Simple thing to do on holidays that can save you money and time
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If you are travelling in a country you've never been before it can sometimes be daunting to have to work out what you're going to eat for three meals each day.
Even more so if you're trying to stick to a smaller budget, and want to avoid having to eat out multiple times.
That's where these travellers recommend one simple thing you can do during any holiday that will save you money and time.
Hitting up the local supermarket can help sort plenty of your meals while on holidays. Getty
In a Reddit thread asking for "a lesser-known travel tip" to save time and stress, the suggestion to hit up the local supermarket was one of the most popular responses.
"I'm planning a trip and would love to know any smart, underrated tips that make travelling smoother or more affordable," the original poster asked.
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In one of the comments, one person said buying food at grocery stores at least sometimes was the biggest tip they give to newbie travellers.
"Whether it's the occasional breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a snack, you will save so much money if you shop ready-to-eat (fruit, yoghurt, snacks, etc.) or prepared food (salads, sandwiches, etc.) at a grocery store. Plus, restaurant meals are often really heavy. Picnic in the park," they wrote.
Indeed supermarkets have become the "it" travel destination among young travellers, thanks to "grocery store tourism".
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Supermarkets have actually become an "it" travel destination. Getty
Travel booking website Expedia says that 39 per cent of travellers usually visit a grocery store during their trips, and 44 per cent make an effort to buy local goods – including food – they can't get where they live.
And plenty of others agreed in the comments.
"Plus it's also really fun (well, it is for me) to visit foreign grocery stores to compare and contrast with what I have at home," another person shared.
While a third said: "This is one of the first things I (or we) do at a new location.
"Sometimes I'll go for a nice walk by myself and stop in at shops, bakeries, cheese shops, fruit stands, grocers, etc... and just see what wonderful things they have."
Shopping is something many travellers enjoy already. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Of course, historic markets like the Tokyo fish market and the Boquerìa in Barcelona have always drawn tourists.
But as these people share, this trend finds the joy and excitement in your average supermarket.
Los Angeles cafe Erewhon recently became a hot spot for travellers to the US city.
The health store is known for its celebrity clientele and its smoothie bar. Model Hailey Bieber collaborated with the store on a 'Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie', which went viral on TikTok even though it cost $19 ($28).
So maybe avoid that particular one if you're wanting to save money. But otherwise stroll the aisle and see what you can find.
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