One of the best ways to become acquainted with somewhere new is by trying the local food and exploring different cuisines. If you fancy yourself the foodie, then what better way to spend your holiday than experiencing everything your destination has to offer, however planning the perfect foodie holiday does take some organising.
Here we explore some of the top things to consider when planning a trip with food in mind.
Location Location…
…location! This is everything when planning a foodie holiday. Do some research into the top destinations which offer the freshest, most vibrant and different foods, to ensure you get something a little special on your holiday. Whether you want to experience authentic tapas in the heart of Spain or a Thai green curry from a street vendor, your location will determine your overall food experiences.
Once you’ve decided on your location, you’ll need a place to rest your head in the evening after a long day exploring (and eating!). For those looking for the freshest seafood why not head to the southern UK coast and stay in authentic Dorset Holiday Cottages from Lyme Bay Holidays to get a true coastal experience.
Research
Before you travel, make sure to do some research into the types of food on offer; this will help you decide the perfect places to eat and drink. Online reviews can often be beneficial for finding the top restaurants, but remember to take some of them with a pinch of salt, as you may miss out of a fabulous meal based on one bad review!
When starting your research, why not see if your destination has any famous recipes, ingredients or restaurants which you can explore once you arrive.
Book Ahead
When researching your next destination you may come across some restaurants that are a must visit but remember these may also be in high demand. In these cases pick up the phone or head to their website and book yourself a table. You may have to plan your day around this booking, so whilst that may be limiting, booking ahead ensures you get to sample food at some of the top restaurants.
Foodie Events
As more and more people are travelling to experience different cuisines around the world, there has been an increase in food-themed events. Why not see if your chosen destination has anything going on such as food festivals, farmers markets or street food offerings, which can provide you with a taste of the local cuisines.
Food events can be the perfect way to see what your holiday destination has to show off about. The freshest foods will be on show at local markets, and food destinations such as local vineyards and distilleries will often offer a selection of locally produced foods to pair with their beverages.
Get Appy
There are hundreds if not thousands of different food-related apps so why not dive into your phone and see if there are any for your chosen destination. A lot of foodie apps have already done the hard work for you, so simply download and follow their maps to top restaurants, hidden gems or energetic food markets! We have a lot of technology at our fingertips so why not use it to your advantage when planning your holiday.
Local Knowledge
What could be better than gaining knowledge about the best places to eat from the locals. This tactic relies on waiting until you arrive and getting out and about to explore, and can often be perfect for finding those hard to spot gems. Locals will often have favourite places which may have yet to be discovered by tourists so don’t be afraid to ask!
If you choose your holidays with gastronomy in mind, remember to plan ahead and do some research into everything your destination has to offer. There are endless opportunities to taste new foods and explore different cuisines, so get out there and plan your foodie holiday with these tips in mind for the best possible experience.
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