For many travellers, the meal is the memory. Planning a trip around food lets you taste a place’s history, climate and culture, from a tiny market stall to a multi-course tasting menu.
Pick a region with a food story
- Japan: from counter-seat sushi to multi-course kaiseki, precision and seasonality guide every dish.
- Basque Country, Spain: San Sebastián is famous for pintxos bars and a dense concentration of acclaimed restaurants.
- Emilia-Romagna, Italy: home to Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar of Modena and handmade pasta.
- Lima, Peru: a lively dining scene built on fresh seafood, Andean ingredients and ceviche.
Plan ahead for fine dining
Popular restaurants often take reservations weeks or months in advance, so book early and confirm dress codes. Tasting menus can last two to three hours, so leave room in your schedule. Let the restaurant know about allergies or dietary needs when you book rather than at the table.
Balance the grand with the humble
The most rewarding culinary trips mix both ends of the spectrum. Pair one splurge dinner with food markets, bakeries and family-run eateries. Take a cooking class, ask locals where they eat, and don’t be afraid to order the dish you can’t pronounce.
