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Do you ever find yourself traveling to eat?
Food and traveling go together like…peanut butter and jelly. Do you love trying the local food when you travel? When you think of Italy, do you think of pizza? Does France mean breads and pastries? Would you love to try some authentic Mexican fare right about now? Me too.
Maybe you’re like me and love rolling up your sleeves and helping create that deliciousness, so that you take home not just memories, but also an ability to recreate the amazing dishes right in your own kitchen. Food brings people together, both in creating and sharing wonderful culinary tastes!
Today I’m sharing five amazing foodie trips around the world that I love. These include some great sightseeing and incredible experiences, but I’m just highlighting the culinary parts of the trips here.
#1: Travel to eat in Italy
Italy wouldn’t be Italy without enjoying some incredible food. This Italian vacation highlights the food specialties of Florence and Tuscany.
From day 1, spent in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany, you’ll fall in love with your food experiences. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner where regional foods and Italian wines kick off your adventure.
Another highlight of the trip occurs on day 5 in Pisa. The day is spent exploring the UNESCO Heritage site Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) and, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This evening, travel to the quiet countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Partake in a cooking class, using local ingredients and culinary techniques that have been passed down for generations. Enjoy your freshly-prepared meal for dinner.
Day 7 of this amazing trip finds you in the hilltop village of San Gimignano. At a nearby cheese farm, learn how the famous pecorino cheese is made before sampling it for yourself. Soak in breathtaking views. Explore this enchanting medieval town, from its famous 14 towers to its magnificent vistas overlooking vineyards. Enjoy free time and perhaps find some gelato. Later this evening, attend a Tuscan feast of traditional cuisine and wines set in the countryside.
#2: Travel to eat in Mexico
This Mexican culinary experience takes place in the heart of Mexico, and begins in Mexico City. For dinner the first evening, experience a “taco crawl” around town. You'll taste Mexico City’s delicious street-food staple, tacos al pastor, among others.
The next morning, go to a local Chuerreria and sample Mexico's signature cinnamon-dusted fried dough churros for breakfast. Then enjoy a visit to a Mexico City two-story bakery brimming with cakes, breads and biscuits, followed by a walking tour of Mexico City's Centro Historico. Experience Mercado San Juan, the city’s main food market, then roam the surrounding streets and watch local vendors at work. If you come across tortillas being freshly pressed, be sure to try them warm with a sprinkle of salt. Pull up a chair at one of the best seafood stands in the city for a late lunch.
Day 3 is in Puebla. Venture out on a culinary city tour – start with some Pueblan street food before making a beeline for Calle de los Dulces (Sweet Street) to sample tortitas de Santa Clara (shortbread biscuits) and camotes (sweet potato lollies).
The morning of day 5 in Oaxaca, enjoy a traditional breakfast of chocolate, tamales and pan y yemas. Your afternoon is free to explore Oaxaca’s many other culinary delights. You might enjoy the pasillo de carnes asadas (grilled meats hall), where freshly purchased meat is barbecued right in front of you.
Huatulco on day 7 is where you’ll enjoy a cooking class and feast on your creations in a traditional meal celebrating the bounty of the Costa region.
#3: Travel to eat in Provence, France
Day 1: Welcome to Provence! After meeting your group on the first day, you shuttle to an organic winery and traditional mas (farm house) just outside of Les Baux-de-Provence for a lovely traditional picnic lunch. Nourished and ready for your first hike, set out on foot among lush vineyards and silver-green olive groves toward the hilltop ruins of a 10th-century castle with expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 2, still in Provence, you are at a nearby farm with chef Yvan Cadiou for an exclusive hands-on cooking class, which of course includes a delicious lunch!
Day 4 finds you in Gordes, a picture-perfect village perche (perched village) clinging to the craggy southern face of the high Vaucluse Plateau. Discover regional farm-to-table secrets over a delicious dinner with Michelin-starred Chef Xavier Mathieu.
#4: Travel to eat in New England
This New England trip combines the old and new; explore history and enjoy the modern sights and tastes of the area.
Delve into rural life as you tour a New England cranberry bog in Providence, Rhode Island, where you’ll learn about dry harvesting. Then, step back in time with a stop in the celebrated town of Plymouth where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. See legendary Plymouth Rock and board a true reproduction of the Mayflower, the 102-passenger ship used by the Pilgrims on their 65-day journey from England. Visit Plimoth Plantation, an incredible re-creation of a 17th-century village. Today’s lunch teaches you how to “eat like a Pilgrim.” Sample some recipes from that time, learn some Pilgrim etiquette, and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with your fellow travelers.
On another day, a ferry ride transports you to beautiful Martha’s Vineyard. Known for visits by presidents and royalty, this summer home of many artists, writers and celebrities is full of surprises. You’ll see all the highlights of "the Vineyard" (as the locals call it), including quaint gingerbread-styled cottages and a once-famous whaling port resplendent with sea captain’s homes and widow’s walks. Later, depart the island and cruise back to Cape Cod. Tonight, enjoy a traditional New England experience as you indulge in a seafood and lobster feast.
#5: Travel to eat in South Africa
This South African safari includes not only bucket-list experiences and photo ops, but also the local cuisine. One day, you visit Kruger National Park, followed in the evening by a traditional Boma dinner where you may sample some local game meat!
After spending a couple of days on safari, return to civilization. Start the day with a walking tour of Stellenbosch, a university town known for its vineyards and mountainous nature reserves. Get a chance to taste some wine before continuing on to nearby Franschhoek. Experience the town’s renowned wine culture with a cellar tour and tasting followed by lunch before returning to Stellenbosch.
The final days of your vacation find you in Cape Town. Here, you’ll explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums before a communal African dining experience with dishes from all over the continent!
You might be a wellness traveler if you love not only the food, but the experiences you can share with locals and those you’re with, and you immerse yourself in the destination. Let me know if you'd like to travel to eat somewhere!