Chef-recommended tips to help you find memorable dishes on your next vacation

For many of us, food is a big part of the travel experience. Food can reveal so much about a destination. It has the power to articulate the vibe and, yes, the flavor of a city or region.

We checked in with chefs for the scoop on what they do to find great food when they travel. When you’re ready to sink your teeth into something delicious, here’s how to find your next favorite dish while on vacation.

1. Research on reservation sites

Many travelers default to Tripadvisor and Yelp when searching for a good meal. You may want to add dedicated reservation sites such as OpenTable and Resy when researching where to go, says James Beard Award–winning chef Janos Wilder, formerly of Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails in Tucson, Arizona. “From a chef’s perspective, more serious diners [leave] reviews on reservation sites,” he says.

2. Look to locals online

If you love to eat, it’s a good idea to research the favorites of local foodies. Chef Mandy Dixon, owner-manager of Tutka Bay Lodge and La Baleine Café in Homer, Alaska, says she will visit TikTok or Instagram and search for keywords such as “best brunch New Orleans” or “best soup Seattle” for short videos. “It gives me a local’s view of the area, the restaurant and the food,” Dixon says.

3. Ask your server

When you’re on the ground, ask your server where you should eat next. It’s always smart to ask those who have a sensibility about food, though you may want to be discreet. Not all restaurants and hotels are keen on staff letting patrons know where else to go to eat.

“One time I was in New Orleans … I asked the waiter what his favorite spot to eat authentic local food was. He didn’t say much at first but then came by later … and slipped me a folded-up piece of paper,” Dixon says. On the slip of paper was his favorite ribs joint, and it was a winner. “The food was the best barbecue I have ever tasted to this day.”

4. Visit the farmers market

Eat your way through a street market or farmers market. Across dozens of stalls, markets can captivate the senses with the smells, sights, sounds and tastes of a destination.

While you’re browsing, talk to the vendors. They often supply restaurants and are likely to know about great eats across town. “I find that … local markets [are] great place[s] to hear about great places to dine and sample the local bounty,” says executive chef Richard Crespin of the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs in California.

5. Step outside the tourist zone

Look to restaurants at least a few blocks away from popular attractions and seek out cafés and dining opportunities in neighborhoods, not major tourist thoroughfares.

Above all else, “avoid touristy areas,” says Thomas Melvin, executive chef at Vida in Indianapolis and a James Beard Award semifinalist. When in doubt, talk to someone who lives there. “Find locals and ask for their recommendations,” Melvin says. “Word of mouth is, in my opinion, still the best recommendation.”

With the onset of the holiday season, update your beach wardrobes with chic styles, breezy fabrics and fun colours!

What to pack for a beach vacation often takes up a week’s preparation, trying to keep it light yet ultra-stylish. Apart from incorporating some nice and colourful swimsuits, it is also important to pack a collection of summery dresses, sarongs and other cute little beach outfits to nail beach fashion. Whether you are looking for just bathing out in the warm sun or cruising over from lounges to fancy restaurants on the beach, thanks to the numerous fashion influencers these days, we know just what to pack! Keeping clothes that will work for both sun and sand throughout the morning, noon and night are essential.

How To Pick The Right Beach Wear

Dressing for the beach can be more complicated than just picking out the perfect swimsuit. Beach outfits that are a little dressy are great for dates at the beach or beach events like a concert or evening cocktail gathering. When it comes to cute beach dresses, the options are endless to start by. From casual to dressy and elegant, we’ve curated a list of the best beach outfits for this summer. These trendy and chic beachwear choices are going to be your absolute inspiration for your summer getaway.

1. Bright Maxi Dress

Whether it is that you need to cover yourself in the daytime or go for a nice candlelight dinner by the beach, this one is an easy choice. You can pick an all-floral number that is super breezy and fun to wear around. A sweet straw hat and bag will complete your look in style.

2. Bodysuit

A well-fitting swimming suit, according to your body type, with a little bit of texture in pop colours, that can later be paired with shorts and skirts to convert for easy evening wear as well, is another must-have. A vibrant coloured flattering swimsuit is bound to add some chic colours to your beach look. With new trends and the latest designs, swimsuits have become all the more attractive. You can pair it with a sheer shrug to add a dramatic edge.

