Markets are one of the best spots to visit when you’re travelling. They’re chaotic, full of energy, fun to explore and can tell you a lot about the destination you’re visiting. And who knows, you might just find the perfect souvenir to bring home while you’re at it. Here are five reasons to start checking out local markets.
To feel like a local
If you want to get a feel for local life, or better yet, feel less like a tourist and more like a local, one of the best things you can do is visit a market. It will likely be busy, full of people buying and selling, but you will capture the lively hum of everyday life wherever you happen to be. Whether it’s a fruit and vegetable market in Guatemala or a wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s worth adding a market visit to your list of things to do when you travel.
To find good (and cheap) food
Saving money on food while you travel can be as easy as walking up to a market stall selling whatever looks and smells good and giving it a try. Food in markets tends to be cheap, handmade and very much where you’ll find locals eating. Even just buying some fresh fruit (likely picked that day) to snack on can be a memorable market experience when you travel.
To bargain your way to something cool
Bargaining is the name of the game in many markets around the world. Items from T-shirts to handbags are priced high to start, but bargaining is expected and can be a lot of fun as long as you don’t take it too seriously. Simply ask “how much” and then counter with a lower offer. With enough back and forth you might just walk away with a bargain.
To learn something new
By exploring markets when you travel you’re also getting a better sense of the day-to-day life and the culture of where you are. You get to see how people interact, what they’re buying and selling, what they eat, how they eat and the types of food they grow. Simply walking through a market can be an eye-opening experience and deepen your appreciation for a destination.
To discover new foods
Markets are full of new and exciting foods that you might not see at home, and one of the best parts about a market visit is getting to know these items and their uses. Discovering new fruits, vegetables and spices helps broaden your mind when it comes to food and can inspire you to try new ingredients when you get home. If you can, take a cooking class when you travel to get a better sense of how to use the local ingredients.
(Main image: David Berkowitz)
