Why You Should Go Grocery Shopping On Vacation

It’s perhaps the most important stop you’ll make on your next trip: Learn why you should go grocery shopping on vacation.

Many years ago, I was vacationing in Spain with my friend Michelle. The final day of our trip, I asked her what she wanted to do, and her answer surprised me:

“I want to go to the supermarket to buy some groceries.”

I did a double take. We’re in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with all the museums, architecture, and sightseeing opportunities – and she wanted to go to the supermarket?

Yes, she did.

And I ended up going with her.

After all was said and done, we filled what remained of the open space in our luggage with snacks, spices, condiments, and other local food products from Spain.

And you know what? Now I’m 100% on board with the grocery-shopping-on-vacation idea: A trip to the supermarket is something I always do on vacation!

Why Shop For Groceries On Vacation?

There are so many great reasons to grocery shop on vacation.

1. You’ll find local food products that may not be available where you live.
2. The groceries may cost less there than they do back home.
3. You may discover new foods you love that you were previously unaware of.
4. You’ll buy souvenirs that you’ll actually use and enjoy.
5. You’ll be able to share local flavors with your family and friends.
6. You’ll be reminded of the foods and flavors you enjoyed on your vacation.
7. You’ll undoubtedly learn something about the local culture by perusing the grocery store.

Are you convinced yet?

Can Vacation Grocery Shopping Help You Save Money?

Grocery shopping on vacation may seem like a weird idea that has little to do with saving money. But this is Cheap Recipe Blog, after all, so hear me out:

If you’re going on vacation, you’re probably going to do some souvenir shopping.

But instead of spending money on t-shirts, magnets, and trinkets, consider buying some local food products.

Bonus: Many local food items are cheaper in their locale of origin.

For example: I bought two jars of capers at a grocery store in Portugal. They were cheaper than capers I would find at home, they were grown in Portugal, and they tasted great.

Some Of My Favorite Vacation Food Finds

Since I’ve adopted this grocery shopping on vacation habit, I’ve purchased the following food items:

• Portugal: Tinned fish and seafood, capers
• Azores Islands: Green tea
• Spain: Iberian ham, olives
• Ireland: Fresh brown bread
• Wisconsin: Fresh cheese curds
• New Mexico: Chimayo powdered chili powder & other dried chili powders
• Austin, Texas: A variety of dried chili powders
• St. Augustine, Florida: Datil pepper hot sauce
• New Orleans, Louisiana: Creole seasoning, beignet mix, coffee and chicory
• Any location: Candy, snacks, gum, baked goods, sweets, wine

Shopping tip: Some grocery stores have special sections that feature local products. If it’s not obvious, a grocery store employee should be able to point you in the right direction.

And don’t forget to check out the bulk section where you may find more regional food products and spices.

Traveling By Air?

If you’re traveling by air, keep these tips in mind:

• Liquids and air travel: The U.S. Transportation Security Administration limits the size of liquid containers in air travel. If you plan on carrying on your groceries, make sure any liquids are in containers of 3.4 ounces or less.
  • If you are purchasing containers of sauce or other liquids in bottles of 3.4 ounces or more, consider checking your bags.
  • Jams and jellies: The TSA confiscated my precious jar of cherry jam on my way home from Vermont. If you’re carrying jam or jelly on, make sure it’s in a 3.4 ounce or smaller container – or check your bag.
• Mail your groceries to your house: You can also mail sauces to yourself. Make a stop at a local post office or UPS store.
• Foreign travel: If you’re traveling abroad and returning to the U.S., familiarize yourself with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s list of prohibited and restricted items.
  • Restricted foods: Meat, meat-based products, rice, some fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Allowed foods: Spices, honey, condiments, oils, vinegars, tea, coffee, bakery items, some cheeses.

How To Find A Good Local Grocery Store

Grocery shopping on vacation: How do you start looking for a good local grocery store? With a simple Google search:

• “Grocery store near me”
• “Food co-op near me”
• “Local organic grocery stores”
• “Gourmet grocery store near me”
• “Food market near me”

I find that the more local-focused, gourmet grocery stores have a better selection of local and unique foods. But certainly, any supermarket will have some selection.

You can also ask locals where they like to shop – or where they would recommend shopping for local grocery items.

On your next vacation, make your final stop a grocery run. Do some research to find a supermarket or food co-op that features local products.

And now I want to know: What groceries have you purchased on vacation?