Food is an incredible way to explore different cultures. It allows you to connect with the locals and it can also be an excellent opportunity for networking!
Be mindful - even the most adventurous travellers will experience stomach issues from time to time. Preparing with a nutritious diet beforehand and staying hydrated are both excellent ways to ensure you feel your best while traveling.
1. Eat Local
Food plays a significant role in culture, and eating local can give you an intimate view of the area you're visiting. Not only does it give you a more genuine experience, but it also offers you the chance to try new cuisines and beverages you may never have tried before.
Eating local is an increasingly popular trend that offers numerous advantages for both you and the environment. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint by using less fuel in transportation, but it also supports local farmers by purchasing their produce directly from them.
One of the best ways to become involved in this movement is by visiting your local farmer's market. These markets take place once or twice a week and offer an opportunity for you to buy fresh, local produce as well as other treats.
Here, you'll find an abundance of fruits and vegetables as well as homemade breads, pastas and other delectable treats. Plus, you get to learn about the culture of wherever you visit; plus you can purchase items that are native to that region!
Before embarking on a trip, it's wise to do your due diligence and research the area thoroughly. This could include reading restaurant reviews on Yelp or TripAdvisor and exploring local food blogs for inspiration about dishes in your new locale.
When traveling abroad, ask friends and family who have previously visited about their favorite spots to eat. Additionally, look into upcoming events like festivals or outdoor fairs for unique opportunities to sample local cuisine.
Before arriving in a new city or country, it's wise to do your research. Many of the best restaurants aren't located in touristy areas; this will save time and energy as you won't need to hassle with finding an excellent spot amid hectic activity.
2. Drink Local
Exploring local cuisines and drinks is an invaluable way to become familiar with the culture of your destination. You can do this through a food tour, cooking class or simply by sampling something you might not normally order.
While traveling, why not sample some of the local spirits produced near you? Supporting local businesses and maintaining a culture are great ways to keep an area vibrant.
In Europe, many bars now offer locally produced spirits and beers which can provide an enjoyable cultural experience. They tend to be cheaper than their imported counterparts and less likely to contain chemicals you might not tolerate.
Consider trying a local wine as well. These tend to have more flavor than their imported counterparts.
If you don't enjoy drinking, non-alcoholic drinks are an ideal alternative. These tend to be available in most countries at much cheaper prices than beer or wine and can be a great way to save money when traveling.
To guarantee you get the best drinks while abroad, it is essential to learn how to ask for them in the language of the country you are visiting. Doing this will guarantee you don't miss out on any great pubs and drinking experiences.
Travelers often rely on apps and websites to locate the ideal places to drink while away. Eater, Barchick and PunchDrink are three popular choices; these websites provide detailed information about a city's bar scene as well as recommendations for lesser-known venues. Furthermore, they provide helpful bar reviews which can be especially helpful if you're unfamiliar with a new city and don't know where to begin when exploring it for the first time.
3. Go on a Food Tour
If you're looking to explore new cuisines and beverages while traveling, a food tour is an ideal way to do it. These guided tours typically last three to four hours and can be private or within groups of 6-10 people.
For the ideal tour, make sure your guide is knowledgeable about both the foods you will sample and the city you are visiting. They may even point out some hidden gems of local restaurants that deserve your attention.
Food tours are an exciting way to discover a city's history and sample different cuisines from around the globe. Plus, they're an excellent opportunity for travelers to connect over their shared love of food!
Planning ahead for your food tour can save time and money while traveling.
Search online for tours with various itineraries and locations. Additionally, ask your hotel if there are any food tours offered near them.
A food tour will take you to several restaurants throughout the day. Each stop will showcase dishes and drinks unique to the region you are visiting.
Most guided food tours are walking-based, though some will provide transportation from restaurant to restaurant via van or bus. Typically, they begin with a predetermined menu item from the first restaurant and continue sampling different dishes at each stop.
On a food tour, you'll receive all of the tasting items plus tax and tip at each stop. Prices may vary, but quality self-guided tours tend to be less than $40 per person.
4. Take a Cooking Class
If you're an enthusiastic cook, taking cooking classes while traveling can be a great way to hone your skills. From sushi making and French cuisine to breakfast dishes and breakfast dishes - cooking classes offer culinary adventures you may never have experienced before.
Cooking classes offer you the chance to develop creative problem-solving abilities and the capacity to adapt under changing conditions. For instance, if you run out of an ingredient or have dietary restrictions, you may have no choice but to come up with a solution quickly. These honed skillset can be beneficial in your career or personal life; it will come in handy when preparing meals for yourself or others.
Some cooking schools provide professional instruction with week-long courses, while others cater to a more casual atmosphere. Before signing up for any type, be sure to inquire about pricing and what's included in the meal.
Cooking classes typically take place in a kitchen, either at a restaurant or private home. Usually, the chef will guide you step-by-step through the process of cooking and provide guidance. This methodical approach can be especially helpful for those unfamiliar with professional kitchen settings or who lack confidence handling more hands-on activities.
Another alternative for those who are reluctant to leave their homes is taking an online cooking class. These usually one-minute videos are concise and informative, perfect for those who don't have the time to devote hours watching video lessons.
A successful cooking class should be tailored to meet your individual needs and objectives. For instance, if you're new at this, start with a basic recipe and progress as you gain experience. On the other hand, more experienced students may prefer to focus on more intricate skills like creating an exquisite sauce or roasting vegetables.
5. Try Local Desserts
No matter if you're in the mood for something traditional or adventurous, there's sure to be an excellent dessert option in every city. From ice cream and popsicles to cookies and brownies, these local delicacies will satisfy your sweet tooth and have you wanting more!
While it's always fun to experience new cuisines while traveling, sometimes all you need is a classic cookie. Tiff's Treats in San Antonio has several locations so that you can find one near you for their irresistible cookie dough frosting.
If you're a fan of Bingsu, head to Bar Peached in Austin for the best Korean dessert selection. They offer various shaved-ice options from fruit to cookies topped with whipped cream and other delectable toppings.
Nothing beats a sweet treat after a meal to get your mouth watering. Luckily, chain restaurants offer plenty of delectable desserts at reasonable prices so you don't have to break the bank to satisfy that sugar craving.
When visiting the South, don't miss out on tasting pecan pie! This sweet and tart treat is the ideal way to cap off a dinner of Southern favorites.
For a special twist on this American favorite, why not try making your own pecan pie with chocolate? For something extra special, why not try making it from scratch if you're feeling particularly adventurous!
Though many people enjoy sweets, there is a wide variety of desserts to choose from. Ghana, for example, boasts an array of delectable sweet dishes that will have you coming back for more!