Whether you’re a die hard shopper or just a window browser, Cleveland has just about everything any shopper could ever want. Not only does the city boast more than a handful of respectable shopping malls, its also chock full of great antique stores, specialty shops and pretty much anything you’re looking for.

Start your shopping tour by checking out the malls. Not just your typical mall, the Steelyard Commons Shopping Center sits in the middle of town and offers a day’s worth of activities for the entire family. Originally this area of town was LTV’s number two finishing mill but developers saw that the area could be much more than that and in January of 2007 the Steelyard Commons Shopping Center was opened to the public. In addition to the one million square feet of retail space there are more than a handful of restaurants, miles of hiking and biking trails which connect to the Ohio Erie Canal towpath and it will be the future home to both a playground and a planned Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad stop.

If you’re not interested in a brand new shopping mall, then how about one of America’s first indoor shopping malls and Cleveland’s first skyscraper? Built in 1890 The Arcade is situated in downtown Cleveland between Superior and Euclid Avenues. This historic architectural beauty features two 9-story towers which are connected to one another by an atrium made of glass and metal. There are even gargoyles at the top which watch protectively over the shoppers. In fact, seasoned shoppers may want to make The Arcade their one stop source in Cleveland as you can stay in the building’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, dine in one of the many restaurants or the food court, and shop until your back aches, and then you can visit The Avenue’s in-house Chiropractor.

Another great downtown shopping mecca in Cleveland is Tower City Center which actually boasts that “You can do it all in the heart of Cleveland on Public Square!” This area is a great choice for visitors who don’t want to do a lot of traveling during their stay in Cleveland but they still want to get out and see the sites. You can choose from two hotels, eat at six different full-service restaurants, shop the more than 100 specialty stores, take in a movie at the 11-screen theater or see an event at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City. You can even catch an event at Progressive Field or the Quicken Loans Arena which have convenient access through the connected walkways.

Okay, so you’ve had enough of the shopping malls, and whether they’re brand new or ancient relics, you’re ready to move on. Move a little to the east of Cleveland and you’ll discover Larchmere Boulevard, a totally different experience than the malls, offering a variety of antique stores, bookstores, handcrafted products in little boutiques, folk art and delectable edibles at the local eateries. This strip of independent stores is conveniently located only one block north of Shaker Square.

And speaking of Shaker Square, this octagonal shopping district is one that is not to be missed. Constructed in the 1920’s this is the upscale shopping district of the region. The architects envisioned a shopping and entertainment center much like the ones they had experienced in Europe at the time and selected Georgian and Tudor architecture to match the nearby homes. Shaker Square is the oldest shopping district in Ohio and the second oldest in the nation. It currently holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to Shaker Square will find several art galleries and some truly delightful cafes.

Moving further out of the downtown Cleveland area you’ll find Crocker Park, a shopping area that claims “It’s all happening here”. Just 30 minutes west of Cleveland, Crocker Park is a 75-acre park-like complex with retail stores, restaurants, business offices, and apartments. It’s truly a place that you can move in to and probably never leave. Created in 2004, this shopping district has modern charm stamped all over it with cobblestone walkways, fountains and a town square. In addition to a collection of favorite stores and restaurants, Crocker Park features events to keep residents and visitors amused, expect visits from Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny as well as art openings, book signings and wine tasting events.

If you’re headed east of Cleveland then you’ll find Legacy Village in Lyndhurst is a shoppers must stop location. Another recent creation, built in 2004, the Legacy Village hits all the highlights with shopping, dining and entertainment rolled up into one upscale outdoor mall. Not to be outdone by its local competition, Legacy Village offers a variety of activities for all ages and even features some musical entertainment that is sure to get the toes tapping of visitors as they stroll the shops.

Another east side shopping haven is the Eton Shopping Center in Woodmere Ohio. This shopping center takes the road less traveled by offering its customers stores they’re familiar with but ones that you don’t see in every mall across America, such as Trader Joes, Sur la Table, Smith and Hawken and other upscale chain stores. Dining also tends to be less run of the mill with independent restaurants rather than the traditionally heavy chain fare. In keeping with that individualistic streak, you’ll find the architecture and landscaping divine and very European in flavor, especially with the chess tables that dot the grounds.

