down what you have and what you need to buy. Stick to your budget! Have fun!
• Before you go shopping, make a list of any items you weren’t able to find in your closet. Refer to the list of favorite retailers you created earlier in the course and hit the shops! You can find a listing of recommended retailers on Travel Fashion Girl’s Best Online Shopping Sites directory.
• Always keep receipts and don’t remove tags until you finalize your travel wardrobe.

Because of my nomadic lifestyle, I didn’t always have access to the best retail stores in every location, so I shopped online – a lot. In fact, I still do. I have certain go-to stores that make my life easier.

My favorite place is Amazon because you can sometimes find lower prices than other retailers, and you can read tons of feedback and other buyers’ reviews.

Plus, as a Prime member, I get free 1-2 day shipping and sometimes free returns, making the online shopping process much faster.

My other favorite site is Nordstrom because I get a wide breadth of selection from decent brands and quality, and it doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. I like that they offer the latest styles with the quality that I desire.

Nordstrom Rack is my other favorite place to shop because it’s Nordstrom clothing with budget prices. In addition, I also frequent H&M , Zappos , and Zara .

I like shopping online because I can research all the possibilities, read reviews, and start planning my initial capsule wardrobe!

Here are some money saving tips to purchase clothing and travel gear:

• Shop off season! I love shopping after summer and winter because you can get great deals on clothing that would be perfect for your next vacation. I’ve just purchased the majority of my clothing for my upcoming trip to India from $5 to $15 per piece!
• Sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to get updates on their latest sales. I wanted a pair of shorts from Athleta for the longest time, but refused to pay $55. The second Athleta had a sale, I got an email and bought my shorts for 30% off. Score!
• Find out if the retailer has an outlet. Many popular stores have online outlets including REI , Mango , J. Crew , and Nordstrom (my favorite). Sometimes they carry merchandise at a fraction of the cost as the current price in the regular store. I bought a designer handbag for $150 at Nordstrom Rack when it was selling for $300 at Nordstrom . Love it!
• Head over to your nearest discount retailer and scour the racks for highly discounted gear. TJ Maxx , Ross , and Marshalls are great options in the US, and in the UK they have TK Maxx . I especially like these stores for deals on shoes, fitness wear, and under garments. I’ve also seen highly discounted luggage brands such as Tumi , Fossil , and Eagle Creek.
• Buy big ticket items like luggage, backpacks, and electronics during holiday sales such as Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. My absolute favorite time to shop for these items is the day after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Take advantage of the early bird deals all weekend. This is how I bought my first backpack. I couldn’t believe that the majority of outdoor bags were well over $200, and not only did my backpack go on sale during Thanksgiving, but they were offering 25% off on top of that! My $200 backpack cost $125. A price tag that was way more manageable.
• Search for the diamond in the rough at second hand stores . You might find an excellent winter coat with a bargain basement price tag or a cute handbag that would add a hint of vintage appeal to your outfits. Buyer beware – make sure it’s in good condition, because the last thing you want is your suitcase falling apart in the middle of your trip (or in the beginning, which sort of indirectly happened to me).
• If you want to sport designer digs, but don’t have the budget to back it up, look for consignment shops in your area or search for some online. This is basically like a designer eBay where people sell their high-end clothing and accessories at a fraction of the cost. Merchandise is usually inspected and approved by the shop owner, so authenticity and condition are guaranteed. I haven’t purchased anything at a consignment shop, but I did sell my Marc Jacobs and Givenchy shoes at the famous Decades in LA. I didn’t make as much money as I would have like, but it was better than keeping them in storage.
• Beg, borrow , but don’t steal. Ask your family or friends if they have items such as luggage, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear to loan you for your trip. On my first two-week overland trip in Africa, I was using a friend’s backpack, sleeping bag, and rolling mat. I saved tons of cash and reaped the benefits from the quality of their very expensive gear.
• Have a clothing swap with your friends or family! When I was working in the fashion industry, some girls and I would get together and bring a pile of clothing we no longer wanted. We traded one-for-one and had a brand new selection of clothing while clearing out old items we no longer wanted. You can apply this same principle to anything. I held a Freecycle event in Koh Phangan, Thailand, the first recycling event on the island, and people brought stuff they no longer wanted and people could take anything for free. It’s a fun way to shop sustainably.
• Sign up for “free” online sites where people give away things they no longer need. It may be a long shot for you to find that perfect suitcase, but you never know. Give it a shot. Sites with free merchandise include Craigslist, local Couchsurfing forums, and freecycle.org.
• Check out online sites such as eBay, Craigslist (US), Gumtree (UK), and Local Swap/Sales Groups on Facebook. People sell a variety of stuff. I’ve seen Eagle Creek backpacks, The North Face trousers, and other outdoor goods for sale. Likewise, if you buy items for a trip that you only plan to use once, sell them on these sites and make some money back. I want to do this with my collection of Osprey Bags, but I can’t bring myself to part with them even though I could probably get a few hundred for them.

• Amazon is an excellent place to score deals on everything from shoes to luggage, underwear, and travel gear. As you’ll read below I do most of my shopping online and at least half my stuff is from Amazon. They have a wide selection and many times items are cheaper here than anywhere else. I’m an Amazon Addict!

For our favorite retailers, check out our best online shopping sites list!

What would you add to this guide to shopping for travel? Comment with your tips below!

For more shopping tips, please read:

• Online Shopping Guide
• How to Shop for Travel Shoes
• 6 Places to Get Cheap Plus Size Clothing for Travel
• 7 Essential Travel Clothing Brands

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Shopping and city breaks inspiration

From lively markets to dazzling skyscrapers and megamalls

Whether you’re looking for a weekend city break in hotspots like Singapore and Cape Town, a unique shopping trip in retail hubs like Tokyo, Paris and Shanghai, or a tour around the world’s iconic city attractions from London to Rome, our shopping and city breaks will take you there.

Get away on a short city break

Need a break? We’ll take you on a big city tour in just a few days. Discover the European icons like London, Paris, Amsterdam and Rome, or take a break in Singapore’s gardens or Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. You could even combine the city with nature on our short city breaks in Tokyo and Mount Fuji, Sydney and the Blue Mountains, or Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.

