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Daniel Catena's avatar

Thank you for the restack @Gabi of Journey Jots!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Absolutely love going to grocery stores when traveling. They're really fun and i often pick up some really neat stuff, for myself and even small gifts. Plus neat to compare prices.

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

I agree Jeanine! Grocery stores can tell you so much about the culture!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

I’ve got some of the coolest things in them.

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Brian Overcast's avatar

I usually plan the trips my wife and I go on, but for our last big trip to Europe, we did a free walking tour in every major city. So much fun and saved me a lot of research time!

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

Groceries stores, markets and landmarks! I might also add visiting Churches whether you are religious or not. They are especially historical, and usually beautiful. And free to visit!

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Toni Jeffrey's avatar

This is a great post, specifically about the free things to do.

I heart Free Tours By Foot, and have yet to experience a lame one!

I also heart grocery stores and farmers' markets. When we were traveling in entirely too hot weather, we went into grocery stores just to cool the eff off. Who knew that Trader Joe's in Austin actually served free samples of wine?! In addition, a Whole Foods in Chicago served so many free samples that we didn't have to buy lunch.

Moving on to Europe and the more mundane task of grocery shopping for our family of five. In Rome, I actually had to flap my arms and cluck like a chicken so the staff knew I was looking for poultry. In Arles, France, a farmers' market provided samples of the yummiest and stinkiest cheese. In Marseille, France, I had to pretend I was scrubbing my armpits so the staff figured out I was looking for body wash.

Natural landmarks and other free attractions are all over the place. Beats elbowing entirely too many tourists.

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Emese-RΓ©ka Fromm's avatar

Great ideas! My favorite free thing to do anywhere, in a new city, is simply to go for a walk in - or towards - the center. In most places, you'll come across parks, markets, free museums, or - especially in Mexico on a weekend - free outdoor performances. Walking into libraries is another favorite activity of ours. They are not only fun and free, but also have their own personality, while also reflecting the personality of the town. Also, thanks for the extra travel news. :)

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