When it comes to shopping abroad, travelers are entering a new souven-era.
More personal value is being placed on specialty goods and unique finds, marking a shift away from the more impersonal, technology-driven purchases that often mark mainstream shopping habits today. In fact, experts say shopping remains a deeply personal experience — one that can deepen the significance of a traveler’s trip beyond sightseeing and create lasting memories.
“In a world driven by consumerism and mass production, it’s easy to buy the latest gadget or item with a tap of a screen,” said Lili LeBaron, Asia travel specialist at luxury travel company Scott Dunn. “But discovering a piece while traveling offers something far more meaningful: an item you won’t find online, infused with the spirit of a place and the memories of your journey.”
As travelers seek more immersive and memorable experiences, it’s no wonder that demand has also grown for unique shopping opportunities.
A 2025 Global Travel Trends report from American Express found that 82% of Millennial and Gen Z travelers look for one-of-a-kind goods that will remind them of their trip, so they have stories to share with their friends and family upon their return home. And according to a 2025 Expedia global travel survey, 39% of travelers reported that they usually visit a grocery store while traveling, and 44% shop to buy local goods they can’t get at home.
“It creates a narrative, sparking conversations and cherished recollections each time you wear or share it,” LeBaron added. “It’s about more than acquiring a new coat or the latest serum; it’s about forging a connection to a trip that, for many, was a long-held dream.”
Whether you’re planning a client’s shopping trip to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or arranging a private shopping experience in Paris, knowing where to send your clients is key. Here are five of the best shopping destinations around the world — and the specialty items travelers will find there.
Morocco
Best known for rugs, carpets, home furnishings, fossils and traditional Moroccan clothing
With souks made to stimulate the senses and seemingly endless mazes of colorfully crafted clothing and home goods found in centuries-old medinas, shopping in Morocco feels made to soothe the soul.
Considered one of the world’s most sought-after shopping destinations, traveling shoppers flock to Morocco in search of the country’s culturally distinct finds. From rugs and carpets to other home furnishings like lanterns, tables and doors — the Kingdom of the East is known for them all.
“The number one thing visitors love to shop for are carpets of both Arab and Berber origins,” said Hicham El Alioui, a native Moroccan and tour guide with luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent. He added that his guests are usually interested in finding ethnic Berber jewelry as well.
El Alioui said travelers are usually on the lookout for traditional Moroccan clothing, whether it’s made from a range of quality, high-end textiles or more affordable blended fabrics, as well as other types of authentic goods only available in the regions where they’re naturally found.
“Every city we go to has its own shopping peculiarities; for instance, Fez is known for tiles and leather, while the south of Morocco, especially Erfoud, which is the gateway to the sand-duned Sahara Desert, is famous for fossils,” El Alioui said.
Japan
Best known for vintage clothing and designer brands, ceramics, kitchenware, textiles and art
Japan is a multifaceted shopping destination known to satisfy a wide assortment of travelers’ palettes, styles and curiosities, from its iconic snack scene to its vibrant anime culture to its high-end electronics.
But one of Japan’s strongest suits is its fashion industry, specifically vintage clothing — everything from high-quality denim to second-hand designer goods.
“Japan has become a global hotspot for denim aficionados, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality selvedge jeans,” said Chloe Johnston, owner of Chloe Johnston Experiences in Chester County, Pennsylvania, who organizes shopping-focused trips for clients around the world.
Beyond vintage finds, Japan is also known for art and handmade crafts in a variety of forms, including ceramics and lacquerware, basketry and textiles and Nihonga paintings, said Elaine Baran, president of Japan specialist tour operator Esprit Travel. She added that while these items are available for sale in galleries in cities like New York and London, “people travel to Japan for greater range and access.”
Vietnam
Best known for custom-tailored clothing
Fashion and textiles make Vietnam a strong contender as a shopping destination, but travel planners say the country’s best shopping draw is custom-tailored clothing. LeBaron said the tailoring opportunities in Hoi An, located along Vietnam’s central coast, make this city an especially unique destination for getting a custom fit for any garment.
“The entire experience is immersive — where you not only shop but become part of the creative process,” LeBaron said. “With a fitting or two, you’ll leave Hoi An with one-of-a-kind items that reflect both the craftsmanship and rich culture of Vietnam. It’s a shopping experience that’s as much about the journey as it is about the final product.”
Travelers have even reported timely turnarounds, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours, and that, coupled with Hoi An’s affordable prices, has also added to the city’s shopping destination appeal.
“Whether you’re looking for a bespoke suit, a tailored dress or traditional Vietnamese attire, Hoi An is the place to find it,” LeBaron said.
Paris
Best known for wedding dresses and bridal shopping
It might be hard to look beyond Paris' reputation as a hub for all things high fashion and haute couture, but there’s more to the City of Light’s sartorial profile: It’s also highly regarded as a top destination for bridal shopping.
“Paris remains the ultimate destination for wedding dress shopping, where haute couture and timeless elegance define the experience,” said Johnston, who has planned a number of bridal shopping trips for clients in the past.
Luxury ateliers and designers already located in the fashion-forward city make the process to create custom bridal gowns even more convenient, especially when paired with choosing the city’s romantic backdrop as a wedding venue.
Portugal
Best known for tiles, ceramics and cork goods
Portugal is one of the foremost places to shop for timelessly elegant ceramics, tiles and craft cork pieces.
Best known for its hand-painted Azulejos ceramic tiles, this style of Portuguese and Spanish tilework can be found on the exteriors and interiors of churches, train stations and homes, along with restaurants and bars around cities like Lisbon and Porto.
The elaborate, Moorish and Arab-influenced ornamental designs and geometric shapes date back to the 13th century and are considered a hallmark of Portugal’s cultural identity. Travelers often seek to not only buy and collect tiles to take home with them, but also to find some of the best public places around Portugal to admire the history of this handiwork.
“Some destinations have truly mastered the art of craftsmanship, making them must-visits for travelers with a passion for shopping,” Johnston said, adding that “Portugal’s beautifully patterned tiles continue to captivate travelers seeking stunning home accents.”
In addition to ceramic tiles, Portugal is also known for craft cork products, as the country is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork due to its vast network of cork oak forests. Travelers shop for everything from handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories to everyday art.
Shopping Malls Around the World
For shopaholics looking for even more opportunities, here are some of the best-known shopping malls around the world.
Dubai Mall – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Boasting more than 1,200 luxury stores, the Dubai Mall is the largest in the United Arab Emirates and is located in the heart of downtown Dubai. The megamall also has an aquarium, an underwater zoo, an ice rink and a gold souk.
Harrods – London, England
Harrods dates back to the 1800s and has long been a symbol of luxury and opulence in London, if not around the world. Located in Knightsbridge, this is a must-visit destination for any shopping pilgrimage.
Mall of America – Bloomington, Minnesota
A shopping mall tour around the world would not be complete without a visit to the largest mall in the U.S.: the aptly named Mall of America. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Mall of America is an iconic American institution and a hub for more than just shopping. It’s a lifestyle and entertainment experience, featuring an indoor theme park, an aquarium, a mini golf course and other family-friendly attractions.
American Dream – East Rutherford, New Jersey
Similar to the Mall of America, the American Dream mall located just across the Hudson River from the New York City area is many things in one: a massive entertainment and retail complex boasting 450 shops, more than 100 eateries that include 21 full-service restaurants, several indoor theme parks (including a water park) and an indoor ski slope.
Originally published in the Summer 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
Nicole Edenedo
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