Relax with some retail therapy

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop with our city shopping breaks. Stroll down Nakamise shopping street in Tokyo, hit the megamalls of Bangkok, walk down New York’s 5th Avenue, explore the chic boutiques of the French Riviera, or search for treasures in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. Whether you prefer luxury buys or vintage finds, there’s a shopping trip waiting for you.

Get the most out of your city break

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a week, our city breaks are packed with as much adventure as you can handle. You could go from Kensington Palace to Stonehenge, or discover both Bangkok and Saigon in a few days, glide up Table Mountain then sip wine in Stellenbosch, or see the highlights of Rome, Vatican City and even Pompeii in one thrilling week.

The best city breaks unlocked for you

Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

All you need to know about Shopping and City Breaks

How to plan for a weekend city break.

If you’re short on time, you can still make the most of it with a weekend city break to cities like London, Sydney, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, Rome or even Devon and Cornwall. Check out our city breaks for inspiration, then choose your favorite Trafalgar trip, pack your bags, and you're on your way!

What are the popular cities for city breaks?

If you’re itching for a city tour, you can’t go wrong with some of the world’s most popular cities. Bangkok, Paris and London were the top three most-visited cities last year, with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York City, Istanbul, Tokyo, Osaka, Phuket, Milan and Barcelona all making up the top 20 most-visited cities.

Where should I go for a weekend city break in Europe?

There are endless choices for your weekend break in Europe. We love to go shopping in London, walk down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, wander the canals in Amsterdam, see the ancient sights of Rome and relax in the pubs of Dublin.

Where to go for a winter city break?

If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland with snowy streets, cosy cafes, twinkling lights and festive cheer, look no further than the European cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Dresden, Lucerne and Zurich, along with the Scandinavian cities like Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki. We also love St. Petersburg in Russia and Reykjavik in Iceland.

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One Hundred Dollars a Month

Join Mavis Butterfield for vegetable gardening and canning tips, easy recipes, and saving money strategies (Rug hooking, too!). Simple living at its best!

How to Plan A Grocery Shopping Trip

By Mavis Butterfield on March 30, 2022 - 23 Comments

I first shared these money saving tips back in 2017, but with grocery prices at an all time high, I thought I’d share these ideas again. Because seriously, who wants to pay more for something if they don’t have to? 

You’ve made your grocery budget and you are determined to stick to it. And then you walk into the grocery store and it all unravels. Sometimes even the best laid budget plans go awry if you aren’t fully prepared.

Here’s a short list the things I do to try and make sure my budget and my grocery store total match up on each trip:

Also, take that list off the fridge where you’ve been jotting down what you’ve run out of and search for coupons and sales for those items specifically.

Be sure to account for daily snacks, and all 3 meals as well as drinks for each meal and desserts, too {can’t forget the best part!}.

Shop before you shop: Once you have your weekly menu all planned out, head to the pantry and your freezer and shop there first.

You can also reverse this and build your menu around what you have on hand, but if you like to mix it up weekly or try new menu items, you’ll build your menu in this order and then shop from your pantry.

You’ve checked sale items, planned out your entire menu and even checked to see what ingredients you already have on hand. Now you finalize your list.

That works for fruit, too. If you have strawberries as a snack and you get to the store to find strawberries are crazy spendy but they have apples at rock bottom prices, switch out your snack items. But replace, don’t add onto the list.

Shop alone . I know this is easier said than done, but if at all possible, leave the kiddos at home. It’s easier to stick to a list and avoid junk and flashy packaging when their cute little faces aren’t staring up at you.

Don’t shop when you’re hungry or tired : You’re much more likely to impulse buy when you’re tired and hungry. Fuel up before you go. Even if it means stopping and paying $2.29 for a jelly donut and a hot tea at the Market Basket Cafe before you start your shopping. 😉

And there you have the tips I always use. Are there any tips that you use that I missed? If so, we’d all love to hear about them. 

Keep calm and save on,

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy . Thank you for supporting One Hundred Dollars a Month.

March 30, 2022 at 8:58 am

I would add do not be afraid of marked down meat. If it expires the next day use it up that day or repackage and freeze. I try to shop early mornings so I get a chance at what ever they marked down. Yesterday I got 2 lbs of 85% Hamburg for 1.99 a pound. I made a large batch of meatballs. I used some for dinner and froze the rest.

March 30, 2022 at 1:12 pm

Me too! I always find random but tasty things here that sometimes challenge and stretch my cooking skills!

April 1, 2022 at 7:16 am

I do this as well!

July 29, 2022 at 2:50 pm

That’s a great tip. I’ve forgotten to repackage in the past. Also seasoning the meat before you freeze it saves you time.

March 30, 2022 at 9:03 am

I’m a sucker for the reduced produce. rack (at Market Basket). Of course, it’s hit or miss and you have to be really careful about getting bad stuff, but if I find something interesting, I’ll plan to make it for dinner asap. Last week, I got a ton of gorgeous mushrooms for a couple bucks and 2 medium heads of broccoli for $.89. I made a yummy stroganoff last night with steamed broccoli. I know reduced produce isn’t for everyone, but I strangely enjoy the anticipation and challenge (I need a life!).

Yesterday, I went to my local Lidl, and was really taken aback by how empty the shelves were. I edited my list from a stock-up trip to just the essentials, and I had to make a few more expensive substitutions just to get that done. I will try again at the end of the week or over the weekend. The prices at Lidl make the inconvenience of a second trip worth it, but I’d never seen NO milk or eggs! Your points are all good ones, especially if you have to split a shopping run into multiple trips because of shortages or shipping delays.

Rosemary Calhoun says

March 30, 2022 at 9:10 am

I have heard many people say that they make a list and then forget it at home. Here is a quick solution to that – take a photo of your list with your phone! (Most of us do not leave home without our phone). The other thing I would suggest is to take a photo of what’s in your pantry. It is helpful if the pantry is organized but even if it isn’t, a photo might help you remember what you need (if you forgot to write it down). I have also done this with my yarn supply – it helps me to see at a glance what colors I need when I am at the store. There was a time when I could remember this kind of stuff . . . oh well . . . ha ha ha.

March 30, 2022 at 10:38 am

I use a list app on my phone that allows you to store multiple lists. I can arrange the items by category, include quantity, etc. I can also share the lists with my husband, so I can see if he already picked up milk or whatever, and it’s easy to see if the other person added something to the list.

March 31, 2022 at 1:14 pm

What is the app you use? I’ve tried a few and haven’t liked them.

