Don’t waste another meal at a tourist-trap restaurant. Four food writers share tips for eating like an in-the-know local in an unfamiliar city.

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to traveling: Some people just want to relax. Others want to spend a few hours in a museum or fill up their suitcase in the shopping district. And some of us care most about eating, and eating well.

Out of all of those options, figuring out where to dine can feel like a tougher task: There’s only one Prado Museum, but there are countless tapas spots across Madrid. The first step is to breathe — it’s impossible to visit every amazing restaurant, cafe or bar a city has to offer in a dozen visits, let alone one.

Instead, focus on what’s important to you. The food writer and recipe developer Carla Lalli Music once planned an entire vacation around the pursuit of great croissants. Anthony Bourdain would head straight to the central market of an unfamiliar city, calling it the best place to “get a sense of what a culture loves most dear” — and no doubt endearing himself to a vendor and gathering some choice recommendations.

I like to spend my first afternoon on the ground scrolling through the “Following” tab of a chic coffee shop’s social media account. As it turns out, cool coffee shops tend to follow cool restaurants and bars. Here are more tips from well-traveled food writers on how to track down great dining options, whether you’re the type to make reservations months in advance or play things a little more fast and loose.

Ask the locals

While its easy to make a snap judgment on a restaurant based on Google or Tripadvisor reviews, locals know the dining scene best — especially the beloved haunts where the service is great, the drinks are cold and a table is easy to come by.

Regan Stephens, a writer based in Philadelphia and a co-founder of the travel guide site Saltete, researches local experts before she hits the airport. She recommends restaurant critics, cookbook authors or food tour guides.

“I’m seeking out the people on the ground who’ve lived in the destination and know it better than anyone else,” Ms. Stephens said. She follows them wherever they write: their social media accounts, local publications, even Substack newsletters.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even send an email or a direct message asking if they have a Google map or list that they share with friends and family — and more often than not the answer is yes, Ms. Stephens said.

This method also translates well to in-person interactions. Ms. Stephens will strike up a friendly conversation with a barista, a bartender or an employee at a small shop (“as long as they’re not in the weeds” and dealing with a barrage of customers, she said). Many are more than happy to share their favorite spots with a friendly tourist. But her personal preferred source for an accessible and delicious meal in a different city? Taxi drivers.

“If you were to drive somewhere right now on your lunch break, if you’re about to get off work and meet your friends,” she asks, “where are you going?”

Always be researching

For Lyndsay C. Green, the restaurant and dining critic for The Detroit Free Press, seeking out restaurants for her travels is her “first call of action anywhere I ever go,” she said.

She saves up recommendations year-round, using Instagram’s bookmark function to save posts into folders organized by city. “I really just try to find where real people are going.”

For instance, Ms. Green visits New York City a few times a year, so she keeps a running list of leads. “Then I can refer to it whenever I’m there,” she said. And as a self-identified “Last-Minute Charlie,” she said keeping a running list rather than starting from scratch makes the planning process less stressful. A week or two before she lands, Ms. Green goes through her list, makes reservations and creates a list or Google map of the more casual spots she wants to visit that won’t require a reservation.

Learn to spot a tourist trap

Not all touristy restaurants are bad: Many New Yorkers still heartily endorse the more than century-old Katz’s Deli, even with the line of out-of-towners snaking down the block at all hours of the day.

But not every restaurant is Katz’s. Ms. Stephens of Saltete, for instance, generally avoids restaurants that display pictures of what’s on the menu in the window. “They’re obviously just geared toward tourists,” she said, “to make it easier for them to come in and choose, especially if it’s a place that is outside of the U.S.”

Eric Asimov, a wine columnist for The New York Times Food section, is even more blunt: “This may seem obvious, but touristy restaurants are especially prevalent in touristy areas.” He suggests looking in “neighborhoods less overrun with tourists.” Avoid the areas around the Eiffel Tower in Paris; think the Montmartre neighborhood instead. “And to avoid waits, make reservations whenever possible.”

Susmita Baral, a senior travel editor for Travel + Leisure, agrees that standing in line to eat — which cuts into your time spent exploring — is not a fun activity.

“You have to be willing to wait, and more often than not, like, is a meal worth waiting in line for?” Ms. Baral said. “For me, no.”

Book a food tour

You don’t have to be an internet sleuth or a well-connected food writer to maximize your dining experience. Ms. Baral recommends booking a food tour as part of your trip, on a site like Airbnb Experiences. Guided tours with a local are a great way to learn in an informal setting: “You can ask about dishes that you should try or heritage cuisine or local cuisine that maybe isn’t as mainstream to travelers and tourists,” she said.

A food tour is also an excellent way to learn key phrases and local etiquette. On a recent food tour in Osaka, Japan, Ms. Baral not only got a taste of the city’s dining scene but also learned how to carry herself as a tourist. “She taught us how to order a beer at a bar,” she said of her guide. “She taught us how to yell and say, ‘Excuse me.’ And how to order for two versus one.”

