Hop on a train or take a drive to the nearest metropolitan city, or visit your own downtown. Many major metro cities have large areas dedicated to shopping districts. Stay in a hotel overnight so you can drop off your packages and hit the big city malls. If you don't want to venture out on your own, consider taking a shopping tour. Shopping tour companies target specific groups like men or Sweet 16 groups and offer specialty area or custom tours.
If you're looking for something lower budget where you'll have to search hard to uncover perfect, unique finds, plan a weekend of hunting at flea markets and craft shows. This is the perfect shopping excursion for people who want the excitement of the search and story behind an object. Make a list of flea markets and arts and craft shows in the area you want to visit. Summer is a great time for outdoor shows, while fall shows feature holiday items.
Throughout the U.S., small towns and villages plan their downtowns to attract shoppers and tourists. The emphasis is usually on "old-world" charm and small business. These towns will typically have a downtown with shops lined up that offer unusual gifts, art and locally made products. Combine a visit to one of these towns with a stay at a bed and breakfast for a leisurely weekend shopping trip.
Some shopping destinations believe in specialization. They attract tourists with their themed offerings and are often interspersed with museums, restaurants and tourist attractions. Frankenmuth, Michigan has the largest Christmas store in the world and a whole village of German and hand-crafted themed shops. Hershey, Pennsylvania is a chocolate lover's delight with everything from chocolate bears to a chocolate spa and chocolate garden. Wickenburg, Arizona is ready to outfit cowboys and cowgirls with a downtown filled with Western-themed stores.