March 31, 2022 at 1:23 pm

It’s called Out of Milk. It’s not perfect, but it works for me.

March 30, 2022 at 10:56 am

Also, you can shop online for pickup. That really helps us avoid impulse buying.

Bonnie Baine says

March 30, 2022 at 11:08 am

when i can i buy in bulk and can or freeze items. yesterday i was able to get a whole pork tenderloin for 1.79 per lb. cut up 5 bags for chops and canned 10 pints for various meals. also a 40 lb. case of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. also canned and froze those. am set for meat for the rest of the year. this is my first attempt at canning meat, but i think it is a good idea in case the power is interrupted and your freezer goes down. also we have a lot of orchards around here and we can get seconds of apples and peaches. every little bit helps.

March 30, 2022 at 11:51 am

I love shopping the weekly sales ad and stocking up. My goal is to never pay full price. It’s like a sad little game I play.. lol Lg packages of meat that I find on sale are divided and frozen. Ground beef on sale is made up into meatloaf, taco meat, meatballs as soon as I get home and frozen for easy freezer meals. I also try to hit Aldi for milk, eggs, etc, the basics that don’t normally run on sale at my local store.

March 30, 2022 at 1:29 pm

I like playing that “game” too! Although, it seems to be getting harder to do lately . . .but, hey, I love a challenge!

March 30, 2022 at 3:15 pm

Don’t be afraid to ask about discounting meats/dairy that are close to expiration date. I noticed milk about to expire according to the date(lasts much longer, actually) and got it for $.99/gal!! Be brave 🙂

Linda Sand says

March 30, 2022 at 3:57 pm

If you can/freeze, buy the bushels of bruised fruit and make your own applesauce, smoothie ingredients, etc.

March 30, 2022 at 4:59 pm

One strategy I have employed is I keep track of what day of the week I find good deals/markdowns/managers specials at my local grocery store. For example, by keeping track, I have found veggies are most likely to be discounted on Monday, milk discounted on Tuesday, yogurt and other dairy on Wednesday and meat on Friday. So, I have my list I’m definitely buying based on what’s on sale and then I’ll choose to go shopping on the day of the week that’s most likely to have discount items I’m low on. So, if I’m low on meat, I shop on Friday that week to hopefully find something to stock up on!

March 31, 2022 at 7:18 pm

Thank you for that. I will have to keep an eye out for sale days

Sandra Taylor says

March 30, 2022 at 5:35 pm

I find shopping around 10 or 11 in the am works best where i am at..I find a variety of meats marked down to half price or less..I buy a few different items, date an rotate my freezer..an I have a few neighbors that are low /senior income so I share…

Mona McGinnis says

March 31, 2022 at 9:43 am

I’ve been grocery shopping every 3 wks in the past yr. & actually averaged less per week than in the previous year. I only look at flyers the week I go shopping. This keeps me out of the stores between the big shop as some of those deals are hard to avoid if I know about them. I keep a running list as items on the shelves at home are depleted & I know what needs replenishing. I will buy extra when I come across a good sale. I once committed to eating down the protein in the freezer before putting any more in & it took 6 months.

KATHY HORT says

March 31, 2022 at 2:17 pm

This isn’t really about a shopping trip but semi related. During the pandemic many government programs changed their income guidelines so where you may not have qualified for benefits before, you possibly can now. I utilize a monthly program from a food bank here in the PNW. The income for a family of 2 is $68,000 to qualify. Once a month, I drive up and they load my car with groceries. Many items are carb heavy but what I can’t use, I donate to a program that helps homeless teens in my area so nothing goes to waste. Then I build my menus and shopping list around what I have received. Last month, it was a huge pork loin, a 5 pound bag of shrimp, a bag of whitefish filets, chicken hindquarters, cheddar cheese, butter and frozen corn plus always a box of staples like rice, canned fruits, veggies and beans, dried fruit and peanut butter. Its worth looking into and as I said the income guidelines are quite generous.

March 31, 2022 at 7:21 pm

Hi Kathy. I also live in the PNW but am not sure of the program. I am in Whatcom County. What agency should I look for to take advantage also. I am on a limited income here. thank you.

March 31, 2022 at 11:13 pm

I volunteer at a food pantry in Michigan. While we receive food donations from individuals, the bulk of the food is bought from a larger regional food bank (like a distribution center for the area food pantries). Some of the food is from the USDA. Since this food is from the federal government, we must follow their guidelines for distributing food. There is currently NO INCOME REQUIREMENT to receive food. In fact, our clients do not have to fill out any paperwork to receive assistance. So if your family is in need of food assistance, please call one of your local food pantries. Go to 211.org to locate resources near you.

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Lesson Plan: A Shopping Trip

Time: approximately 90 minutes

Level: Beginner

Objective: Students will be able to use and understand common expressions related to shopping.

Materials: fake money. shopping lists (below), picture card sets (see below)

Review polite vocabulary and the following forms:

• How can I help you?
• Do you need help with anything?
• I would like…/I’d like…
• Do you have any…
• Could I please have…
• I’m looking for a …
• Will that be all for you?
• Did you need anything else today?
• Cash or credit?
• Thank you. Have a nice day.

Tell the students they all live in the same small town and they are going shopping today. They will have to visit several different stores. Half of the students are shop keepers, one each at the following stores:

Green’s Produce Market

Fine Clothing by Michele

Maxine’s Cafe

The Home & Office Shop

Each student from the other half of the class receives a “shopping list” and $250 cash.

Shop keepers receive a set of picture cards for their store. When a customer buys an item, the shopkeeper gives the customer that card. Shop keepers set their own prices, but items should be reasonably priced. Students are given 20-25 minutes to buy everything on their list. Each student must visit each shop. If they need to wait on line, they should make small talk with their neighbors.

Once all the customers have finished shopping, have students change roles (the shop keepers become the customers) and repeat the process.

At the end of class, bring the whole class back together to review vocabulary. You could also ask some generic questions (What was the most expensive item you bought?, etc.).

Shopping List #1

• a pair of jeans
• a pair of slippers
• a bell pepper
• an eggplant
• a pair of scissors
• a clipboard
• Stop by the cafe for something to drink.

Shopping List #2

• a chili pepper
• a floppy disk
• Stop by the cafe for something to eat and drink.

