There’s so many places which are worth traveling for. As for foodies, traveling can be a good way to get a taste of various foods around the world while filling in knowledge of its cultural and historical values. You see, food travel is not about filling in your stomach with delicious foods. Food travelers learn about the process of cooking, the type of ingredients the local produce and use, and what stories behind the authentic dishes. Thus, food travel is more than food sampling while traveling. For other types of travel, food is sustenance and enjoyment. For food travel, it is about culture, authenticity, as well as experience. That’s what makes different between any travel and food travel.
Ins and outs of food travel
If you haven’t tried food traveling before then it is just fine. There is always a first for everything anyway. You will never get to experience it if you never try. So here are things you need to know before packing for a culinary trip:
- Before going for a food trip, you need to know exactly your health condition. If you are on meds, you may need to consult your doctor so you know the rules. No matter how exciting it seems, food travel can put your health in jeopardy if you are indeed having health problems prior your travel plan. Following your health condition, there might be some types of foods that your doctors are not recommended to eat. Do not neglect this step for your own safety during your trip.
- A great experience of food travel doesn’t always comes from three Michelin stars restaurants or fancy dining. Sometime, you get the best experience from street food stall, local dining, etc. Thus, there is no rule of where you should or should not eat. If you don’t have health problems, you can eat anywhere during your trip. In fact, it is more recommended to visit local dining because they mostly serve authentic dishes with some historical and cultural stories behind. It makes your eating experience better in some ways because there is priceless satisfaction.
- Remember that there is always risk of food poisoning. You should take precaution when you travel. However, food poisoning sometimes is inevitable especially when you visit a place you have never been before. You need to prepare yourself for this one hassle. However, this can be prevented if you travel with local friend who is familiar with the foods. If you travel alone, you need to embrace the risk.
- Do your own research of foods you want to try for food traveling. Of course the advice from the locals can come handy. However, it won’t hurt to do the research yourself either. This can also minimize the risk of food poisoning. Or, this can prevent you from encountering with foods that can trigger your allergies. During your food travel, don’t be ashamed to visit local market. That’s the best place to experience food trip started from knowing the ingredients to how they cook.
