Let's Take a Day Trip

SAN DIEGO, Calif — If you’ve been following my blog lately, you’ve probably noticed I’ve developed a bit of an appreciation for Louis Vuitton.

No, I’m not rich. Not even close.

I simply appreciate quality. The craftsmanship, the history behind the brand, and the idea of saving for something you’ll enjoy for years instead of buying several things you’ll forget about six months later.

One question I get all the time is, “Why do you keep flying to California for the day?”

The answer is simple.

I’m an aviation geek, and I love what’s called a “status run.” Sometimes I’ll book a same-day round-trip flight simply to earn airline miles and maintain elite status. Since I already enjoy visiting Southern California, San Diego has become one of my favorite places for these quick trips. Not to mention, flight prices to Burbank from Chicago have skyrocketed, but I digress.

I’ll grab lunch, get my regular pedicure, spend a little time shopping, and then head back to Chicago that evening. It probably sounds crazy to some people, but I genuinely enjoy it.

During my latest visit, I stopped by the Louis Vuitton store inside Fashion Valley Mall.

While browsing, I struck up a conversation with another customer that completely changed the way I think about buying luxury goods.

He asked me if I’d ever considered waiting until I visited Europe.

I told him I’d been thinking about Barcelona later this year.

He smiled and said, “If you’re already going, wait.”

After I got home, I researched what he meant.

It turns out Louis Vuitton prices are often lower in Europe than they are in the United States. On top of that, travelers who live outside the European Union can often receive a refund on a portion of the Value Added Tax (VAT), making some purchases even less expensive.

Depending on the item, the savings can be several hundred dollars—or even more for larger purchases like luggage or handbags.

Now, I wouldn’t recommend buying a plane ticket just to save money on a designer bag.

But if Europe is already part of your travel plans, it’s worth doing a little homework before making a purchase.

That’s one of the reasons Barcelona has been on my mind lately.

Besides wanting to experience the city’s architecture, food and culture, I’m also hoping to save enough to pick up a Louis Vuitton travel bag, a pair of sunglasses and a belt while I’m there.

Not because I need them.

Not because I’m trying to impress anyone.

Simply because they’re pieces I’ve admired for a while, and if I can combine one of my favorite hobbies—travel—with purchasing them at a better price, why wouldn’t I?

One of my favorite things about traveling is that you never know what conversation is going to teach you something new.

I walked into Louis Vuitton thinking I was just browsing.

I walked out with a completely different perspective.

Now I want to hear from you.

Have you ever purchased luxury goods overseas? Did you actually save money? Or do you think a designer bag is a designer bag, no matter where it’s bought?

Let me know.

And if Barcelona happens this fall, I’ll be sure to take you along for the journey.