Eating while traveling is one of the best parts of any vacation. There’s nothing like getting to try new foods — and often, on vacation, you’ve budgeted to spend a little extra on things you wouldn’t normally buy.
However, there’s also nothing more disappointing than spending a lot of money at a restaurant that doesn’t meet your expectations. That’s why it’s vital to choose the right restaurants while on vacation.
Choosing restaurants doesn’t have to be hard — here are four tips you can use on your next vacation.
1. Ask Hotel Staff
The people at your hotel can make some great recommendations for local food. There are almost always restaurants near hotels, but you might want something more off the beaten path.
If you’re looking for a specific cuisine or want to know where locals eat, ask the hotel employees. Sometimes there may be a concierge whose entire job is to get you connected with the amenities you’re looking for.
No matter where you are, someone at the hotel can help you find the best restaurants. Take advantage of it!
2. Talk to People Who Have Lived in the Area
There’s a good chance that someone you know is connected to a resident in the area you’re visiting. This is especially true if it’s a major city, such as Nashville or New York City.
Someone who is from the local area will have great advice on where to eat and may even know of great out-of-the-way places that cost less than common tourist destinations. Don’t be shy about asking on social media if anyone knows great places to eat where you’re vacationing.
Don’t forget to check and see if you need reservations at restaurants that are popular in the area!
3. Consider Your Preferences
If you’re traveling alone, it’s easy to know what you want to eat. When you’re eating out with friends, your family, or another group of people, it can be more challenging to pick a place that suits everyone.
Think carefully about any allergies or food sensitivities that you or others may have. Then, talk about your favorite foods and cuisines. Hopefully, you can come up with a list of great restaurants and everyone will get at least one trip to a favorite.
4. Look at the Restaurant When You Walk In
Whether you stumble across an interesting restaurant or are following a recommendation, it’s important to take a quick look around before you commit to eating there. Sometimes it’s immediately obvious that you won’t enjoy the experience.
How does the restaurant smell? If it’s not appetizing, you might be in the wrong place. Is the entryway dirty? Do you struggle to get service? Are there very few customers despite it being mealtime? All of these are red flags to watch out for.
Enjoy Choosing Restaurants on Vacation!
Choosing restaurants can be one of the best parts of your trip. Sometimes the biggest problem is that there are too many options for restaurants. That’s a great issue to have!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at the rest of our website. We have a variety of guides about making your vacation enjoyable and fun.
