Forget souvenirs — travellers are now booking global trips just for snacks!

From Tokyo’s KitKats to Sydney’s Tim Tams, travellers are tasting the world one snack at a time.

From Tokyo’s iconic KitKats to Sydney’s beloved Tim Tams, a new kind of traveller is redefining global adventures — one bite at a time. The latest travel phenomenon, Snack Tourism, is all about exploring destinations through their most irresistible local munchies.

Once focused on monuments and museums, modern travel has taken a delicious turn. According to global travel insights, food now ranks among the top motivators for choosing a destination. And increasingly, it’s not just fine dining — it’s snacks that are shaping itineraries.

What Is Snack Tourism?

Snack Tourism is the growing trend of travellers planning their holidays around local and regional snacks. Instead of collecting souvenirs, tourists are filling their suitcases with cult-favourite treats that reflect a destination’s culinary culture — from French Petit Écolier biscuits to Japan’s special-edition KitKats.

This shift reflects a deeper desire among travellers to connect authentically with the places they visit. A bag of chips or a chocolate bar can reveal as much about a culture as its landmarks or traditions.

The rise of snack-focused travel has also led to creative experiences like The Skysnacker Lounge, opening in London from October 31 to November 2, 2025. The event will showcase over 6,700 snacks from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australasia — giving visitors the world on a plate, or rather, in a packet.

How Snack Tourism Is Changing the Way We Travel

While older generations may have planned trips around sightseeing, today’s travellers are curating snack lists instead of bucket lists. From Tokyo’s matcha KitKats to the fiery flavours of India’s Lays Magic Masala, snacks have become cultural ambassadors.

According to Skyscanner, nearly 47% of UK travellers say local food influences their destination choices. Among Millennials, this figure soars — 59% plan their trips around trending snacks, and 70% even set aside a special budget to buy unique international treats. Meanwhile, Gen Z travellers are proving equally food-driven, with 38% saying they’d rather eat French food than visit the Eiffel Tower.

In short, food is no longer the backdrop — it’s the main attraction.

Taste Your Way Around the World at The Skysnacker Lounge

The upcoming Skysnacker Lounge in London is set to be the ultimate destination for global snack lovers. Here’s a preview of what’s on the menu:

Europe: Dive into nostalgia with Daim Bites, Carambar Caramel, and Petit Écolier biscuits — timeless classics that define European snacking traditions.

The Americas: Expect bold flavours from both North and South America with Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Crunchy, Nerds Gummy Clusters, and Dr Pepper Strawberry & Cream Soda.

Asia: Home to innovation, Asia’s lineup features KitKat Birthday Cake, Lays Magic Masala, and Samyang Buldak Ramen Carbonara — each snack a cultural adventure in itself.

Australasia: Enjoy the sweet simplicity of Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, and Violet Crumble, showcasing the playful, easygoing snack culture of Australia and New Zealand.

How to Be a Pro Snack Tourist

If you’re ready to join the snack travel revolution, here’s how to get started:

• Research before you fly: TikTok and local blogs are treasure troves of trending snacks.
• Shop where locals shop: Skip airport stores — head to supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Know customs rules: Some foods can’t cross borders — check before you stash.
• Leave luggage space: A true snack tourist knows to pack light and return heavy.
• Share the haul: Snack tasting parties are the best souvenirs you can bring home.

The Future of Travel Is Food-First

Snack tourism is more than a passing fad — it’s reshaping the global travel industry. Tour operators are already introducing food-centric tours, international snack trails, and culinary festivals to attract these flavour-hunting travellers.

Destinations, too, are realising the potential of their snacks as cultural ambassadors. By celebrating local treats, they’re offering travellers a more immersive and authentic connection with their region.

A New Era of Travel

In this new age of tourism, food isn’t just sustenance — it’s storytelling. Whether it’s the crunch of a Tim Tam or the sweetness of a Carambar, every snack offers a taste of a nation’s identity.

So next time you pack for a trip, skip the souvenirs and make room for snacks. Because in 2025, the best way to experience the world might just be one bite at a time.