3. Colourful And Printed Shorts

Carrying shorts that can just be paired with a bikini top or with a one-piece swimsuit for comfort, is yet another easy transitional outfit to go for. Summery colours, nice fitting shorts are both comfortable and stylish. Pairing them with bare minimum accessories and slippers, and voila, you are ready with another cute beach outfit!

4. Wraparounds Or Sarongs

One of the most essential and stylish fashion wear – beach sarongs have become more than just a necessity. Opt for some nice and classy coloured wrap around skirts that will set the beach mode on and will also be helpful post a beach swim in the cold waters. Pair these with chic bikinis or bodysuits, you can also style them with bralettes and denim shorts for a casual look.

5. Button-Down Dresses

Put on a monokini or a bikini and pair it with simple cotton button-down shirt dresses, and head out for that beach evening. They come out as an effortless and versatile outfit for beachwear. Button down dresses are timeless and here to stay for long. You can pair it with a belt for a sleeker and elegant look.

These are some outfit ideas that will help you plan a day down on the shore while keeping it simple yet chic. Take some time out for one wrong outfit can spoil the beach fun. The simple trick is to pack light but pack right, including comfortable shoes, lots of funky sunglasses and summer hats in the bag, and you are all set to go!

Here Are Must-Have Summer Accessories To Pack

When it comes to beach fashion, it is not just limited to swimsuits and dresses alone. You can elevate your fashion game with the following tips:

1. Carry A Good Pair Of Sunglasses

Keeping the eyes protected from the glaring sun is important; you can keep some fun shaped and coloured sunglasses that go well with your outfits.

2. Choice Of Shoe Matters

Keep it casual; carry sandals or slip-on, maybe some Hawaiian slippers, where comfort is the key. Beaches can require you to often take long walks to settle or reach from one end to another, and so going light on the shoes is a wise choice.

3. Pack Light Accessories

Remember you are packing for a beach; keep bare essential jewellery, some floral neckpieces or bright coloured earrings or bracelet if you want to add an extra style element to your outfit.

While we have chalked out what to wear on the beach, there are certain things that should also be avoided, for example dark coloured clothes, tight-fitting dresses or ill-fitted swimsuits. Instead rely on cotton shirts, cover-ups, shorts and tank tops to do the trick for you.

While travel can be fun, rewarding, and even life-changing, it can also be very stressful for many people. Traveling during a busy season, such as summer or around winter breaks, can add more pressure. If you are traveling this holiday season, there are several tips to keep in mind to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

List Of Tips For Flights Around The Holidays

Let’s jump right into some tips to help travelers prepare for their journeys during the winter.

Give yourself plenty of time

Travel is subject to delays, regardless of whether you travel by car, train, or plane. There can be technical issues (like we saw with Southwest Airlines at the beginning of the year), bad weather, or a delay from one part of the country that creates a domino effect. You also want to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from your destination. Plan for long lines to get through security, check luggage, and even get to and from destinations.

Fly early

If you can take the first flight out, go for it. Flying early might be a hassle and have more crowds, but it’s also less likely to get delayed due to a problem at another destination. Plus, you’ll have more time at your destination.

Sign up for alerts

Alerts can help you plan or readjust your travels, especially if you can move a connecting flight ahead of time. Most travel apps from airlines will keep you updated, but signing up for text and email alerts is a good idea. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being on an international flight and finding out via a text alert that my connecting flight was canceled. Because I knew this before we landed, I was able to get a jump on moving my flights before it was too late.

Shop around

Everyone wants to save money on flights, especially around the holidays. When booking flights, take some time to check the surrounding airports in your intended destination. Sometimes, you’ll find special deals at smaller airports. It is also worth checking if flying one-way instead of roundtrip is cheaper. If you can, play around with the dates of travel as well. You’ll find that some days leading up to Christmas will be much more expensive than others.

