Copyright timesnownews
Forget magnets and miniature monuments — the new-age traveller is packing bags filled with snacks! From Japan’s iconic KitKat flavours (yes, there’s a wasabi one) to Australia’s irresistible Tim Tams and the USA’s nostalgic Coca-Cola Vanilla Soda, globetrotters are now exploring the world one bite at a time. This new wave of wanderlust isn’t just about where you go; it’s about what you munch on when you get there. Snack tourism is redefining the travel experience — transforming it from sightseeing to snack-seeing. It’s the kind of tourism that lets you taste the essence of a destination, where local crisps, chocolates, and sweets tell as much of a story as castles and cathedrals do. As the world becomes more connected, travellers are realising that discovering a country’s flavour can be as exciting as discovering its history. So, What Exactly Is Snack Tourism? Simply put, snack tourism is the art (and joy) of travelling with your taste buds leading the way. According to travel platform Skyscanner, it’s an emerging trend where tourists plan their itineraries around local snacks and delicacies rather than landmarks or museums. It’s no longer enough to see a place — you must taste it too. Picture this: French travellers savouring buttery Petit Écolier biscuits, curious foodies hunting down Japan’s matcha and sake-flavoured KitKats, or Thai adventures sipping on Mogu Mogu, the fruit drink with chewy bits inside. These aren’t just snacks; they’re edible stories that capture the culture, nostalgia, and creativity of a region. What makes snack tourism fascinating is that it goes beyond luxury dining or high-end gastronomy. It’s about simple, everyday treats — the crisps sold at a local petrol station, the chocolate bar every schoolkid grew up eating, or the fizzy drink unique to a region. They all have a way of telling you where you are and what makes that place tick. The Millennials (And Gen Z) Are Leading the Snack Pack If you’ve ever travelled with a millennial, you already know the rule: no snack, no story. According to Skyscanner’s research, 47% of UK travellers now consider local food and snack options a top priority when planning a trip. For them, the best way to understand a place isn’t through its postcard views but through its packet snacks. Millennials are leading the pack (or should we say, snack pack?) with 59% admitting they choose destinations based on food. Even more impressively, 70% allocate a special budget purely for collecting edible souvenirs — everything from Italy’s Baci chocolates to Korea’s honey-butter chips. Not far behind, Gen Z travellers are joining the movement too. About 38% of them would rather experience a local dish than visit an iconic monument. They’re swapping the Eiffel Tower for French pastries and Big Ben for British biscuits — and honestly, can you blame them? How to Snack Like a Pro Traveller Thinking of planning your next snack-centred getaway? Here’s how to make the most of it: Do Your Research – Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are treasure troves of local snack recommendations. Follow food bloggers and travel influencers for hidden gems. Visit Local Supermarkets – Forget tourist shops. The real snack magic lies in convenience stores, petrol stations, and neighbourhood bakeries. That’s where you’ll find authentic favourites — and at a fraction of the price. Check Customs Rules – As exciting as it sounds to bring home your new favourite treats, remember that some food items may be restricted. Always check your destination’s import rules to avoid heartbreak (and confiscation at the airport). Fun fact: Australia’s famous Vegemite is one of the most requested — and most polarising — snack souvenirs. You’ll either love it or vow never to taste it again! Why Snack Tourism Is More Than Just a Fad Snack tourism isn’t just another social media-driven craze. It’s a celebration of cultural storytelling through taste. Every country has a signature snack that says something about its people — from the spice-loving spirit of India’s street food to Japan’s innovation in packaging and flavour. In many ways, it’s travel made more intimate. When you bite into something made locally, you’re not just tasting ingredients — you’re tasting history, craftsmanship, and emotion. It’s a bite-sized connection to the soul of a place. So the next time you travel, skip the souvenir shop and head straight to the snack aisle. You might just discover a new favourite — and a story worth sharing. Whether you’re bringing home a suitcase full of Japanese sweets or stocking up on French biscuits for your tea time, snack tourism lets you experience the world in its most flavourful form. After all, isn’t it wonderful when travel not only fills your passport but also your pantry? So, tell us — where would you go for your dream snack adventure?
