IN AN age when social media has revolutionised the way we travel, a new trend has emerged that is capturing the attention of globetrotting millennials and Gen Z: grocery store tourism.
This new trend has taken TikTok by storm with holidaymakers abroad enjoying visiting unconventional places: supermarkets.
While this idea may seem pretty basic, it is actually a really unique way to gain insight into a different culture and to try new things. That’s probably why it has gained so much popularity among Gen Z travellers, who seem to be the latest ones to pack their bags and hit the road.
The idea behind grocery store tourism is simple. Rather than rushing to visit a destination’s famous landmarks, travellers are increasingly seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture by checking out how residents shop for their daily essentials.
From exotic drinks to luxurious in-store amenities, these grocery store excursions offer a unique window into the customs and consumption habits of different societies.
The idea of grocery store tourism makes a lot of sense when you watch videos like the one shared by @mrsryleepaige.
Paige said that she loves stopping at grocery stores when she travels, noting how different things can be from place to place. She specifically pointed out how dairy products and eggs aren't kept in refrigerators in Switzerland, which is standard in the US.
@mrsryleepaige i love seeing how different groceries and snacks are in other countries. Trying new snacks here is one of my ✨ hobbies ✨ #americanabroad #expats #livingabroadlife #lifeabroad🌍 #groceryshoppingswitzerland #grocerystoreadventures #zurich🇨🇭 #coopcity #adayinthelifevlog #americaninswitzerland #expatliving ♬ Flowers - Miley Cyrus
Another user, @marissainchina, said: “This may be controversial, but I think that the best thing to do while travelling is going to the grocery store.
“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.”
After perusing the meat and seafood aisles, Marissa started to pick out items to take home, including “Malaysia's most popular chocolate drink, Milo”.
She also added some breyani spice mixes to her basket, quipping: “I guess if going to the grocery store is wrong, then I don't want to be right.”
@marissainchina First time in a Malaysian supermarket 🛒 #travelabroad #malaysia #tourists ♬ original sound - Marissa
Most TikTok users agreed.
“Checking out the grocery stores in different countries IS sightseeing,” read the overtext in another video.
In the video, the posters are filming themselves and their friends wandering around a supermarket in awe of the products that they can’t find in their home country.
One of them, for example, is a particular kind of Monster energy drink, which comes in a red can and its flavour is dubbed “Ultra Red”.