If your first stop in any city is the grocery store, these 7 personality traits fit you

I’ve always believed the way we approach small, everyday habits says a lot about who we are.

And honestly, what’s more telling than the very first thing you do when you arrive in a new city?

Some people head straight to tourist attractions. Others drop their bags and look for the nearest café.

But then there are those who make a beeline for the grocery store. If you fall into that camp, I’d bet a few specific traits describe you perfectly.

Let’s unpack them.

1) You’re curious by nature

Do you find yourself lingering in the produce section just to see what’s different?

Maybe you notice how every region has its own spin on the “same old” vegetables or how a bakery’s bread selection shifts depending on local traditions.

That sense of curiosity is exactly what sets you apart. You don’t just want to skim the surface of a new place—you want to explore it through its flavors, smells, and textures.

A grocery store, in your eyes, is like a cultural snapshot.

And curiosity doesn’t stop at food. Chances are, you’re also curious about people, stories, and ideas. You want to understand the why behind things, not just the what.

2) You’re practical and grounded

While others might run to souvenir shops, you’re grabbing fresh fruit, a carton of oat milk, or a loaf of local bread.

Why? Because you know that stocking up on the basics makes life easier, healthier, and more affordable.

This practicality often extends to other areas of your life. Maybe you’re the one in your friend group who packs snacks for a hike or who remembers to bring reusable bags without fail.

You know how to blend excitement with sensibility, and that balance keeps you grounded.

I’ll admit—I’ve been this person on more than one trip.

After years of working in finance, I can’t help but calculate how much I’ll save by making a few simple meals instead of eating out for every bite.

It’s not about being frugal; it’s about being intentional.

3) You value routines (even when you’re away)

Travel often throws routines out the window. But not for you. If heading to the grocery store is the first thing you do, it’s because you like having some continuity in your life—even on the road.

Maybe you’re the type who starts every morning with coffee and toast, or you need a bowl of fruit before diving into a day of sightseeing.

There’s comfort in keeping these rituals alive, and grocery shopping is the way you make it happen.

This trait says a lot about your deeper personality: you’re someone who thrives when you feel anchored. You enjoy adventure, but you also like having a few constants that give you stability.

4) You’re health-conscious

Let’s be real: when you walk into a grocery store in a new city, you’re not usually stocking up on candy bars and sodas.

You’re probably checking out the local produce section, hunting for fresh greens, or maybe even seeing what plant-based items are available.

Being mindful of what you put into your body shows discipline and self-awareness. It also means you’re tuned in to how food impacts your mood, energy, and overall well-being.

As someone who’s been vegan for years, I can tell you this trait is both a blessing and a challenge. Sometimes it means I spend more time than I’d like scanning labels in a language I don’t speak.

But it also means I end up discovering incredible local foods I never would’ve tried otherwise.

5) You’re independent

When you rely on a grocery store to set yourself up in a new city, you’re signaling that you don’t need to be spoon-fed the “tourist experience.” You’re comfortable charting your own path.

This sense of independence often shows up beyond travel. Maybe you’re confident making decisions without constant input.

Maybe you prefer cooking dinner at home instead of ordering takeout. Or maybe you’re just someone who knows how to take care of your own needs without waiting on others.

It’s a subtle kind of self-reliance that people notice about you—and admire.

6) You’re adaptable

Not every grocery store looks like the one back home.

In fact, sometimes the layout feels like a puzzle. You might not recognize every item, and maybe the brand you’re used to isn’t anywhere in sight.

But instead of getting frustrated, you roll with it. You swap oat milk for almond, or you try that mystery fruit because why not? This kind of flexibility reveals a bigger trait: adaptability.

Life throws curveballs, whether it’s delayed flights, job changes, or unexpected responsibilities.

If you’re the grocery-store-first kind of traveler, odds are you’re also the kind of person who can adapt quickly when things don’t go as planned.

7) You appreciate the small joys

There’s something delightful about finding the perfect snack or stumbling on a local delicacy tucked away on a shelf. These small wins light you up, and you know how to savor them.

This ability to find joy in little things often spills into your day-to-day life.

Maybe it’s pausing to enjoy the smell of fresh herbs in your garden, or maybe it’s celebrating the quiet comfort of a home-cooked meal after a long day.

Appreciating the small joys means you don’t wait for big milestones to feel happy. You know how to sprinkle delight into ordinary moments, and that makes your life richer and more fulfilling.

Final thoughts

So, did you see yourself in these traits?

Curious. Practical. Routine-loving. Health-conscious. Independent. Adaptable. Joyful. That’s quite the lineup—and it all starts with something as simple as where you go first in a new city.

If your first stop is the grocery store, it’s not just about stocking up on food. It’s about the mindset you bring into every corner of your life.

You’re not just shopping—you’re exploring, grounding yourself, and creating a sense of home wherever you are.

And isn’t that the ultimate expression of self-development? Taking ordinary habits and turning them into windows that show us who we really are.