As human beings, we yearn for adventure and exploration. There’s something special about traveling to faraway countries and trying out the local cuisine. Likewise, nothing enriches your soul like visiting the sights and locations a country offers. Now, combine the two, and you’ll find yourself having the time of your life.

Culinary travel has been popular for a long time. If you’re a gastronome, you’ll know that Michelin devised their entire ranking system based on it. Michelin, the tire company, gives stars to the best restaurants globally. Many consider these stars the most prestigious award in the culinary world. Michelin’s scale ranges from a single star to the much-coveted three stars. According to the Michelin Guide, three stars indicate a culinary experience worth a special trip.

Whether you’re into the Michelin guide or want to travel the world and experience different cultures and cuisines, you’ll need to consider a few things.

Considerations for the New Culinary Traveler

Here are some considerations that new culinary travelers should make. They include:

Planning Your Trip

Technically, you can purchase a ticket at the airport and fly anywhere you want. However, that’s not the ideal way to experience culture or cuisine. Although it might seem exciting and adventurous to jet to a random location, the plan will likely end disastrously. You’ll be better off planning and budgeting your trip. Start by choosing a location you would like to experience. Allocate time to learn everything you can about your destination. Not only do you have to consider the cities you’ll be visiting, but also your lodgings and transportation. In addition, you’ll want to have a good idea about the local foods to try.

However, most importantly, you’ll need a timeframe and a budget for your trip. For instance, when you’re visiting a small country like Lithuania, a week would suffice. However, it’s a different story if you’re going to Australia. Consider creating a detailed itinerary for your trip. Map out the places you want to visit and the foods you want to try.

Traveling and Sickness

COVID-19 has changed traveling for the foreseeable future, if not forever. You have to account for numerous PCR tests and quarantine restrictions in your travels. In addition, you want to ensure your safety at all times. Consider preparing for your trip by buying a container of hand sanitizer and wet wipes. In addition, make sure that you’re familiar with your destination’s quarantine protocols before traveling.

Transporting and Shipping Considerations

Imagine you go to a different country. You fall in love with the food. You can’t think about going home without taking your newfound favorite dish with you. What do you do? Well, you go to the closest vendor, purchase the meal, and pack it. Then, you either put it in your suitcase or ship it home through a courier. Such is the life of a gastronome.

However, before you can do so, you’ll have to jump through several hurdles. For starters, decide how much food you wish to take home. If it’s a small amount, you can fit it into your suitcase. However, be wary that airlines often have restrictions. For instance, most airlines limit beverages to 1.3 gallons. Check out TSA’s restrictions before you bring food home. Congratulations! You’re ready to embark on your first culinary travel.

Learn More About Culinary Travel with Irina Bukatik

Irina Bukatik is a licensed sommelier, travel enthusiast, and gastronome. She has extensively traveled the world, combining her passion for food and travel. Her love for food led her to discover more about different cultures and countries. She aims to share her experiences with her readers on her food blog, Wanderlust Food.