Shopping

London:
For just about anyone traveling to London, shopping has been relegated to souvenir or special item shopping due to the rising currency exchange. Though you aren't likely to find a bargain when shopping in London, you will find some interesting souvenirs, and there are some great markets for that are worth checking out whether you plan to buy something or not.

London is on par with New York and Paris as a major fashion capital in the world, and there are overwhelming amounts of shopping options. Regent Street is one of the vital veins of this shopping network. Many of the most popular brand stores and bargain outlets can be found here. Nearby, department store enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll along either Oxford Street or Knightsbridge. These streets are home to the ever-popular Harrods and Harvey Nichols, both of which are insanely appealing for local and foreign shoppers. Some English goods to look for include Wedgewood and Royal Doulton porcelain, teas, jams, teddy bears, and just about anything else from Harrod's.

Paris:
If you like to shop Paris, France is the capital of the shopping world. The variety and style of the stores makes a Paris shopping trip a must for any fashion-conscious traveler. In Paris shopping is an art. Parisians take fashion very seriously, so shopping in Paris can be savored and enjoyed as much as a meal in one of the city’s many excellent restaurants or a visit to one of its world-class museums.

Shopping in Paris can be done on any budget. All the best designers have boutiques in Paris, and many are worth a visit just to breathe in the elegance or to get an idea of the latest styles before heading to a more affordable department store or flea market. Shopping in Paris is a serious affair, though. Don’t expect a friendly welcome if you are wearing shorts, sneakers, or a printed t-shirt, don’t touch displays, and be sure to ask for assistance with a polite “s’il vous plait.” Most stores in Paris are closed on a Sunday, so you may want to take that day to explore one of the city’s flea markets. These offer the best shopping in Paris for those on a shoestring budget.

Rome:
Like the city, shopping in Rome is varied. For the most part though, Rome's shops seem to cater to a more egalitarian crowd than the other major cities. The city’s most exclusive and high-end boutiques reside within a stone's throw of the famous Spanish Steps. These shops, like the high percentage of those found in the famous shopping districts of Italy, are designed for the obscenely wealthy.

Rome is full of remnants of the past - from the ruins to the art to the ancient cathedrals and town squares – and the shopping is no different, with a vast accumulation of antiques awaiting your perusal. The interminable street of Via del Corso is a focal point of any Italy shopping tour, and contains a number of chic boutiques (and plenty of less-chic ones for the budget conscious) that cater mostly to the vibrant Roman youth. Rome also has the widest selection of neighborhood markets, where you can casually peruse everything from fresh fruit to hand-crafted goods.