Her only regret? That she didn’t book the tour on the first or second day of her trip.

Travelling is something most people love-exploring new places offers a fresh experience every time. Among today’s youth, trekking has become an increasingly popular way to connect with nature, especially through mountains, waterfalls, and scenic valleys. It may seem exciting and adventurous-thanks to movies and friends’ stories-but trekking isn’t as easy as it looks.

Along with physical stamina, it demands proper planning and awareness. Especially if you’re a beginner, a well-prepared trek is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some smart tips that will not only enhance your trekking journey but also help you avoid common problems.

Here Are 8 Tips For A Great Trekking Trip:

Get a Medical Check-Up

Before heading out, especially if it’s your first trek, consult a doctor. You might have underlying health issues that you’re unaware of, which could become serious in high-altitude or remote locations. A simple check-up can prevent major trouble later.

Know Your Trekking Route

Gather detailed information about your trekking destination. Know the terrain, weather conditions, local culture, emergency contacts, and available amenities. This helps you stay prepared for any unexpected situation during the trek.

Choose the Right Backpack

Invest in a good-quality waterproof backpack to protect your essentials from rain or accidental water splashes. If your bag isn’t waterproof, carry large plastic bags or covers to keep your items safe and dry.

Pack Smart and Light

Trekking involves a lot of climbing and walking on uneven paths. Carry only the essentials-overpacking will slow you down and tire you out quickly. A light and well-organised bag makes the journey easier and more comfortable.

Carry Water and Snacks

Stay hydrated and keep your energy up by carrying water, energy bars, dry fruits, or fruits. Dehydration and fatigue are common on long treks. You can also carry electrolyte sachets to mix with water in case you feel drained.

Avoid Solo Treks

If you’re trekking for the first time, never go alone. Always go in a group or with experienced trekkers. This ensures safety, shared resources, guidance, and better decision-making in tricky situations.

Wear Proper Trekking Shoes

Footwear matters a lot. Wear comfortable trekking shoes with a good grip to help navigate rocky or slippery trails. Water-resistant shoes are a plus in case of rain or wet surfaces.

Take Regular Breaks

Don’t exhaust yourself by walking non-stop. Take a short 10-12 minute break every hour to rest your muscles and re-energise. These breaks also allow you to enjoy the natural beauty around you.

If you’re planning your first trek, keep these tips in mind. They’ll not only make your adventure smoother but also safer and more memorable. Happy trekking!

It’s OK to splurge on vacation, but maintaining balance is a good idea.

Hitting the road or catching a flight for summer vacation this year?

If you’re trying to eat healthy, dining while traveling and away from home can derail even the best of intentions. Whether you find yourself famished at the airport or are tempted by fast food joints along the interstate, the challenges are there. What are hungry people – with one eye on their health – to do?

Well, to begin with, keep your perspective. Nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. Most of us aren’t going to lose weight while traveling. But we can at least try to keep things balanced. If you feel well, you’ll enjoy your vacation so much more.

8 Tips to eat healthy while traveling

1. Look for healthier options that are popping up in unexpected places.

Convenience foods are quick and easy, they’re cheap and they taste good, so we tend to forget about more nutritious options when we travel. But even convenience stores and airports are starting to offer a wider range of healthy snacks, like yogurt with granola, cheese plates and salads.

2. Stick with regular mealtimes, and fill your plate wisely.

To offset temptation, be mindful of portion sizes, avoid heavy sauces and maintain a normal eating schedule, especially when faced with extensive buffets. Cruise ships have a lot of opportunities for indulgence, but they usually offer healthier options, too, like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

3. Bring plenty of high-fiber, high-protein snacks.

If you’re heading out on a long road trip, pack a cooler where you can store hard-boiled eggs, yogurt and fresh produce. Eating balanced snacks and avoiding fast-food restaurants on the road can help reduce your sodium intake, similar to cooking at home.

When we bring food, we have the most control. This can keep your blood pressure in check and your heart healthy. If you’re unable to pack your own snacks, look for 5% or less daily value in sodium when reviewing the food labels. This indicates a food is a low source of sodium. When traveling by plane, train or ship, check the TSA website or contact your cruise line to learn which foods you’re allowed to carry on. Bring extra, if possible, so you can avoid vending machines and other temptations at your hotel.

4. Stay hydrated.

Drinking water not only replenishes the fluids in your body, it keeps your skin hydrated, reduces junk-food cravings and helps fend off that bloated feeling from fluid retention. If you use a refillable bottle, you’ll reap all these benefits while also helping the environment.

5. Eat mindfully and savor your food.

One of the best things people can do for themselves is to take time to eat, to sit down and enjoy meals rather than skipping them or eating on the go. Slowing down and eating mindfully allows you to fully enjoy new dishes and local flavors.

