For many people, no holiday is complete without shopping, whether for souvenirs, designer clothes or electronics. And with a little research, a fun excursion to the souk, flea market or mall can net items to sell at a profit to subsidise your flights and accommodation.

Here is Times Money's list of the top ten categories in demand for resale and a guide to shopping for profit overseas.

1. Japanese cool

The Land of the Rising Sun is a consumer paradise, with none of the street hustle of less-affluent Asian destinations. Collectible limited-edition clothes by A Bathing Ape, the Tokyo streetwear label, start at about £20. Jackets sell for about £300 to £400 and one rare example bought in the flagship store recently sold second-hand on eBay for £821. Beware of fakes, however, which are widely peddled in South-East Asia.

Simon Richmond, co-author of the Rough Guide to Japan, suggests a visit to the Uniqlo store in Harajuku, Tokyo, which now specialises in cheap limited-edition T-shirts.

2. Americana

For all the reports of anti-US sentiment, the iconic America of milk bars, Cadillacs and rock'n'roll has global appeal. Tony Chambers, the editor-in-chief of Wallpaper magazine, tips New York as the place to find great buys in vintage denim. Meanwhile, a spokesman for eBay says that jukeboxes sell for an average of £900 and there is also a “huge market” for limited-edition trainers never retailed in the UK.

3. French furniture

From Le Corbusier to Dior, France is the place to find clean-lined 20th-century design. Mr Chambers advises searching out furniture galleries in Paris for “fantastic” early Modernist furniture by the pioneer designers Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé. More rustic antique pieces can be found in the city's marchés aux puces, or flea markets, at knock-down prices by British standards.

4. Oriental statues

“Antique” statues of Buddha and the Hindu deities are a staple of tourist bazaars across South Asia. Smaller examples sell for about £23 on eBay - much more than the few pounds that most cost on the sub-continent. Be aware that most such figures are artful fakes and take care not to make false claims when reselling.

5. Mao memorabilia

Heaps of authentic propaganda material from the era of Chairman Mao can be picked up for pocket money in markets across his former domain - from party badges to the Little Red Book and decorative posters. The average price per piece on eBay is £29.50; almost ten times the £3.19 average for similar Soviet items.

6. Bollywood kitsch

The Indian film industry has a huge international fanbase. Most non-pirate DVDs cost a few hundred rupees in India and fetch an average of £5 on eBay. However, scarce titles, such as the Lagaan anniversary disc, can fetch as much as £120. Indian clothing and jewellery also sell well, with sales of the latter up 1,000 per cent in the past month on eBay. Attractive silver items, which may cost a few pounds from the jeweller, sell for up to £50 online.

7. Music

Rooting for rare records or CDs in local record shops is a music lover's treat. Limited-edition 7in singles sell from £5 in Japan and fetch an average of £17 on eBay. Ian Peel, author of The Rough Guide to eBay, says to watch out for singles and albums released by Western artists in Japan after their heyday here. “Die-hard UK fans will want them,” he says.

8. Magazines

There is a flourishing books, comics and magazines section on eBay. Collectible examples of the latter can be found in markets worldwide. Mr Peel advises buyers to go for vintage titles featuring popular cover stars. “I bought an old Paris Match with Marilyn Monroe on the cover at a market in France. That's the sort of thing that goes well in an eBay auction.”

9. Mediterranean chic

The Mediterranean countries remain favoured destinations but there is little, if any, money to be made on the obvious purchases, such as wine and olive oil. Instead, look for evocative local antiques and decorative, high-quality crafts. Panels of antique azulejo tiles from Portugal and Moorish-inspired tiles from Spain can fetch hundreds of pounds online.

10. Oriental carpets

These remain big business across the Islamic world. Mark Henri Lampe, of Christie's, the auction house, says that many people dream of emulating the client whose grubby £50 holiday purchase realised £78,000 as “a superb early Bessarabian piece”. But that is the exception. “Bargain antique examples are hard to find in the carpet-making countries because dealers know the market so well,” Mr Lampe says.

However, handmade modern carpets in traditional styles can be excellent value and underpriced antique carpets sometimes crop up, surprisingly, in Eastern European cities.

Shopping guide

Before you travel

You are most likely to spot a bargain if you know the market at home. Look up goods that are likely to sell, and the shops or districts that stock them. The internet is home to thousands of enthusiasts, some of whom will be happy to offer advice.

Also check local laws on consumer rights and the export of antiques, which may be restricted. Up-to-date guide books cover the basics and detailed information is available online at government websites. Check on baggage allowances with your airline and customs rules at customs.hmrc.gov.uk. Factor in the cost of resale by checking commission rates at auction houses and websites - eBay, for example, takes 7.5 per cent on each sale.

Finally, visit workingforyourself.co.uk for information on tax liability.

While you're there

Exercise special caution when shopping abroad as seeking redress from home for fake or faulty goods may be an expensive hassle, if not futile. Shop around and factor in the costs of any duty, shipping, tax and commission.

Paying by credit card brings free purchase protection insurance, but watch that your card is not sneakily “swiped” for fraud. Request and keep a receipt. Also keep packaging and record as much information as possible about an object. Get this in writing, ideally on the receipt.

Selling from home

The internet is the obvious place to sell most lower-value items, while the big auction houses attract the right buyers for expensive goods. Either way, the more information you can provide, the better. Descriptions on eBay should include every detail. “People buy for all sorts of reasons and may search for keywords that you consider irrelevant,” Mr Peel says. For example, a collector may want a vintage jacket for its buttons.

Mr Peel also cautions that any misrepresentation “comes back to bite” when unhappy customers hit feedback ratings.

And what to avoid

Antiquities: ancient artworks can sell for hundreds of thousands of pounds, but fakes are common and a large part of the market in genuine items is criminal. Moreover, more commonplace artefacts, such as Ancient Roman bronze coins and terracotta oil lamps, can change hands for as little as a few pounds in the legitimate market.

Fine wine: your chances of picking up a case of wine at source and making a profit on resale are slim, says Joss Fowler, of Berry Bros & Rudd, the wine merchant. He adds, however, that some restaurants in the Bordeaux region have relationships with vineyards and serve “seriously fine” wine at prices considerably below retail.

Gems: anyone who approaches you with a money-making scheme involving gems should be avoided. The scams are rife in India and always end in tears. Without expertise, buying stones for resale, even in a legitimate shop, is a gamble.

Endangered animals: goods derived from endangered species are restricted. Ethical implications aside, ivory, tiger skins and the like will be confiscated on entry to the UK. For more information, go to www.hmrc.gov.uk.

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