Not long ago, Jacqueline Burn drove the numbers on her handbag habit. Oklahoma City -Appeared marketing executive, who prefers browsing dyer, Gucci, Hermes and Louis Witon boutique, felt that she could save above four figures by shopping in Europe. What is more, his purchase will earn his flexible credit-card points that he can redeem for him next shopping trip. Final decline, she came home from Spain with a new Guchi Jackie bag, saved about $ 600 on the purchase. “Whenever I take it, I remember that I was on the streets of Madrid,” says burn.
If its strategy to find better prices in Europe seems familiar, it is likely because many fans of Taylor Swift adopted the same idea last year, which jetting to see the ERAS tour for a fraction of the cost of US concert tickets.
It is a trend that T+L travels a member of the travel advisory board Jack Ezon “Market Hacking”, which he travels beyond the boundaries to take advantage of the price inequalities. ”
Concerts and Big-Ticut sporting events remain inspiring, but Azone says that interrogation for shopping-specific trips for European cities like Milan, Paris and Rome is up to 44 percent of his agency, beyond. “This is a fusion of factors,” Azon Note, citing exchange rates that favor the dollar; Automatic refund on VAT, which can be up to 20 percent; And the looming effect of tariff, which can dramatically increase the cost of luxury goods coming into the US
“If you plan to do a lot of purchases, it’s a good deal to come here,” is called Lih Walker, CEO and Kofounder of Garnier Creations. His firm is adept at arranging personal purchases in both boutique and department stores such as Le Bon Marche and Samaritine. “Since April, I have received several requests per week, mostly from Americans,” Walkers say.
While the trend is most attached to Europe, the market hacking can also be meaningful. Consider Japan, where Yen is about 30 percent below against the dollar from mid -2020. Instead of savings pockets, travelers are splashing their visits, spending more on things like watches and jewels, according to research conducted by Japan Tourism Agency.
Ski.com Chief Marketing Officer Dan Sherman says, skier is also taking advantage of the price difference, especially given the cost of lift tickets in the US, “high-ended destination resorts can spend up to $ 329 per day, if you don’t shop in advance,” Ski.com Chief Marketing Officer says Dan Sharman. Conversely, they say, Skier Niseko, Japan, or Zermatt, can also buy near the last minute in Switzerland, for less than $ 100 a day.
Then the cost of everything is, including slopes and food. “People are fed up with overall prices only in the US,” says Sharman, and want to try elsewhere that provides a new experience. ” A little surprise, then, in 2025, the booking on Ski.com for European ski trips increases by 33 percent year after year.
A version of this story first appeared in the October 2025 issue. Travel + holiday Under the title “Let’s make a deal.”
