Why Food and Travel Make the Perfect Pairing, According to Expert Nikola

Tapas in a bustling square in Barcelona. Shavings of truffle among the rolling hills of Umbria. Fragrant tagine in the mighty Atlas Mountains. Food and travel go hand in hand when it comes to making unforgettable memories, helping you connect on a deeper level to the history and culture of your destination. 

But finding the best restaurants in any place, whether you’re in the heart of a city or off the beaten track, requires research and a sprinkle of local expertise. At Insight Vacations, we do all the hard work in that department. We know it’s not just about tasting the best food, but making sure it’s the most authentic reflection of a destination’s cuisine.

That’s why premium dining is at the heart of every itinerary, from top-rated restaurants and home-cooked meals in a local’s home to expert-led food tours and cooking classes, leaving you to sit back and soak up new and exciting flavors – all while making a positive impact. 

Meet Nikola, Travel Experiences Supervisor

As Travel Experiences Supervisor at Insight Vacations, Nikola knows what makes the perfect dining experience, and how central food is to travel.  

“Travel and food are my passions, so when this role became available, I knew it was the perfect fit,” she says. “My current position focuses on overseeing dining experiences, ensuring guests truly connect with the destinations through authentic dishes. This means curating experiences that combine quality, uniqueness and authenticity.” 

Food and travel: the perfect pairing

“Food is one of the most authentic ways to experience a destination because culinary traditions tell the story of a region’s history, culture, and people,” explains Nikola. “I recently came across a beautiful thought about Italian food: food is never just a meal, it’s a memory. Every region tells its story through what it grows, cooks, and shares with visitors.” 

“At Insight Vacations, we believe dining is far more than eating; it’s a gateway to deeper cultural immersion. Sharing a meal creates meaningful connections and unforgettable moments around the table. These moments remind us that travel isn’t just about what you see, it’s about who you meet.” 

“Every conversation, every gesture, and every shared meal creates connections that bring cultures closer together. That’s exactly what we aim to create for our guests through our dining experiences, moments that go beyond eating and become lasting memories.” 

What to expect with Insight Vacations  

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a big shift toward sustainability, authenticity, and creating more meaningful dining experiences,” says Nikola. “Dining has become one of the pillars of our Insight tours, immersing guests in local culture and giving them the chance to experience it through regional dishes and products. We’ve introduced more farm-to-table experiences, partnered with local producers for tastings, and added Dine-Around options, giving guests the flexibility to choose from a selection of local restaurants.” 

“Beyond that, guests can enjoy meals hosted in local homes, visit family-run eateries, and on some trips even join food walking tours through our partnership with Eating Europe. These changes make dining interactive and personal, connecting guests with farmers, and artisans, while still maintaining the quality, atmosphere, and sense of exclusivity that define our dining.” 

Combining authentic and premium 

Showcasing the best of a destination’s cuisine while also making sure it connects travelers to its roots is a balancing act we’ve perfected. “We balance authentic local cuisine with premium dining by focusing on more than just the food,” explains Nikola. “It’s a blend of quality, atmosphere, and a sense of exclusivity.”

“When selecting venues, we always consider the region. In larger cities, it’s easier to find elegant restaurants that serve traditional dishes in a refined setting. In the countryside, we often choose family-run restaurants or farmhouses, where guests can enjoy authentic flavours and taste of a region’s culinary identity. This approach ensures every experience feels both genuine and elevated.” 

Supporting local culture & communities 

Local cuisine and the traditions that surround it are nothing without the people who keep those traditions alive – so we make sure to support the locals who love to share their culture through food. 

“Our aim is to partner with small producers, family-owned restaurants, and local farmers,” says Nikola. “Many of our dining stops are with businesses that preserve cultural practices and directly benefit the communities they visit. Also, through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ experiences which are often connected with dining and local product tasting, we also support regenerative food projects, artisans, and ethical agricultural initiatives that help protect cultures and environments for the long term.” 

Enjoya traditional Peruvian feast in Peru’s Sacred Valley

A key component on many of our tours are the Farm-to-Table meals, which focus on sourcing fresh, seasonal products directly from local farms and producers. The philosophy is about reducing the distance between the source and the plate. 

“Where location allows, we love to give guests the opportunity to visit the farm or garden where the ingredients come from, adding an extra layer of connection to the experience,” says Nikola. “In Italy, for example, we embrace the concept of ‘km 0’, which means ingredients come from surrounding areas, as close as possible, ensuring authenticity, freshness, and sustainability. In coastal regions, we sometimes extend this idea to ‘Sea-to-Table’, where guests enjoy seafood caught locally. These approaches celebrate local flavours and offering guests a true taste of the destination.” 

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“One experience I’d love to try is our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Farm-to-Table lunch at Casa Barone in Monte Somma, located in Vesuvius National Park,” says Nikola. Guests enjoy a homemade meal crafted entirely from Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP tomatoes, an ancient and unique variety grown on these volcanic slopes of Somma-Vesuvius. “This experience is not only about the uniqueness of the product and sustainable farming. It’s about true Italian hospitality, meeting local farmers, hearing their stories, and connecting with the regional traditions.”

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Getting the most out of your trip

“When you travel, being open-minded is key!” says Nikola. “One of the best ways to truly experience a new country is through its local cuisine. Explore local markets, chat with locals, try to avoid the touristy spots and eat where the locals eat.” 

“It is often over a meal, where the most meaningful cultural connections happen. I usually start by researching the traditional dishes of the country and region, then head out to find authentic places to try them. Another great way to dive into local food culture is by joining a cooking class or a food walking tour. These experiences don’t just give you a taste of the destination, they leave you with knowledge, skills, and unforgettable memories to take home.” 

Discover the power of food and travel when you take a premium Insight Vacations tour.