Food

Foodie vacations cater to those who seek food (and beverages!) as a central focus of their travel experience, hoping to immerse themselves in the culinary richness of different cultures and destinations they visit. The best foodie vacations often involve exploring destinations that are, of course, known for their culinary scene and diverse gastronomic offerings. But, with a little know-how, a foodie vacation can be had almost any destination! Here are some of the key elements to look for when planning a foodie vacation:

Cover the Local Cuisine

Destinations that allow you to explore a breadth of traditional dishes, street food, and regional specialties allow you the best shot at getting an authentic taste of the culinary culture.

Hands-on Learning

Cooking classes immerse you in the local scene by allowing you to learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Often finding a culinary workshop will allow you to learn a specific skill such as pasta making or chocolate crafting, and then you get to bring a bit of the local flair back home with you.

Local Markets

Another tangible experience is exploring local markets where you can sample fresh produce and local specialties and get to chat with the vendors. It’s a great way to experience the food of the region straight from the source. 

In-depth Foodie Vacation Visits

Finding opportunities to visit with local food producers or tour hidden gems provides insights into the traditions of an area not found by just visiting restaurants. 

Food & Beverage Pairing

If you enjoy wine or are a beer geek, consider destinations with these as an important part of the culture and economy. Participating in tours and tastings and getting to experience pairing food with local beverages, provides another special level of culinary immersion. 

Intimate & Extraordinary Meals

When you think you have found a good destination, look a bit deeper to see what unique and out-of-the-ordinary dining experiences might be available there. An extraordinary meal can be an event you’ll never forget (or will always want to go back for). 

Sharing Culinary Experiences

We are strong believers that getting to share the outstanding experience of foodie travel with other enthusiasts, makes the experience (and the food) even better. Joining a tour focused on this kind of travel offers a special kind of dynamic joy of shared camaraderie when you are all in the moment with a tasty or unique delicacy.

For a sampling of ideas of terrific destinations we believe offer the above, visit the Vacations page of this site.

When traveling to Italy, it’s essential to understand and respect the local customs and etiquette. Italians take pride in their cultural traditions, and showing proper etiquette will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also earn you respect from the locals. Here are some do’s and don’ts of Italian etiquette to keep in mind:

Etiquette Do’s

• DO ask for the check when you’re ready for it. Italian servers think it’s rude to rush you from the table, so it could be hours before they do.
• DO learn basic Italian phrases: Learning a few basic Italian phrases, such as “buongiorno” (good morning), “grazie” (thank you), and “prego” (you’re welcome), will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
• DO pay for bread. Yes, you do also have to pay for bread. This is the “pane e coperto” charge and is quite common in Italy.
• DO think about tipping. There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you that you appreciate their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you, and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated. This doesn’t mean 20%+ like in the United States, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is appropriate.
• DO dress modestly: Italians value style and dressing well. While casual attire is acceptable in most places, it’s essential to dress modestly when visiting churches or formal events.

• DON’T take your coffee or food “to-go.” Unlike some cultures, eating while walking is not common in Italy. Take the time to sit down and enjoy your meal at a café or restaurant. After all, when you’re on a Taste Vacation tour, you’re on vacation!
• DON’T expect a quick meal: Italian dining is a leisurely experience. Don’t rush through your meal, as the main focus is on enjoying the food and company. A typical Italian lunch has an antipasto, a primo (soup, rice, or pasta), a secondo (meat or fish), contorno (vegetables), and a dolci (sweet) — all small portions, of course.
• DON’T expect an early dinner. If you’re someone who often enjoys dinner at 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, you might want to carry a snack with you. Most restaurants don’t even open until 8:00 PM.
• DON’T talk loudly on public transportation: Italians prefer a quiet and peaceful atmosphere on public transportation, so avoid talking loudly, playing loud music or videos.