Honestly, a shopper could go mad trying to hit all of the Cleveland, Ohio shopping centers. We’ve only listed a few and still missed many very popular retail outlets like Great Lakes Mall, Summit Mall, South Park Center Mall, Parmatown Mall, Great Northern Mall and Beachwood Place Mall, just to name a few. If you’re just dying to shop, no matter what you’re shopping for, you’re certain to find everything you need and a lot of stuff you just have to have in the stores in downtown Cleveland or the surrounding suburbs. A true shopper’s paradise.

Speaking of shopping, be sure to shop for the best hotel deals in Cleveland at Hotels Cheap.

Madison Avenue Shopping

Ann Taylor has several shops in which she sells her high fashion designer clothing. On Madison you can find one at 645 Madison Avenue and 80^th & Madison. The first store was opened in 1945, so they’ve been around for a while and obviously selling what women want to wear. You will find classic clothing in these high end boutiques including separates, suites, dresses as well as shoes and accessories. Much of the clothing found at Ann Taylor’s contains the finest Italian fabrics and yarns.

Valentino, located at 747 Madison Avenue, offers intricate embroidered evening gowns, handbags covered in fur, spike heeled pumps covered in jewels and more. Of course, Valentino’s trade mark of red and black, polka-dots, bows and ruffles are predominate in his gowns. Some of his most popular shoes, however, are the skinny wedges and flats. For the man shopper, there is a line of Italian suits as well as tuxedos and dark evening wear with the Valentino flair.

Yves St. Laurent, located at 855 Madison Avenue, originally designed his clothing before his death in 2008. He was often called the most influential designer of the last 25 years. The modern refined elegant style of S. Laurent continues in the line as seen in the Madison Avenue shop. His habit of taking items of male clothing (jacket or blazer) and mixing them with feminine pieces continues as well.

5^th Avenue Shopping

Disney Store, located at 711 5^th Avenue, always has an air of magic swirling around the store. It can be seen through the windows, drawing you in like a hypnotic trance. If there is an item Disney related, you will find it in this store. It’s a chance to give your adult shopping excursion a break to find something special for your children, a niece or even a friend’s child. If a child has accompanied you or you are just a child at heart, you will want to head up to the 3^rd floor to peruse through the Disney Art Gallery which includes both past and present art pieces.

Saks Fifth Avenue, located at 611 5^th Avenue, is competitive in the high-end retail clothing market. A quality clothing line that was founded in 1865 by Andrew Saks. Many designers create clothing for the Saks series of department stores such as Daniel Franco, Karl Kani, Victoria Bekham, Bono, making it a giant retailer with a styles that satisfy everyone.

Prada, located at 724 5^th Avenue, offers quality Italian leather goods (luggage, shoes and accessories). If the public didn’t know about exquisite Prada shoes, they did after the movie, “The Devil Wears Prada.” Although there is a long list of Prada retailers, the 5^th avenue store is a must-stop-in if your shopping in New York City. The status symbol shoes are luxurious and copied by counterfeiters at the constant frustration of Prada.

Time Square Shopping

M&M World, located at 1600 Broadway, is candy heaven. And if you can’t get enough chocolate there, Hershey’s is right across the street. The 25,000 square foot store bombards you with M&M colors as you walk in the door. With three stories of M&M apparel, art, kitchen gadgets and, oh yeah, candy, you won’t make it out without a 5 lb weight increase.

The MTV Store, located at 1515 Broadway, may be noticed first by the line around the block. But, then when you look up you notice the bright yellow sign that is MTV’s. The line is to participate in the audience of one of MTVs most popular shows, “Total Request Live.” You can purchase MTV souvenirs at their gift shop at the bottom floor. While you are at it buy an “Eat MTV.”

Sanrio, located at 233 West 42^nd Street, is first noticed by it’s bright pink exterior and “Hello Kitty” collection in the window. Most of the store is take over by Japanese “kawaii” (cute). And that means anything “Hello Kitty.” Take your little girl hear and she’ll have twinkle in her eye for ever more. And you will have the credit card bill to prove it. But what joy you will give her.

