🍲 Foodie Alert! How to Eat Like a Local & Not a Tourist ✈️

Hey there, food-loving adventurers!

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite parts of traveling is the food. There’s just something about devouring a new dish, surrounded by locals, that makes a trip truly unforgettable. So, this week’s newsletter is all about how to eat like a local, stretch those travel points for some free treats, staying safe abroad, and pick your next drool-worthy destination. Let’s dig in! 😋

🍜 Tips for Finding the Best Local Eats 🍜 
When it comes to food, we don’t settle for “touristy” meals that cost a fortune and taste like regret. Here are a few ways to eat well and avoid the traps.

Use Social Media Like a Pro: Before you go, dive into local Instagram accounts or Facebook groups for the city you’re visiting. Look for food photos that make you want to lick your phone, then bookmark them! Trust me, it’s easier than sorting through Yelp reviews in the middle of a busy street.

Eat Where the Crowds Are (But Not Tourists): If you see a line of locals waiting outside a tiny restaurant, you’re in for a treat. Just make sure they’re locals (not everyone with a selfie stick), and get in line!

Street Food = Soul Food: For some of the world’s best eats, you don’t need a Michelin-star restaurant. Street food is where all the authentic flavors are hiding. Whether it’s tacos in Mexico City or bánh mì in Hanoi, it’s quick, tasty, and insanely affordable.

💸 Redeem Points for Delicious Rewards 💸
You know those points we’ve been collecting? Turns out, they’re not just for hotels and flights! Here are some tasty ways to put them to good use:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Dining Rewards: If you’re traveling domestically, check out Chase Dining for participating restaurants where you can rack up bonus points. It’s basically like getting paid to eat your way through town.

• Amex Offers for Foodies: American Express has deals with tons of restaurants, and the savings can be huge. Open your Amex app, and scroll through current offers (like discounts at restaurants and bars), then add them to your card before heading out to eat. Free drinks or apps? Yes, please.

• Airbnb Experiences: Use points from cards like Capital One Venture® or Chase Sapphire for Airbnb Experiences. Plenty of food tours, cooking classes, and wine tastings are available. Imagine learning to make pasta in Italy or chocolate in Belgium! Book it with points, and you’re in foodie heaven for free.

🍣 Top Destinations for Food Fanatics 🍣
Feeling inspired? Here are a few travel spots that know how to wow with flavors. Bring your appetite and stretchy pants.

• Oaxaca, Mexico: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, Oaxaca is where it’s at. Tacos, mole, tlayudas—plus mezcal that’ll knock your socks off. The street food scene is unbeatable, and everything is made with so much love and spice.

• Seoul, South Korea: From barbecue to kimchi to bibimbap, Korean food has a little bit of everything. Start with street eats in Myeongdong, then dive into local BBQ joints where the locals hang. Bonus: It’s easy to find great food on a budget.

• Barcelona, Spain: This is tapas central, people! You’ll find seafood paella, jamón, and churros that will make you question why you’ve never been before. The key is to snack your way through the day and hit up small plates at multiple spots.

So, foodies, are you hungry yet? The best part about tasting the world is that you’re supporting local vendors, getting an authentic experience, and enjoying a feast you can’t get at home. If you try any of these tips or hit up one of these destinations, tag me in a pic—I’d love to see your foodie adventures!

Catch you next week!

– Your Food-Loving Travel Buddy

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

• CDC Travel Health Notices

• Travel Advisory and Alerts

• World Nomads Travel Insurance

• Lonely Planet Travel Guides

TripAdvisor Reviews and Recommendations

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!