Culinary Travel and Foodie Vacations with Janet McLaughlin

Food as a Gateway to Culture

With over 15 years in the travel industry, I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. But culinary travel is different. It’s not just about eating well, it’s one of the most authentic ways to experience a culture. International cooking and travel shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations showed us that food tells a story. Today, more travelers are chasing that story for themselves, and I see it every day with my customers, from those researching heritage recipes to others seeking out markets, vineyards, and kitchens where traditions come alive.

Access and Personalization

For me, the magic lies in access and personalization. Anyone can book a restaurant, but not everyone can spend an afternoon with a chef in their hometown market or enjoy a winery tour guided by the vintner themselves. That’s where I step in, connecting my clients to experiences that are both intimate and unforgettable.

When I sailed on Avalon Waterways’ Burgundy and Provence itinerary, I was reminded why food matters so much. Between French cuisine dinners paired with sommelier-selected wines, an onboard cheese tasting that sparked endless conversation, and market tours in small towns where we sampled regional specialties, every bite was a connection. Traveling with fellow food lovers only deepened the joy. Each meal became a shared celebration.

Culinary Journeys for Every Traveler

• For Indulgence Seekers
  Think exclusive truffle hunts in Tuscany, followed by Michelin-starred dinners, or private Champagne tastings along the Marne River. These once-in-a-lifetime moments blend indulgence with cultural depth.
• For Families
  Food is one of the easiest ways to spark curiosity in kids. I’ve arranged pasta-making classes in Italy where grandparents and grandchildren cooked together to honor their heritage. In Belgium, I’ve sent families to chocolate-making workshops that ended with sweet treats they crafted themselves.
• For Adventure Travelers
  Culinary travel also appeals to travelers who like a little adventure in the mix. Some of my clients love itineraries where food and activity go hand in hand, like a cooking class after a morning market tour, or a neighborhood food walk that doubles as a cultural deep-dive. For those who crave variety, weaving food into the journey keeps every day full of discovery.

Why the Journey Matters Too

For many food-focused travelers, the journey is just as meaningful as the destination. That might mean choosing a cruise with exceptional dining packages, so you can enjoy premium wines and specialty restaurants without scrambling for reservations. Or it could be sampling fresh bento boxes at each stop along Japan’s shinkansen. Food doesn’t just mark where you go, it shapes the journey itself.

Advisor Tip: Listen to Your Taste Buds

Whenever I’m planning, I start by listening closely. If a client mentions they love bold red wine, I might recommend overlooked regions like South Africa or Chile. If they want a mix of culture and food, I’ll suggest tours like Globus’ Gourmet Tuscany or Intrepid’s Japan Real Food Adventure. Even when someone books a more general trip, I always weave in curated food experiences so they can taste what’s possible.

Begin Your Journey

Culinary travel isn’t just for foodies, it’s for anyone who wants to connect more deeply with the places they visit. Whether you’re craving cooking classes abroad, neighborhood food tours, or wine tasting in a vineyard you never knew existed, I’d love to craft an itinerary that matches your palate and your passions.