Lower East Side Shopping

Marmalade, located at 172 Ludlow, is a haven of vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. If you love 70s and 80s clothing to wear alone or to mix in with attire of the 21^st century, this is the place. These vintage treasures are clean and in good repair with plenty of sizes to fit everyone. They have a helpful and friendly staff that is knowledgeable and able to answer questions with great detail.

Bluestockings Radical Books, located at 172 Allen Street, carries all the radical stuff. If vacation means stopping to read a good book, between shopping trips, you will want to stop by Bluestockings. It will give you a chance to browse the shelves for books you don’t find at your local corner bookstore.

Zarin Fabric Warehouse and Home Furnishings, located at 314 Grand Street, is a huge source of designer fabrics for home decorating. If you love interior design and doing your own thing, you could get lost for a whole day in their three floors of fabric and all that’s needed to redo your home at below retail prices. You know it’s the place to check out as it’s been in or mentioned in many TV programs such as “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “What’s Your Sign Design,” “Sex and the City,” “Law and Order,” and many more.

Travel tips:
1. Pick your best and cheapest flight itinerary into either LaGuardia, JFK or Newark airports.
2. Book your hotel through Hotels Cheap to get guaranteed best rates and availability in the New York area.
3. Spend your savings on extra shopping in NYC!

(cc: photo credit: Jordan Chark)

Orlando is not just a paradise, it’s a shopper’s paradise.  There’s great bargains to be found all over the city as well as shopping malls galore.  After a morning of shopping, whether it’s for high-end fashion or discount outlet stores, you’ll be ready to work on your tan in a new bathing suit and out to dinner in a designer gown.

The Mall at Millenia offer Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Macy’s to fulfill Olando’s need for high-end fashion retail.  In addition, new to the mall are Chanel, Gucci, Apple Computer, Tommy Bahama, Cartier and many more.  This mall fills the air with “high-end” aromas as well with dining possibilities such as China Bistro, Cheesecake factory, Brio Tuscan Grill and Panera Bread.  Currently in the works surrounding this unique shopping experience is a five million square foot development to include premier office space, hotel as well as other commercial uses.  Located just one mile north of Florida’s I-4.

Prime 1 Outlets on International Drive features over 125 of the most popular brand outlet stores.  You’ll save big time on all the famous brands such as Armani, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, Gucci and many more.  Besides apparel, you’ll find bargains in shoes, children’s clothing, luggage, leather, home décor and jewelry.

Festival Bay Mall on International Drive has a store directory filled with stores such as Bass Pro Shop, Outdoor World, Sheplers Western Wear.  Take a break and see a movie at one of the seven theaters in this mall.  With a selection of over 80 stores and restaurants, there’s something for everyone.  Leave the kids and dad to have fun at the Putting Edge Fun Center where they can play a round or two of glow-in-the-dark miniature golf.

Point Orlando is the place to shop when you’re tired of the indoor mall scene.  After all, with Florida’s beautiful weather, why spend the day inside.  The entire family will enjoy a shopping trip to Point Orlando with over 40 retail shops and store, numerous restaurants and entertainment for those with a short shopping attention span.  The landscaping of fountains, lush greenery and tall palm trees is like strolling through a park.  There’s even live music at some of the bars and restaurants.

West Oaks Mall offers over 120 stores in one of Orlando’s newest malls.  It’s west Orlando’s biggest shopping mall.  If the kids get antsy, take them over to the soft play area or for a Carousel ride.  If dad’s along, send him to one of the many theaters to see that movie he’s been talking about.

Old Town has over 75 specialty shops and lots of restaurants to choose from.  Best yet, they are only two miles from Walt Disney World.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1950s at this open-air dining, shopping and entertainment attraction.  Dad will love the Saturday Nite Car Cruise.  It features over 300 pre-1973 American vehicles.  Stop for a bit and take a break from shopping with a lunch of old fashioned hamburgers and root beer at the A&W Restaurant.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet Stores treats it’s shoppers up to a 75% savings on famous brands everyone loves such as Carter’s, Bass, Eddie Bauer, OshKosh, VanHeusen. Tommy Hilfiger and so much more.  You’ll find convenient front of the store parking and a relaxed village type shopping arena.  Take a break at World of Coffee for your favorite latte and a pastry snack.  The children will love the special play area.