6. Choose a special treat once a day, and otherwise opt for healthy foods.

Eating out often feels like a special treat, but when we’re traveling, it becomes an everyday occasion. That means, instead of indulging at every meal, consider eating fiber- and nutrient-rich vegetables and lean proteins at mealtime, and enjoying a special indulgence, like a mouthwatering dessert, once a day.

7. Harness technology to help you find healthy options.

There’s an app for everything — including finding restaurants that serve healthy food. Food Tripping, Happy Cow (HappyCow.net) and Vegan Finder (vegan-finder.com) can help you find fast-food alternatives and restaurants with plant-based options. You can also use filters on sites like Yelp, Door Dash and Grub Hub to find nutritious meals on the road.

8. Fend off jet-lag and travel fatigue by eating foods associated with better sleep.

Reach for foods that contain tryptophan, magnesium, melatonin and other nutrients that may help improve your sleep:

• Poultry, fatty fish like salmon or tuna, and dairy products.
• Almonds, cashews and other nuts.
• Oatmeal, bran flakes, whole grain crackers and other relatively unprocessed carbs.
• Tart Montmorency cherries or tart-cherry juice without added sugar.
• Bananas and kiwis.

Limiting processed or sugary foods and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also help ensure you rest easy and wake refreshed.

If you do go a little overboard…

Try to go easy on yourself. Success is all about creating a sense of balance instead of having an all-or-nothing attitude.

Ideas for healthy, portable snacks

• Celery or sliced apples spread with peanut butter (rub lemon juice on apples to prevent browning).
• Fresh fruit (bananas, grapes, strawberries and oranges are easy to carry along).
• Sliced veggies (baby carrots, cauliflower florets, bell peppers and snap peas are easy to eat).
• Single-serving containers of almond butter, hummus or guacamole for dipping.
• Dried fruit, like raisins, cranberries, bananas, apples, apricots.
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.) or homemade trail mix.
• Protein bars, shakes or packets of protein-powder you can mix into water or milk.
• Hard-boiled eggs.
• Plain, low-fat yogurt with granola or fruit.
• Individually-wrapped, low-fat string cheese, cheese sticks or mini-rounds.
• Individual portions of sugar-free applesauce.
• Single-serving envelopes of tuna packed in water.
• Low-sodium turkey jerky or smoked salmon.
• Popcorn (air-popped or a low-fat, low sodium variety containing as few ingredients as possible).

Mainstream is so last season. If you’re over the crowded, tourist traps and looking for untouched landscapes that actually look like the mood board, these eight secret spots are total summer goals.

Azores, Portugal: Volcanic Beauty & Hot Springs

Consider this the “Hawaii of Europe” minus the long lines. With it’s merald craters, steamy thermal pools and serene coastlines it is the ultimate reset for anyone craving a lush, volcanic aesthetic travel destination and major peace.

Ishikawa, Japan: Gardens, Castles & Scenic Terraces

Swap the Tokyo chaos for Ishikawa’s cultural heritage. Between the dreamy Kenrokuen Garden and those Shiroyone Senmatsuda rice terraces, it’s a total vibe for history lovers and anyone chasing that perfect coastal sunset.

Tasmania, Australia: Quiet Beaches & Nature Trails

Tassie is that island of rejuvenation you didn’t know you needed. With pristine wilderness and secret white-sand bays, it’s perfect for hiking, spotting rare wildlife and finally finding some actual solitude.

Laitmawsiang, Meghalaya: Root Bridges & Hidden Wonders

Hidden in the East Khasi Hills, this misty paradise is pure magic. Explore ancient root bridges and cascading waterfalls that feel like a secret garden. It’s nature at its most raw and beautiful.

Finger Lakes, New York: Lakeside Charm & Small-Town Vibes

Ditch the Hamptons for these tranquil waters. We’re talking world class vineyards, gorgeous gorges and the cutest historic streets. It’s the perfect slow-paced lakeside summer for the girlies who love a cosy vineyard tour

Mainpat, Chhattisgarh: Hills & Tibetan Culture Blend

Expect rolling green hills, peaceful monasteries and the mysterious bouncing Ultapani river. It’s an offbeat cultural gem that’s basically a breath of fresh air for your soul.

Gurez Valley, Kashmir: A Pristine Hidden Escape

Gurez is a literal high altitude wonderland. With its turquoise river and log-hut villages, it’s one of the most breathtaking, gatekeep-worthy spots in the Himalayas. It’s basically living in a real life postcard.

Bolivia: From Andes Peaks to Lush Jungles

Bolivia is all about dramatic contrasts. From the jungle vibes of Madidi to the sun-drenched shores of Lake Titicaca, it’s a rugged high-altitude adventure for those who want a summer trip with some edge.