Looking for a fresh start with a wardrobe or home makeover? From the mall attractions in Dubai, to the busy streets of Malaysia, now is the time to schedule a shopping holiday. The Great Singapore Sale begins at the end of the month, so you know where to start.
Thailand
The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale (June-August 15)
1 Thai Baht = Rs 2
The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale offers customers 10-80 per cent off on all products across varied verticals. The hotels and airlines offer deals to suit every customer making this one of the go-to destinations for all buyers. To get the funkiest or trendiest products, make sure you head to Siam Paragon, Central World or Terminal 21. To get the most authentic fakes, be sure you can find them all at MBK, Silom Road or Sukhumvit. Also check out Chiangmai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui for the best travel experience. Being home to Thai silk and cotton, traditional art and antiques, lacquer ware and preserved fruits this place leaves any shopper completely satisfied. Fly to Bangkok at `16,701. Details: cleartrip.com
Sri Lanka
All Year Round
1 Sri Lankan Rupee = Rs 0.42
Sri Lanka may not be the ideal destination for an everyday shopper, but if one is willing to look hard enough, there are brilliant bargains on every street corner. With the garment industry contributing to a huge portion of the Sri Lankan economy, there exist many strips of stores that have export quality garments at cheap prices making it a steal. Odel and House of Fashion in Colombo are a safe bet as they have a wide range of fabrics at bargain prices. Barefoot in Colombo is popular among expats for handwoven fabrics as well as a huge selection of napkins and towels. Central Colombo is home to a number of Kellis supermarkets that hava a variety of vegetables and fruits. Noritake is the place to go to if you are looking for fancy china. Fly to Colombo at `6,949. Details: cleartrip.com
Singapore
The Great Singapore Sale
(May 31-July 28)
1 Singapore Dollar = Rs 43
While Singapore has sales all year, the most notable is The Great Singapore Sale, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It offers shoppers items from both Singaporean and international brands. The sale extends special tourist
privileges and a bumper prize of 20,000 Singapore Dollars for one lucky shopper. Prices are slashed up to 70 per cent in the main shopping areas. Ladies, grab your purses and head to Wisma Atria or ION Orchard because it is
aimed for you! Don’t forget to check out new suburban malls in Bugis and Rochester. If you are on a budget, head to Mustafa Centre or Far East Plaza. And pick up a How to Shop Tax Free brochure at the airport. The Singapore
Government allows tourists to avail a refund on the seven per cent Goods and Services Tax for purchases above 100 Singapore Dollars. Since the city loves to eat as much as it loves to shop, stop to fuel up at the many hawker stalls, food courts and restaurants in town. Fly to Singapore at `18,597. Details: cleartrip.com
Dubai
The Summer Surprise (June-July 7)
1 Dirham = Rs 15
The Summer Surprise 2013 infuses shopping with an air of celebration with the 16th edition in the offing. Nearly 50 luxury malls and over 6,000 stores display their finest in the city of spending. The Summer Surprise begins every year with stellar street performances and a fireworks display that is a must watch. From high street fashion to boutique gems, they are all well represented.
Shoppers can enjoy tax free shopping in addition to which, they are eligible to win daily or weekly prizes. The Mega
Raffle allows shoppers to avail a cash prize of AED 1,00,000 and the Nissan Grand Raffle has over twelve models of Nissan cars up for grabs. Dubai is also home to Modhesh World which is the region’s largest indoor entertainment center named after the popular cartoon character. Alongside the Surprise is the Dubai Carnival, which features artists of international repute and local talent. Over the years, Dubai has formed a Global Village integrating all cultures. Fly to Dubai at `17,886. Details: cleartrip.com
Malaysia
June-August 31
1 Malaysian Ringgit = rs 18
The Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival appeals to people with different budgets. There are bargains and discounts spanning across luxury brands as well as affordable items. The things to look out for when shopping in Malaysia this
summer are electronics, Batik fabrics, pewter ware and traditional Chinese herbs and medicines. Make sure to check
out Utama Mall that has a breathtaking view of the city and BB Plaza. Find time to sample some Malaysian snacks like rice cakes, candies, water chestnut cakes and sweet bean cakes or head to China Town for some chopstick action. Fly to Malaysia at `18,464. Details: cleartrip.com
DISCLAIMER: The airfare is as on May 25. They are subject to change without prior notice