Downtown Disney Marketplace gives you all the fun of Disney World for shoppers.  Enjoy Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, Disney Days of Christmas, Lego Imagination Center, Once Upon a Toy Store, Mickey’s Mart, Goofy’s Candy Company, Team Mickey Athletic club and more surprises and fun.

The Florida Mall is the largest mall in central Florida, located just minutes from downtown Orlando.  Shop ’til you drop at Champ’s Sports, Bare Essentials, Apple Computer and Mayor’s Jewelers.  Then stop for a bite at California Pizza Kitchen.  Pick up a gift for the pooch you left back home at Just Dogs Gourmet.  If you love shoes, you’ll love browsing and buying at over 25 shoe stores and that number doesn’t include the department stores.

Something Blue is the bridal shop if your planning for an upcoming wedding.  Have a little honeymoon before the wedding and enjoy Orlando’s sun and surf.  But, while you are there find that perfect dress of your dreams.  Something Blue has everything you need to attire your bridal party, flower girl dresses, bridesmaid dresses and all the accessories.  Pick your bridal gown from Amy Kuschel, Carmela Sutera, La Sposa, James Clifford, Tara Keely, Justin Alexander and so many more.

Park Promenade Jewelry offers many fine jewelry choices and is known as one of Orlando’s top jewelers and their diamond showcase.  If you’ve been searching for just the right piece, surely you will find it at Park Promenade Jewelry.

Marie France is a trendy fashion boutique that offers quality clothing, jewelry and accessories at a great price.  You’ll want to visit every time you come to Orlando.  Their merchandise is constantly changing to the newest and most unique items.  They don’t care about labels and logos, but the creative quality of a piece that will spell out exactly who you are when you wear the item you’ve chosen.  They are located on Washington Street in the heart of Thornton Park.

This Olde House will have you tinkering away the hours with so many nooks and crannies to explore.  You’ll go home with the perfect antique or gift for that someone special but difficult to buy for.  Best yet, they will ship all of your purchases to the location you specify – no need to carry it all home.  It is, in fact, like shopping in an old house full of goodies that you can’t resist.

Rock & Roll Heaven is the best record store in Orlando.  Find the album that brings back the days of your youth.  Some of their vinyl records are easy to find at any nostalgic music store, but the rare finds are abundant as well.  If you think rock & roll should only be played on vinyl, this is your store.

 Need more money to do more shopping?  Book your discount Orlando hotel at Hotels Cheap and use your savings for a guilt-free your shopping spree.

( photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik)

photo credit: kalleboo

Has Montreal ever been called the shopping capital of Canada?  If not, it should be.  You can start early with the shops at Dorval Airport.  When snow abounds and it’s freezing outside, you only have to shiver until you get inside the ‘Underground City.’  Below the heart of the city tunnels connect 1700 malls, shops and businesses within 3 and 4 floors deep.  It’s not any different than mall shopping, no windows there either.  If you start to get claustrophobic, just glance up at the glass dome to the outside world and you should be okay.

Downtown you’ll find the shopping strip on Rue St. Catherines (street).  Choose from unique shops to large department stores.  The serious shopper should have strong leg muscles, so find parking and walk.

Old town Montreal is the place to shop if you are looking for true Canadian crafted leather goods and other handmade items. As you walk along the cobblestone street, church bells ring on the hour and the romantic sounds of the French language are heard all about.

Underground City Shopping

Complexe Desjardins is a huge shopping center with 100 plus shops which include a large food court.  Besides underground shopping, it’s comprised of four towers with governmental offices and other companies in the upper floors.

The Bay (The Hudson Bay Company) is an institution of Canada.  World wide it is known for it’s unique blankets.  If visiting Montreal, you can’t go home without at least one Bay blanket or a steiff bear in a Hudson Bay coat.

Stitches is a shop that sells a uniquely Canadian brand of clothing.  The Underground City has stores such as the Gap, Levis, even a Dollar-Rama where you can buy anything in the store for just one Canadian dollar.  It spans 38 blocks and can be entered at various storefronts on the street.   You’ll find an enormous food court where you can buy Poutine.  This is a Canadian dish consisting of gravy and cheese on top of French fries.

Downtown Shopping

Blatter and Blatter moved to Montreal from South Africa in 1907.  If you have cigar or pipe smoker on your list of people to buy for, this store offers the unique gift.  Cuban cigars and hand made briar pipes are found here  To complete the gift, pick up a cigar cutter or lighter.