Consider trip insurance

Because this time of year is more unpredictable, thanks to more people and various weather conditions, you may want to invest in an insurance policy. Consider if/what kind of coverage you need, and ensure it’s covered. For instance, check for weather coverage if traveling somewhere in harsh conditions. Checking for illness coverage is also a good idea, as more people tend to be ill this time of year.

Travel with only carry-on luggage

Traveling with only one carry-on bag isn’t possible for everyone, but if you can swing it, you can forgo long check-in lines and head straight to security. You also won’t have to wait around for your bags to arrive. Plus, you don’t have to worry about luggage getting stuck somewhere if you have several connecting flights.

How Can You Prepare For Delays And Cancellations?

Preparing for delays and cancelations is not fun, but it can save you should an unexpected event occur. One way to prepare is to store all of your trip information in one place, like in your notes app or somewhere else that is easily accessible and doesn’t require the internet to find.

Keep phone numbers, emails, and social media handles on hand to get a jump on contacting airlines. It’s also a good idea to brush up on policies for delays and cancellations, especially if you are traveling abroad.

How Early Should You Get To The Airport?

If you are flying domestically, aim to be at the airport at least two hours before takeoff. Many domestic flights begin boarding 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

If you fly internationally, you should aim to be there three hours before departure. Boarding on international flights usually begins an hour before the departure time. You may also check the airport’s website to gauge estimated security times to help you better understand what to expect at the airport.

Where Should You Pack Wrapped Gifts?

While TSA does allow you to travel with wrapped gifts, if anything looks suspicious, they may ask you to unwrap the package. If they end up unwrapping a gift, don’t expect it to get rewrapped. You may place wrapped gifts in your checked luggage (just be sure it doesn’t contain any prohibited items) to avoid any hassle during the security process.

But, if you are trying to save time and money and only want to travel with a carry-on, consider wrapping your gifts after you travel or placing the gifts in a gift box or gift bag that makes it easy to remove.

List Of Tips For Car Travel Around The Holidays

If you travel by car during the holiday season, there are a few things to remember. Here are a couple of tips for any holiday road trips:

Map out your journey

Planning out your route beforehand can help you avoid unnecessary toll roads and prepare you for closures or construction projects. It’s also a great idea to have stops planned along the way. Having a set of predetermined stops helps you stay motivated and can relieve stress about finding a service station. You may also want to share this itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.

Download apps ahead of time

Don’t wait until you’re on the road to download or try out a new app to help you navigate. Practice driving with the apps before your trip starts so you’ll be used to the system.

Prepare your vehicle for rough weather

Before any road trip, you should inspect your vehicle to ensure it is safe and ready for your journey. However, you’ll need to make extra inspections for driving in the winter months. Check your car to ensure you’ve got everything you need should you get caught in a snowstorm or other cold weather.

Keep wrapped gifts out of sight

Finally, don’t keep wrapped gifts where others can easily spot them. Try to pack your items so that they are hidden. You don’t want to show that you’re traveling with plenty of valuable goods.

Summary

Traveling during the holidays can be excellent as you can see places decorated and ready for the season’s traditions. It’s also a chance to see places in a new light. However, many people travel during this time of year. Therefore, it is wise to set a few plans before you take your journey.

Travel can be the best therapy to deal with the struggle of daily life, at least for a few days. This holiday season, plan your travel itinerary by including these highly sought-after popular tourist destinations across the globe. Remember to cover yourself and your family with international travel insurance.

With the holidays coming up soon, many of the globetrotters would have started gearing up for their next adventure. When you wish to travel internationally, planning the journey isn’t a easy task. But buying the best international travel insurance, packing your favourite clothes, and making a list of things that you want to do are some of the easy things. Many of us, however, are not so quick when it comes to choosing the destination. Sometimes, picking the right travel destination can be tricky. But worry not, we have it all covered.

Here are the 7 best places to travel during the holiday season in 2024! Delve into this specially curated list featuring the finest destinations to explore!

