We left Boston and headed to New York City. En route, we stopped at Woodbury Commons Factory Outlets which totally changed my perception of premium outlets. On the bus, I watched in puzzlement as the people started to scribble purposefully on the map as if planning a military attack.

 

Their actions started to make sense when we turned into the parking lot. Spanning 150 acres (~140 football fields!), Woodbury Common houses over 200 designer apparel and brand-name outlets in a village setting. For avid shoppers, it is like stepping into the Disneyland of shopping.

 

While the group carried out their swift raids of the massively discounted branded labels, I strolled around aimlessly. With temperatures of 10°C, it was like walking in a giant air-conditioned outdoor mall. Despite committing the cardinal sin of not planning before visiting the outlet, I managed to snag some bargains.

 

 

We stayed in Holiday Inn, Parsippany New Jersey for the rest of the trip. Given the room beside the gym, I was living my dream lifestyle. Waking up at unearthly hours due to jet lag, I would go next door for workouts before a hearty breakfast buffet.