Local bakeries, grocery shops and street-food stalls can turn an ordinary walk into a way of discovering a destination. American Express Travel calls this approach “snackpacking”: making small food experiences part of the journey, rather than organising every meal around a major restaurant booking.
In its 2026 travel report, 60% of respondents said they often or always buy local snacks when travelling. The survey covered seven countries and focused on people who travel annually and meet an income threshold. Its findings describe that selected group, rather than every traveller worldwide.
To try the idea, leave room in your itinerary for a neighbourhood market or a bakery near where you are staying. Ask what is made locally, choose a small portion and note the name of something you would like to find again.
Check ingredients against your own dietary requirements and set a modest spending limit. Everyday food can offer a useful glimpse of local routines, but enjoyment does not depend on completing a list of fashionable stops. A little curiosity and an unhurried walk are enough to begin.
Source: American Express Travel 2026 Global Travel Trends Report.