• Maldives

The warm beach setup of Maldives is a great choice to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The picture-perfect view of Maldives may tempt you for more than one visit. It is also one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations due to its soothing scenic beauty. Water adventure sports like snorkelling and scuba diving are a few to mention. From underwater oozing hotels to floating resorts and bungalows with sea views is an excursion worth craving again. Be it with your friends, family, or spouse, the Maldives trip cannot be regretted.

• Niagara Falls

The hiking trails with jaw-dropping scenic terrains of Niagara Falls are a must-have destination when it comes to a USA travel itinerary. The mesmerising natural wonder shows a misty fog when the water from Niagara River falls at a speed of around 30mph. You may enjoy the scenic beauty for hours without being tired. Hop on a minivan or a two-seater and go for a trip around the location to enjoy every bit of it.

• The Statue of Liberty

One of the most popular travel destinations is The Statue of Liberty. The symbolic statue of the US represents freedom and liberty for the people of the country. Situated on the Harbour Island of New York City, the statue was once the tallest of its kind. Except for Christmas Day, the Statue and Ellis Island is open around the year. You can witness the enormous statue closely by travelling by boat from New York or New Jersey.

• Northern Lights

Popularly known as Aurora Borealis or Aurora, Northern Lights is one of the wonders worth witnessing. It is a spectacular atmospheric phenomenon that looks dazzling, and the lights seem dancing. Viewers get lost in the mesmerising beauty of the Northern Lights, and it is nothing less than a lifetime memory. Aurora is visible from a number of places like the Arctic region, Canada, Norway, Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Siberia, and Scotland.

• Burj Khalifa

One of the recently hyped international travel destinations is Burj Khalifa. Being the tallest building in the world with a height of 828 metres, Burj Khalifa has become the iconic symbol of Dubai. It is impossible to wind up a Dubai trip without witnessing the sturdy Burj Khalifa. The 163-floor building of Burj Khalifa is located next to the popular Dubai Mall and surrounded by city lights. When you are planning a trip to an international destination, remember to complete your preparation with international travel insurance.

• Big Ben

Big Ben in the United Kingdom is among the tallest buildings in the world and is also a popular tourist attraction. The cast iron dials of the clock make it look beautiful in the dusky light of the sun. Not just a travel destination, Big Ben has also been a popular spot for film shooting.

• Go Local
  India is highly underrated when it comes to travelling and doesn’t really get much of the due credit. From deserts to rainforests, from untouched beaches to mysterious valleys, you’ll be in for many overwhelming experiences if you plan to cherish the local places in India. Along with a wealth of natural beauty, you can enjoy the warm hospitality of your own countrymen, even in the most remote corners.
• Trek the Himalayas
  Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Enjoy breathtaking sceneries as you scale some of the most sought-after terrains across the world.
• Munnar
  Want a holiday that conjures your mind? Then Munnar is the place for you. A manicured tea garden, tranquil backwaters and enchanting forests will soothe your soul.
• Andaman Islands
  While the ideal time is from October to May, you can visit these beautiful islands anytime you want! Beach excursions, sightseeing and water sports, there’s so much to do!

Travel insurance: A must-have document

International travel insurance is the protective cushion that protects you against travel distress and mishaps. Insurance companies offer  different types of travel insurance as per your needs. If you are a student, travelling to study overseas and explore different locations getting travel insurance for students, which is specifically designed to cater to the needs of a student in a foreign land, is a good idea. From loss of belongings to medical emergencies, travel insurance covers all these to ensure you have an exciting and peaceful trip. So, next time you plan a trip to an international destination, make sure to get international travel insurance.

Conclusion

Travelling is therapeutic and helps you regain the lost energy due to the chaos of life. Travel plans with family or friends can be quite relaxing, and one must try to find this escape occasionally. As a student, you may also make travel plans with your friends or family. Wherever you go, make sure you go with a travel insurance plan.

International travel insurance is a mandate for tourists in many foreign countries. It offers you the much-needed assistance in case of mishaps in a foreign land. Your luggage and documents are quintessential belongings, and losing any of these can be distressing. This is why you need travel insurance to ensure your overall safety. Travel insurance for students offers comprehensive coverage so they can have a safe stay in a foreign country until they complete their course.