From “Amazing Things to See From (Possibly) Far Away” on Skepdad’s “100 Things to Do Before You’re a Teenager” List.

The Thing to Do…

This is fairly simple and straight forward. When traveling make sure to go shopping for food in a foreign country.

Materials and Methods…

First, I understand not everyone gets a chance to get out of their country. But if you know you’re about to go on a trip go to your own grocery store and make some quick notes (mental or otherwise) about the stuff your family normal buys and eats, and how much it costs.

Second, take an hour out of your trip to go to a foreign grocery store. Wander the aisles. Look at what kind of things are for sale. (Discretely) look at what other shoppers are buying. And try and find some of your favorites from back home — or at least their equivalents wherever you are traveling.

(Parents want to know) The Reason to Do It…

I’m a big believer in the idea that we flex our critical thinking muscles by exposing ourselves to new ideas. And I think one of the most basic assumptions most of us both get and don’t get is food. We all know at some level that food is different in different places, but you never really get that until you walk into place where food is sold in its most basic form — a grocery store, market, whatever — when you are away from home. To you everything will be familiar, but chances are you will not recognize brands or flavours. Produce might be different. Drinks and snacks vary widely from country to country. And I would argue that there are few better — and more fundamental — learning experiences when kids are abroad than taking them outside their comfort zone with respect to things to eat.

The Results…

Chances are you’ll get a good meal. If you’re like me you’ll discover a new taste that isn’t available back home and spend hours online trying to find some way to have a case shipped across the ocean. Budget accordingly.