One of the most interesting, if not the funnest, parts of any of my vacations is the airport experience. I love wandering these meccas of assoted people and after a time of people watching, I inevitably hear the call of the duty-free shops. Whether just browsing or actually spending, these are treasure troves of culture and beauty, as well as some incredible bargains.

Duty-free simply means that there is no import tax tacked on to the retail price, that is why you can get items at lower prices. Many items can be purchased for up to sixty percent off what you might pay in your local shopping mall. These shops are a wonderful place to shop for gifts, as well as high dollar items and tobacco or alcohol. The place that is best for you will depend on what you are looking for but here is a rundown of some of the airports that are known to be excellent in the world of duty-free.

Heading to the Middle East? You are in luck! The Dubai Airport features everything from pens and lighters, to home furnishings and appliances, all right there in a very modern airport. They were named the “best duty-free shopping” by Business Travelers Magazine. Dubai focuses on offering high quality wares in a friendly, comfortably chic atmosphere.

In the market for sporting gear? London’s Gatwick Airport contains Nike’s only duty-free store. If that isn’t your thing, that’s okay. The South terminal is home to “The Village”, an airport mall where you can find everything from food to fashion, swimwear to skincare, leather to luggage.

In Barbados, the focal point of the airport’s duty-free area is high dollar, designer watches. After you leave the airport, you will find that the island is stocked with an impressive range of cameras and other electronics. Barbados is also a wonderful stop if china or crystal is on your shopping list. Designer perfumes can be purchased at astounding prices. The local art abounds as well.

Bangkok is home to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has all of the various boutiques and shops. The feature is on luxury exclusives found on the upper floors. Some of the brands that you can shop for here are Burberry, Cartier, Coach, Dior, Fendi, Prada and Gucci, to name just a few. There are shops added frequently as this duty-free zone continues to expand.

Singapore’s Changi Airport was named by Asia and Euroope’s Business Traveler’s Magazine as the best airport for duty-free shopping. The airport houses over 230 retail shops and 110 food and beverage vendors. There is something for everyone. Best of all, they provide a no questions asked 30 day return policy and a “double the price difference” guarantee that their prices will be the lowest you will find.

If you are looking for alcohol or tobacco that is duty-free, keep in mind that you will be strictly limited on the amount that you can leave the country with. Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan is famous for its single malt whiskey that is sold at very reasonable prices. A carton of cigarettes can often be purchased duty-free for around twenty dollars a carton, but even better is the Abu Dhabi Airport where they can be picked up for a mere eleven dollars.

As you are shopping at these duty-free wonderlands, be sure and remember a few basic rules. Know the limits set for what you can get back home with. Keep your receipts in case you need them at customs. Be careful, these shops will be easy to overspend at. Even with great prices, too many will be put a dent in your wallet for the rest of your trip.

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