Foodie Getaways: Top Destinations for Culinary Vacations

Making new memories and exciting discoveries is what travel is all about. What better way to achieve this than by tasting the uniquely delicious flavors of the cultures you wish to experience? 

Foodies, get ready because, in this guide, we’re taking you around the world, showcasing the very best dishes these popular travel destinations have to offer, and proving that to really understand what makes these cuisines so special, you have to go straight to the source. 

Tokyo, Japan

The world-class restaurants found in Japan’s culinary epicenter are renowned for their high-quality ingredients and emphasis on perfecting traditional food preparation techniques. The result is a cuisine characterized by subtle yet complex flavors and minimal presentation. 

Try fresh sushi and sashimi prepared by master sushi chefs, enjoy a warm and rejuvenating bowl of ramen from one of Tokyo’s many ramen shops, or sit down to a traditional multi-course meal of refined seasonal dishes at a kaiseki restaurant. 

For exceptional quality Japanese food prepared by chefs at the height of their craft, it simply doesn’t get any better than Tokyo. 

Paris, France

As the birthplace of high-end cuisine, it’s hard to overstate France’s countless contributions to the culinary world. Chefs here are famed for their militant dedication to perfecting and reinventing their country’s classic dishes. And there’s no higher concentration of this delicious food to be found than in Paris. 

Stop by one of the city’s many Parisian bakeries for buttery croissants and flaky pastries, sample some of the world’s finest cheeses and wines, or reserve a table at a high-end restaurant and taste the flavors that make France the standard-bearer of quality cuisine. 

For any serious foodie interested in experiencing gastronomy at its peak, Paris should be a priority destination. 

Bologna, Italy

Italy’s rustic charm and timeless flavors are part of what has made its cuisine famous worldwide. In Bologna, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time when trying classic Italian dishes prepared as they have been for decades. 

Feast on delicious pasta and soups like tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini in brodo, and sample renowned regional specialties like Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar. 

To taste the authentic versions of some of Italy’s most iconic dishes, in all the trappings of the old country, visiting Bologna is a must.

Bangkok, Thailand

Perhaps Southeast Asia’s most popular foodie destination, Bangkok is famed for the fiery flavor and mind-expanding complexity of its dynamic cuisine. Some of the best food in this bustling city can be purchased right on the street from one of Bangkok’s many renowned food stalls. 

The chefs working in these stalls have spent years honing their craft day in and day out – a dedication evident in the consistency and complexity of the one-of-a-kind dishes they serve. This includes classics, such as spicy tom yum soup, green curry, and pad Thai. 

If you’re looking to expand your palette with exciting new flavors or try the very best of some of your favorites, you’ll love what Bangkok has to offer.

Barcelona, Spain

Freshness, simplicity, and good taste combine to create the iconic cuisine of Spain’s capital city. Located on the stunning Mediterranean coast, the city’s access to high-quality seafood results in great food prepared with a gentle hand and seasoned with subtle flavors. 

Reserve a table at one of Barcelona’s many renowned restaurants and take in the pleasant weather and salty ocean air as you dine on fresh seafood. Or, for a more festive atmosphere, pop into a bar and drink your fill of good wine or beer as you feast on delicious tapas. 

With an emphasis on freshness and locally sourced ingredients, the true flavors of Barcelona simply can’t be exported. 

So, are you ready to fall in love with your new favorite cuisine? We’re here to help. 

Blue Ribbon Travel is a New York-based travel agency with offices in Queens, Levittown, Port Washington, Staten Island, Stony Brook, Yonkers, and Wisconsin.

To book your adventure vacation, call us to speak with one of our expert travel advisors today and get ready for the culinary experience of a lifetime.