I believe that putting food at the heart of your trip planning will lead to the most fulfilling experience. It’s time at the table sampling new flavors—or the old familiar ones that tempted you to return—that truly connects us to a place, its culture, and its people. The mealtime ritual can make us feel like we are at home, no matter where we are.
I admit that my stomach is an excellent tour guide. In Italy, I’m more interested in “making room for more pasta”, than “sightseeing”. I’ll happily spend an entire afternoon in Paris in a sidewalk café (pictured) and, when I am in southern Mexico I always go out of my way to get to my favorite taco place. On a recent trip to Turtle Island in Fiji, I proudly paraded my fresh catch into the kitchen and then spent the afternoon learning a local coconut curry recipe—a priceless souvenir I keep in my back pocket for evenings when I’m missing the island life.
Stacey Leasca/Travel + Leisure
You’ll be tempted by the culinary experiences in our Culinary Issue. You’ll be guided by some of the world’s most famous chefs as well as locals who know the best places to visit. What are you still waiting for? It’s dinner time somewhere…and you never know where an adventurous appetite could take you.
The next tasty detour is here!
Nina Ruggiero
Senior EditorTravel + Leisure
