10 Signs You're A Gourmet Traveller

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Every person has their own philosophy when it comes to travelling. For some, it doesn't get more fun than a package holiday in which everything is organised for you. For others, winging it seems like a much better idea. Some believe a weekend break is enough while some wouldn't dream of going away for less than two weeks. There's travellers that choose to backpack and then there are those who enjoy a caravan/RV road trip. Perhaps you love to hop between family and friends or maybe you chase your favourite football team on their travels? Whatever your travelling philosophy is, one thing's for sure – travelling is essential for experiencing life.

As St. Augustine said, "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page".

Finding your style

To determine your preferred style of holiday you must first take a look at your travelling personality. You must try to identify yourself as a traveller, your overriding pastime, your modus operandi.

If you're adventurous, then picture yourself bungee jumping in New Zealand or running with the bulls in Pamplona. Are you comfortable and happy?

If you consider yourself a romantic, would you be content with gondola rides in Venice, sunsets in the Seychelles and sipping sparkling wine in Paris?

If you're intellectual, does broadening your internal encyclopedia with a trip to Europe tickle your fancy?

Love food? Then maybe your style is a gourmet traveller.

How to tell if you're a gourmet traveller

With the influx of great cooking shows on TV, many of us are finding we're spending more time in the kitchen then ever before. Does that mean that we're all becoming home cooks, or does it mean you're becoming a full-blown foodie?

A 'foodie' is a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and wine. A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than for convenience. In addition to the food itself, foodies are interested in the back story: the history, production, science and industry of food. More often than not, foodies have an intense fascination with taste, flavour, smells and textures.

That's why foodies tend to choose their travel locations based on the gourmet experience on offer.

If any of these sound familiar, gourmet travel is probably the thing for you.

1. You know the difference between chiffonade and julienne

Most people have the art of mincing, dicing and slicing down pat. But foodies take it a step further. Foodies know how to chiffonade bright green basil leaves to sprinkle over farm-fresh tomato slices glistening in olive oil. Foodies know how to julienne cream-coloured jicama to create a gourmet slaw.

2. You cancel your weekly squash night to stay at home and watch My Kitchen Rules

Since you were a teenager you've loved a fast-paced game of squash to free yourself momentarily from the weekly stresses of life. But suddenly game night clashes with your favourite cooking show. What to do? If you choose the cooking show – you're a foodie.

3. Your holiday pics look like a menu

Where some people's holiday slideshows will feature landscapes, local people, and historic buildings, yours will emphasise one thing: food. Most people can't wait to get stuck into their food once it hits the table, but you like to ponder it, whip out the camera and take a series of photos. You then have to share that photo with the world (courtesy of Instagram) to highlight what everyone else is missing.

4. Your palate is more adventurous than you are

You wouldn't dream of throwing yourself off a bridge attached to a rope, yet you're willing to pop that piece of chicken in your mouth that strangely resembles a teeny tiny hand. You'll complain about the tepid chardonnay you were served in the pub the other day, but then you'll happily try snake wine in South-east Asia. Your adventurous palette makes you willing to try new and exotic flavours, like spices or signature dishes from across the globe.

5. You prefer a weekend exploring wineries to visiting museums

Everyone has their favourite weekend pastimes: yours just happens to be of the edible variety. You judge a weekend well spent by the inflation of your belly at the end of it.

6. Your food choices cost more than you can afford

Your credit card statement reads like the Good Food Guide and if you had only had enough budget to buy either a new pair of shoes or a gourmet burger, the burger would always win. Foodies will typically look for food that's more expensive with the belief it will be delicious and locally sourced.

7. Your choose accommodation based on its proximity to the best restaurants

When booking your holiday, you tend to spend a disproportionate amount of time researching the food, rather than the sights or activities a place has to offer. And of course, the closer you are to the best places to eat, the more fun you're going to have.

8. You know about the seasons

You regularly check in with your farmers market suppliers to find out what's in season and adjust your shopping lists accordingly. You take this one step further by asking your favourite restaurants where they source their local, seasonal produce.

9. You order the tasting menu

If there is a tasting menu available, you order it, knowing that these menus are designed to showcase what's fresh and seasonal. You're also not afraid to order off the menu, knowing that many chefs are happy to whip you up something special just by being asked.

10. You read food blogs

You regularly find yourself reading food blogs to stay in touch with the latest food trends and recognise names such as Bobby Flay, Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain.

How to travel like a gourmet traveller

If any of the above describes you, you may very well be a gourmet traveller. So what's next? Why not try:

  • Googling food bloggers based in your holiday destinations to find out their favourite places to eat
  • Checking out Instagram to find out the most photographed restaurants or food destinations
  • Visiting famous food markets
  • Visiting a farm to enjoy fresh produce at its best
  • Eating with a local. Today there are several sites which offer "pop-up" dinners or home cooked meals such as EatWith.com or BonAppetour.com.
  • Signing up for an organised food tour to get a taste of the best places to eat
  • Taking a cooking class
  • Choosing cheaper lodging to splurge on dining
  • Celebrating the unknown. Not sure what that yellow-looking foam is? Say yes to it anyhow.
  • Enjoying a weekend food break in Australia at favourites such as Ocean View Estate and Tokar Estate
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Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour has been an entrepreneur for 35 years in the hospitality sector. French born, she has been an accomplished business owner and operator for a number of Sydney venues. Leading the industry with high profile institutions such as Lamrock Café Bondi, she has endless passion for the industry, and now has the pleasure of supporting restaurants to fill their tables with the new Good Food Gift Card program.