For many travelers, shopping is one of the most enjoyable aspects of heading overseas, and part of the holiday planning includes research into what a destination has to offer in the way of local products. However seeking out reputable dealers, language barriers and excess baggage rates can take a lot of the fun out of finding that perfect purchase. For large items, locating courier companies and negotiating postage back to Australia can be confusing as well as time-consuming. Australian entrepreneur Charmaine Grahame created travel company Worldwide Shopping Tours after personally experiencing the frustrations of shopping overseas.
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Custom Shopping Tours
Worldwide Shopping Tours has developed tailored shopping tours that help Australian travelers streamline their overseas shopping. As some destinations are renowned for particular products – e.g. fashion in Paris and Milan, textiles in Bangkok and Istanbul – Worldwide Shopping Tours has ready-made itineraries for travelers particularly interested in these markets. Unlike many shopping tour companies, they do not receive any commission or payment from the retailers that they source.
Personalized Shopping Itineraries
Worldwide overseas shopping tours also create individual itineraries based on their clients’ needs, unlike many shopping tour companies that expect travelers to fit in with a large group of fellow shoppers. An itinerary is devised in consultation with their staff in Australia and regional contacts in the country of destination, taking into account the desired products and budget. The custom shopping tours are also private, designed for parties of two to six people. Individual travelers are also welcome, but a single supplement cost is incurred.
Shopping Tour Inclusions
. 6-hour personal shopping tour
. 20kg air freight allowance and courier box
. Pre-departure information and assistance
. Collection and drop-off at client’s hotel or nominated location
. Personal tour guide/driver
. Private motor vehicle
. Transportation of courier box to Australia by air express
. Transit insurance
. Customs clearance
. Delivery to client’s home or office in Australian capital cities
Prices will vary depending on the destination and the freight costs but are still reasonable when compared with the costs incurred trying to organize such a project alone. A standard overseas tour in Bangkok or Singapore with a 20kg air freight allowance will cost A$460. There are reduced rates for travelers not wishing to use the delivery option;
Shopping Tour Destinations
. Cairo
. Istanbul
. Dubai
. Milan
. Paris
. London
. Copenhagen
. Singapore
. Bangkok
. Hong Kong
Shopping Guarantee
Worldwide Shopping Tours offers a A$200 refund if a traveler is unable to find anything to purchase on their tour.
A complete list of tour details, prices, and booking forms are available on the Worldwide Shopping Tours website, or contact directly within Australia on 1300 558 203.…