Move over duty free, there’s a new kind of travel experience taking off this half term. Skyscanner is opening The Skysnacker Lounge in Soho, a pop-up entirely dedicated to snacks from around the world – and the best part? They’re all free.
According to new research from Skyscanner, nearly half of Brits now put local food and snack options at the top of their travel checklist, even above sightseeing. Forget landmarks and museums – this is all about flavour hunting. Over half of those surveyed say they make time on holiday specifically to try or buy snacks, while a solid 45% actually budget for them. Yes, snack tourism is officially a thing.
To celebrate our global obsession, Skyscanner has transformed a space on D’Arblay Street into a bright blue lounge filled with vending machines stocked with over 50 cult favourites from four continents. Expect a world tour of taste – Japanese KitKat Matcha, Italian Canestri biscuits, Fanta Grape, Aussie Tim Tams, even seaweed Pringles. It’s the only airport experience you’ll want to queue for, and you don’t even need a boarding pass.
The pop-up ties into Skyscanner’s new Travel Trends 2026 report, which spotlights “Shelf Discovery” as one of this year’s biggest shifts – the idea that exploring local supermarkets is one of the most authentic and affordable ways to experience culture. From 7-Eleven Slurpees to rare crisps and quirky cola flavours, it’s the little things that bring a destination home with you.
So if your suitcase has ever been half-filled with snacks, this one’s for you. Head down, grab a free token, and taste your way around the world one vending machine at a time.
Key Information
The Skysnacker Lounge, 19 D’Arblay Street, W1F 8ED
Fri 31st October – Sun 2nd November 2025 Free entry
skyscanner.net/travel-trends/food
