Top Tips for Seeking Out the Best Food When Traveling

(Photo credit:T.J. Lentz)

Love exploring places I visit, through the medium of food and drink. Eating at different places in a city is an amazing way to get to know it. I'm always learning new things about Atlanta by trying out a restaurant I've never visited before. Seeking out the best places to eat wherever I go has become second nature, but some people have trouble with it. They get stuck following the crowd, or they try to find somewhere themselves and always miss the mark. For anyone who doesn't have much success, try some of these tips for finding the best eats.

Get to Know the City
Before heading out for dinner, learn a little about the city you're in. Where are most of the restaurants located? Which ones are most highly rated by locals and tourists? And where are all the hidden gems secretly stashed away? Take some time to get to know the different neighborhoods and streets. You can increase your chances of finding some tasty food. You can book a reservation at a restaurant you like the look of, or you'll know where the best place to wander is. Choose an area with lots of eateries and you'll have a better chance of finding somewhere you can walk in and have an excellent meal.

Don't Rule Out Hotels
When you're looking for places to eat, remember the hotel restaurants. Some of them have the best food that the city has to offer. They're not just for hotel guests, and can be perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hotel developers know how important a quality restaurant is to the success of a hotel. For instance, the hotel group owned by Sajan Hansji developing hotels in San Diego and San Francisco. He recognizes the need for dining establishments that offer excellent food as well as exciting atmospheres. One of the group's latest projects in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter features both a bistro and a restaurant and bar.

Follow the Food Trucks
You don't always have to go to a sit-down restaurant to find great food. Street food can be surprisingly gourmet, and people will follow trucks all over the city just to try it. If you want to find the best ones, the Internet is the best resource. You can use websites and apps that help you track food trucks to see where they are on a given day. Or you can wander the city to see if you stumble across anything you want to try.

Try Somewhere New
The most important thing to do when you're looking for good food is to be open minded. Don't get stuck in your ways, even when you're exploring restaurants at home. Branch out from your usual establishments and cuisines to try new things. I always discover incredible food when I try an eatery or menu that I've never sampled before. Food helps to open new doors when you're traveling. Let it show you a new side of all the places you visit.

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