As a physician assistant, much of my daily life is structured, scheduled, and filled with responsibility. Recently, I had the chance to travel, and it reminded me just how powerful it can be to step outside your usual routine. Travel doesn’t just give you a change of scenery. It lowers stress, boosts creativity, and refreshes both body and mind. For me, it was exactly the reset I needed. But while travel itself is wonderful, one thing made my trip even more memorable: joining a food tour.
It’s the Fastest Way to Connect With Local Culture.
Food is more than just nourishment. It’s identity, tradition, and history on a plate. A food tour lets you taste the flavors that locals grew up with and hear the stories behind the dishes. You don’t just eat. You experience the culture more deeply.
You Discover Hidden Gems.
On my food tour, I tasted things I would never have found on my own. I visited small family-run eateries, tucked-away markets, and tried dishes that weren’t on the “tourist” menus. Guides know where the authentic flavors live, and they’ll take you straight there.
It Expands Your Palate
Travel is about opening yourself up to new experiences, and food is the perfect gateway. A food tour gives you the confidence to try things you might not order otherwise: a regional specialty, a unique street food, or a twist on a dish you thought you knew.
It’s Social and Fun
Sharing bites with fellow travelers makes food tours feel like a community table. You laugh, swap impressions, and bond over flavors. By the end, it feels less like a tour and more like a dinner party with new friends.
It’s Healthy for the Soul (and Sometimes the Body!)
While not every bite is “light,” food tours encourage mindful eating. You taste, savor, and appreciate instead of rushing through a meal. From a health perspective, this type of slow enjoyment supports better digestion and reduces stress. Plus, many food tours involve walking, so you’re moving between stops while you’re eating.
In short, travel refreshes the mind, but food tours enrich the experience in a unique, flavorful way. They allow you to taste culture, discover hidden gems, and create memories that stick long after the trip ends. So next time you pack your bags, don’t just plan what you’ll see. Plan what you’ll taste. A food tour might be the highlight of your journey.
Vanessa Winokur, MMSc, PA-C, resides in Georgia with her family. She has been in clinical practice in dermatology since 2002. She currently works at the Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center. She has been working with Elevate-Derm since 2021. When not working, she enjoys traveling with her family, watching her kids' extracurricular activities, and learning new languages.