Dream6 offers original Montreal t-shirts.  Artistic designs you’ll find no other place in Montreal or all of Canada.  Why do they make and sell t-shirts?  In their own words, ” We can’t live without them. T-shirts tell your story. They enter a room before you. They make friends and enemies. When we wear something on our bodies it becomes a personal statement, an invitation for others to think and react.”

Phyllis Friedman is one of the finest antique shops in all of Montreal.  If you can’t make it to their shop, they are now also online.  Their collection includes furniture, ceramics, mirrors, silver, glass, lighting and so much more.  If you are an antique buff, you won’t want to pass an opportunity to stop in this shop.

Eaton’s Center offers over 175 shops, restaurants and a theater in it’s 290,000 square feet.  It has all the name brands, a multi screen theater and 2 food courts.  This shopping center boasts they are the only location open every weekday until 9 pm, year round.

Old Town Shopping

Marche Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market) looks like a beautiful old government building because it was just that.  It housed the Canadian Parliament and Montreal City Hall at one time.  Now, it is Montreal’s main marketplace.  It houses upper-end shops, restaurants, collectables and tourist souvenirs.  For a tip, it’s been said they slash their prices for off-season shoppers.

Boutique des métiers d’art du Québec is an offering of jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculptures and crafts from over 100 of Quebec professional artisans.  All items are one-of-a-kind pieces.

Studio/Boutique gogo.glass features hand-blown glass artists Annie Michaud and Karine Bouchard.  Their work includes candle holders, paperweights, mortar and pestles, and more.  Gift items, light fixtures and sculptures offered by other artists.  They also take custom orders large and small.

Save on hotels, shop more!  Don’t miss the Montreal hotel deals at Hotels Cheap.

(cc: photo credit: Bernard-SD)

It seems a waste to spend the day inside when you’re in San Diego, after all it’s hard to find another city in the world with weather this consistently beautiful. But shopping must happen, whether you’re just picking up a souvenir or if you’re a seasoned mall veteran, there’s always a need and San Diego is able to provide you with ample shopping options.

For starters, there are the malls, scads of them in San Diego County, and you can probably find everything you need there, but for a more interesting shopping excursion there are specialty boutiques. And let’s not forget the frugal ones in the crowd, there’s always an outlet mall for deals.

For the best of everything in just one place, Fashion Valley is the place to go. The beautiful outdoor shopping center has more than 200 stores and restaurants with some pretty impressive big name anchor stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s. With so many incredible stores in one location you would think that would be enough, but Fashion Valley ups the ante by adding such exclusive high end stores as Tiffany & Co., M.A.C., Louis Vuitton, A/X Armani Exchange, Coach, Max Studio, BOSS Stores, Burberry, and Gucci. On top of that, almost every flavor of food you want AND an 18 screen AMC Theatre.

How do you top Fashion Valley? Well, you probably can’t, especially if fashion drives you, but there are other things to look for when shopping for well…shopping. Westfield Horton Plaza offers good shopping with Nordstrom and Macy’s serving as the anchors an some specialty stores such as BCBG, Bebe, Louis Vuitton, and Levi’s. There is also a variety of food choices but most of them are fast food. But the one thing that really makes Westfield Horton Plaza so special is its architecture. Created in the 1980’s by someone who may possible have had a screw loose. This multi-level outdoor complex resembles a European villa with little hidden treasures around every corner. It’s considered a tourist attraction too many but it’s also convenient to locals, situated right in the center of downtown San Diego. Maybe it’s not the best place to find everything you need, but it’s definitely got quirky down pat.

For shopping and a little bit more, give Westfield University Town Center a try. Yes, it’s another mall in the Westfield group, but this one has its own attitude. Built in the late 1970’s this mall was designed to accommodate several different cities and host a spate stores that appeal to everyone. But the one real notable feature of the University Town Center mall is the ice skating rink. A fad in the ’70s the mall ice rink has all but disappeared across the country but this one not only holds its ground, its flourishing. Maybe it’s the outdoor mall venue, maybe it’s the climate, or perhaps it’s just because local kids need something to keep them occupied, but the ice rink is still a very popular hangout for the locals. The stores are typical and feature nothing special and the food court is similar. But if you’re not as interested in shopping as hanging out and enjoying the day, then Westfield University Town Center is for you.

