If you are one of those who like a spot of shopping, the annual holiday is a great way to stock up on unusual gifts, although you have to be careful with the weight of your suitcase or you will need international removals shipping USA!

Local handicrafts make great little souvenirs and mementos to brighten up the home and they are often relatively inexpensive. Some people also take the chance to stock up on birthday and Christmas gifts.

Local food and drink too is always great to buy on holiday as it represents something unusual that you cannot buy at home. Although cooking the local food back home brings back some wonderful memories of the holiday, it never quite tastes the same as it did on holiday!

One thing you need to watch is the currency rate as people often think they have found a bargain then realise afterwards that they calculated incorrectly from the local currency. I always take a small typed sheet with some currency conversion examples which I keep in my wallet so that I have an easy reference when I am in a shop.

And lastly do not be afraid to haggle – it is widely accepted even encouraged in many countries so it is always worth offering a lower price.