Shopping List #3

• a pair of shoes
• paper clips
• a magnifying glass
• a fountain pen
• Stop by the cafe for a snack.

Shopping List #4

• a pencil sharpener
• a briefcase

Shopping List #5

• a calculator
• Stop by the cafe for lunch.
• Why do teachers allow "inventive spelling" while essay writing?
• Write an interpretive essay that analyzes literature from the perspective of a quotation.
• Great Gatsby Chart
• Pronouns usage reflect gender roles, so how have these changed as products of a cultural revolution??n

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How to Make a Cheap, Healthy Grocery List For Your Next Shopping Trip

Plus, 50 items you can include.

How to Make a Healthy, Affordable Grocery List

Meat and fish, frozen foods, refrigerated section, packaged foods.

Javier Zayas/Getty Images

When you’re on a budget, grocery shopping can be a challenging endeavor. Seriously, food prices have never been higher, especially for superfoods or ultra-healthy ingredients. But the good news is that you don’t actually need to buy those trendy foods to cook healthy meals . There are plenty of affordable and healthy ingredients still to be found at the supermarket. As a registered dietitian, I’ve got you covered with this list of 50 healthy grocery store finds that won’t break the bank – as well as some general shopping tips to help you along the way.

When it comes to putting together a cheap, healthy grocery list, I like to tie in the concepts of balanced eating and meal planning. While balanced eating looks slightly different for everyone, it generally means that meals and snacks provide an appropriate array of both macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds) for the body. A great way to conceptualize this is through the plate method, which shows what a meal or snack plate should generally resemble. The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate is a great reference for this. It illustrates a plate filled with one quarter whole grains , one quarter healthy protein , and half fruits and vegetables. It also encourages the consumption of healthy fats and water.  Eating this way will not only help you get the nutrients you need, but also help you avoid those you don’t—like excessive amounts of added sugar, sodium , and saturated and trans fats. With this notion of balanced eating in mind, we can focus on meal planning to create a healthy grocery list. First, take stock of what you already have in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry that can be used in the coming week—a key money-saving step many often overlook. Then, outline what you’d like to whip up for meals and snacks for the week. Consider using leftover ingredients from recipes earlier in the week to create meals later in the week for bigger savings. An example would be using leftover roasted chicken and veggies from Monday’s dinner and to make quesadillas on Wednesday. While the logistics of this step can be intimidating for some, it’s crucial to not overspending on foods you don’t have a plan for. Once you have your recipes in tow, you can start making your grocery list! I like to write out the specific amounts of ingredients I need to avoid accidentally over-purchasing.

Your Go-To Cheap, Healthy Grocery List

So, without further ado, here’s an easy and approachable shopping list for those on a budget. Even if you aren’t able to make a meal plan before heading to the store, you should be able to put together plenty of breakfasts , lunches, dinners, and snacks from this list.

Bananas: When it comes to produce, it doesn’t get much cheaper than bananas . Full of fiber, potassium , magnesium, and vitamin B6, bananas encourage better gut, heart, and sleep health. They serve as the perfect standalone snack, or as an addition to smoothies, oatmeal, chia pudding, or pancakes in the morning.

Cabbage: Often at less than a dollar per pound, you can get a lot of bang for your buck with cabbage . This humble veggie is packed with loads of vitamin K , vitamin C, and fiber to support healthy blood clotting, immune health, and digestive health. Cabbage is the perfect way to add nutrition to soups, stews, salads, and stir fries.

Apples: There is usually at least one type of apple on sale at any one time at the grocery store. Apples’ high fiber content will leave you feeling satisfied, while its vitamin C and plant compound content help to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. These family favorites are delicious when paired with peanut butter as a snack or sliced and added to salads, oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods. 

Leave the skins on for added value and nutrition.

Onions: Not only are onions cheap, but they also stay fresh in dark, cool storage for months on end,  making them a great investment. They offer plenty of fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid , as well as modest amounts of iron and calcium to champion immune, gut, bone, and heart health. There are so many dishes that utilize onion as a flavor base including pastas, soups, salads, casseroles, dips, curries…the list could go on and on.

Broccoli: As one of the least expensive members of the brassica vegetable family, broccoli is a value-added purchase. This is thanks, in part, to the impressive array of nutrients it contains including fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folic acid, and plant compounds. These combine to benefit our eye, immune, heart, and metabolic health. Broccoli is super tasty roasted with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and lemon juice as a side, or as an addition to egg recipes, rice dishes, pasta, soups, casseroles, and more. 

To get the most out of your broccoli purchase, slice up the stem and add it to recipes – it’s totally edible (and yummy).

Garlic: Similar to onions, garlic is typically not too pricey and lasts for several weeks at room temperature. Most of garlic’s nutrition comes from bioactive plant compounds that help to reduce bodily inflammation and fight off disease-causing free radicals. Garlic adds depth of flavor to sauces, marinades, veggie side dishes, stews, pastas, dressings , and so much more.

Oranges: Citrus fruits, especially oranges , can be pretty inexpensive, particularly during the winter months when they’re in season. As an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium , oranges help boost immune, gut, eye, and bone health. They serve as a delicious snack or addition to salads, sauces, marinades, and baked goods.

Zucchini: Zucchini grow like wildfire in the summer months and their price reflects it. Not only are they super tasty, but zucchini are rich in water, plant compounds, fiber, and vitamin C, benefitting skin, immune, and digestive health. These summer squash are delicious grilled as a side, or added to pasta bakes, soups, casseroles, salads, and stir fries.

Cucumber: The beloved cucumber is usually pretty reasonably priced year-round given its popularity. If its crunch factor doesn’t draw you in, cucumber’s water, fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C content will. These nutrients combine to boost immune, digestive, and heart health. Cucumbers are fantastic as crudités, or added to slaw, salad, or cold soup recipes

Green Beans: As a veggie that can be enjoyed raw in salads and slaws, or cooked in casseroles, pastas, soups, and more, green beans are pretty reliably inexpensive. Plus, their high fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K content help to boost digestive, metabolic, eye, heart, and immune health .

Sweet Potatoes: While white potatoes are slightly cheaper, sweet potatoes are still super affordable and boast more impressive nutrition stats. This is thanks to the orange tuber’s fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and plant compound content to support better gut, immune, and eye health. Sweet potatoes can be mashed or roasted for an easy side, stuffed with taco toppings for a quick dinner, or added to soups, casseroles, and grain bowls. 