For outlet shoppers, there’s Las Americas Premium Outlets a fairly new outlet center and a very impressive one, being the largest in the region. Holding to the Hispanic influences of the region, the mall actually sits very near the Mexican border. The architecture is strictly Mexican influenced but the stores are ones that are familiar to people across the United States. Look for big savings at Adidas, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azaria, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap, Kenneth Cole, Neiman Marcus and many, many others. Of course there are also the standard restaurants so you can reload and get right back out for more deals. If you’re headed to Tijuana for the day, make sure to take a few hours to pop in to Las Americas Premium Outlets for outlet shopping at its finest.

Still another way to go with your shopping excursion is to look for big box stores. Several years ago these stores would pop up on the outskirts of a town and pretty soon a couple more would join them but there was no cohesive theme. This is beginning to change as the big boxes are realizing the value of an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that gives its customers more options. Fenton Marketplace is just such a big box concoction with popular stores such as Lowes, Costco and IKEA and a few very well known restaurants. And to make the environment more appealing, in addition to the stores, the public library rests in this area and the grounds are meticulously groomed with beautiful landscaping, trellises blooming with flowers, a bubbly water fountain and even a statue of Mark Twain.

But the real consummate shopper isn’t interested in malls or outlets, they’re looking for something a little bit special, something unusual that can’t be found by everyone in every city. That’s when San Diego residents and tourists alike head to Seaport Village Seaport Village is a piece of prime real estate, located on the waterfront in old town San Diego. And if the view isn’t exceptional enough, the grounds are beautiful and extraordinarily quaint, and there is often live entertainment to make the experience that much more enjoyable. For the shoppers there are more than 50 unique boutiques where you can find just about everything you need and a whole lot of things you simply want; this is a great place to go for gifts. Unlike the typical mall, Seaport Village offers some exceptional dining alternatives. If you can, try to get in to one of the four restaurants with a view of the San Diego Bay, but if not don’t despair, there are several more exceptional places to eat without the view. And to top it all off, Seaport Village has something you’d be hard pressed to find in another mall, a 1890’s carousel.

Save on San Diego hotels here.  The more you save, the more you shop!

If bargains are your thing, head to San Francisco’s Chinatown, and put your negotiating skills to a test.

Chinatown encompasses Grant, Stockton, and Powell Street, but Grant is the main drag for shopping for souvenirs and home décor items. Steer clear of the gimmicky “Psycho-Ward-Alcatraz-Reject” t-shirt stands and focus on the stores. If you’re looking to spruce up a room, consider picking up a few silk slipcovers for $4.99 each at the Canton Bazaar. Similar slipcovers would retail at stores like Pottery Barn or Macy’s for 5 times the price!

If you’ve recently moved to a new home, or if you know someone that has, a pair of foo dogs is the perfect housewarming gift as they bring good luck and fortune to a new dwelling. The Tai Yick shop on Powell Street offers the best selection in the city and their prices are negotiable.

Remember, cash is king when you are buying, although plastic is widely accepted. And this is one of the last places in the US where bargaining is accepted and encouraged!

Book your discount hotel in San Francisco at Hotels Cheap.

(Photo via flickr cc)

Why? There are all kinds of “local” items you can buy in regular shops, especially supermarkets. When I lived in Japan, I used to send gifts home to friends that I’d bought at the local 100 Yen shop (please don’t tell my friends I was such a cheapskate): Packs of pretty origami paper, bamboo chopsticks, pencil cases covered in funny English. In Germany I bought special German candies, cookies and other confectionery at my local supermarket. My friends loved them. Think about it: A bottle of wine from an Australian vineyard is much better gift than a made-in-China koala.

So next time you’re traveling, find your souvenirs and gifts somewhere other than a souvenir shop. Look for local products like candies, drinks, stationery and crafts in regular shops. Not only will you save some money, your family and friends will probably enjoy the gifts even more, and you’ll have something more authentic to remember your trip by.

Here’s another money-saving tip:  book your hotels online at Hotels Cheap.  You can apply your savings to all the souvenirs your heart desires.

(Photo via flickr cc)