For some women, shopping is not a simple pastime but an actual hobby. Many of us enjoy scouring the newspapers and weekly ads for the best bargains and deals, and others are more than willing to wait in line at 3am on a cold Black Friday morning to be the first inside our favorite stores.

Some of the best shopping experiences on earth, however, occur in some of our nation’s finest outlet stores. Outlet stores have more than castoffs – they cut out the middle man, or the average retail store, and manufacturers ship from their warehouses directly to their own outlets. This means prices on name brand products are likely to be lower than anywhere else you are bound to shop.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find discounts ranging anywhere from 25 to 75 percent off of the prices your average retail store would charge. You’re guaranteed to be able to walk away with more of your favorite finds without putting a huge dent in your wallet or credit card statement.

Hundreds of retail outlets exist across the United States, but outlet malls are a shopper’s dream come true. A series of outlet stores all in one place, daring for you to emerge without at least a bag or two. Join us as we explore a few of our favorite outlet shopping destinations.

Freeport, Maine

Freeport, Maine is known for being the home of the L. L. Bean store, but this town has much more to offer. With over 170 outlet stores in the area, you’re bound to find your favorite clothing, toys, jewelry, electronics or anything else you can imagine. Whether you’re looking for a luxury outlet or a major international chain, you’re bound to find it here. Examples include specialty toys from Made in Maine, Jones New York, and even Anne Klein.

Some hotels in the area offer special packages for those in town merely to shop. At the Harraseeket Inn, for example, you can purchase a two-night package that includes your room, a buffet breakfast, dinner for two, and even an afternoon tea – that is, of course, if you bother to return from your shopping spree for a break. You’ll receive a $25 gift certificate, which should be more than enough to get your shopping spree started. Please don’t forget how beautiful Freeport, Maine is while you’re there. Make sure you get away from the stores and take at least one walk along the coast!

Oahu, Hawaii

While we admit that most people don’t head to Hawaii with outlet shopping as their primary goal, we do encourage you to visit the Waikele Premium Outlets. They’re the only outlet stores you’re going to find in all of Hawaii, let alone Oahu.

The hotels are, of course, quite luxurious. Whether you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Resort or at the chic Na Ho’ola Spa you’ll find incredible opportunities to kick back and relax in style between trips to the outlets.

Saint Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine, Florida is one of the oldest cities in America, so it only makes sense that they would have some of the best stores, right? To make a long story short, Saint Augustine is an incredible destination for tourist of all ages and interests, but outlet shopping is the icing on the cake.

The Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with a collection of shops complete with some of the biggest names in retail. It’s here that you’ll find Coach, Banana Republic, Chico’s, and even Tommy Hilfiger. We recommend staying away from the mall’s food court and returning to the city’s historic center for meals at some of their finest restaurants, including A1A Aleworks. You’ll enjoy kicking back with a beer and lovely seafood dish after a hard day of shopping.

San Diego, California

San Diego is a pretty hip destination for travelers and those living in California are lucky enough to have a few outlets to choose from. The Viejas Casino & Outlet Center is just as dangerous as the name implies. We doubt you’ll really save any money if you hit the slot machines after shopping the mall’s 60+ stores, but that’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself.

Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, and many other commonly known names make up some of the 90 stores at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. It’s here that you’ll find some pretty high end names as well, including Juicy Couture, Energie, and AG Adriano Goldschmeid. You’ll definitely want to at least browse these stores, as they don’t appear in many other outlets, if any at all.

Not ready to travel to one of these potentially distant hot spots for an afternoon of outlet shopping? You don’t really have to. Those who prefer to stay closer to home will probably find an outlet center within a day-trip’s driving distance and can easily use services like Outlet Bound to figure out which are close buy.

No matter where you end up you’re guaranteed to have a fun and entertaining afternoon full of cool finds and – most important – great savings!

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