Many of us that go on business trips don’t have time to go shopping in the city we’re visiting so we often wait until the last minute and then pick up souvenirs at the airport. We normally overspend don’t get a very good deal but but at least we have something to take home. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
After all my years of travel there are actually some great deals to be had at airports. You can find authentic local food and sometimes even designer outlets with discounted items. So to help you have the benefit of the dollars and days I’ve spent wandering airports I am going to give you some tips on the best airport places to shop and what you should actually buy at the airport. There’s just so much more on offer than the typical Duty Free shop.
Let’s start with some terminology. Airside or landside. Airside means that you’ve already gone through immigration in some cases and also security. Landside means you don’t even need to be travelling as the shops are before security and by check in.
London Heathrow
Terminal Five British Airways’ new hub is gorgeous. Landside there is a Marks & Spencer. If you have never tried Marks & Spencer the prepared food is some of the best in the world. Their smoked salmon is seriously the best you can find. Their seafood and fresh fruit are also fabulous. However if you’re travelling to America or Australia you cannot bring in any food.
On the Airside at Terminal Five they have a Caviar House. This is fantastic for caviar, smoked salmon and foie gras. If you’re shopping for smoked salmon check the date because if it’s close to the sell by date they will often discount it up to 50%
Monsoon is a very good English brand that is great for kids accessories and ladies wear. They also have a mini Hamleys which is a wonderful shop.
Hong Kong
Landside at Terminal Two there is the fabulous Shanghai Tang outlet. There are discounts of up to 70% off and you can get some real deals from time to time. There are also plenty of shops around where you can buy local food souvenirs at just as good prices as you would find in downtown Hong Kong.
Airside you will find everything that you see on the streets of Hong Kong. Giordano for clothes, Shanghai Tang. Aji Ichiban for authentic snacks. Rolex, Prada, Gucci, Hermes, and more.
Tokyo Narita
We all know Japan is very highly priced. But if you check out some of the food stalls you can get some really authentic flavours to bring home. My favorite is the seasonings that you sprinkle on rice. At the airport they sell them in big jars and they are fabulous. I have never been able to locate anything quite like it. You can also buy cod roe which is packed in ice and it is absolutely a delicacy that everyone should try. If you have a layover in Japan it’s all about the food
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle in Paris is also all about the food. This is a great place to buy duty-free booze as well. Champagne is well priced. Foie gras is fabulous. The cheese selection is out of this world. Yes make sure they pack what you buy in ice if it’s persihable. This is the best way to take home a flavour of France.
Amsterdam Airport Schipol
Amsterdam is also another destination for food. Salmon caviar is very well priced. Dutch cheeses are also well packaged adn easy to travel with. There are also a few good quality, well priced clothing stores. This is all Airside but Landside there is a lot of shopping. Something unique for collectors of an aeroplane models, there is an entire store dedicated to all of your favourite aircrafts.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Bangkok is another great place to shop Airside, I can get lost in there. You’ve got a couple of Jim Thompson stores, just the same as in town. Same prices and it’s all about the Thai silk. It is beautiful.
And they have the usual assortment of European designer stores and some nifty souvenier outlets.
And lastly Chiangi Singapore
Hands down one of the best airports in the world. Shopping is everywhere. I couldn’t even begin to lay it all out. Suffice it to say every brand you’d want is represented. Take home some Singapore souvenirs, a bottle of a Singapore sling and check out brands like Coach which sometimes are at better prices than stores in the city..
All in all though….. Hong Kong wins!
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter @themodelcook.
