When it comes to travelling, most people look forward to experiencing landscapes, culture and of course, food. Food experiences, or foodcations, are a big trend when it comes to vacations. Popular foodcation destinations will have people travelling from all corners of the earth to participate in specialised cooking classes and dine at some of the world’s best restaurants.
To the foodies, it’s a cathartic experience, one that cannot be missed. This is how you truly immerse yourself in the culture of wherever your travels take you. Also known as foodcations, a term now defined by the Urban Dictionary, these tours have really taken off in the last few years and there are numerous locations to experience them.
Here are 7 of the best foodcation destinations from each continent (minus Antarctica of course). These locations, offering either cooking classes or walking tours, will delight your taste buds and take your culinary skills in new directions. Definite additions to any foodie’s bucket list!
Foodcations in Florence, Italy
The Tuscan region in central Italy is absolutely stunning. When you’re done exploring its capital, Florence, home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, a cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse is an amazing way to learn new recipes and experience the regions produce. The experiences normally start with a tour of the local market where you select fresh ingredients. Then you are taken back to a farmhouse where you will cook and enjoy a 4-course meal and sample the local wines of the region. Now that sounds like heaven!
Book your Tuscan farmhouse experience through Viator and earn 2.80% Cashback.
Foodcation destinations in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Known for its history, food and jazz, with an amazing night scene, New Orleans offers its unique delicacies for tourists with a food tour in the French Quarter. The food is extraordinary in this city, with a combination of French, Creole and Cajun cuisines made famous by the state including beignets, shrimp gumbo, po’boy sandwiches and jambalaya. Think that sounds tasty? Your taste buds will truly be in overload when you discover the scrumptious pralines the city has to offer.
The New Orleans School of Cooking with 2.5 hours classes running daily that can be booked with Viator and you’ll earn Cashback on top – how’s that for a sweetener! To get there and for everything else New Orleans has to offer, book with Expedia and earn Cashback on your flights, accommodation and experiences.
Foodcations in Paris, France
The delicious flavours of croissants, eclairs and cheeses… need I say more? Experience the best of what Paris has to offer with private food tours that provide you with a range of courses from starters to dessert and wine to accompany your taste bud experience. Viator has a range of food tours available in Paris including ones where you dine in Parisian households, so you can truly immerse yourself in the culture. Getting there is easy, fly Emirates or Etihad to Paris. You’ll also earn Cashback when you book your flights and food experience through these companies.
Foodcation destinations in Tasmania, Australia
Where to start? Tasmania is a foodies dream, the wine, the cheese, the fresh produce and the salmon, plus the laid-back lifestyle. There are a few food tours to choose from and ones that take you around the island to location-specific day trips. Take food tours at Bruny Island, Hobart, The Tamar Valley and at more locations around the island.
Fly Virgin Australia to Tasmania, book your accommodation with Booking.com and earn Cashback on your flights and hotel.
Foodcations in Bangkok, Thailand
Who doesn’t love a good Thai dish? What’s even better is you can learn how to make them yourself. Partake in a cooking class in Thailand and learn using local produce or take a food tour in the Bang Rak district where you’ll eat from food stalls, visit shops and sample the produce.
Fly to Bangkok with Virgin Australia and book your hotel stay with Hotels.com and earn Cashback.
Foodcation destinations found in Morocco, Africa
See the souks with their spices all out on display, the fragrant aromas lingering as you walk by. Book food experiences that include eating from local street vendors to visiting the locals and sharing a home-cooked meal in their homes. With a mixture of Arabic, Berber (North African ethnic group) and European influences, Morocco’s cuisine is truly delicious. There are cooking classes also available to get your culinary expertise up to scratch.
Intrepid Travel has a selection of tours through Morocco that allow you to travel through the regions and experience the country’s delicacies. Book Intrepid Travel packages via CASHREWARDS and earn 4% Cashback.
Foodcations in Argentina, South America
South America is majorly known for adventure, not widely known with foodies or for being one of the great foodcation destinations. However, in recent years the influx of foodies has increased as more and more people discover the beautiful flavours of South American cuisine and Argentina is no exception. From dishes such as Empanada to desserts like the gorgeous Alfajores, there is a lot that Argentina has to offer. Take a cooking class and sample wines like their world famous Malbec and local dishes that will expand your palate.
Book cooking classes and tours, accommodation and flights through Expedia and earn Cashback.
How to plan a trip to your favourite foodcation destinations
There is a wonderful world filled with delicious delicacies and meals steeped in history and culture. To get the best out of your experience and plan a proper foodcation make sure you do the following:
Research: Do some research on the location you are going to, the culture and the main cultural meals they eat. This will not only allow you to focus on not missing out on a particular meal you’d like to try but will also help you avoid any surprises like eating a fried tarantula (unless that’s your thing). Lonely Planet publications are also helpful, and you can purchase these via CASHREWARDS and earn 10% Cashback.
Food tours: The best way to get your grounding and see what you really want your taste buds to further explore is by doing a food tour and sampling what the destination has to offer. Then you can go back or try different restaurants or cooking classes that specialise in that particular meal. Book tours with Viator and Expedia and earn Cashback.
Local markets: Stroll the local markets, nothing says mouth-watering yumminess more than walking through the markets and sampling the fresh produce while talking to the stall owners to get a feel of the culinary culture. Locals will also give you recommendations on where to eat to get the best experience and feel of the place. Plus, you’ll pick up snacks at the markets cheaper than you would in the shops.
Use apps and food sites: No matter where you travel to, apps such as Trip Advisor, Yelp and Zomato will help you by providing you with tips on where the hot spots are to dine at and what to avoid. The last thing you want to do is get sick or have a really unpleasant meal.
There are so many great foodcation destinations and food experiences all over the world that will tantalise your taste buds. Do your research, get out and talk to the locals and most importantly enjoy and savour every moment!