There are ones who travel to try thrilling adventures and there are those who want to explore other cultures and meet new people. But some travelers are doing it for good food and unique cuisines. Different parts of the globe have their own unique and new dishes and flavors that you can’t find in the city you live in. The choices are endless.
Fret not because devouring food doesn’t mean you’re missing out on the essence of exploring a new place. It’s a scrumptious way to know more about their culture. It’s also an amazing way to bring people together. Food makes your bond with loved ones stronger and helps you meet new people. Does a food road trip sound fun to you? We have some useful and cool tips right here that you can follow.
1. Prep your vehicle
When people use their cars for road trips, cleaning is usually the only thing that comes to their minds. Unfortunately, there’s more that needs to be done. One is checking if the tires of your car are correctly inflated and don’t have any defects. Look for wear patterns such as uneven tread and ensure proper rotation pattern and air pressure. You’d also need to check on the fluids to ensure good car operation and road performance. Depending on your vehicle, these include the transmission fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.
If you have money to spare and want to ensure your car looks great for the trip, have it spray painted. Look for a local auto repair shop that uses top-quality car spray booths. Ideally, their spray booths should be able to offer high airflow and maintain a low level of VOC as an eco-safe standard. This is best for repairing minor marks and scratches, faded paint, and rust while giving your car a brand new look. And while you’re at the auto shop, it’s best to also have scheduled routine maintenance for checking belts and hoses, air filters, and lighting.
2. Pack healthy snacks
Just because you’re going on a road trip to explore local food doesn’t mean you don’t need to pack some healthy snacks. This will keep you from getting hungry while on the road and avoid unnecessary convenience store visits for some snacks. You can bring your favorite hometown or homemade treats.
However, if you don’t have the time and patience to cook and prepare everything, visit your local grocery store for some ready-to-eat treats. Some of the healthiest options are nut butter and fresh fruits, granola and protein bars, trail mix, fruit and veggie chips, nuts and seeds, unsweetened yogurt, dark chocolate, and hard-boiled eggs.
3. Choose a food destination
Moving on to the actual trip, you now need to pick your food destination. Are you sticking to the major cities? Or, you want to explore the countryside and off-the-beaten path? Choose a culinary spot that suits your budget and interests. And since you’ll be driving, you’d also want to consider the distance of the place. Are you ready for long hours of driving? Or, do you want to explore destinations that are close to your home?
Apart from the food and place, check the other activities that the destination has to offer. A few examples are cultural tours, nature hikes or treks, water sports like surfing, or even a safari.
4. Create a must-eat checklist
After choosing your food destination, it’s better to create a must-eat checklist for your road trip. Having a checklist can make your trip more hassle-free while allowing you to set an appropriate budget for the food. Be open to new dishes and cuisines. You can do your research in advance online, or you can write your must-eat checklist while walking around the local food streets and markets. Don’t hesitate to talk to local vendors and restaurants about their food, especially those with names from their local language.
Nonetheless, just trust your senses and try what looks and smells tasty for you. To make things a lot easier, you can also create a list of street food areas, wet markets, hawker centers, and night markets that you’d want to visit.
Going on a foodie road trip allows you to taste local dishes and beverages that your dream destinations have to offer. You can visit the local market, go on a street food tour, dine at traditional restaurants, participate in culinary festivals and events, and share meals with the locals. And if you’re up for a challenge, you can learn about their cuisines and try cooking the food at your home.
