A trip to a major tourist city always mean wading your way through throngs of travelers. A trip to a museum, almost always, means a coterie of culture vultures waiting in line.

And a quick look at the side entrance of the museum -- inside the museum shop -- one should not be surprised to see even more people. If you brave entering this mostly women territory, you'd have to elbow your way in for that Van Gogh t-shirt and coffee table book. Shopping is a religion.

Most women, especially the Japanese -- I have observed, kill two birds with one stone. Travelling means making a beeline to the museum shop, great finds local mall and that cute little boutique that offers little trinkets which you cannot find back home. Heck, even those hawking the streets with overpriced, tacky souvenirs can gather a considerable crowd of tourists.

For the shopping habitu�s like me, I have some great shopping news for you.

On your next trip to sunny LA, check out Peddler on the Roof. It's one of the most interesting flea markets in the area that sells everything, called "the Flea Market for the Fred Segal set" by Angeleno Magazine. They are open from 10am to 5pm on the first Saturday of each month. List of vendors can be found here.

If, by any chance, it is not your thing, there are tons more to choose from -- Rodeo Drive/The Golden Triangle, Melrose Avenue, La Brea, Sunset Plaza and Westwood Village, among others.

And when you are done shopping, you can pamper yourself by getting a massage in one of LA's top spas and salons. Insider's Guide has some pretty comprehensive list for you to choose from.

For some mid-century hotel glamour, stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. Its located right smack in the center of Hollywood, right next to Hollywood and Highland. Special Packages are currently being offered for the holidays. Perfect for tourist YOU!

Keep it in mind. Shopping and hollywood glamour when you head off to LA!