Sunset Picnic in Barcelona

Top Culinary Destinations Around The World

Finding exceptional flavors should not be hard to do, so we have put together some of the top culinary destinations around the world. However, if you’ve not traveled much then you may not know where to go for all the amazing food. Learning a bit more about these areas, what they offer, their different tastes, and what makes them different might just persuade you to change that vacation destination this year.

If you’re looking for a savory place to bring your tastebuds for a vacation, then we’ve already done the footwork for you. We have taken the time to look at these top culinary destinations worth exploring a bit more [with your mouth, of course.] Add them to your list of the top places worth visiting!


Peru

Peru is one of our top culinary destinations because of its mouthwatering ceviche.
Authentic Peruvian seafood ceviche

Peru is known for some of their top must-have dishes while you’re there. If you’ve never had Peruvian food; it’s a bucket list must. Try some of the below, highly recommended, options:

  • Ceviche
  • Lomo Saltado
  • Cuy
  • Papas a la Huancaina
  • Rocoto Relleno
  • Causa

As a warning to those with weak stomachs, or palates that would rather not have a shock; Cuy is Guinea Pig. This is a delicacy in Peru and something that the locals love and share with visitors from near and far. It might be worth trying if you’re interested in something new.

Myanmar

Nan Gyi Thohk is popular burmese cuisine dish with rice noodles, chicken breasts with spices, eggs, peanuts, lime and red onion. Top view

Tea leaf salad and Shan-styled rice come together to create the perfect mix of meals. You can expect to find many dishes that come highly recommended by the locals in the area. Sweet is what they do, and you can find many sweet layers over those savory dishes you’re used to. Try some of these recommended dishes in Myanmar:

  • Burmese Curry
  • Burmese Tea Shop Meal
  • Burmese Sweet Snacks
  • Shan-Style Tofu Noodles
  • Nangyi Thoke
  • Anything and everything deep fried – try it all, we mean it!

Sri Lanka

A spicy one-dish vegetarian dinner with curry flavors. Vegetable kottu roti is a traditional Sri Lankan street food.

Sri Lanka is known for many things, but especially the food that they are offering. You can expect to find a delicate mix of herbs, spices, fish, veggies and fruit to wash down. You will be surprised at just how lovely many of the meals are. If you’re looking to try something a bit different, then give one of these highly recommended dishes a try:

  • Fish ambul thiyal
  • Lamprais
  • Polos
  • Kottu
  • Kukul mas curry
  • Hoppers
  • Wambatu moju

They have many curries that all use different sauces and spices that come together in the best tasting blend. Rice and coconut is what many of the dishes are centered around, so you can expect to find a lot of these ingredients in the many dishes that you try.

Morocco

Traditional Moroccan chicken tagine with olives and salted lemons, selective focus.

Morocco is beautiful, but while you might want to go to hit the beaches and soak up some sun, you might also want to try some of the best cuisine that you’ve ever had before.

As with the tradition, you can expect Couscous to be found in a lot of the meal planning. This is because this is where this dish came from, and many of the citizens are used to eating it regularly. If you’re looking to try something new and delicious, then give one of these many Moroccan dishes a try:

  • Tagine
  • Zalouk
  • Fish Chermoula
  • Bastilla
  • Khobz
  • Harira
  • Makouda

All of these have specific tastes that go along with them. Trying something different is exciting, and if you want to know what is in each of the dishes, you’ll have to ask!

Vietnam should be in one of your top culinary destinations

Assorted Vietnamese dishes: Pho, Bahn Mi and Spring Rolls

Vietnam is not always brought up as one of the top culinary destinations because of the food they offer, but they should be! This is one place that overdoes themselves when it comes down to street food and offering delicious options that have been passed down from generation to generation. Since their lineage runs so deep, the food you try is just as good. Here are some of the must-have dishes to try while in Vietnam:

  • Pho
  • Cha Ca
  • Banh xeo
  • Cao lau
  • Nem ran/cha gio
  • Goi cuon
  • Bun bo Hue

These dishes are all made with specific meats, veggies, sauces, and herbs. Many of the ingredients are sourced right from the country, so you can expect to eat authentic food dishes made specifically for tourists who want to bite off a bit more than they can chew.

Barcelona

Spanish Seafood Paella

Almost everyone is familiar with Tapas but if you didn’t know where it came from, now you do. You can find numerous Tapas bars and restaurants throughout Barcelona which is why it is one of our top culinary destinations. They pair almost everything with wine, so you are in for a treat. The wine is just as good as the food they serve, so unbutton your pants. Here are some of the top dish’s worth trying in Barcelona:

  • Seafood Paella
  • Jamon Iberico
  • Bombas
  • Pamtomaquet
  • Croquetas
  • Tortilla de patatas
  • Patatas Bravas

You don’t want to leave without having them pair your wine with dessert next. This is one of the most delicious parts of the meal, and one you don’t want to walk away from. Have them pair and enjoy!

