Five international destinations for food lovers
Dec 14, 2021 | Aon
Do you love food? Do you love to travel? Do you enjoy combining the two? Culinary tourism – the act of traveling to another city or country to visit restaurants and try local cuisine – is becoming more popular. In fact, AAA estimates 75% of Americans believe food and dining are an important part of their travel experiences, and 80% say they have engaged in activities, such as touring wineries or attending cooking classes on vacation.
“Culinary travel is fun and exciting whether you’re alone or with friends and family,” says Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “It offers you to the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultural experiences. Food is about so much more than ingredients on a plate – it brings us all together through stories and traditions.”
Are you hungry yet? Here are five places around the world to check out if you consider yourself a “foodie”:
New Orleans, Louisiana
When you walk down Bourbon Street – one of the oldest streets in the United States – you’ll be greeted with the sound of live music and the smell of amazing food. The city is home to the legendary Mardi Gras celebrations, yet its neighborhoods are vibrant and colorful all year round. There are plenty of restaurants to visit, serving everything from gumbo to jambalaya, bananas foster, po-boys and beignets. The hearty, tasty cuisine blends the city’s Cajun, Creole and French influences, and seafood is found in nearly every dish.
Mexico City, Mexico
Considered one of the culinary capitals of the world, Mexico City is a hotbed for delicious dishes and unbelievable flavor combinations. And there are different dining experiences for every appetite. You can get snacks on-the-go from local street vendors or reserve a spot at a five-star eatery. While the largest city in Mexico is famous for its tacos, tamales, chilaquiles, gorditas and quesadillas, many tourists rave about elote – roasted corn on the cob coated in butter, mayonnaise, lime juice and cheese.
Kyoto, Japan
Picturesque temples, shrines, palaces and gardens adorn Kyoto, making it a must-see destination. Situated on the island of Honshu, the former imperial capital of Japan offers traditional food that’s sophisticated – both in flavor and presentation. Because the city is landlocked, many recipes include preserved fish. Its geographic location also makes it an ideal place to buy authentic tofu, matcha tea and sake. You can opt for elaborate multi-course meals that were once served in aristocratic circles or vegetarian dishes that were created for Buddhist monks.
Crete, Greece
If you’re on the quest for fresh, savory food, look no further than Crete – the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. The city is covered in olive groves, so it’s not surprising to spot them in almost every dish, along with other customary staples, including lamb, fresh fish, lemon juice, tomatoes and yogurt. Like many other places, the Cretan diet is natural and dependent on the season. While you’re visiting, don’t forget to save room for dessert. Many people can’t get enough zoumero, a popular pastry that’s decadent and sweet.
Mendoza, Argentina
Do you love meat? Barbecue? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then you should add Mendoza to your bucket list. Not only is the wine top-notch, but the food is spectacular, especially if you’re in the mood for perfectly seasoned beef, pork, and yes, even rabbit. In fact, Argentina is renowned for its meat grilling techniques, and many food critics consider the meat to be the best in the world. The city’s gastronomic district is growing with many all-you-can-eat buffets, giving first timers the chance to try everything on the menu.
The Aon Travel Takeaway? “Don’t feel pressured to plan every meal in advance,” says Godlin. “While it’s always helpful to, of course, read restaurant reviews online, in my experience, some of the best food recommendations I’ve received have come from speaking with locals and finding gems that are off-the-beaten path.”