The Foodie’s Guide to Travelling
Whether you work in the food industry and have high culinary standards, or simply appreciate a good meal in every destination you visit, a foodie is usually in their element on holiday. In recent years, the travel industry has become more and more accommodating for people who have a real taste for good food, with the best hotels boasting about their chefs, and guides available to get to know the best local delicacies.
Eat Local
You might have already read our piece on soaking up local culture when travelling, so apply the same to food. Research or read a town guide before you get to your destination to find eateries that the locals would recommend, especially if you have specific dietary requirements, and get down there as soon as you can. Alternatively, while sightseeing, keep an eye out for small local restaurants, cafes, or street food vendors that look popular – you may come across a local speciality!
Book a Tour
In many cities renowned for their local delicacies, there may be food tours available. These work much like a pub crawl, as a local expert leads your group to various eateries and bars where you can sample a dish before moving on to the next place, and a simple web search will bring up some great results. If you’re looking for something to wash down your dinner, districts famed for their beer production or wineries often offer tours, with tastings included in the ticket price.
Cruise Holidays
A luxurious alternative to package holidays, cruises are a fantastic way to pack in as much travel as possible into your journey, with accommodation and transport all included. Your cruise ship will stop at various ports, allowing you to engage in some sightseeing and try some local cuisine. That said, many cruise ships have their own fantastic restaurants, often with world famous or Michelin-starred chefs whipping up your daily dinner on board.
Food Festivals
If planning your visit well in advance, it may be worth having a look if there are any food festivals with which your trip may coincide. Many major cities – as well as smaller towns – have their own annual food festivals to showcase the very best of their local cuisine, with many eateries and chefs creating special one-off dishes especially. Examples include the Mango festival in New Delhi, India, the San Francisco Street Food festival in the USA, and Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.