Tokyo

Ramen noodle soup has exploded around the world, which is why Tokyo is one of our top culinary destinations.
Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

Who doesn’t love a bit of sushi? There is not just these delightful rolls you will find there, but so many other delicious dishes. Tokyo is known for their flashing lights, but if you’re looking for a place that is going to provide a delicious meal, you’re in luck. Tokyo is full of delicious restaurants to eat at, so look and make sure to order one of these highly recommended and loved dishes:

  • Ramen – Home of the Ramen, this is where it originated and worth trying a delicious version of it
  • Unaju
  • Yakitori
  • Tendon
  • Monjayaki
  • Soba
  • Tempura

So many delicious meats and veggies are fried, sautéed, and cooked over medium heat to create the perfect dish. Tokyo is known for their sushi rolls too, so make sure to stop by a sushi bar to enjoy some sake and sushi!

Prague

Traditional Zelnacka cabbage soup with sausages and vegetables

Visiting any place is exciting, but when it comes to a place that is highly rated for their food; you’re going to be even more excited. Prague is one of those places. Known for their dark beer and soups; you can pair the two, try them separately, or try another one of the favorite dishes of the area. Here are some of those dishes:

  • Kulajda
  • Zelnacka
  • Cesnecka
  • Tatarak
  • Bramboraky
  • Vurty na cernem pivu
  • Chlebicky

If you’re in the area, don’t worry about trying to say any of the meals but pointing at the menu might just get you the most delicious meal you’ve ever tried in your life. It can definitely be worth it.

France Is A Top Culinary Destination

French desserts alone make it one of our top culinary destinations
Chocolate Souffle with fresh berries

Known for many of their delicacies, it is important that you try them out for yourself to see which you like. Since France is full of French food, you might find some of your favorites located in this area. From everything to flaming dishes to French onion soup [or soupe a l’oignon as they call it], you have a lot of ways to treat your taste buds. Here are some other dishes worth trying:

  • Cassoulet
  • Flamiche
  • Chocolate souffle
  • Salade Nicoise
  • Boeuf bourguignon
  • Coq au vin
  • Confit de canard

If you’re confused by any of the names or dishes, let them know and they’d be more than happy to let you know what is in the dish. The French are known for being courteous and helpful, especially when it comes to the foods you eat.

Denmark

Delicious fried meatballs (Frikadelier) with hot stewed red cabbage and sauce

Known for wooden shoes and canals; Denmark is also home to some of the most delicious meals. Known mostly for their open-faced sandwiches or Smorrebrod, this is one place that deserves a medal for all that they cook up. If you are looking for a delicious meal, then here are some of the highly recommended meals worth trying while in Denmark:

  • Karbonador
  • Frikadelier
  • Kartofler
  • Risalamande
  • Koldskal

These are all hard-to-say dishes, but they’re not hard to eat. You will find that they are delicious and nutritious. You might ask for seconds with some of them. Specialized dishes are served throughout many of the restaurants, and Noma in Copenhagen is the perfect place to do so.

Spain (Of course it is one of our top culinary destinations)

Who knew that soup could make our list in top culinary destinations.
Gazpacho soup

Of course, Spain would be on here because who doesn’t love a great pasta dish? Big on many of the flavors we know and love throughout the United States and Canada, you can be sure to find the perfect dish that meets or exceeds your expectations throughout Spain. Here are some of the favorited dishes that you can ask for:

  • Jamon
  • Paella Valenciana
  • Gazpacho
  • Fideua
  • Tortilla
  • Churros
  • Pimientos de Padron

Whatever flavor you’re looking for – sweet, spicy, savory – the chefs in Spain know how to bring all three together to create the perfect harmony between tastes for your pleasure. They’re worth trying.

There are plenty of places to find yourself eating throughout the world, with our top culinary destinations list. These are only a handful of options you can go with. Book your vacation away from home today and make sure to investigate one of the many restaurants in the area you’re staying to find out if they are offering any of these and other dishes. Enjoy your trip to our top culinary destinations, but also enjoy the food you’re going to be able to eat while out and about. Your trip will be worth it in the end.

Review: Delights Of London And Paris With Trafalgar

London and Paris with Trafalgar

By: Ana Pitiranggon, Employee Development Team Specialist

Visiting Europe especially during the Holidays has always been on my bucket list.  After checking what they had to offer; Delights of London and Paris with Trafalgar was the best option for my husband and me.  Since the tour was at leisure, we only need to unpack twice.  This fabulous tour consisted of 4 nights in London and 4 nights in Paris.

