Food and dining are becoming a more central part of many travelers’ vacation experiences. In fact, AAA’s new travel survey finds that about 22 million Americans expect to take a culinary-focused vacation in the next 12 months. Seventy-five percent of Americans feel that food and dining are an important part of their travel experiences and 80 percent say they have engaged in such activities as touring wineries and distilleries, eating with local families and engaging in hands-on experiences such as cooking classes led by local chefs while traveling.
“Learning about food and dining customs is a great way to learn about a destination and immerse yourself in the local culture,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Vice President of Travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “When planning a culinary vacation, get the advice of a trusted travel advisor who can help customize your trip. You may be able to visit local farms to harvest your dinner, eat at the destination’s best or trendiest restaurants, take cooking classes and sample beers and wines.”
AAA travel agents report the top destinations for foodie trips are Italy, France and Spain. The travel professionals also say that one of the top mistakes travelers make when preparing for an international trip is not planning their meals and activities in advance.
Younger travelers are particularly interested in foodie experiences, with 88 percent of millennials having participated in food-related experiences while vacationing, outpacing members of Generation X and Baby Boomers.
“Travelers spent an average of $63 per person, per day on food and dining purchases during their last vacation,” adds Loofburrow. “Meals can quickly become a significant portion of a family’s vacation budget. That’s why planning ahead is key to enjoying a memorable culinary vacation.”
In addition to planning their trips with a knowledgeable travel agent, do-it-yourself planners can now make dining reservations at thousands of AAA Diamond Rated restaurants via OpenTable through the AAA Travel Guides and TripTik Travel Planner tool on AAA.com.
Travelers can find thousands of AAA Diamond Rated restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean through the AAA Travel Guides and TripTik Travel Planner tool on AAA.com and in the AAA Mobile app. All restaurants must meet and uphold rigorous minimum standards to pass an anonymous inspection and be approved by AAA. A rating of One to Five Diamonds is then assigned to describe the complexity of the restaurant’s service, décor and food. The Diamond Ratings help diners find restaurants that offer the kind of experience they prefer, whether they want affordable, family-friendly establishments or to indulge in luxurious menu offerings and first-class service. For more information, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.