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Christmas spending sprees - get more for your money with Thomas Cook

Heading abroad for your Christmas shopping may sound extravagant but it could be more cost effective than you thought.  Thomas Cook has some suggestions of destinations where combining a winter break with a festive spending spree makes perfect sense.  

Hot Shopping in Goa
India is famous for its tailors and quality garments made to order, here you can design your own gifts for a loved one or even a present for yourself. If it’s one off gems you’re interested in, pay a visit to the weekly Flea Markets in Anjuna, where you can find the perfect Christmas gifts to suit all tastes. The weather in Goa is hot, hot, hot during Christmas so after all that shopping why not relax on the beach with a cocktail in one hand a book in the other.  

Importing or exporting local currency is prohibited in India, so you cannot obtain Indian rupees until you’re in the country. This is simple to do once you get there as currency can be changed easily at banks, airports or authorised money changers.    

Airtours - 7 nights in Goa from £514 per person
Staying at the 3 star Horizon Hotel in Calangute Beach on bed and breakfast, London Gatwick - 5 December 2009 0844 871 6636, www.airtours.co.uk or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places   

Barter in Turkey
For some truly unique Christmas presents a trip to tantalizing Turkey is a must this winter.  Whilst enjoying a relaxing cheap Turkey holiday, why not take a three night excursion to Istanbul and experience the cities lively culture and exceptional shopping opportunities. The Turkish love to barter so always expect to pay around a third of the price you where originally offered, and walk away with a beautiful hand crafted rug for a bargain price.   

Since Christmas last year, the pound has steadily improved against the Turkish exchange rate, which means you’ll now get an extra 13 per cent Turkish lira. This makes this eastern med destination a good choice to get more for your money.  

Thomas Cook – 7 nights in Turkey from £269 per person
Staying at the 4 star Voyage Sorgun in Side on all inclusive, London Gatwick – 8 December 2009  0844 412 5970, www.thomascook.com, or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places      

Bargain labels in Florida
Take a trip across the pond to the sunshine state of Florida for some serious bargain shopping. Florida has hundreds of outlet stores offering huge discounts on all of your favourite brands. With sports wear, designer labels and budget buys all under one roof, you will be able to get all of your presents this Christmas without breaking the bank.  With an excellent exchange rate on dollars, a holiday to Florida will ensure a happy Christmas. 

A great way to carry your money to Florida is with a Thomas Cook Cash Passport.  It’s a prepaid card that you load with your US dollars before you travel and then the card is used like a debit card in shops, restaurants and at ATMs. It’s a safe and secure way to carry your money and as you can’t overspend on the card, it’s a great way to manage your budget.  

Netflights.com  – 7 nights in Florida from £467 per person  
Staying at the 3 star Comfort Inn Universal Orlando in Orlando on room only, London Heathrow, flying with Virgin Airways- 7 December 2009 For further information visit www.netflights.com or call 0844 493 4944.    

Souks in Tunisia
Explore and experience the wondrous sights, smells and sounds of the traditional souks and barter to your hearts content in Tunisia.  The busy city of Sousse is a great place to go shopping if you’re looking for a cultural experience and good bartering skills are essential.  After a hard days shopping get away from it all on one on Tunisia’s stunning beaches.     

It’s illegal to take Tunisian dinar out of the country. Like India though, cash or travellers’ cheques you bring into Tunisia can be easily exchanged for dinar upon arrival at exchange bureaux, banks and hotel receptions. They may require your receipt for travellers’ cheques and will want to see your passport and post offices change cash only. Receipts need to be kept to change leftover Tunisian dinars back.  

Airtours – 7 nights in Tunisia from £226 per person
Staying at the 4 star Miramar Hammamet in Hammamet on half board, London Gatwick – 6 December 2009 0844 871 6636, www.airtours.co.uk or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places       

More for your money in Bangkok
Shopping is a 24-7 activity in Bangkok, a city crammed full with just about every store you could imagine.  For rock bottom prices, visit one of the many night markets that run daily in Bangkok and you will be amazed at what you can find.  If designer knock-offs don’t do it for you, then head to the Siam area where you will find a mix of shopping malls with a labyrinth of young designer stalls all the latest trends.  While you’re there pay a visit to the floating market just outside of Bangkok as well as the magnificent Grand Palace.

Like the Turkish lira, the Thai Baht has weakened against the pound, so you’ll get a better exchange rate. You can currently get around 11 Thai Baht for your pound.  

Netflights.com – 5 nights in Bangkok from £887 per person                              
Staying at the 3 star Bel-aire Princess, Sukhumvit on room only in Bangkok, London Heathrow, departing on 7 December 2009, flying with Qantas. For further information visit www.netflights.com or call 0844 493 4944.

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Company: Thomas Cook

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