Tasting your Travels

On a recent trip to Punta Cana - I had the most amazing experience at a local restaurant that our tour guide told us about. I still can't stop thinking about it! I was thrilled to have learned about this amazing spot which I enjoyed the best seafood I have ever tasted (and a few options I normally wouldn't have selected, but glad I did) - all while being mesmerized at the beautiful Caribbean Sea just steps away!

For many people, travel is a way to escape temporarily from daily life. Travel is their way to completely immerse themselves into a new culture, new surroundings, a new way of living. So, why when you are spending all of your hard earned money to visit a new location would you keep looking for the same foods you can get at home? There is nothing more memorable than reminiscing the excitement of getting to taste local culinary dishes.

The truth is that while you're traveling you can't say you've experienced it all until you have tried the authentic cuisine of the country you're visiting. There is an incredible, wide variety of dishes all over the world which makes them unique and interesting in their own right. Being fully engaged with the food culture of your travel destination will let you get a taste of what it's really like living in that country. Here are just a few fabulous ways to taste your travels:

Take a Food Tour:
Culinary tours are all the rage in several European countries these days such as Italy and France. You can tour wineries, places where cheese is made, and even patisseries and butcheries. Ask me about all the tours available in your destination!

Take a Cooking Class:
When a tour isn't enough you may want a hands on class to re-create the flavors at home. Learn about the spices of authentic dishes in the country you're visiting. If nothing else it will give you a genuine appreciation for the work and care that goes into the preparation of the dishes that make the food taste the way it does.

Visit Authentic Restaurants:
Sure, there are dozens of restaurants in practically every destination that cater to a plethora of tastes. But, do yourself a favor and find out where the locals eat! Ask the concierge where they eat lunch, inquire with your tour operators where their favorite eateries are. School yourself online about the top dishes that make the country so great. Then, go on a hunt for those meals. Not only will you learn about the food, you'll likely learn the interesting stories behind what made these signature dishes the go to cuisine of the area.


All it takes is a little courage to get out of your comfort zone. Once you've decided that you're willing and ready to give it a try, you surely won't regret it. As the saying goes, "you only live once" so enjoy life to its fullest. I hope this has encouraged you to seek out authentic experiences while you're on vacation! Enjoying the flavors of the country you're visiting is an essential part of your trip. It's an amazing experience which everyone should try out when they travel. 

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