Supermarket Tourism: The Unexpected Travel Trend That’s Taking Off

Right then, let me tell you, I’ve seen some right peculiar travel fads come and go, but this “Supermarket Tourism” lark? It’s got legs, it does, because it taps into something proper real. Who’d have thought pushing a trolley down foreign aisles could be so illuminating? But it is. Those brightly lit spaces, the odd packaging, the local delicacies – it’s like a backstage pass to a culture, innit?

At The Bucket List Company, we’ve been getting stuck into this trend, and I’ll tell you what, the snack discoveries alone are worth the price of a flight. It’s a proper culinary adventure, a treasure hunt for the senses. Forget the tourist traps; the genuine taste of a place often resides right there on the supermarket shelves.

Now, before we dive into the delicious details, let’s have a chinwag about where this “Supermarket Tourism” term even came from. It didn’t just pop up overnight, you know. It’s a natural evolution of our desire to experience destinations more authentically. In recent years, travellers have become increasingly disillusioned with superficial, pre-packaged experiences. They crave genuine interactions, a deeper understanding of the places they visit. And what’s more genuine than the everyday act of doing the weekly shop?

The term itself likely emerged from online travel communities and blogs, where savvy travellers began sharing their supermarket discoveries and tips. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, played a crucial role in popularising the trend, with visually appealing posts showcasing unique snacks and products from around the world. It’s a democratisation of travel exploration, where everyone can participate and share their findings.

So, let me give you a taste of what we’ve found in some of the most sought-after destinations: