Attributed to Napoleon is the saying “an army marches on its stomach” and we think the same can be said for many travellers.
Food has been on our minds lately as friends share their holidays online and in group chats.
We love experiencing their travels through photos and videos, but what has struck us recently is the amount of content people share of their food on holidays.
For some, the food fills the feed.
It got us thinking of our own travels and how much food influences our itineraries.
The answer is: a lot!
After all, food and culture are inseparable.
Understanding what makes a place tick can often be found in its cuisine, whether through the ingredients, preparation or rituals surrounding a meal.
You have to eat anyway, so why settle for a petrol station hot dog when the meal can become part of the holiday?
Some of our best memories are of long lunches with wine and some people watching in Europe, dishes we’ve pointed to from well-worn menus in bustling Asian markets sitting on stools we pray will hold us and barbecued meats with pisco sours and mountain views at a casual cantina in South America.
Food has a unique ability to trigger memories because it engages all five senses (and sometimes the sixth that warns you against eating from a dubious roadside stall).
We know not everyone travels this way.
We walk past those eating a salad roll on a public bench, see queues at familiar fast-food chains and nearly trip over room service trays left in hotel hallways.
We’re simply grateful that we both share a desire to make room for memorable food experiences in our travel itinerary.
Long after the souvenirs are forgotten, it’s often the meals we remember most.
What fuels your travel?
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