Karen Fawcett

If you want to buy it all without paying sales taxes, the Dubai International Airport is the place to go. It may be a bit of a trek for Americans. But some people will do anything for a bargain. Even though many are reeling from the overt signs of a recession, it clearly isn’t impacting others who are born to shop and have the funds.

Dubai Duty Free is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Terminal 3 has just opened and there’s even more glitz. Now travelers can shop in an 8,000-square-meter (86,000 square-foot) mega-retail-center.  Stores are open around the clock. Retailers from every part of the world have outlets. It’s considered one (or probably the) best duty-free shopping complex anywhere in the world.

When the shopping center opened its doors in December 1983, the first year’s revenues were only $20 million. Last year, Dubai Duty Free registered record sales of $880 million — 24 percent more than the previous year.  There were 19 million transactions; that’s an average of 52,000 sales per day, an increase of 18% over 2006.

Dubai Duty Free is projecting another record year in 2008. Mid-year sales were approximately 30 percent ahead of last year’s. If the trend continues, spending will top $537 million.

There’s not even a need for dedicated shoppers to leave the airport since (depending on your nationality), 96-hour visas are available. Visitors holding a US passport can stay up to 60 days. The Dubai International Hotel is right in the complex. But there are many other nicer hotels within 15 minutes of the airport/shopping heaven. Choose from any and every type of decor and be surrounded by all types of places to eat, including way too many Starbucks, McDonalds and KFC outlets. But unless you have an outbound ticket, airport security isn’t going to let you enter the premises.

There’s little to nothing you can’t buy in Dubai Airport Duty Free. It’s a global shopping center, where all you need to do is garner the strength to go from store to store and hand over your credit card. Do alert your card provider before setting out on this foray.  You might want to increase your credit limit.

It’s hard to get close to the counters where gold jewelry and bullion are being sold. Many people would rather invest in it than put their money in stocks and bonds. Buyers will find a lot of 22-carat gold. It’s the closest to the pure metal and you’re charged according to weight. If it’s more than a chain, you’ll most probably pay extra for the design. Keep in mind it’s softer and more fragile than lower grades of gold.

From electronics, to watches, designer clothes, crystal, liquor, cigars and cigarettes, the selection doesn’t stop. There is also gourmet food from various parts of the world including Beluga caviar.

The Dubai Airport is one airport where it’s better to allow extra time before and after a flight. Even for non-shoppers, the airport makes for some of the best people watching in the world. People are everywhere — shopping (of course), lining the corridors, sleeping and surfing the Internet on free WiFi (within limitations because many sites are banned and the government does not permit downloading Skype).

Lucky passengers might win a lottery since there are all types of promotions to entice people to return and return again. Many people from neighboring areas fly in and out of the airport to quench their shopping desires. When it comes to marketing, this group knows how to move merchandise and has won more than 150 awards from industry and media entities.

There are plan for future development in the event people are worried there won’t be enough to buy. And you’re thinking how to cut down on gift buying this Christmas. Some people aren’t faced with the same dilemma.

Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.

There are always last minute details left undone before leaving on a trip. For many, it’s not having the time to get a flu shot. A new service has been introduced at some U.S. airports and it’s spreading like wildfire. There are doctors and nurses on site to give you a jab so you won’t get sick. Travelers like it because they can cross off something from their “to do” list.

Perhaps airports should take the hint and implement other services that many people, especially frequent fliers, don’t have time to do at home. This would be a blessing for road warriors who spend much too much time in airports and vacationers who simply run out of time before having to race to the airport.

Let’s face it, we all have plenty of time at airports after checking in and passing through security. Sometimes we find ourselves at airports for long layovers and have even more extra time.

Eating and drinking have always been options. But the choices are relatively limited to fast food. A sit-down somewhat upscale restaurant would be nice to see on occasion. I know that several airports like Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt Rhein Main, Minneapolis and Washington Reagan have some decent dining options. It would be nice to see that idea spread.

Shopping is the other airport activity of choice — mainly because that is normally the only other choice. But shopping (even duty free) leaves a lot to be desired unless you want to buy cigarettes or liquor. For example, the perfume and cosmetic shops are enticing, but if the person for whom you’re buying has specific preferences, don’t be surprised if these satellite boutiques don’t have the items in stock. For most domestic airports shopping means books and souvenirs.

The airports in Frankfurt and Zurich actually have supermarkets and drug stores available. They have been a lifesaver for many travelers who need emergency items and a timesaver for many businessmen and families who can buy groceries conveniently on the way home after a trip.

The supermarket at the Zurich airport has become one of Switzerland’s busiest since it is open seven days a week and has promoted itself to the community as a shopping center for the local citizens. The added revenue from this non-travel spending has been more than welcome.

Many Asian airports offer massages and there’s no dearth of takers. While in transit, having a back or head rub can keep one going.

Some travelers would love to have their hair done, a manicure, a pedicure or a facial. By the way, it’s perfectly all right to bring your own implements if you’re not 100% certain about the facility’s sterilization procedures. (For some international travelers, that is a consideration.)

Why don’t more airports have gyms? Considering the numerous and lengthy layovers, a gym could calm  passengers’ nerves, making life a lot less frustrating and consequently easier for flight crews.  Many airports are big enough to accommodate a good-sized gym, including locker rooms where people can shower and change.

Again, this idea of a fitness facility at airports has been tested successfully overseas at Frankfurt and Zurich. Closer to home, many travelers head to a nearby airport hotel to use the fitness centers during a long layover. Almost all airport hotels have 24-hour shuttles and day rates for their fitness rooms and pools. Having the facility right in the airport would be more convenient.

As someone who’s traveled extensively, my dental work has been done in more cities than I can remember. Don’t think I’m unique. Many frequent  fliers are in the same boat and would appreciate being able to have their teeth cleaned or a cavity filled when they’re going from one place to another. That means in the airport, not the far end of town, especially considering how bad traffic is getting to and from airports all over the world. If people are going to sit in a dentist’s chair, there had better be a wall  plastered with certificates guaranteeing they are licensed.

I’ll bet the services I’m describing — and others you might think of —would be in great demand. Am I right?  What do you think? Add any other good airport services you would like to see to the comment section. I’ll write a column with the best and most outrageous ideas.

Karen Fawcett is president of www.BonjourParis.com

Many women used to feel guilty if they went on vacations without their husbands or families in tow. Are they entitled to time alone or with female friends?

They might have been forgiven if they were heading to a spa. The first Golden Door was inaugurated in 1958 in Escondido, Calif. Its founder, Deborah Szekely, was a pioneer in the keep yourself in shape, pamper (and lose weight) movement. Discretion was guaranteed as many of rich and famous, actresses and socialites were the center’s primary clients. But they were considered select since money wasn’t an object.

What began as something “exclusive” is no longer. All-female retreats and women-only travel companies have grown by more than 200 percent since 1993.

Some married women may feel guilty about leaving their husbands alone while their spouses are frequently delighted. There’s nothing like watching a man pace in front of a store while his wife shops. Husbands often prefer staying home and supervising the couple’s children which minimizes another concern.

Karen Fawcett is the president of Bonjour Paris.