Leave the skins on for better value and benefits.

Melon: Whether it be watermelon , cantaloupe , or honeydew, most melons you’ll find at the market are typically very reasonably priced. All melons are excellent sources of fiber, water, and vitamin C to aid in better skin, gut, and immune health. They are terrific sliced as a snack, or added to fruit salads or desserts. Buy melon uncut for the best price.

Farmed Salmon: Though salmon may cost more per pound than ground beef, the nutrients it contains makes it well worth it. These include heart-healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids , as well as plenty of muscle-building protein and metabolism-supporting B vitamins. And while you may think farmed salmon is less safe than wild, that actually isn’t always the case. Many fish farming establishments are able to control the fish’s environment to ensure less contaminants and pollutants in their final product. Still, it is important to buy salmon from a trusted retailer. Salmon is excellent roasted , grilled, poached, broiled, pan fried, or simply baked.

Ground Turkey: When looking to cut down on your red meat intake, ground turkey is not only an ideal swap, it’s also affordable! Plus, it's packed with protein and B vitamins to support tissue growth, repair, and development, as well as metabolism and immunity. Opt for as lean a variety as possible for a lower saturated fat and dietary cholesterol ingredient for tacos, sauces, pastas, casseroles, lettuce wraps, salads, and more.

Pork Loin: As the only red meat on the list, pork loin is one of the leanest options you can find that is still budget-friendly. While pork tenderloin will be the leanest, pork loin is still pretty low in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol (especially if you cut off any visible fat before cooking) and offers plenty of protein and B vitamins for tissue and metabolic health. Rub this cut of meat in herbs and spices and roast, grill, or pan fry it.

Chicken Thighs: While not the leanest cut of poultry, chicken thighs are still plenty nutritious and easy on the pocketbook. Chicken thighs are high in protein, B vitamins, and selenium to support metabolism, immunity, and tissue health. Easy ways to reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol content of these is to either buy skinless thighs, or remove the skin prior to cooking. Yummy ways to enjoy chicken thighs include braising, grilling, or baking, and adding to pastas, soups, stir fries, and salads.

Frozen Berries: If you love smoothies , then frozen berries are a must-buy. Not only are they way cheaper than fresh, but they will stay good for at least six months (if they last that long). Plus, berries are super high in antioxidant-rich plant compounds, vitamin C, and fiber to boost immune and gut health. Outside of smoothies, frozen berries can be added to baked goods, oatmeal, cold cereal, pancakes, waffles, and sauces.

Frozen Spinach: Compared to fresh, frozen spinach is a much better buy when saving money is top of mind. This is especially true when you consider how much spinach cooks down. Plus, this green is high in iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, calcium, folic acid, and plant compounds to support immune, blood, heart, bone, and gut health. Frozen spinach is a wonderful addition to soups, pastas, casseroles, smoothies, and savory pies.

Frozen Mango: Another smart buy is frozen mango over fresh. Not only will it last a lot longer in the freezer, but it is significantly cheaper. Mango (fresh or frozen) is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and plant compounds to aid in better immune, eye, heart, and gut health. Frozen mango is also phenomenal in smoothies as well as sorbet, a handful of baked goods, and overnight oats .

Frozen Cauliflower: Frozen cauliflower is another way to skirt the cost of the fresh stuff. Plus, it’s full of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, and vitamin K to encourage gut, heart, immune, metabolic, and blood health. Frozen cauliflower can be roasted up as a side, or added to rice dishes, pastas, and soups. You can even defrost it and rice it for a low-carb swap..

Frozen Mixed Vegetables: The classic frozen veggie mix (usually carrots , peas, corn, and green beans) is an excellent grab for both cost savings and convenience. Plus, you’ll find plenty of fiber, protein, vitamin C, and plant compounds in this iconic blend to support tissue, gut, and immune health. My favorite dishes for this frozen blend include pot pie, fried rice, and vegetable noodle soup.

Frozen Fish: If fresh fish is out of your budget, frozen fish may be a better alternative. Whether it’s salmon or another fish, you’ll be sure to find plenty of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, tissue-building protein, and B vitamins for healthy metabolism in your choice. Frozen fish can be added to soups, stews, pastas, or (my favorite) baked and drizzled with lemon, salt, and pepper.

Frozen Edamame: While fresh edamame can be hard to find at many grocery stores, frozen edamame is both inexpensive and readily available. Plus, it boosts gut, heart, and immune health with the fiber, vitamin K, folate, potassium, magnesium, and iron it contains. I turn to frozen edamame as an easy snack (sprinkled with salt), or as an addition to soups, stir fries, and rice dishes. Just be sure to shell it first.

Sauerkraut: Not all condiments have to be sauces, and sauerkraut is the perfect example. This zippy fermented cabbage also tends to be relatively inexpensive too. Sauerkraut has all the same nutrition as cabbage (highlighted above) but with the major added bonus of healthy bacteria, also known as probiotics , to support gut health. I use sauerkraut to top proteins and salads, but honestly enjoy it right out of the jar as a quick snack.

Tofu: One of the first changes I made as a poor college student back in the day was to swap animal-based proteins out for tofu . And boy, did it make a huge difference—we’re talking a fraction of the price. Plus, tofu is rich in protein, fiber, and plant compounds to support healthy energy levels as well as gut and immune health. Tofu can be baked, grilled, or sautéed to then be added to noodle dishes, soup, salad, or grain bowls.

Miso Paste: Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste full of rich umami flavor. While the upfront cost may seem a little high, this seasoning agent will last up to a year in the fridge, increasing its value. It’s rich in manganese and probiotics for better gut and immune health, but is higher in sodium, so use in moderation. Miso paste adds unctuous flavor to sauces, marinades, soups, and more.

Yogurt: Staying on the probiotic train, yogurt is another cheap but nutritious option. Yes, it’s high in probiotics, but also offers protein and phosphorus for tissue and bone health. Yogurt can be enjoyed with fruit, granola, or pancakes, and can be added to baked goods, sauces, dressings, and marinades. 

Opt for plain yogurt for cost savings and culinary flexibility.

