Travel to shop:

Thinking of having a shopping holiday before Christmas comes around?

A survey earlier this year showed that shopping is the favourite part of holidays for 73% of Australians. So if it’s shopping you’re after, then you’ll also want to know where the best bargains are.

Hotels.com has taken a look at the cost of shopping around the world for a staple of Christmas gift goodies comprising:

• iPad Air
• iPad with retina display
• Ladies genuine leather gloves
• Jean Paul Gaultier 'Le Male' Eau de Toilette 75ml
• Calvin Klein socks
• iPhone 5S
• Chloe by Chloe Perfume 75ml
• Spiderman lunch box
• Susan Boyle Home for Christmas album
• Barbie Dreamhouse
• How I Met Your Mother Season 7
• Levis 501s (men's straight leg jeans)
• Harry Potter box set (all books)

And the verdict?

Go to Taiwan, Japan or Argentina, as they’re the top 3 countries for bargain hunters.

The shopping basket in Taiwan cost $1,782; in Japan it cost $2,506 and $2,516 in Argentina. 

At the other end of the spectrum, Brazil was the country with the most expensive shopping basket at $5,798, $2,244 more than the global average of $3,554. Suggestions are that they are already pushing-up prices in preparation for next year’s football World Cup to take place in June.

Australia is ranked 14^th at a total basket price of $3,521, while New Zealand came in 20^th at $3,837. The USA was slightly cheaper than Australia, while other favourite holiday destinations of Australians - such as the UK, France and Italy - were all more expensive.

"Combining Christmas shopping and a trip overseas provides the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a break and escape the stress that can sometimes come with the festive season,” according to Katherine Cole of Hotels.com, Australia and New Zealand.

“Our shopping basket is a great guide for people wanting to indulge in shopping and travel at the one time to help them choose where they’ll get the best bargains.”

See the complete Christmas Global Gift Guide Index to help decide your next holiday shopping destination!