One question I get asked a lot is where I eat during vacations, especially ones abroad. This is a very good question, as usually restaurants are actually my second choice! I can’t eat at many small mom-and-pop places, and oftentimes chain restaurants in Europe, like McDonalds, are just so insanely crowded you can’t even move to get ketchup. So, let me introduce you to the helpful magic that are supermarkets! When I was in Barcelona two summers ago, one night my family just couldn’t find anything for me to eat. Luckily, a few blocks away was a tiny (like one aisle big) store where we found packaged crackers, cheese, and meat, with ingredients (yay!). From Florida to Rome, my family has done this many times, and it’s saved us in quite a few unfortunate situations. In Australia, we even bought microwavable meat pies! Even if you have too many allergies and stores don’t offer the brands you eat, fresh fruit or veggies could always be a good option to buy. Also, stores are often in places where maybe many big tourist restaurants aren’t; after all, the locals need some place to get food too. As for the supermarket chains I recommend, in the US obviously Target, etc. is good and Walmart is great (fight me), and Aldi is an awesome chain in Europe and Australia. You can find a lot of incredibly cheap, familiar options at Aldi, and often they’ll have cool native goods as well (plus every time you shop there they give kids cool collectible figures). However, the real advantage to utilizing any supermarket is that you can actually check and trust the ingredient labels, and not to mention how you can buy good, semi-healthy food for any meal or snack you’re needing. Finally, if you’ve ever been to any Disney park or big tourist destination anywhere, you’ll know the souvenirs -and everything else- is just sooooo expensive, and this is one added bonus of going to a supermarket. At local stores, usually you can find good souvenirs at more than half the price you’d get them at tourist traps around town. Last summer in Australia I bought the cutest huge wombat stuffed animal at Aldi for twenty dollars cheaper than at gift shops I saw. If you’re traveling on a budget but still want great souvenirs, this is my top tip! While cheap places like Walmart or Target often get bashed by normal Americans, stores like this have saved me in many situations abroad. Just remember-if you ever need a quick snack or meal, stores can be at the top of your list, not restaurants. See you next post! :) Previous Post: Museum of Nature and Science Review
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