Excited about your holiday that's coming up? When abroad, nothing gives greater pleasure than shopping - not in big malls that have become ubiquitous in all our major cities, but in those little markets and bazaars that are unique to the place you are visiting. So how about honing your skills on getting a good deal before you embark on some serious buying? It's all in the game. Play your cards properly and you may walk away with the deal of your trip.

• First of all, remember to be totally relaxed and take it as a game and not a battle.
• Do your research on the item you are keen on buying. Know the relative value before you start the haggling session. Also take note of how the locals are buying.
• Even before you start talking about the price, decide mentally what the worth of the item is to you. That way, you will mentally have a budget which will tell you whether to go ahead when you hear the price as also how much real bargaining is possible.
• Take your cue from the merchant. If he asks for a ridiculously high price that is way beyond the true worth of the item, simply pay him back in his own coin. Just offer an equally ridiculously low price. This will give you the space to manouevre and arrive at a price midway.
• Remember to dress simply when you go into these markets or you will end up looking like a high spender and lose out on your bargaining power.
• Learn at least how to talk about money in the native currency. Always carry a calculator and a paper that gives you the foreign exchange rates or you could be cheated very easily. After all, you are dealing with experts who have handled customers like you for years.
• Never hesitate to make an offer for something you wan. Remember that the worst that can happen is a refusal to sell.
• Handle you cash carefully. Take out just the amount you need. The sight of money is a powerful incentive for these small vendors to conclude the deal. If you are paying in dollars or any other currency, try taking out less and wave it saying that this was all you had. If the vendor is in need, you might be in luck.
• When dealing with actual craftsmen, be compassionate. Do not be too hard on them. Save that for regular shopkeepers.
• Always remember that when you bargain, as it does in life, you may end up getting what you want if you don't really care about the outcome. Brace yourself to walk away if you don't get your price. But just remember also, that if it is something you must have, JUST GET IT!

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