Unlock the Flavors of the World Through Travel

Refine your Google searches.

As Jonathan Alder, founder and CEO of Jonathan Travels, emphasizes, using Google effectively is crucial. When exploring a city in Europe, for example, it's better to skip the avant-garde or fancy spots and focus on finding the most traditional local cuisine. Searching for 'best local' or 'traditional restaurants near me' and delving into reviews can lead you to authentic, smaller cafés serving genuine, down-to-earth food. Aly Walansky, a freelance food and travel journalist, also recommends opening the Google Maps app and searching for 'cheap eats near' to discover hidden gems. But keep in mind that some of the best spots may not show up this way. You can also try open source apps and websites like Reddit and search for 'best food in [location]' to get real people's opinions and discussions.

By refining your Google searches, you can uncover a world of local culinary delights that you might otherwise miss. It allows you to get off the beaten path and experience the true essence of a place through its food.

Talk to hotel concierges.

Hotel concierges are excellent resources while traveling. They can help you secure dinner reservations and provide restaurant recommendations tailored to your preferences. As Lauren Wilt, the USA CEO of Quintessentially, explains, concierges have local insights and can offer dining experiences that are not your everyday. They also have connections to top restaurant groups that are in high demand during peak travel times. Alder adds that hotel concierges' 'local expertise often centers on dining near the property, making them an invaluable resource for meals.' While he wouldn't rely on hotels for tours or transfers, when it comes to dining, they truly shine.

Don't hesitate to reach out to the hotel concierge and ask for their suggestions. They can guide you to the best dining spots and make your travel experience even more memorable.

Talk to locals.

To find out what the locals are eating, it's best to talk to them directly. Aly Walansky recommends interacting with people you meet, such as Uber drivers, flight attendants, and people in hotels and bars. These are the ones who have tried out the local spots and can provide valuable insights. When exploring a new place, Walansky suggests taking a look at what's busy. If there's a line outside a particular spot in an Italian piazza, it's likely a good indication that it's worth trying. You want the spots that seem busy with locals, not just other tourists.

By engaging with the locals, you can gain a deeper understanding of the local food culture and discover hidden gems that are off the tourist radar.

Ask a travel agent.

If you're using a travel agent to plan your trip, don't forget to ask them for restaurant recommendations. They have firsthand experience and have often visited the destination themselves. They can personally recommend restaurants that they love and tailored to your interests, ensuring an incredible dining experience. As Alder says, one of the best perks of using a travel agent is their ability to narrow down exact locations that serve the type of food you're interested in trying throughout your trip. This can be especially helpful when you're feeling indecisive and can't pick between various options.

A travel agent can be a valuable ally in your quest for delicious local cuisine and help you make the most of your travel experience.