Christmas shopping breaks
It's that time of year again, summer is over, the days are getting shorter and Christmas is approaching fast. If you're all out of ideas and dreading starting your Christmas shopping this year, why not make a weekend break of it? You can take the pain out of present buying, bring back something a bit different from the usual high street gifts for your friends and family, and discover a new city at the same time.
To help inspire you, we've pulled together some Christmas gifts ideas that you can bring back and that won't break the bank. Beautifully packaged toiletries, food and drink make lovely presents, especially when they come from abroad so are that bit more special. And, with Eurostar's generous 2-bag luggage allowance you don't have to worry about bringing it all back. So, take an empty case with you to fill up with delicious goodies for gifts, stocking fillers and your Christmas table.
Christmas shopping in Paris
Paris is famous for fine food, luxury goods and Haute Couture, but you can still find plenty of gift-worthy items at a reasonable cost in the City of Lights. Toiletries are always a good Christmas gift and there are lots of very good, mid-range products available so, head into any decent-sized pharmacy for soaps, body oils, creams and other potions.
Where to stay
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN BRUGES
If you can take time off from sightseeing in this little jewel of a town, Bruges isn't a bad place to do some Christmas shopping along the way. Obviously, chocolate leaps to mind when you think of Belgium, and who's going to complain about getting a beautifully wrapped box of truffles under the tree on Christmas morning? Not me!
Where to stay
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ROTTERDAM
Though not the prettiest town in the Netherlands, Rotterdam makes up for its lack of architectural charm with bags of energy and convenience. At just over 3 hours from London, it's easy to get to and a great place for shopping. You'll find all the usual high street brands, but also home grown shops like the Hema, for gadgets and homeware and The Sting, for reasonably priced clothing.
Where to stay
Book your city break
All bookings are subject to the relevant terms and conditions made available at the time of booking. A current copy can be found here for hotels and for Train + Hotel packages respectively. For any further questions, please refer to our help pages.
We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. All the standalone hotels and Train + Hotel packages we sell are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier fails. Other services may not be protected and you should ask us what protection is available.
Essential Travel Information: For travel advice including general health advice, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Eurostar Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 11005481. VAT Registration number 286 2413 93. Registered at Kings Place 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. Eurostar Holidays Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurostar International Limited.
*Savings based on Train + Hotel package bookings on Eurostar.com when compared at the time of booking to the price of the same standalone train and standalone hotel booked separately on Eurostar.com.
Image credits: © Shutterstock; © Shutterstock; © Eurostar; © Robbe Boone; © Rotterdam Marketing