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The survey identified the top destinations Americans would travel to for food experiences. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, topped the list for its Philly cheesesteak. – Image Credit Unsplash
A recent survey reveals that a significant portion of Americans are increasingly planning trips centered around culinary experiences, with younger generations leading this trend. The research highlights that a notable number of travelers are willing to spend substantial amounts on these “foodcations” to explore diverse food cultures across the United States and beyond.
Survey Insights
The survey, commissioned by Visit Anaheim and conducted by Talker Research, involved 2,000 respondents from the United States. It found that 21% have embarked on trips specifically for the culinary offerings of their destinations. Notably, younger generations are more inclined towards such journeys, with 44% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials having taken a “foodcation,” compared to 21% of Gen X and only 11% of baby boomers.
On average, travelers covered 484 miles and spent $910 on their most recent food-focused trip. However, they expressed a willingness to spend up to $1,929 if it meant experiencing a dish they have long desired to try, such as sushi in Tokyo or curry in Mumbai.
Adventurous Eating and Research Habits
The survey also highlighted that two-thirds of travelers consider themselves more adventurous eaters while traveling. This tendency is more pronounced among younger generations, with 76% of Gen Z and 78% of millennials reporting increased culinary adventurousness compared to 67% of Gen X and 59% of baby boomers.
When planning their trips, three-quarters of respondents conduct extensive research on dining options, dedicating an average of 2.5 hours to this task. They typically consult three articles, watch seven videos, reach out to three friends, and visit four different websites to gather information.
Preferred Dining Experiences
Travelers expressed a preference for discovering “hole-in-the-wall” eateries (41%) over “big-name” restaurants (14%), although 45% enjoy a mix of both. According to Scott Oklin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Anaheim, planning meals can enhance the travel experience, turning dining into a trip highlight.
Top Culinary Destinations
The survey identified the top destinations Americans would travel to for food experiences. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, topped the list for its Philly cheesesteak, followed closely by New York City for its New York-style pizza. Other popular destinations included Missouri and Kansas for Kansas City BBQ, Chicago for deep-dish pizza, and Central Texas for Texas BBQ.
When asked which state they believe offers the best food, respondents ranked New York first (14%), followed by California (12%) and Texas (10%). Oklin emphasized the diversity of food cultures in these states, highlighting California’s range from California-style pizza to authentic Mexican food and Napa Valley wine.
Conclusion
The trend of food-centric travel is gaining momentum, with Americans eager to explore culinary delights both domestically and internationally. As travelers continue to prioritize unique dining experiences, destinations across the United States are poised to benefit from this growing interest in “foodcations.”
