Have you ever eaten fresh pasta in Italy? If so, you’ve experienced the best food this world has to offer, according to a new study. Research into the food and travel goals of 2,000 Americans found authentic Italian pasta as the most-desired cuisine and top of the list of the 25 food experiences worth jetting off for. The ultimate list of eats saw Belgian chocolate and Mexican Tacos make the top three bucket-list foods we should all be aiming to sample in their country of origin.
Sitting down to enjoy a French croissant finished fifth on the list while tasting chicken and rice from the Caribbean or trying pad thai in Thailand also finished high among the foodie aims.
The study of 2,000 people across the country, conducted by market researchers OnePoll and commissioned by IntrepidTravel.com, which runs culinary adventure tours in destinations all over the world, identified the significance food plays in absorbing a new country’s culture. Also on America’s food bucket-list was Spanish paella, Moroccan couscous and, surprisingly, a deep-fried candy bar from Scotland? The acquired taste appeared as the 13th most-desired treat to want to sample abroad.
While the survey highlights BBQ ribs, steak, and New York style pizza as some of the best food America has to offer, almost three in ten say they usually get bored with the food they typically eat while at home. It’s no wonder then that in planning their next adventure, more than 73 percent research the food and look for advice on the best eating hot spots. Sixty-three percent of the people surveyed said experiencing the different cuisines is what excites them the most about vacationing.
"Food is an integral part of Intrepid Travel’s mission to offer real and immersive cultural experiences to our travelers,” says Leigh Barnes, North America director for Intrepid Travel. “From unique flavours to the cultural origin, it’s that sense of taste that evokes a true understanding and sense of place. As the demand for these experiences continues to grow, Intrepid Travel will offer adventurers the opportunity to check off their food bucket-list.”
Over a fifth of travellers actually spend ‘most’ of their vacation time abroad checking out local eateries and food. While trying the local food and going to the beach are what Americans enjoy doing the most while vacationing abroad, according to the results. But the figures show Americans don’t always make the best of their travels. One in seven regret how their last trip played out as they felt they’d wasted the chance to explore or experience more. Looking back at their last vacation a quarter say they wasted time doing things they could have done at home - including sleeping in, watching American TV, and spending too much time in the hotel/resort rather than exploring the local community.
It’s important for most Americans to experience different cultures - 67 percent of those surveyed said it’s essential for them to be able to explore the different cultures around the world. Nearly seven in ten would visit another country specifically for the cultural experience - specifically the landmarks, nature, people or cuisines.
TOP 25 FOOD ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD
Pasta (Italy)
Chocolate (Belgian)
Tacos (Mexico)
Fish and chips (England)
Croissant (France)
Enchiladas (Mexico)
Chicken with rice (Caribbean)
Roast dinner (England)
Paella (Spain)
Pad Thai (Thai)
Tandoori chicken (Indian)
Peking roasted duck (China)
Deep fried candy bar (Scotland)
Sushi (Japanese)
Scotch pies (Scotland)
Couscous (Moroccan)
Hummus (Lebanese)
Souvlaki (Greek)
Croquettes (Spain)
Coq au vin (France)
Parma ham (Italy)
Gazpacho (Spain)Masala (Indian)
Kimchi (Korean)
Pepperpot (Caribbean)
BEST 25 FOOD AMERICA HAS TO OFFER
BBQ ribs
Fried chicken
Cheeseburger
Philly cheese steak
New York style pizza
Cheesecake
Steak
Macaroni and cheese
Apple pie
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes
Maine lobster
French fries
Chicago style pizza
Chocolate-chip cookies
Biscuits 'n' gravy
Buttermilk biscuits
Pancakes with maple syrup
Buffalo wings
Hot dogs
BLT
Pecan pie
Krispy Kreme glazed donut
Clam chowder
Crab cakes
Chili dog
