Grocery Store Tourism: A Look at the TikTok Trend That Makes Traveling Even More Fun

When you travel to a new destination, your itinerary is likely packed with museum stops, dining reservations and cultural events. But some travelers have taken a new approach to getting a more personal look at how the locals live, even if it seems mundane on the surface. Find out below why grocery store tourism is becoming so popular and why it’s worth paying a visit to the supermarket the next time you’re in a new location.

What is grocery store tourism?

Eating at local restaurants is one way to get to experience the atmosphere of a city or town you’re visiting. However, some travelers have decided to go beyond just a dining experience to get to know the local culture.

This trip-related activity is now being called grocery store tourism. The new trend, which is making waves on TikTok, is as simple as it sounds. Travelers take some time out of their vacation to-dos to pay a visit to supermarkets in the area.

"This may be controversial, but I think that the best thing to do while traveling is going to the grocery store," TikTok user @marissainchina explains in a now-viral video while visiting a Malaysian supermarket. "Going to a grocery store could technically be counted as sightseeing, right?"

Many other people have followed suit, sharing their experience about exploring “new” supermarkets on their social media accounts. The fun concept has especially become a common practice for those on a vacation overseas.

The benefits of grocery store tourism

While spending an hour or two shopping at your usual grocery store may feel like a chore much of the time, perusing the aisles of one you’re unfamiliar with can be quite entertaining! It’s a fantastic way to stumble across lesser-known products or items you’ve always wanted to try cooking.

TikTok user @lexiefirment explored a Greek grocery store in the video below, pointing out the differences between common American and Greek products, including Oreo cookies. She also was surprised to see a few produce options that were completely unrecognizable.

Plus, if you’re exploring a supermarket in another country, you may see products that your home country doesn't offer. If it is something that sounds worthy of a taste test, you're in luck!

“Not only is it a cultural experience, but you can also find lots of stuff to bring back as souvenirs,” adds @marissainchina. She shared in the video she was snagging a variety of items to take home with her, including Milo, Malaysia’s most popular chocolate drink.

When you’re exploring the supermarket, it gives you a chance to experience what it feels like to be a local in the area. Though restaurants and coffee shops can offer a similar benefit, it’s only a sampling of what those immersed in the culture eat on a regular basis.

What it's like for non-Americans to visit our grocery stores

Americans aren’t the only ones who have been jumping on this concept. It’s just as common for international visitors to explore supermarkets in the US to see what they can find.

In fact, many foreign tourists or those who have recently moved to the U.S. have done the same. Even before this trend took off, many have shared their thoughts on social media about our grocery stores. Most commonly, they like to point out everything that perplexes them, from store layouts to product options.

For instance, TikTok user @valeriinwonderland made a video to share what it’s like to be at a U.S. supermarket as a European. She points out aspects that she wasn’t expecting, such as a whole aisle featuring Coke products and the selection of Oreo cookie varieties.

Similarly, @nappifam on TikTok highlighted what continues to surprise her about American supermarket stores since moving to the U.S. For her, eggs being sold in the refrigerated section and a large selection of over-the-counter medications were particularly unique.

Who knew unfamiliar supermarkets could be such an adventure? Another fun way to jazz up your next trip: Try a mystery vacation! 

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