Traveling is the best, but a few things make it even better: good food, great people, and beautiful scenery. But when you’re on the road, things can get pretty complicated. Between finding your way around a new city and trying to navigate with a map that looks like a drunk toddler drew it, many things can go wrong.
If you’re a foodie and want to plan better next time you go on vacation, here are some tips that will help you discover new tastes wherever you’re headed.
Do your research before you go
Before you take off, start researching the best places to eat. Find out which restaurants are known for their local dishes and where the locals go for their holiday meals. If there’s a festival happening in town, find out what it is and then plan to attend.
The same goes for staying—if you’re traveling somewhere with many hostels or apartments, check out reviews online to choose one that fits your needs (and budget).
Pack a portable spice kit
Most of us have a favorite spice that we can’t live without, whether it’s cumin, turmeric, or a blend of herbs and spices. The thing is—spices come in handy for more than just adding flavor to your food. They’re also good for making water taste better and helping you avoid eating too many unhealthy foods.
If you need some inspiration on what types of spices to include in your portable kit, check out our list below:
- Cumin—This earthy spice adds a kick of umami (that savory flavor) while also being high in antioxidants. It’s perfect when paired with beans or eggs.
- Turmeric—This bright yellow root not only adds color but has been shown to help lower inflammation levels when taken as an extract supplement daily over time.
Cayenne pepper—This hot spice adds heat to any dish while also decreasing joint pain and swelling.
Chili powder—Not only does chili powder add flavor, but it also contains capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to help decrease inflammation levels.
Keep your passport in a safe place, like your hotel safe or a money belt hidden under your clothes
Keeping your passport safe and secure is important for many reasons. Here are just a few of the main ones:
- Travel is easier if you don’t have to worry about losing it.
- If you lose your passport, you can get a new one issued faster and more easily than if it were stolen or damaged.
- You’ll be able to check into hotels without problems, as long as they have a copy of the ID page in their system (which most do).
A bonus tip is to get along with a reliable agency like Travel Visa Pro to avail of the best passport services.
Bring some kind of antibacterial hand sanitizer or wipes with you
After you’ve washed your hands, it’s important to use some kind of antibacterial hand sanitizer or wipes. These are easy to find at any drug store and will help keep you hygienic on the road.
Not only that but washing your hands before eating is a good idea because it reduces the risk of foodborne illness, which can be unpleasant and even dangerous when traveling abroad.
Conclusion
If you’re going on a trip and want to make sure your foodie experience is great, we think these are some solid ways to do it. Remember: don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out advice from locals who may have more experience than you do. Also, don’t forget all the delicious food awaiting your arrival at home when it’s time for another adventure.