Why not combine two things you love?
Shopping and holidaying are two of our favourite past times - so we're guessing that may just apply to you, too.
It's all about those online holiday booking hacks when you're trying to plan a frugal break away but imagine if you could plan a cheap holiday to capitalise on some of the best shopping you can do abroad?
Yes, the exchange rate may have gone to shit since Brexit but we're hopeful our pound will pack a punch again soon enough. And with news that RyanAir are starting to fly to New York, that long weekend in NYC might be way more accessible than you first thought.
We got in touch with the travel gods that are Skyscanner, Opodo, Hotels.com and Expedia to get their tips on when and where to book to maximise the best deals...
Skyscanner tips
Milan
The best time to book Milan from London is mid-August for November. Long weekend in Milan at a 4 star hotel right in the middle of the City centre for just £184.65* per person, based on two people sharing a room at the Hermera Boutique House Duamo. Flying from Gatwick on 24 November, returning on 27 November Flight details here. Hotel details here. Airport transfer here.
Paris
The best time to book Paris is mid-October for a long weekend for £228.02* per person, based on two people sharing a room. Flying from Luton on 24th November, returning on 27th November and staying at the Bridgestreet Le Marais Serviced Apartments. Flight details here. Hotel details here. Airport transfer here.
New York
The best time to book New York from London is in September. A long weekend in New York for just £586.94* per person, based on two people sharing a room. Flying from London Gatwick on 24th November, returning on 27th November and staying at the Row NYC, Times Square. Flight details here. Hotel details here. Airport transfer here.
HOTELS.com tips
New York
Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel, New York
A 4-minute walk from the Rutherford Ave. at Polito Ave. bus station, this upscale hotel is within 10 miles of both the Empire State Building and the Museum of Modern Art.
The Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel, New York is available from £160 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Located on New York's 42nd Street, this contemporary 44-story hotel is set amid Times Square's bustling theaters, shops and restaurants, and is also a 15-minute walk to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
The Hilton Times Square is available from £354 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York
Set 2 miles from the Brooklyn Bridge, this urban, upscale hotel is 2.2 miles from the Empire State Building.
The Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York is available from £291 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
This luxury hotel overlooking Battery Park and New York Harbor is a 12-minute walk from 1 World Trade Center and 2.2 miles from Washington Square Park.
The The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is available from £349 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Paris
Catch the Eurostar and cast your eyes on the magnificent Paris within minutes. This favourite European City is an
idyllic location for shopping .Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and capture a panoramic image from the top and stay at the convenient Hotel Augustin to blend within the Parisian culture whilst you bad the Parisian deals.
The Hôtel Augustin is available from £98 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
This quirky hotel in a 9th arr. townhouse is a 4-minute walk from 1860s church of Eglise de la Trinité and Saint-Georges metro station, and 1.1 km from the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre.
The Hôtel Joyce – Astotel is available from £87 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Hôtel Des Grands Hommes
This romantic hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Jardin du Luxembourg and 1 km from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
Refined rooms are decorated in 19th-century Empire style. All rooms come with minibars, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Upgraded rooms and suites have balconies, and some feature city views and separate sitting areas.
The Hôtel Des Grands Hommes is available from £126 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Hotel Balmoral - Champs Elysees
This upscale 19th-century hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe and a 5-minute walk from Charles de Gaulle - Étoile metro station.
The Hotel Balmoral - Champs Elysees is available from £140 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Set in a former duke’s mansion on the Left Bank, this grand hotel is a 5-minute walk from Saint-Germain-des-Prés metro station and a 13-minute walk from the Jardin du Luxembourg.
The Académie Hôtel Saint Germain is available from £140 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
Milan
A luxury hotel with a restaurant located near the famous Monza Cathedral and Monza park.
The Hotel de la Ville is available from £105 per room, per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
A five-star adult only bed and breakfast located in Milan’s Citta Studi.
The TOO CUTE - 2b str8 is available from £76 per room, per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
A four star hotel in the heart of Milan, a short walk from the Corso Cosmo.
The Starhotels E.c.ho is available from £111 per room, per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
This luxury hotel and spa is set in the city centre and a short 5 –minute walk from the Pinacoteca di Brera
The Palazzo Parigi Milano is available from £341 per room, per night. For more information or to book, visit Hotels.com*
*Prices quoted include taxes and fees, are correct as of 11th April 2017 and are subject to availability.
Expedia tips
Did someone say Escape sale? Yes, it's just landed on their site so get clicking...
OPODO tips
Apparently flights to New York are 15% cheaper this year so it's no surprise that demand has gone up to 19%. The reason for this? Flash sales from airlines like Norwegian and WOW Air. We're in.
Hilton tips
Milan
'When visiting Milan head to the Bohemian quarter, Navigli for vintage fashion with small, independent boutiques such as Pourquoi Moi, which sells pieces from the 1960s and 70s. If visiting Milan on the last Sunday of the month, there is a market in Navigli where hundreds of vintage stalls, antique dealers and artists line the banks of the river and the surrounding streets.'
Stay at Hilton Milan - centrally located and ideal for some relaxation after a day of pounding the streets. Prices start from £103 when booking direct at www.hilton.com.
Paris
'Galeries Lafayette stands at the centre of Paris, holding 3,500 brands from affordable to luxury. Not only does the plaza ensure a spectacular shopping experience, Galeries Lafayette also serves as a channel for up-and-coming fashion and design. As an alternative to the big brand names, head south of the river to independent bookstore Shakespeare and Company to browse and read in the same location as Hemingway, Fitzgerald and countless other prolific authors of the 1920s.'
Hilton Paris Opera is located moments from Galeries Lafayette and is the ideal oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. Prices start from £215 when booked direct at www.hilton.com.
Holiday shopping tips
'If shopping at a market, where possible try out your haggling skills and never pay the first price stated. In Dubai’s famous markets for example, it is normal to barter on the price of goods and knock them down by up to 50% - so make sure the haggling skills are sharpened before travelling.'
'For a sneaky sale discount, try visiting your favourite store at the end of the day on Tuesday. While the "official" sales usually start on Wednesday mornings, most shops will mark down prices on Tuesday evening, meaning eager shoppers can get a head start on finding the best deals with a better selection.'
OK. Ready, set... book!
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