Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona is a travel enthusiast who contributes to online publications. In the following article, Dr. David Weinstock discusses how food aficionados can make the most of their plans when traveling, sampling the best ethnic foods along the way.
Some travel for art, for leisure, or for the stories they’ll recount with friends and family – but those who travel for food know it’s an entirely different beast to tackle. It involves a little more prep and research pre-trip and communicating with locals (extensively) upon touchdown isn’t so much an option as it is a need.
Nonetheless, Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says that in terms of rewarding travel, maneuvering through a vacation destination led only by stomach and heart is something to be experienced by all. In this article, Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona breaks down how to plan a vacation like a true foodie.
Before Trip Checklist
In a perfect world, setting foot on foreign soil would immediately bestow travelers with knowledge of the best dishes, restaurants, and “must-try” foods the destination has to offer.
Pinterest Is Your Friend
Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says, “if it looks good, eat it!”. Taking the time to make a food vision-board of sorts is an exciting way to get pumped for a vacation, and can be put together by a group or an individual. Simply search “(insert country) cuisine” into the Pinterest search bar and scroll ‘til something looks yummy.
Of course, taking the time to find the actual name of each eye-catching food is also a must- that way, all it takes is a quick google search once vacation starts to start checking things off the bucket list.
Blog After Blog
Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says to take inspiration from experienced foodies by reading through food and travel blogs. These folks live and die by finding good food in new places, so their advice shouldn’t be taken with a grain of salt. It goes without saying, but these blogs shouldn’t be looked at as guidelines, but rather, inspiration.
Don’t Trust Other Tourists
Unless they’re dedicated foodies themselves, trusting the word of other tourists may lead travelers into chains, uber-popular locations that may not serve the most authentic food, or inadvertently stray them away from restaurants that may be everything they’re looking for.
Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says that the only caveat is if the travel destination is, in itself, a hole in the wall- think Monaco, Palau, or Andorra.
After Deboarding
The true fun starts once the plane hits the ground. Though traveling with a plan is always appreciated, when it comes to being a foodie, Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says that an air of impulse should always be taken into account. Some of the best dishes one will ever eat in their lives are happened upon from serendipity, so taking in the country without holding tight to a schedule is a necessity.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Around
Whether a conversation is started via Google Translate or a travel dictionary, a language barrier is the last thing that should get in the way of a food traveler and their next favorite meal. After all, who knows where the most authentic flavors and dishes are than the locals?
Not feeling up to interrupting a group of strangers? Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says asking the employees at a hotel, a tour guide, or the like for recommendations ensures a hospitable experience that’ll point foodies in the yummiest direction.
Look For the Locals
Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says that simply looking for restaurants or food stands that are swamped with tourists is enough- they know where the good stuff is.
Stray From the Flock
This is especially true in countries that are known for their tourists. Popular visitor areas typically have restaurants that are made with a westerners’ palette in mind, while they’re yummy, they may not be the most authentic.
For a vacation taste that’s a truly unique experience, foodies should consider vacationing, or at least visiting, smaller villages and provinces in order to taste genuine cuisine made by the same chefs and workers who have served local customers for dozens of years.
Be Open-Minded
Dr. David Weinstock of Arizona says that a bulk of what makes being a foodie traveler so rewarding is the inexplicable amount of chances one has to broaden their palette. That being said, some countries may serve cuisine drastically different than most may be used to, but that’s nothing if not the beauty of the experience.
