Millions of travelers plan their entire holidays around food, according to research.
A study of 2,000 UK adults found cuisine is more important than culture, landmarks or beaches when it comes to picking a destination.
And 42% feel nervous about visiting a country where they don’t know the cuisine.
Nearly a quarter (23%) said their bucket list consists of more food to try than locations to travel to.
But 49% like to eat at local independent restaurants when they’re away, while 21% will seek out delectable street foods.
A quarter have eaten octopus while on holiday, 14% have sampled frogs’ legs and 4% have tried grasshopper.
The study was commissioned by Tesco Mobile to launch its Roaming Food Truck which is serving up holiday inspiration from cuisines around the world.
Rachel Swift, chief customer officer for the brand, said: “One thing that’s clear from our research is that, as a nation, we can get quite comfortable traveling to the same holiday destinations over and over again.”
European foods they’d usually never try at home are most popular among travelers – including Polish, Portuguese and Scandinavian meals.
And the top food-led destinations travelers are heading to this summer include Italy, Spain, France, Greece and Portugal.
When they go away, they are likelier to try local cuisines rather than seek out foods familiar from home (40%/12%).
More than two-thirds (69%) attribute this to a more ‘authentic’ travel experience, while 37% do so to get the freshest foods.
For 26%, it’s an opportunity to help the local economy, while the same number like to interact with locals.
The research by OnePoll also found 9% do “a great deal” of research into where to eat before heading away.
Rachel Swift added: “We know what a big role food plays in our holiday decisions.
“That’s why we’re inviting everyone to visit our Roaming Food Truck, so they can roam with their stomachs before booking their holidays.”
TOP 20 EURO CUISINES THAT GET PEOPLE TRAVELLING FOR FOOD:
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Greece
- Portugal
- Germany
- Belgium
- Canary Islands
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Malta
- Austria
- Sweden
- Poland
- Republic of Cyprus
- Denmark
- Ireland (Republic of)
- Croatia
- Norway
- Jersey
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Asad Ali and Saba Fatima
