Snackpacking Takes Over: How Local Treats Are Redefining Travel

Travellers are increasingly hunting for local snacks as a key part of their trips. A new trend called snackpacking has emerged, with 69% of global tourists seeking out street food and quick bites. Younger generations, in particular, are driving this shift—89% of millennials and Gen Z now prioritise leaving room for local treats when exploring new places. Cities around the world have become hotspots for snack-focused tourism. In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, streets close to traffic every Friday through Sunday evening, transforming into open-air food markets. Meanwhile, Seoul has seen a surge in snack-motivated visitors, with convenience store chain GS25 reporting a 74.2% increase in foreign spending in 2025. Large grocers like Emart also attract travellers eager to sample Korean snacks.

**Barcelona** offers two distinct snackpacking experiences: the bustling **La Boqueria** market and the budget-friendly **Mercadona** supermarket. In **Berlin**, an informal food circuit thrives, with **Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun** and stalls at **Mauerpark** drawing crowds. **Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Valley** blends grocery stores, markets, and street vendors into a sprawling food landscape perfect for grazing. For a more offbeat experience, **Cairo’s Khan El-Khalili** rewards those who wander. The real finds lie beyond the main bazaar, where roaming vendors and hidden side streets serve up authentic bites. Viral food trends are also shaping travel habits—over 75% of younger travellers now actively seek out dishes they’ve seen online.

The rise of snackpacking reflects a broader change in how people explore destinations. Cities are adapting by expanding food markets, while businesses like Seoul’s GS25 see direct financial benefits from snack-hunting tourists. With younger travellers leading the trend, local food experiences are becoming as important as traditional sightseeing.