Did you know that purchasing at a market rather than from a Western-style grocery store can save you money? Usually when I’m backpacking, I do my best to keep my expenses as low as possible so I can travel longer. Last time I was in Guatemala, I decided to go to the local market to pick up some fresh fruit for breakfast. A pound of bananas cost me $0.25 USD. In the western style grocery store (of which there is only one in the town), that price is more like $1.00. It’s a small difference to most, but it adds up. It’s a fantastic way to minimize your spending while shifting your purchasing power toward independent vendors!