With the COVID-19 restrictions finally easing up, travel and tourism are starting to bounce back as well. A study done by AARP Research reflects this positive trend, showing that 77% of Americans feel it is safe to vacation this year. As well, since most of us have been stuck at home for the past two years, many of those who had travel plans have enough money and vacation time saved that they are eager to use. A recent poll indicates that most older American adults are willing to shell out up to $8,369 for their vacation.
Not that you have to spend that much for your holiday, however, as there are still ways to be financially savvy when vacationing. For example, you don’t even have to go beyond the country’s borders to have a fulfilling trip, as you can immerse yourself in local cultures by going on a gastronomic journey across the US. Whether you want to go to the East Coast or the West Coast, there’s a foodie haven that is waiting for you.
Travel Back in Time in NYC
Restaurants line up a street in Little Italy, New York
New York – the Big Apple – seems to be so many things at once. It can be a huge tourist hub if you’re looking at Times Square, a progressive arts commune if viewed from Brooklyn, or a major bastion of culture and the arts when viewed from its countless museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For those who are looking to indulge in the gastronomy scene of NYC, you can travel back in time by visiting some of its historic restaurants, such as the Fraunces Tavern, the Bridge Café, and the Ear Inn. These are a testament to the consistent quality of food that you can get from New York, and by dining in these areas, you are not only eating good food, you are also taking in a piece of history.
Eat International in LA
Restaurant building in Los Angeles’ Chinatown
See my photos from LA Chinatown
There was a time when Los Angeles was mainly known as the entertainment capital of the world, mostly because it is where Hollywood is. However, nowadays, LA is also known as a major cultural melting pot, where various cultures convene and establish their roots. This results in a thriving foodie scene that is uniquely global yet local at the same time. The Grand Central Market in Downtown LA alone has 40 food stalls that showcase recipes from around the globe, such as vegan ramen bowls, brick-oven pizzas, and Salvadorian delicacies. That’s just one spot, and the entirety of LA still has so much more to offer, from authentic Asian flavors to classic European dishes and hearty Mexican meals. Whatever international delicacy that you crave, LA just might be the place for you.
Grill it Up in Texas
When it comes to food, nothing is as synonymous to Texas as Texas barbeque and Tex-Mex cuisine. Tasted separately, Texas barbeque and Tex-Mex cuisine are two different entities altogether, having two distinct flavor profiles that should not go well with each other – Texan barbeque being mostly sweet and smoky while Tex-Mex spreads often taste fresher and cleaner on the palate. Surprisingly, however, these two food styles go well together, so much so that they have slowly merged into what is now called Tex-Mex barbeque. Of course, if Tex-Mex barbecue isn’t your style, you can always go for the more traditional route, where brisket, ribs, and turkey are only seasoned with salt and pepper. No matter which treatment you go for, if you are looking for a hearty and meaty journey, a trip to Texas is worth it.
The USA will always have a treat for each traveler. If you’re looking to expand your palate, a trip to these three foodie hotspots is the way to go.
About the author: Charly Morris is a passionate traveler and freelance writer. She tries to visit as many different locations as possible every year and is proud to have visited every continent on the planet.
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