Is your idea of quality relaxation indulging in a little retail therapy? If so, visit on of these shopping destinations for a little R&R vacation that’s just your style.
Minneapolis, MN –
Hidden away in the American Midwest, Minneapolis is a shopper’s dream. It’s home to the Mall of America, for starters, the 20th largest mall in the world, if you don’t include the amusement park tucked away inside. With 520 stores and 50 restaurants, Mall of America is Disneyland for the retail therapy enthusiast. Bonus- there’s no tax on shoes or apparel in Minnesota. On top of that, there’s shopping in downtown Minneapolis itself, which includes the expansive Nicollet Mall, Target’s flagship store, hip new designers, and chic standards like Saks Off Fifth, just in case you didn’t get enough action at Mall of America.
In the evenings, put on one of your new outfits and hit the town. Don’t be fooled by the charm of “Minnesota nice” – this friendly town is also hip. Minneapolis boasts endless options for great eats, from the world of affordable ethnic options on Nicollet Avenue’s Eat Street to innovative fine dining downtown. Maybe complete the day with dinner and a show- Minneapolis is also home to the renowned Guthrie Theater.
Dubai, UAE-
If you include the whole shebang (and there’s a lot of it) the Dubai Mall is the world’s largest mall by total area. That includes an aquarium, an ice rink, a luxury hotel, 120 restaurants and cafes, the SEGA Republic indoor theme park, an indoor souk and malls within the mall – as well as over 1,200 shops to explore. It’s basically a small city unto itself – you could spend days shopping here and never have to leave the mall; just rent a room, take your pick of restaurants for meals, shop your heart out, and start again the next day.
For your wallet’s sake however, you may want to venture out. If you want to continue the spree but just need a change of scene, check out Mall of the Emirates. Take a break from shopping to ski at the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, tucked away inside Mall of the Emirates expansive walls. Dubai’s beaches are also beautiful and while swimming can be difficult, opportunities for water-sport activities are plentiful. Finally, the iconic Dubai Fountain, the largest dancing fountain in the world, is a must-see between shopping expeditions.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia –
Boasting three of the world’s ten largest malls, including its 4th largest, 1 Utama, Kuala Lumpur is a shopping mecca you may not have considered. In addition to its 650 shops, 1 Utama houses Asia’s largest indoor rock climbing facility, a rooftop garden… and a rainforest, because the rest wasn’t impressive enough. Kuala Lumpur also is full of eclectic marketplaces to explore, particularly in the bustling markets of Chinatown, including the Petaling Street Market and Central Market. As a bonus, prices in Kuala Lumpur tend to be affordable in comparison to other shopping destinations, so you can have your fun while sticking (or at least not destroying) your budget.
