One of my favorite parts of traveling is exploring food, but eating out for every meal can destroy a budget faster than you can say “room service.” When I first started traveling, I quickly realized that one of the easiest ways to stretch my money was by shopping at local grocery stores. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also a fun way to experience daily life in a new country.
Over the years, I’ve picked up some clever hacks for saving money on groceries while traveling. These tricks have helped me eat well without overspending—whether I’m staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen, a hostel with a fridge, or even just grabbing snacks for long train rides.
Here are my best grocery shopping hacks abroad to help you keep your travel budget in check while still enjoying good food.
1. Shop Where the Locals Shop
The first rule of grocery shopping abroad? Go where the locals go. Supermarkets in tourist areas often mark up prices, while neighborhood markets or corner stores are much cheaper. I always ask locals—whether it’s my Airbnb host or someone at the hotel desk—where they shop for groceries.
Some of the best finds I’ve had were from small neighborhood markets tucked away from main streets. Not only were the prices lower, but the produce was fresher, too. If you want to stretch your travel budget, skip the tourist-friendly shops and follow the locals.
I learned this on a trip to the Amalfi Coast. At one particular (touristy) market, they tried to sell us frozen fish, but when we asked around, we discovered there was a fresh fish market right in the center of Positano (you been there??). Wow, what a difference! I’ve never bought mussels that are still attached to byssal threads (just learned what that was). Usually, the mussels I buy in the states are all cleaned up and pretty much ready to go.
2. Learn to Love Local Ingredients
One mistake I made early on was looking for the same foods I ate back home. Imported brands almost always cost more. Once I started embracing local ingredients, I not only saved money but also discovered amazing new flavors.
In Italy, I swapped cereal for fresh bread and cheese. In Poland, we enjoyed their delicious pastries instead of seeking out pricey Western snacks. The trick is to look at what’s abundant and cheap in that country and adjust your meals accordingly.
Traveling is about experiencing new things, so why not start with your grocery cart?
3. Shop at Open-Air Markets
If you’re abroad and only shopping in chain grocery stores, you’re probably missing out on savings. Open-air markets are one of my favorite hacks for fresh, affordable food. Fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, and even meat are often much cheaper at these markets than in supermarkets.
Plus, shopping at local markets gives you a chance to interact with vendors, practice a little of the local language, and try regional specialties you might never see in a grocery aisle. I usually go near the end of the market hours, when vendors start lowering prices to clear out stock—it’s a great way to score deals.
4. Stick to Simple, Easy Meals
Another way I save money on groceries abroad is by keeping my meals simple. I don’t try to recreate a three-course dinner when I’m traveling. Instead, I stick to meals that are easy to cook with just a few ingredients. Think pasta with vegetables, sandwiches with local bread and cheese, or stir fry with fresh market produce.
Even if you’re staying somewhere without a full kitchen, you can still make simple meals. A loaf of bread, fruit, yogurt, and some deli meats go a long way for breakfasts and lunches. By cooking a few meals, I free up money to enjoy a special dinner out without feeling guilty.
5. Take Advantage of Grocery Store Deals
Most grocery stores, even abroad, have weekly or daily specials. I’ve learned to look for discount racks or end-of-day markdowns, especially for bakery items. In France, you can snag a bag of pastries for half price just before closing time.
Many stores also have loyalty cards, and sometimes they’re free for anyone to sign up for. If I’m staying in one place for more than a week, I’ll ask about getting one—it’s surprising how much you can save on everyday items.
Pro tip: In some European countries, stores also discount items close to their expiration date. If you’re planning to eat them that day, it’s a great hack to cut costs.
6. Pack Reusable Essentials
One of the best grocery shopping hacks abroad isn’t about food, it’s about what you bring with you. I always travel with a small reusable tote bag for shopping, a water bottle, and sometimes even reusable cutlery. Many countries charge extra for bags, so this saves me a little money and helps reduce waste. Did you know in Paris there are water fountains all over the city where you can enjoy fresh filtered water for free? https://www.eaudeparis.fr/en/the-fountains-of-paris Again, all you need is your own water bottle.
For groceries, it’s especially handy to have reusable bags for carrying produce or snacks back to my accommodation. I’ve also found that having a small container or two makes it easier to prep food for day trips.
It’s a simple hack, but it adds up over time.
7. Don’t Forget Snacks for the Road
When traveling, snacks are a lifesaver—and grocery stores are the best place to get them affordably. Instead of spending $5 on a bag of chips at a train station, I stock up on snacks like fruit, crackers, and granola bars from the local grocery store.
Not only does it save me money, but it also keeps me from making expensive impulse buys when I’m hungry. I always keep a few snacks in my bag for long flights, bus rides, or even just a day of sightseeing.
Conclusion
Grocery shopping abroad has become one of my favorite travel routines. It saves money, gives me a taste of local culture, and helps me balance out restaurant splurges with budget-friendly meals.
By shopping where locals go, embracing local ingredients, and using a few simple hacks, I’ve learned how to eat well without spending a fortune. Whether I’m in a bustling city or a small town, grocery stores and markets always have hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
So next time you’re traveling, skip the overpriced tourist menus and head to the nearest grocery store or market. With a little creativity and curiosity, you’ll not only save money, you’ll also eat like a local.
