Travel

AAA finds travelers are increasingly spicing up travel with food-centered trips

682413914-mozzarella-tomatoes-caprese-ingredients

AAA’s latest travel survey has found that food and dining are becoming a more central part of many travelers’ vacation experiences: An estimated 22 million Americans expect to take a culinary-focused vacation in the next 12 months. 

The survey also asked travelers whether food and dining are an important part of their travel experiences, and whether they’ve engaged in “unique dining activities” while traveling. The results make it clear that Americans are embracing culinary experiences as one of their reasons for traveling, with millennials leading the way.

People cooking

An estimated 22 million Americans

expect to take a culinary-focused vacation in the next 12 months

3 in 4 Americans

feel that food and dining are an important part of their travel experiences

'Unique dining experiences' on the rise

Food is part of any trip by necessity, so it's not surprising that survey respondents listed it as an important aspect of travel. But the shift in attitude goes deeper: Increasingly, travelers are specifically seeking out activities that are focused on cuisine, such as touring wineries and distilleries, eating with local families, and engaging in hands-on experiences such as cooking classes led by local chefs. Younger travelers in particular are driving the trend, with almost 9 in 10 millennials saying they’ve taken part in cuisine-focused experiences abroad.

Escargot

80% of Americans

have engaged in unique dining activities while traveling

88% of millennials

have done so, more than Generation X or baby boomers

Paella

Most popular foodie destinations

Italy

  

France
Spain
A buffet on a cruise ship
dining.svg

Ready to begin your foodie adventure?

Whether you’re jonesing for a bite of authentic cuisine in a Paris cafe, or just looking for good French bread on your next trip to a big American city, AAA travel advisors are there with the info you need. Plus, travelers can find thousands of AAA Diamond Rated restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean through AAA Travel Guides, TripTik® Travel Planner, and the Auto Club App.

Learn more about AAA travel

Get the Auto Club App

hot travel deals travel with aaa

Get the latest offers from AAA Travel’s preferred partners.

Learn more

See how we can help you plan, book, and save on your next vacation.

Learn more

back to top icon