I agree with onepinktee that it depends on what outlet you are going to. Also, good deals come and go at many outlets. I am an outlet and discount store junkie. Which ones were you thinking of going to? You don't necessarily need to share location if you are uncomfortable with that but store name would be helpful.
The Number One rule of outlet shopping, IMO, is that you can't go looking for something in particular. Thinking "maybe a bag" or "maybe some shoes" is fine but thinking "some black patent leather round toe pumps" is not a good idea - or at least not the best way to find a great steal.
The second rule is, IMO, no matter how far you travelled, be prepared to walk away with nothing. Better that than something you will regret and never use or just be driving back to return. Don't spend TOO much time talking yourself into something. You can get what I was told is called "Target Syndrome" (for the record, I do love Target - this is how it was explained to me) where you first walk into the store and think everything looks like crap and then after a few hours find yourself thinking "The craftsmanship on this paisley ruffled angled hem sweater with large buttons, bows and sequins is actually not so bad." In other words, its like being in a bar full of unattractive guys where the least appalling starts to look date-able after a few drinks and you begin to contemplate giving him your number. Sometimes it is absolutely better just to walk away.