A video of two budget travelers stumbling upon a tiny “self-service grocery store” in a remote town in Iceland has gone viral on TikTok. The clip, posted by user @_kristinarose, shows the two women walking along an empty road against a mountain backdrop before reaching the grocery store, which is the size of a phone booth. The store had limited items such as bags of tomatoes and dehydrated fish sticks, forcing the travelers to make oatmeal for dinner using supplies they brought from home. The video has garnered over 1.2 million views since being shared on August 27.
The viral post comes at a time when travel is expected to hit record highs this year, with global tourism spending projected to reach $2 trillion. Niche tourism segments like adventure, wellness, luxury, ecotourism, and sports are predicted to be major growth areas in 2024, as consumers prioritize personalized experiences that align with their lifestyles and values. The travelers in the TikTok video expressed disbelief at finding the small self-service grocery store listed on Google Maps, commenting that they were expecting a small store but were surprised by its size and limited selection.
The women did not purchase anything from the self-service grocery store because they were unsure of how it worked and did not want to take food that locals may rely on. They had just arrived in Iceland for their vacation and had not been able to stock up on food before driving to the rural location, making the self-service store their only option for sustenance. The travelers were able to find food from another grocery store the following day, allowing them to continue their journey without relying on the unique and limited resources of the self-service store in the remote town.
The video of the travelers’ encounter with the self-service grocery store in Iceland has elicited amusement and amazement from viewers on TikTok. Comments on the video included expressions of interest in seeing the world, admiration for the travelers’ resourcefulness in making dinner from limited supplies, and amusement at the tiny size of the store. The travelers themselves remarked on the situation, stating that they were in disbelief at the store’s existence and that they were glad to have found food elsewhere the next day. The viral clip highlighted the unexpected and sometimes challenging experiences that can arise during budget travel in remote locations.
Overall, the video of the travelers’ discovery of a self-service grocery store in a remote town in Iceland has captivated audiences on TikTok, drawing attention to the unique and surprising aspects of travel in unfamiliar locations. The travelers’ improvisation in making dinner from limited supplies and their willingness to respect the needs of locals by not taking resources from the tiny store have resonated with viewers. The viral post also reflects the growing trend of personalized and niche tourism experiences, as consumers seek travel opportunities that align with their lifestyles and values. The travelers’ unexpected encounter with the self-service grocery store serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and adventure that can come with exploring remote destinations on a budget.