Eggs: No affordable grocery list would be complete without the addition of eggs . This cheap source of protein, immune-boosting vitamin D, and metabolism-supporting B vitamins is delicious in a myriad of breakfast dishes, as well as baked goods, fried rice, noodle dishes, and more.

Butter: While butter isn’t the healthiest ingredient, it is a staple in many households across the nation. Though it is higher in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, which are historically tied to heart disease, recent research has found conflicting evidence around this claim. That said, given that there is other research finding these fats do not support heart health, we want to use butter sparingly (which increases its affordability).

Milk: Whether you choose cow’s milk or an alternative, many milks on the market offer similar nutrition in this day and age of fortification – including protein, calcium, and vitamin E to support tissue, bone, and immune health. Milk can be used in cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, sauces, and more.

Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is by far my favorite kind of cheese. Not only is it affordable, but it tends to be lower in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, and it includes probiotics. This in combination with the protein, B vitamins, and calcium it contains helps to boost gut, tissue, metabolic, and bone health. Enjoy cottage cheese in baked goods, or topped with fruit, salt and pepper, or your favorite veggies.

Nitrate-Free Turkey Slices: Most options at the deli counter aren’t exactly budget-friendly but nitrate-free turkey slices can be a convenient choice, saving you time (and time is money!). The nitrates found in processed meats can be harmful to our health so it’s best to buy a nitrate-free brand to yield all the benefits associated with turkey (highlighted above). These are delicious on salads, sandwiches, and in lettuce wraps.

Canned Tomatoes: I always have canned tomatoes in my pantry, as they’re cheap, versatile, and super healthy. This is thanks to the fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C they contain to boost gut and immune health. Canned tomatoes make a quick pasta sauce, soup, or casserole addition.

Whole Grain Oats: A great way to cheat the prices of oatmeal packets is to buy a big container of oats and make oatmeal at home. Oats are high in fiber, protein, and B vitamins to support healthy digestion, energy, and metabolism. They are delicious as oatmeal, overnight oats, or in a plethora of baked goods.

Mustard: Few condiments beat mustard , in my opinion. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and a better choice than many of its counterparts thanks to low saturated fat and cholesterol content (though, do be cautious of sodium here). Use it to top sandwiches and burgers, or to make salad dressing, aioli, and marinades.

Popcorn Kernels: Buying popcorn kernels and popping them at home is a great way to avoid the cost of microwave popcorn at the store. Plus, popcorn is a super source of fiber for better digestive health. 

Dried Italian Seasoning: My favorite all-in-one dried seasoning is italian seasoning . This blend is a great value, as it combines many dried herbs that you may otherwise buy separately. It’s loaded with anti-inflammatory plant compounds, and can be easily added to pastas, soups, casseroles, and even breads.

Canned Tuna: Canned goods are a great way to save some cash, and canned tuna is no exception. This omega-3 fatty acid, protein, and B vitamin-rich choice boosts immune, heart, and metabolic health. Canned tuna is great in salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and even pastas, too!

Dried Lentils: The cheapest way to buy legumes, whether it be peas, beans, or lentils, is definitely in dried form. Lentils are an excellent source of fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, and potassium to benefit gut, heart, and immune health, and they’re delicious in soups, stews, dal, and homemade veggie burgers (though, be sure to soak and cook them first!).

Whole Wheat Pasta: While white pasta is cheaper, whole wheat pasta has way more nutrition, increasing its value. This nutrition includes fiber, protein, B vitamins, and plant compounds to champion gut, tissue, and immune health. Pasta recipes can range from mac and cheese to pasta bakes, or even soup.

Unsweetened Dried Cranberries: Dried fruit is a great value thanks to its long shelf life. Unsweetened dried cranberries are one of the most nutritious options thanks to the fiber, plant compounds, and vitamin C they contain to benefit gut and immune health. These are perfect on their own as a snack, or added to baked goods and homemade trail mix.

Whole Wheat Bread: No grocery trip would be complete without grabbing a loaf of bread, and whole wheat bread is not only affordable, but among the most nutritious of the available options. It has a similar nutrition profile to whole wheat pasta, and can be used for sandwiches, croutons, meatballs, and French toast.

Almonds: Among all the nut options, almonds are top-tier when it comes to both price and nutrition. Packed with protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, and vitamin E, almonds encourage better heart, metabolic, gut, and immune health – especially if they’re unsalted. These can be snacked on alone, or added to salads, baked goods, oatmeal, trail mix, and breading for protein.

Unsweetened Applesauce: If fresh apples aren’t available or aren’t on sale, applesauce is a great alternative when looking to save money. With the same nutrition profile as apples, (highlighted above), applesauce can be enjoyed as is or added to baked goods, smoothies, oatmeal, and pancakes in the morning.

Canned Peaches in Fruit Juice: It’s no secret that fresh peaches are pricey, but canned peaches are a great way to still enjoy the fuzzy fruits on a budget. Full of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, peaches help to support gut and immune health. It’s important to choose peaches packed in fruit juice, as opposed to sugar syrup, to avoid the negative health impacts of added sugar. These are so yummy as a snack, added to baked goods, or stirred into warm oatmeal.

Brown Rice: While brown rice is slightly more costly compared to white rice , the price is worth it for the added nutrition it contains, including fiber, protein, B vitamins, selenium, manganese, and potassium to boost gut, metabolic, heart, and immune health. Brown rice is delicious in stir fries, grain bowls, casseroles, soups, and stews.

Canned Chickpeas: If soaking and cooking your own beans isn’t your jam, canned beans like chickpeas is a great, cost-effective alternative. Plus, they're packed with protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, and plant compounds for gut, immune, and metabolic health. Be sure to rinse them before use to lower their sodium content, then add them to falafel, soups, pastas, or salads.

Olive Oil: A staple pantry item, olive oil is both healthy and affordable. It’s full of heart-healthy unsaturated fats and immune-boosting vitamin E to be added to salad dressings, marinades, soups, or used to roast or sauté proteins and veggies.

Anchovies: Anchovies often don’t receive the spotlight they deserve as an inexpensive and super nutritious option. This is thanks to the protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium content to support tissue, heart, and immune health. I love to use anchovies in homemade Caesar salad dressing, pasta puttanesca, and a Nicoise salad.

Peanut Butter: And finally, we have peanut butter . This budget-friendly classic is rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, iron, and B vitamins to champion muscle, gut, immune, and metabolic health – just be sure to choose a sugar-free option. Good old PB can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, sandwiches, and baked goods – or used to dip fruit into.

