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Jay Lloyd's Getaway: Springtime Bargain Shopping

By Jay Lloyd

NEW YORK, N.Y. (CBS) -- Unique bargains are luring spring travelers.

It happens every spring: friends with vagabond shoes get the itch to travel. Exotic ports and far-off capitals beckon.

This year, with the dollar soaring and other currencies sagging, the world is a bargain bazaar.

The question I'm hearing most often from stogie-loving friends is, can we now bring home Cuban cigars?   Yep, with a catch: you have to go to Cuba to do it.  US customs still has a border barricade up if you try to bring them in from anywhere else.

So, unless you're headed for Havana, just enjoy them on your cruise ship, at a British island beach bar, or in a Mexican plaza.

Best bets on foreign buys these days are cashmere, British tailored goods and linens from Bermuda, fancy lace from Portugal, rum from the British Virgin Islands, and items that are unique to European craftsmen, such as crystal and wristwatches.

Or a favorite: grappa, from Italy!

Wherever you go, just know the US customs importation limits and leave room in your bag to bring back the swag.

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