Going to the store in an unfamiliar land is suddenly the hot travel trend that's all over TikTok. Respectfully, I don't believe you if you disagree because I will die on this hill. In my opinion, touring a local grocery store when you're traveling abroad can be so much more insightful and culturally relevant than, say, visiting the country's recommended tourist attractions. To me, when you tour a grocery store abroad, you get a feel for their different taste palettes and what they reach for when they're craving a snack.
Sure, if it's your first time in Paris, you must see the Eiffel Tower! I won't knock that, but what does that teach you about French culture and traditions? Not much, if you ask me! Apparently, I'm not the only one who likes to linger in foreign grocery stores. Grocery store tourism is currently trending on TikTok, where tourists use the platform to highlight the fact that visiting grocery stores is ultimately just sightseeing.
Going to a grocery store could technically be counted as sightseeing, right? Because not only is it a cultural experience, but you can also find lots of stuff to bring back as souvenirs one tik toker mentioned!
If you don't get the hype, I understand. To each their own niche little pocket of tourism! However, grocery store tourism can unveil quite a few gems for you—especially if you're looking for unique experiences to take part in while you're traveling abroad. On top of being a cultural activity, grocery store tourism can be its own little luxurious experience—and the US knows it well. It is no coincidence that luxurious grocery stores such as the iconic California-based Erewhon are having their own moment right now: it's just the other fancier side of grocery store tourism. We linked down below an example of a group of friends touring a grocery store in spain.
Let us know if you decide to go grocery store touring and tell us what you end up finding by DM'ing us on socials @YMSRadio