A Food Fun Travel post written by Alisha Hall
Food markets have become popular spots not just for locals, but tourists that are seeking to immerse themselves in the various cultures to be found across the globe. It’s a great way to get some delicious meals while steeping in the unique atmosphere of the country you’re in.
A study from Discover Personal Loans found that travelers spend the majority of their money on transportation and accommodations, choosing to budget carefully on things like food. With that in mind, it can be very rewarding to spend your money at a food market when you’re on vacation. You get a cost-effective method of experiencing the many delights of a specific country, and there are many reasons it works out amazingly.
You Get Authentic Local Cuisine
One of the best reasons to go to a food market is getting to try the local cuisine in an authentic way. You’ll likely get dishes unbridled by corporate interference and aren’t necessarily adjusted for mass consumption. You get flavor profiles that really embrace whatever tastes the locals have, and it ends up being a memorable and delicious experience more often than not.
This is especially great if you plan on visiting popular places that offer rich cuisine. For instance, you will likely have a more fulfilling time exploring Hawaiian specialties like Kalua pork and Huli Huli chicken rather than going to a chain restaurant that you can easily find in any other place.
It’s Way More Affordable
The great part about food markets is that they tend to be cheaper than big tourist-oriented restaurants and still feel more satisfying than opting for fast food. Why splurge when you can get a decent meal that has reasonable prices?
This also inadvertently encourages you to carry cash instead of relying solely on your credit card. An Upgraded Points post on how to break unhealthy money habits notes that credit card usage can easily lead to overspending, which can impact your mental health and put a damper on your trip. It also mentions that over a third of people feel guilty when using their credit cards, which is the last feeling you want to have when you’re on vacation.
There’s a Lot of Variety to Explore
Aside from popular favorites, food markets tend to carry many little gems that would otherwise be overlooked by many travelers. You may just find a really delectable dish, snack, or drink that you would only get introduced to by a thriving local scene.
Part of what makes vacations so memorable is being able to take on new experiences and try unfamiliar things. Diving into the food market will open you up to a world of variety that can cater to both the adventurous traveler and the one that delights in well-traveled roads.
You Can Socialize and Meet New People
Buying goods at a food market is also a great way to socialize, especially when you take the chance to ask around which options are best. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly snacks or cool dishes that get you out of your comfort zone, interacting with locals and fellow travelers at these types of hubs can be a fun experience.
It’s a time-tested truth that food brings people together, so a lively and community-based space like a food market can be the perfect ground to expand your horizons. In fact, data from Exodus Travels confirms that 77 percent of American travelers have made lifelong friendships when traveling.
You Can Get Fresher Ingredients
Since you’re already taking a gastronomic adventure, you might as well ensure that you’re getting something fresh. Food markets usually have all their produce sourced locally and brought directly, which means that you get a fresher product that hasn’t been made with ingredients that sit around too long.
A quality food market will have these fresh goods and feature mom-and-pop style stalls that give that good home-cooked style cooking that hits the spot. It’s definitely a better option than settling for food that is packed in a factory. And as evidenced by an article featured in the expert-reviewed Sustainability journal, eating at such markets also helps regional food systems and is better for the environment.
It Supports Local Businesses
Choosing to spend your money at a food market also means choosing to support small local businesses. This helps the local economy and also contributes to the nature of the community. You empower small business owners that make their respective spaces more alive and connected.
A council post from Forbes urges readers to support local businesses because it creates jobs and reduces the carbon footprint of a place. Because local business also source their goods domestically, you reduce the emissions required to make a wonderful selection. In return, you likely get a great meal that doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket.