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France Travel Guide

FRANCE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

FRANCE VACATION TIPS

  • Try to learn basic French, like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you, the locals will appreciate it and you’ll be treated noticeably better
  • Practice basics like greeting a shopkeep with a “bonjour” when entering and an “au revoire” when leaving
  • Get your euros from an ATM instead of usual exchange booths
  • Don’t visit only Paris – France is incredible beautiful and you would be missing out if you don’t leave the capital city
  • Walk, walk, walk. Put on your most comfortable shoes and walk to take in your surroundings and see the most incredible things
  • If you like wine, you’re in the right place – make sure to sample the local wines and visit a vineyard or two
  • If you’re walking the cities and towns, chances are you’ll run into an outdoor market and they’re always worth checking out

TOP THINGS TO DO IN FRANCE

France is luxurious, edgy, and diverse. Paris has captivated the world with its fashion, gastronomy, and art. The chateaus and rolling vineyards in the countryside and the elegant cities and medieval towns, there is something beautiful in every corner of this country. From Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux and French Rivera, you could spend weeks in France and still not experience everything.

1. APPRECIATE ART AT THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

This is the largest museum in the world, and home to famous paintings and sculptures like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. In 1546, Francis I converted as a residence for the kings of France but after the fall of the empire, the beautiful building became a museum. In 1682, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles as his residence, which left the Louvre as a place to display the royal collection. Inside are about 38,000 objects, dating from prehistoric up into the 21st century.  Located on the Right Bank of the Seine, this is a must visit when going to Paris.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Find a France itinerary that visits the Louvre! All of our travel partners have VIP access allowing you to skip the super long lines and waltz right in. If you’re visiting the Louvre on your own, we recommend going to the Louvre at night on Wednesday and Friday as they close at 9:45pm and crowds will be thin. Also, on the first Saturday of every month, the Louvre opens from 6pm to 9:45pm and admission is free!

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • You need to buy tickets to enter the exhibitions but the architecture of the palace and the iconic glass pyramid outside are enough to take your breath away.
  • On the first Saturday of every month, the Louvre opens from 6pm to 9:45pm and admission is free!

2. WALK THE CHAMPS -ELYSEES

Although this street is usually always bustling, who can resist shopping in France? Along the avenue you can find small cafes, restaurants, and even fast food. Among the variety of stores you can find here, there is Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Hermes, Valentino and many more. Visit Laduree, where you can find the best macarons in over 100 different flavors.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Most stores close around 10pm, so be sure to check the hours of any places you want to go shopping. The tree lined street is outside, so this is the perfect place to stroll when the weather is nice.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The Arc de Triomphe is located on the west end of the Champs-Elysees, while the Luxor Obelisk, the 3000+ year old Egyptian relic, is at the other end.
  • Champs-Elysees means “Elysian Fields”, because the person who named it through the street was heaven on earth.

3. CLIMB THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Located on the west end of the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe is a memorial for all who fought for France especially in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. The French Emperor, Napoleon, ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in 1806. In 1920, the remains of an unknown soldier where placed underneath the Arc and an eternal flame is lit every evening to commemorate the soldiers that died in both World Wars. You can climb to the top of the monument for the best view of many French landmarks.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The first Sunday of most months, the Arc offers free admission.
  • At 6:30pm its flame is rekindled for the Tomb of the Unknown Solider under the arch.
  • Bring your walking shoes, it is 284 steps to the top!

4. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE EIFFEL TOWER

No trip to France would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. It took two years to build, and since then the historic landmark became a visual representation of Paris. You can walk the multiple levels of the tower, but they also offer an elevator that takes you straight to the different viewing platforms and to the very top. Whether you choose to visit during the day or night, it’s a memorable view.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Just like the Louvre, it’s best to visit the Eiffel tower with one of our travel partners. There are lines to get in and then more lines to get up the tower. On a guided tour with one of our partners, you’ll be able to skip that! July to August are considered off season so crowds during this time are less than high season. The viewing platforms are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.

5. ENJOY THE FAMOUS CARBERT, MOULIN ROUGE

This world known cabaret is best enjoyed while sipping on a glass of champagne. Dancers perform every night on the brightly lit stage with fabulous costumes. The red carpet at the entrance will make you feel like a celebrity, and you’ll be entertained from the moment the red curtains draw back.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • There are two showings every night and there is a dress code. Black tie, formal wear is not mandatory, but you should “dress smart” when going.
  • No photography is allowed at all while enjoying a dinner show at the Mouline Rouge! If you’re caught taking photos or recording, you will be asked to leave. And yes, they’re strict about this.

6. APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE AT CHATEAU DE CHAMBORD

Chateau de Chambord in Chambord is known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and it one of the most recognizable chateaus in the world. It was built by Francis I as his hunting lodge, even though he rarely visited.  Its grandiose architecture rivals the Palace of Versailles and is the largest and most majestic chateau in the Loire Valley.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • 60 rooms can be visited that hold over 4,500 objects, as well at the famous double helix stair case inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • The park at the Chateau is as big as inner Paris and is home to an exceptional range of flora and fauna.
  • The French gardens are also huge and are mirrored after the gardens created in the rule of Louis XIV.

7. VISIT PONT DU GARD

Pont du Gard was built by the Romans in southern France in the 1st century. This aqueduct bridge used to carry water over 50 km away. It is said that the aqueduct supplied the city with 8,800,000 gallons of water a day! It is one of the most week preserved and the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges. Some of the stone bricks used to construct it can weigh up to six tons and were cut to fit together without mortar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Building this was a masterpiece of ancient architecture, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that points to the use of hoists and scaffolding.
  • The site is accessible 7 days a week, year round, with hours that vary according to the seasons.
  • At the Pont du Gard, there is a museum tracing the history of the Roman aqueduct with models, virtual reconstructions.

8. EXPLORE THE CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME

This medieval Catholic cathedral located in Paris is on the best examples of French Gothic architecture. It is most well-known for the enormous and colorful stained glass windows. It also houses on the with world’s largest organs and huge church bells. Construction began in 1160 and much of the religious imagery was destroyed during the French Revolution.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The cathedral was the site of the coronation of Napoleon I.
  • The South Rose Window was a gift from King Louis IX.

9. LEARN ABOUT HISTORY AT MONT SAINT-MICHEL

Located on an inland right off of Normandy, it has held strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century it has been the seat of the monastery, from which it draws its name. With such a fascinating past, the high tides turn this mountain into an island and during the low tides, you can barely see any surrounding water.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Since it is located right on the water, during the winter months the wind can make it quite chilly. It will be the busiest during the summer and the rainiest during November. Even though it might be cold, it will be beautiful during Christmas time.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Wander around the stone storefronts and hidden alleys, the island is its own little world.
  • Beware of the tides before you visit, there can be a difference of 50 feet between tides.
  • While there are a few restaurants on the island, this is the perfect place to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.

10. SOAK UP THE SUN ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

This playground and vacation spot for elites around the world, this Mediterranean coastline is on the beautiful southeast corner of France. Known for its beauty and glamorous surroundings, this is the perfect place to relax, enjoy food and wine combined with fascinating history and culture.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate is moderate nearly year-round. During the day, the temperatures are warm and sunny, and they get a bit cooler in the evening when the sun goes down. When the weather is the warmest is when the area sees the most crowds.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II King Edward VII Pablo Picasso, and Francis Bacon, were known to have vacation in the French Rivera.
  • The French Riviera hosts the Cannes film festival, Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix.

BEST TIME TO VISIT FRANCE

Like the famous line goes, “Paris is always a good idea”, it doesn’t matter much when you are there, as long as you are there. However, if weather is something on your mind, Spring or Fall are typically the best times to go. The weather is pretty temperate all year long but with less crowds, it means less stress on the country. Servers are nicer, public transportation is easier, lines are not as long, and locals are not as high-strung.

Quick Facts:

  • Summer is the most popular time to visit
  • During the Spring and Fall, the crowds start to thin out
  • It’s easier to find cheaper airfare during Winter but this is when the weather is its wettest

Summer – June to August – High Season

During the summer, the average high is 77F and the average low is 60F. This is when France – especially Paris – is the most crowded. Local Parisians will even leave the city for long periods for their own vacations during this time and leave it all for the tourists

Spring – March to May & Fall – September to November – Good Season

During Spring & Fall time, temperatures are similar with the average high of 54F and the average low of 42F. France is most enjoyable during the Spring and Fall as the crowds thin out and local Parisians are not as stressed or high-strung. Make sure to pack layers!

Winter – December to February – Low Season

During the winter, the average high is 76F and the average low is 38F. This is cold, rainy season and if you’re looking for the least amount of tourists as possible, this is the time to visit France. However, winter tour dates are starting to gain some traction so traveling to France may be considered an inside secret for now.

Review: European Highlights With Globus

By: Adam Pesquera, Travel Consultant

The title of the tour says it all European Highlights with Globus– This is one of the most efficient and busy tours that gives you the highlights of the most popular places in 4 different countries: London, Paris, Lucerne, Bergamo, Florence, Venice and Rome. My companion was my beautiful wife who made my experience that much more pleasing.

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