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Business Intelligence and FMCG Glossary : #shoppingtrip

Shopping Trip

What is a “shopping trip” or shopping mission.

The concept of shopping trip is one of the fundamental elements of shopper marketing . Understanding how and when the shopper is interested in the category makes it possible to adapt the offer and the distribution strategy.

The same buyer can buy the same product in a very different way depending on

• The opportunity
• The necessity
• The recipient

Shopping trips are groupings of similar purchasing behaviors at the point of sale. There are as many shopping trips as there are shoppers and reasons to buy.

It is different to buy a pack of beer on your way back home for personal consumption than to do it to receive friends. It is also very unlikely for a family to make a big monthly purchase in a convenience store or, on the contrary, to visit a hypermarket to buy only 1 liter of soda.

Click here to know more about the shopping trip…

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Costco’s 8 Best Clothing Deals in April 2024

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Visiting the clothing department is a must during your April shopping trip at Costco. Starting April 10 through May 5, Costco members will receive big savings on apparel and shoes to add to their wardrobes ahead of the spring season.

What’s going to be on sale? Read on to see which clothing deals you can’t pass up at Costco .

Weatherproof Vintage Men’s Tech Pant

• Price: $11.97

Originally priced at $16.97, members receive $5 off manufacturer’s savings on their purchase of Weatherproof vintage men’s tech pants.

These pants feature a flex waistband and several pockets. There are two front-hand pockets and two back pockets with one having a zipper closure. Several men’s sizes and colors, including tan, black and blue, are available to choose from.

Unionbay Men’s Cargo Short

• Price:   $14.99

Starting April 10, Unionbay men’s cargo shorts will be $4 off their original online price of $18.99.

These cargo shorts come in tan, gray, blue and green colors with several men’s sizes available to shop. Each pair of cargo shorts features secure, oversized back pockets with Velcro closure, a flex waist and a relaxed fit.

32 Degrees Men’s Cool Tee

• Price: $9.99

Originally priced online at $13.99, Costco members will be able to save $3 off their purchase of 32 Degrees men’s cool tees.

Each pack includes three short-sleeve, lightweight tees. Pick from the white pack with three white tees or the black pack with three black tees. Men’s sizes range from small to XX-large.

Mondetta Ladies’ Active Ribbed Bike Short

• Price: $11.99

Bike ride in style with Mondetta ladies’ active ribbed bike shorts. Originally priced online at $14.99, Costco members receive $3 off their purchase.

Each pair of bike shorts features side pockets, an inner drawcord at the waistband and moisture wicking. Shop a wide range of women’s sizes and choose from several colors including black, green and pink.

32 Degrees Ladies’ Tech Skort

• Price:   $11.99

Starting April 10, 32 Degrees ladies’ tech skort will be $3 off its original online price of $14.99.

Skorts, as a fashion refresher, are shorts with a flap across the front to give off the appearance of looking like a skirt. Each skort features two front pockets and a side zippered pocket. Colors to shop include black, blue, purple and beige available in women’s sizes ranging from X-small to 3X.

Briggs Ladies’ Linen Blend Pant

• Price: $12.99

Ease into the warmth of the spring season with Briggs ladies’ linen blend pants. Originally priced online at $15.99, Costco members receive $3 off their purchase.

These lightweight pants include two front slash pockets, a comfort stretch paper bag waistband and a faux fly and button closure. A wide variety of women’s pant sizes are available to shop with color options including tan, black and blue.

Banana Republic Ladies’ Blouse

Dress up your work from home ensemble with a Banana Republic ladies’ blouse. Originally priced online at $15.99, Costco members receive $3 off their purchase.

Pick from several colors including red, black, blue and white with plenty of women’s sizes to shop. Each blouse features a rounded hem, a front pleat accent and a below-waist fit.

DV by Dolce Vita Ladies’ Ballet Flat

• Price: $21.99

Now through April 30, Costco members receive $6 off their online purchase of DV by Dolce Vita ladies’ ballet flat. 

Each pair of lightweight flats features a cushioned insole and an easy slip-on style. Choose from beige or black in women’s shoe sizes ranging from size 6 to size 10.

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I’m a Shopping Editor & These Are The Only Vacation Outfits I’d Pack For a Trip

Katie decker-jacoby.

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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I have a trip to Europe booked this summer and I already feel like I’m falling behind on what to pack. I don’t usually buy new clothes for vacation , but perhaps it’s time to change that. Which brand would I trust to provide me with cute vacation outfits ? Reiss , of course!

If you need a little vacation outfit inspiration, I’ve put together my favorite looks for five different activities: a fancy dinner, a casual day, shopping, a beach day, and sightseeing. So keep reading to see what I’ve come up with and why Reiss should be your one-stop shop for all of your spring, summer, and fall vacation outfits.

Fancy Dinner

Etta Linen Corset Midi Dress

Solare Ruched Halterneck Top

There’s something about halterneck tops that screams summertime, and I love how this one features the ruching detail and tiny cutout.

Cleo Garment Dyed Wide Leg Linen Trousers

I’d style the halterneck top with these wide leg linen trousers for an easy, comfortable, and casual vacation outfit. Breezy linen is the perfect fabric for a hot summer destination, while the wide leg silhouette gives off an effortlessly chic vibe.

Tate Cotton Broderie Maxi Dress

Whenever I go shopping, I make sure to wear something I can slip in and out of with ease. I also go with something lightweight and airy so I’m not sweating under heavier garments. Enter the Tate Cotton Broderie Maxi Dress . I can’t think of a better outfit for a cute little vacation shopping spree.

Chrissie Cross Front Cut-Out Swimsuit

Sightseeing.

Mila Linen Double Breasted Belted Playsuit

Finding a romper that’s both stylish and comfy can be a tall order, but the search is well worth it when you land on one as incredible as the Mila Linen Double Breasted Belted Playsuit . The collar, no sleeves, wrap front, and cinched waist are literal perfection. Plus, the woven belt shown on the model is included! I’d complete the sightseeing vacation outfit with oversized sunnies, a floppy hat, a crossbody bag, and flat sandals.

