“Everything There is Delicious”: Our Travel Experts’ Favorite Food Destinations Revealed

Offering a glimpse into the culture and traditions of each place, no one can underestimate the universal language of food, and its role in a great vacation. So, we asked our travel experts for their favorite foodie destination, for you to add to your travel wish lists. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler, take a moment to celebrate the diverse flavors and unique dishes that make each of these destinations special.

Southern USA

“The rich heritage of the southern USA has blessed it with a diverse culinary history,” explains Maritza Lopez, Insight Vacations’ Senior Manager Travel Experiences Americas. “Dishes are influenced by African, French, Spanish and Native American cultures, with delicious results. Food is a story, and this is one of my favorite food destinations because so many of the dishes enjoyed through the south tell the history of the region’s people and way of life.

“As you travel though the Southern states you’ll enjoy unique regional specialties, and each city has its own signature dishes. Nashville is known for its hot chicken and Southern comfort food. New Orleans is known for its Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, po’boys and muffulettas, while Memphis is known for world-class BBQ and dry-rubbed ribs. Guests of Insight Vacations can enjoy the very best of southern dining on Country Roads of the Deep South, including catching your own crawfish in Lafayette.

“Many of these cities also feature dining with a side of live music. For me there’s nothing quite like a meal while listening to blues, jazz or country music. It adds a nice Southern touch.”

Slovenia

“My foodie recommendation would have to be Slovenia but be prepared to come home a few kilograms heavier!” says Gemma Myhill, TTC’s Head of Partnerships & Sustainability of this little-known paradise nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic.

“It’s my absolute favourite country in the world and not just because of it’s cuisine which varies from region to region, but also for it’s picture perfect landscapes (think mountains and valleys that look like paintings), the most beautiful, friendly people and rich history and culture. Slovenia also frequently ranks as one of Europe’s most sustainable countries.

“Its also one of my favourite food destinations, and I just love sweet or savoury Štruklji – a traditional Slovenian dish, made of dough and various types of filling (my personal favourite is cheese), as well as Čevapčiči (a small grilled sausage made from various ground meats – even better if cooked on an open fire) plus other grilled meats like pork cutlets and sausages like Kranjska Klobasa (a wonderfully smokey Carniolan sausage).

“My absolute favourite dish and something my grandfather would always make every Easter is Potica, probably Slovenia’s most famous traditional dish. It’s a light yeast-based dough which is lovingly prepared and then rolled with a wide variety of fillings. The best in my opinion is Tarragon because it’s not too sweet and has such a unique flavour.  Visit on European Grandeur and try for yourself.”

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Ireland

“I’d describe Ireland as a secret foodie destination!” says Igor, TTC’s Global Director of Customer Experience. “I went to Ireland for the first time expecting pub grub and basic fare but was so incredibly impressed by both the classic and cosmopolitan food options available.”

Affectionally known as the Emerald Isle, this small but mighty country is known for its lush green countryside and iconic landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. A land of traditional music, dance, literature and whiskey, it also deserves a place as one of Europe’s favorite food destinations.

“Ireland has reinvented itself in the last few decades to go beyond Irish dishes (which are incredible on their own) and also boasts impressive international cuisine (inventive ways to blending European with local traditions).”

“You’ll find some of the freshest and most delicious local produce. It reminded me of visiting family back in the Balkans, where they also have delicious fruits and veggies. Local oysters come from the country’s western coast, and you can sample some of the freshest catches near Galway.

“My favorite places to dine include the farm-to-table experience at John and Freda’s guest house in Killarney (they source everything they serve within 5 miles of their beautiful, cozy home) and Ashford Castle (their afternoon tea is divine and has some of the most delicious scones and cream ever).”

Portugal

Portugal, on the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the oldest nation-states in Europe, founded in 1143. The country’s endless Atlantic coastline give rise to magnificent beaches, along with ancient cathedrals and castles, rugged mountains, serene forests and picturesque farmlands

“I love Portugal so much I made it my home,” says Travel Director Kristy. ‘Its a really exciting place, it’s got a bit of everything. Brilliant weather, a fascinatig history and fantastic food and wine. Many visit Portugal for the food alone.”

A favorite food destination, traditional Portuguese dishes are usually a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. Most famous is the Portuguese custard tart, the Pastel de Nata. Creamy on the inside and crisp on the outside, it’s made of puff pastry, egg custard, and topped with cinnamon. Cod is somewhat a national treasure, with the dish Bacalhau à Brás found on menus everywhere. This is made from shredded salted cod, onions, thinly cut fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

“The seafood here is sensational, and you can experience it on Best of Spain & Portugal” Kristy advises. “In Porto where I live, in the suburb of Matosinhos, there are restaurants that work together with the market. You tell the restaurant what you want, they’ll then accompany you to the market to select your fish. Afterward, you’ll bring it back to the restaurant, where it will be cooked to perfection just for you. Its such a great experience.”

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

“Argentina, and in particular its capital Buenos Aires are such heaven to your taste buds and am amazing place to visit,” says Claire Olliver, TTC’s Brand Director. “There is such a scope of cuisine, from amazing street food to fine dining, all washed down with exceptional wines. There is also an energy in the streets which just adds to the magic.

“For all meat lovers, the Asado or Argentine BBQ is a must. They just know how to do steak, succulent, perfectly seasoned, like butter to cut through – just buttery, warm soft goodness. A local red wine is the perfect accompaniment to the delicious steaks on offer.

“The you have the street food. They have these spicy chorizos in a bun, delicious and perfect to enjoy on the go or as you stop and do some people watching. If you like pies, and warm empanada will always hit the spot, and look out for the sweet treats – alfajores and dolce de leche is hard to beat. You can taste for yourself on the 11-Day Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil Discovery.”

Krakow, Poland

Often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and the oldest in Poland, Krakow was named European Capital of Gastronomic Culture in 2019, and since then it has continued to punch above its weight when it comes to cuisine.

“The bohemian former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz has gained recognition as the heart of Krakow’s trendy food and craft beet scene,” says Tim Pendlebury, a Travel Director for many years before becoming a Travel Experiences Manager, to whom Poland is home. “Seasonal menus use the finest local ingredients, with highlights in summer including chilled wild strawberry, verbena and cucumber soup; white asparagus in milk and forest chestnuts and pink grilled duck in celery and coffee. This is modern Polish cuisine at its best.

“Over in the UNESCO Heritage listed “Stare Miasto’ (Old Town) you’ll find another of the city’s culinary treasures, Szara Gęś (Grey Goose) which serves up one of the best beef Tatars in the city. According to tradition, Cracovians’ love of beef tartare dates back to the arrival of the Mongol Tatars in the 13th century, the marauding horsemen tenderising beef beneath their saddles as they rode.”

“For a bite on the go, Krakow has some must-try street snacks for visitors. The obwarzanek Krakowski is as much a symbol of Kraków as St. Mary’s Basilica. This boiled-then-baked braided ring of bread dates back to the 14th century. For just a few Polish ztoty, obwarzanki can be bought from easily recognisable blue vendor carts all over the city. Join us on Highlights of Poland and you can also meet Poland’s Goral Highlanders as you dine in Zakopane, south of Krakow, and enjoy their culture and music.”

Feeling inspired to treat your taste buds in 2025? Take a look at our worldwide collection of ‘Business Class’ tours.