Last Minute Holiday - Essential Planning Guide
Need to lift your spirits - Already considered a last minute holiday or in the process of trying to find the easy get away, well this quick fix can be an opportunity to soak up some culture, sunshine, or take advantage of any sales if you're going shopping.
Shopping and travel go hand in hand, and it can be a really good idea to combine culture and shopping during your city break. Here are ten of the best cities for a last minute holiday where you can combine culture and history with some great shopping:
| 1) New York | 6) Dubai |
| 2) Paris | 7) Singapore |
| 3) Barcelona | 8) Madrid |
| 4) Rome | 9) Florence |
| 5) Bangkok | 10) Chicago |
However, as you are drawn to the boutiques and patisseries of Paris, or the coffee houses and department stores of New York, even a last minute holiday requires some essential planning. You'll need to fit in some key pre-holiday tasks into a short space of time, so here's a quick guide to help you out:
1. Holiday insurance - don't forget to get travel insurance for your last minute break. Be sure it covers you for the destination you're going to, the activities you'll be doing, and for any medical treatment you might need. This can be particularly expensive in North America so it's essential to ensure your travel insurance covers you for any unexpected occurrences.
Example: Tripping on the curb as you briskly walk to your next favourite store and you accidently break your wrist.
Check - get holiday insurance before you go
2. Money - If you're planning to use your credit or debit cards abroad, be sure to let your bank know before hand. Some banks will automatically block your card if it is used in a different location and you'll be unable to use it until you've been able to contact them. In addition, it's important to check what you will be charged for using your card abroad. It can sometimes be more economical to take cash or travellers cheques.
If you decide to take cash, be sure to change it at a reputable currency exchange. Do not wait until you get to the airport as you will get a poor deal. Either way, it's important to ensure that you are covered with your travel insurance.
Remember that in the United States, American Express travellers cheques are accepted by many retailers, hotels and restaurants as a form of cash. You will receive change in cash, and be charged no commission.
Check - get online foreign exchange service
3. Tax - if you will be doing a lot of shopping on your winter city break, then check before hand if you will be eligible to pay any tax on your goods. When traveling back from the United States, there is a requirement to declare any goods over the amount of �145 to Customs officials on return to the UK. Above this limit you will have to pay import duties at 20% on many items, including gifts and souvenirs. In addition, VAT at 17.5% will be added to items that are liable to VAT in the UK.
The limit for purchases brought within the European Union is a more lenient �1000, so serious shoppers might consider a city break in Europe rather than to New York.
Shopping is one of Dubai's biggest attractions as reduced import duties and the lack of a sales tax keep prices low for everything. The Dubai Shopping Festival in March is a massive event all over the city and a big draw for those planning a shopping holiday.
Check - get more information on taxes
4. And last but not least...
...Footwear! Whether you're walking to and from historic monuments, art galleries or department stores, you won't be enjoying yourself if you're uncomfortable. Be sure to take comfortable shoes with you on your winter city break, and make time for plenty of coffee stops.
Have fun!
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