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Spanx Launched a Storefront Filled With Comfy Travel Outfits — These Are Our 11 Top Picks

Don’t miss out on this rare occasion to score plenty of Spanx’s best-selling travel pants, tops, and more before they’re sold out again.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

At Travel + Leisure , time and time again, we’ve looked to Spanx for its next-level comfortable travel clothes . Recently, I finally got my hands on a pair of the Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants and was left nearly speechless after I tried them on (and felt their Oprah-loved buttery soft material ). Spanx is well aware of just how popular its clothes are with travelers, so it curated the ultimate one-stop shop: The Travel Edit , complete with top-rated loungewear for travel days and comfy yet stylish garments to wear throughout your vacation.  

After one scroll through the secret storefront, I’m ready to fill my entire wardrobe with Spanx apparel. Between shaping bathing suits for a cruise, breezy shorts that offer unparalleled comfort, and flattering dresses for a tropical getaway, this shop has everything that you need for your next vacation. For those who are just as interested in revamping your closet like I am, keep reading for my top picks and more from this travel-friendly storefront.

Spanx AirEssentials Crewneck

Offering some of the comfiest travel clothes on the market, Spanx has proven itself as a retailer with some of the most luxurious and top-quality products. One of its standout collections is the AirEssentials line that, according to the brand, offers “super-soft, throw-on-and-go styles that keep your comfort in mind — no matter the destination.​” This is because it is made with four-way stretch and an incredibly lightweight fabric for optimal airflow, allowing for all-day coziness. Everyone needs a great throw-on crewneck in their wardrobe, and if you want one that's equal parts sleek and comfy, you can’t go wrong with this one.  

Spanx AirEssentials Wide-leg Pants

This was my first Spanx garment that began my enduring devotion to the brand, and if there’s one item that I believe that every traveler should have, it's these incredibly flattering pants that offer a type of comfort that I didn’t know was possible. Fortunately, they’re available in sizes XS to 3XL and in petite, regular, and tall inseams, so there’s a fit for everyone. Thanks to the “lighter than air” material and four-way stretch, these pants almost feel like a second skin and that you’ll never want to go on a trip without.

Spanx AirEssentials 4-inch Shorts

And to transition my wardrobe to accommodate the warmer weather, I’m eyeing these shorts that feature the same lightweight and plush material as my favorite pair of Spanx pants, and you should too. With a smoothing waistband and four-way stretch, these are the shorts that you'll want in your wardrobe before you embark on any outdoor activities this year. Available in light gray, navy blue, and coral orange, these shorts will get your suitcase in that spring spirit. 

Spanx AirEssentials Cap-sleeve Tee

I’ll admit it, I have a problem: I only prioritize comfort when it comes to my loungewear, but this storefront is proving that you don’t have to give up garments that feel good for ones that look good, because this trendy tee has both. With its cap-sleeve crewneck design, it can be worn with jeans, shorts, trousers, and more — all while ensuring that you look and feel your best. While I am a huge fan of the stripes, if you want something to seamlessly fit right into a capsule wardrobe, I recommend checking out the all-black version. 

Spanx AirEssentials Boatneck Top

Boatneck tops have been on my trend radar since January , and I'm happy to report that Spanx is recognizing the back-in-style shirts as must-haves for travel as well. The slightly wider neckline boasts an effortlessly flattering look, and reviewers also dubbed Spanx's take on the trendy garment as the “ most comfortable and stylish tops ever. ” If you want to get your hands on one of these tops, you’ll have to act fast because sizes and colors are already selling out. 

Spanx AirEssentials Tie-waist Tank Dress

Spanx is well known for designing clothes that offer unparalleled comfort and a flattering fit, and this tie-waist dress is no exception. According to one shopper , they “will be living in this dress for spring,” and this is their “new favorite dress to grab for everyday wear.” They even went on to gush over how “luxurious and soft” the fabric feels, and how it's the ideal versatile dress for any occasion (it can be dressed down with a pair of stylish kicks just as easily as it can be elevated with a pair of heels). Sounds like the perfect vacation dress, right?

Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge One-piece Swimsuit

As a girl on the curvier side, I feel comfortable complaining about how hard it can be to find a swimsuit that not only feels good, but looks good, too. Some brands just don’t understand how to design a suit for those of us with hips, but if there’s one that I’m confident is up for the job, it's Spanx. In fact, one especially happy buyer wrote that this swimsuit “feels heavenly on and makes me feel so wonderful; the fabric is amazing, [and] feels nice and secure.” I’m considering adding this suit to my cart to wear to the beach and as a quick-drying bodysuit option for hot summer days. 

Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge Swim Dress

If you’re looking for a swimsuit with a bit more coverage, then you need this swim dress that features a flounce skirt for extra protection and a textured fabric that sits beautifully on the skin. As if that wasn’t enough, Spanx’s intentional design philosophy really shines through this dress, as it's equipped with a hidden tie feature to secure the skirt while you’re in the water so it doesn’t ride up. It’s also just as cute of a dress beyond the beach or pool; I’d personally wear it to the pickleball courts, out to lunch, and beyond. 

Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings

Spanx has a ton of iconic, best-selling products in its catalog, but few are as adored as these Booty Boost leggings. Made with the brand’s signature contouring and high-compressive fabric, these celeb-loved workout leggings feature a supportive, high-rise, smoothing waistband that’ll flatter your figure while offering unbeatable coverage. Due to their high demand, they’re often sold out, so as a word of advice, I’d score a pair now while they’re in stock. 

Spanx AirEssentials Half-zip Sweatshirt

Shoppers praise this sweatshirt for its “ soft as a cloud ” comfort that’ll lend itself well to extra chilly flights and breezy early morning walks. This half-zip top is so popular that it’s routinely out of stock, and the brand has even expanded the line to include 10 stunning hues from bright reds to neutral tans. Although it's a bit on the pricier side, it's a high-quality top that’ll last you for seasons to come. And, it pairs well with the Spanx AirEssentials Wide- Leg Pants and Spanx AirEssentials 4-inch Shorts mentioned above, which means that you can build the perfect matching travel outfit. 

Spanx AirEssentials Jumpsuit

We’re huge fans of jumpsuits at T+L — and well, really any ensemble that makes getting out of the door easier. They’re fabulous one-and-done options that take up hardly any room in your suitcase and keep you looking incredibly put together, so it's no surprise that buyers are saying that this wrinkle-free jumpsuit is “ great for travel .”

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