Whether you decide to travel across the globe to have a “relationship with your pizza” like Elizabeth Gilbert, or you simply want to take a road trip to a nearby destination, one of the best parts about traveling is the food. So, it’s no wonder foodie vacations have become increasingly popular.
There are obvious benefits to this type of vacation. First, it’s delicious! It can also open you up to trying new things, learning about food history and even certain cultures. Taking a foodie vacation can even benefit your mind and body in different ways and take some of the stress and pressure away from planning a “traditional” vacation with friends, family, or on your own.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of taking a foodie vacation so you can make the most of your experience, no matter where you go.
It Can Reset Your Body and Mind
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, travel was extremely restricted for most people. Unfortunately, that was the least of the problems associated with the virus. Being under some sort of “lockdown” for nearly two years caused a spike in mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. It also contributed to excess stress and insomnia.
Now, as things are starting to return to normal, it’s important to get out of your home, away from your screens, and hit the “reset” button for your body and mind.
Traveling, in general, can help to reduce stress. However, including delicious and exciting food in your plans is an even better way to enjoy yourself. Food provides comfort while allowing you to utilize all of your senses fully. By going on a foodie vacation, you can explore new places, try new things, and forget about the stress you might be dealing with in your everyday routine.
You’ll Experience New Cultures
One of the greatest parts of a foodie vacation is how much you’ll learn. Even if you’re only traveling to a different state, you’ll quickly find that every area has its signature dish. If you visit New Orleans, you’ll experience the best beignets and chicory coffee of your life. Head to Chicago for a deep-dish pizza experience you won’t find anywhere else. Want to indulge in buttery, rich lobster? Head to a road stand in Maine for the freshest lobster roll you’ll ever have.
In addition to these delicious regional specialties, there’s also a rich history behind them. Talk to locals about their food, where it comes from, and how certain dishes became so popular.
Learning about new cultures can benefit you more than you might realize. Some of the biggest benefits include
- Developing a better understanding of the world
- Overcoming racial division
- Boosting your communication
- Letting go of stereotypes
Whether you head to a different state or travel to foodie destinations around the globe, experiencing different cultures through their food will open up new doors for you and can change your perspective on people and the planet. You might even end up turning into a bit of a history buff, eating your way through time as you learn more about food origins and the parts they play in a specific culture’s development.
You’ll Learn to Appreciate Food More
Too many of us take food for granted.
For many people, it’s always readily available, and you can essentially eat whatever you want, whenever you want. We live in a fast-food culture. Food delivery is more popular than ever. Convenience food is a regular part of many people’s daily diets.
While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that, it has caused far too many people to stop appreciating good food and what it represents. By taking a foodie vacation, you can see how much time, effort, and love people put into certain ingredients and dishes.
For example, true Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Italy is aged for a minimum of 12 months before it’s able to be consumed. Wine produced in Napa Valley can take 3-7 years before it reaches your table. The best steak restaurants in the world are dry aging their beef for at least 30 days. When you recognize the time and passion people have for their food, it can change your view on eating for convenience.
When you start to recognize the beauty of food, you’ll be more likely to choose ingredients and dishes that nourish your mind and body. Some foods can even help to improve your mood, including
- Oily fish
- Whole grains
- Yogurt, buttermilk, and kefir
- Kimchi
- Nuts and seeds
- Garlic
- Dark chocolate
By being more mindful of what you eat, you can improve your overall health and well-being while developing a greater sense of gratitude.
Traveling is always a great way to escape from the everyday stress of life. It can reduce the risk of burnout, show you new experiences, and give you a reason to relax and unwind. Whether you consider yourself a foodie or not, taking a vacation with food as the central focus comes with even greater benefits, and all of them are delicious.
