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Christmas shopping breaks

Top tips and destinations for the festive season

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Christmas Markets The best of Europe & the UK
Holiday Ideas Holiday Ideas Ten things to do before Christmas

With Christmas shopping trips being taken by more and more of us every year, there are an ever increasing number of destinations to choose from. Whether you want a complete package holiday for your break or cheap flights together with hotels, it is important to make your money go further to have extra to spend on gifts.

Xmas shopping can be undertaken in cities all over the world with many of them catering to the determined shopper, from classic European markets through to full on decorated high street malls.

Click here for our Christmas Shopping Trip Top 10 tips and Our Top Ten destinations.

eurostar

Paris 3* from £98pp
1 night room only departing from London, December 2010

 Get deal
DFDS

Amsterdam 3* from £106pp
3 nights cruise break departing from Newcastle, December 2010

 Get deal
ebookers

Dubai 4* from £718pp
3 nights room only departing from London, December 2010

 Get deal
Cresta

Vienna 4* from £239pp
2 nights bed and breakfast departing from London, December 2010

 Get deal
Direct Line City Breaks

Dublin 3* from £168pp
2 nights bed and breakfast departing from London, December 2010

 Get deal
Thomas Cook

Barcelona 3* from £142pp
3 nights room only departing from London, December 2010

 Get deal
Opodo

Budapest 4* from £176pp
3 nights bed and breakfast departing from Manchester, December 2010                                                      

Get deal
Superbreak

Manchester 4* from £55 per person per night
1 night hotel break staying at the Arora International just 5 minute walk from Piccadilly Station

 Get deal

Why not sample a Christmas Shopping break to one of out top 10 locations. All road tested and checked by out team to ensure you have a great Xmas Shopping trip.
 
1. New York - the classic city break destination for Xmas Shopping trips. With shops a go-go of every style, type and price range you can shop till you drop in iconic stores such as Macys, Bloomingdales and FAO Schwarz. For somewhere are little less brash, then Boston makes a good second choice in North America.

2. London - the UK's capital and a mecca for shopping of all types along with entertainment and culture to rival any city in the world.

3. Dubai - for serious shoppers of brand goods then Dubai is the place for you. Massive malls with every designer brand you can think of along with the gold markets make Dubai an ideal shopping break in the sun.

4. Marrakech - about as far removed from Christmas as you can imagine, yet packed full of original gift ideas in the famous Souks and Bazaars. Handcrafted items and unusual items from North Africa make shopping gifts with a difference. Istanbul makes a great alternative.

5. Cologne - a great place to combine both excellent high street and designer shopping with one of Europe's largest traditional Christmas markets. Other options are Berlin and Nuremberg.

6. Milan - Europe's style capital (although Paris may have something to say about that) is great for clothes shopping in all price brackets from designer to street style. The home of Armani, Prada and Gucci among others.

7. Copenhagen - for interior style head to Copenhagen packed full of home wares and design studios as well as the Christmas Markets in world famous Tivoli Gardens.

8. Edinburgh - Scotland seems to go hand in hand with Christmas and winter and the Scottish capital is a very picturesque place to do some Christmas gift shopping and have a great weekend at the same time.

9. Stockholm - with the harbour icing over and a great chance of snow, the traditional Christmas markets and extensive shopping options offer a real alternative to a great weekend break and gift buying.

10. Minneapolis, USA - may seem an odd choice but the Mall Of America is one of the world's largest shopping malls with over 400 stores, roller coasters, restaurant and entertainment galore. If you can't find bargain gifts here then where will you?

Make the most of your Christmas Shopping trip with our top tips.

1. Timing is everything. For Europe, check out when the Christmas Markets start to ensure you get the full festive cheer as part of your trip. For New York, go after thanksgiving in November once the Christmas sales period starts and the decorations are up and running.

2. Set your budget and research before you travel. Many items are not cheaper overseas once you factor in sales taxes and the bargains you can get online and in the high street here in the UK. Check the prices before you travel and if it's no saving when you are away leave it on the shelf.

3. Write a list of gifts you need to buy, it's easy to go overboard and buy random items for friends and family. Write a list and stick to it, but don't stop yourself from buying that little something special or niche that you could not get elsewhere.

4. Remember, you're on a holiday or a mini break, so don't forget to factor in some time for rest, relaxation and fun. Pounding those stores can tire you out so research bars and restaurants for a great meal or maybe even book a theatre break to make the most of your visit.

5. Book early. To get the best prices on low cost flights, cheap hotels and package holidays, book early to take advantage or early booking offers. If you can travel and stay mid week it will also get your prices down. Research local holidays to see when there are peaks of demand and if you can avoid these you will get a better price for your travel.

6. Know your limits. When travelling within the EU you can bring back as much shopping as you like as long as you have paid local taxes. For trips outside the EU you are allowed to bring back goods to the value of £390, unless you are so posh you can charter a private plane where the limit is £270. Check here to avoid problems with duty at customs.

7. Know your luggage limits. It's all well and good going mad loading up with Christmas gifts, but you need to get them back home. If you are in a car travelling by ferry, then you can buy as much as you can fit in the car, it costs nothing extra with your ferry company. But travel by air and you will be constricted by your hand luggage and hold baggage allowances. If you are going to go over what you are allowed, then pre-book the additional weight on line to avoid paying higher charges at the airport. Read our packing tips to get further help and advice.

8. Travel insurance - you've just bought loads of gifts and packed them carefully to get them home, yet you get your bag stolen or it goes missing. Ensure you have sufficient cover for travel insurance, not only for your break but for your baggage as well.  Just in case.

9. Your holiday spending money could go a whole lot further if you plan how and where to get the best deals. The market beating currency and pre-paid cards are found on line, check our site for travel money deals. For foreign purchases on a credit care, beware of the charges your card issuer makes. Taking out a market leading card such as Saga or Halifax Clarity will be the wisest move.

10. Have fun - throw yourself into the Christmas festivities and savour the atmosphere with food and drinks to taste and enjoy, decorations and entertainment and culture to make the most of your break.