Memoirs of an Explorer

 So, you have this idea in your head of what a cooking vacation is? You probably love cooking and at least one of the food channels are on the top channels you watch. Or you have a milestone that you want it to be memorable and you “heard” that cooking vacations are a one of a kind experience. But where do I start? O.K. Sit back and relax, and let us take you on a little culinary tour.

The first important fact you should know, is about the people who offer these programs. They love travel, food and people. Not only you will learn to cook, but they will bring you into their families and their traditions.

Here is how it looks: imagine going with a real chef to a colorful and fragrant outdoor market picking fresh seasonal produce, or rising early in the morning to go to the fish market to get the best catch, all that to cook together in the chef’s kitchen hand in hand, getting tips for life.

What else are you going to experience in a cooking vacation?

Your local host will take you to visit local food artisans like a cheese maker or a chocolate artisan. Beware, on these visits, you may find yourself shipping half of the store home.

You will visit at least one local, most likely a family owned winery and enjoy tasting flavors you didn’t know existed. You will also share the opportunity to eat in a local village restaurant with the locals.

As for the sightseeing, picture yourself strolling over cobblestone streets of an authentic medieval village, watching two grandmas sitting on a bench in the center of the village, talking in a foreign language and you wonder what they are talking about.

More than the cooking, more enjoyment in elaborate; learning a new pace. A pace arranged not around to do lists and crisis management but around the love for life. Connecting to people, their history, land and traditions.

I want that! I heard you. I also heard: “What do I do next”?   

My best expert advice is to consult a travel professional or a culinary travel company. Here are the benefits of doing that:

The most important fact is that this is their job. This is what they do every single day.

They have the knowledge to be able to make recommendations. You can hear first hand about the programs and the places. You will get all the goodness of an insider look.  Remember that T.V commercials about a couple who booked a hotel on-line, the hotel looked amazing but when they checked in, the room looked like a wreck? 

Second reason: They probably belong to at least one major American or international travel organization. This ensures that you are working with a legally registered company, that has binding rules, professional liability insurance and its consultants are certified.

Third: Easy to reach. True, we all use an e-mail nowadays, but isn’t it easier to talk to someone, who resides in your country, speaking your language?!

Fourth: In case you have a problem, you have a real human to talk to.

Fifth: Clarifying the fine print. A professional will advise you of the cancellation penalties.

Sixth: Higher productivity benefit. You are working hard while someone else is working for you on your trip.

Seventh: Possibility of a free gift. Many travel companies offer free incentive.

Want to hear more?

For a free consulting, updates and news, send  an email to : info@foodnwinevacations.com or call us at 1-877-457-3177.