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Why a small group tour is perfect for food lovers!
In recent years, the popularity of group tours has slowly increased as the world of travel begins to diversify, offering a range of exciting new adventures. Usually consisting of between 10-20 guests, a small group tour allows you to safely go off the beaten track and experience a new culture from a local’s perspective, typically with an experienced, knowledgeable guide who helps orchestrate the trip. And without the ‘herding’ and inflexibility typically found on larger coach tours!
Whether it’s a culinary escape for foodies, an exploratory hike for adventurers or a cultural tour for the curious, there are myriad benefits for choosing a group tour for your next getaway, so here’s what to expect:
Discover authentic local markets (and support local businesses)
If travelling independently, you may be tempted to relegate your culinary experience to familiar looking menus and English speaking restaurants. After all, you already know what you like. But that’s not in keeping with the adventurous spirit. A food tour will take you to local, authentic and unique establishments and markets; potential hidden gems with cultural delicacies that represent the local diet.
Moreover, rather than inflating a pre-established, potentially foreign-owned business, eating locally helps support small businesses, real families and the community. Shopping at a farmer’s market, for example, helps imburse local growers and exposes you to freshly grown, organic produce.
Build lasting friendships with like-minded people
One thing that is especially difficult while travelling alone or with a partner is meeting new people, and if you do, who’s to say you’ll have anything in common (besides your love for travel)? A group tour easily circumvents this issue – not only are you travelling with around a dozen new people, you already have at least two things in common, the second being your love of food! A shared interest can be one of the most effective bonding experiences, there will be no scarcity of conversation as every hour of your experience will be filled with new adventures!
Odyssey World Tour Director Felicia recounts how observing the formation of new friendships was the most touching aspect of coordinating the group on the Great Culinary Escape to Malaysia: “After the tour, there was the inevitable chatter about staying in touch and getting back together. And true to their word, just 3 months later, 11 out of the original 15 travellers reunited for a weekend in the UK, carefully choosing a Malaysian restaurant in London and Vietnamese in Bath for more tasty food discoveries and what turned out to be a delightful catch up with dear friends! Guests flew in from Sweden and Canada just for this special weekend and it wasn’t long before everyone was planning their next travel adventure.”
Learn about local history and culture
The best group tours will feature enthusiastic guides and local personalities, eager to divulge their knowledge about the area and its points of intrigue. A guide book, video or website can only tell you so much. Not only can you engage with your guide, there’s nothing more gripping than a story told with passion and fervour.
Every local eatery you visit will tell its own story, and every dish has a history. Food unites us and creates compelling memories – it’s more than the sum of its parts, it becomes a taste of the history and culture around you.
When asked to choose her highlight of the Great Culinary Escape to Malaysia, fellow foodie Katrine answered: “Visiting Norman Musa’s family in his village. I love to go off the beaten track and to be able to visit something real”. These kinds of authentic experiences are what elevates group travel; the ability to engage and immerse yourself in the raw culture.
Find recipes to take home
Experiencing a new culture opens your eyes to a wide array of possibilities. It’s not uncommon to feel inspired after a getaway; a new environment can shake up the senses and rejuvenate the imagination.
The benefit of a foodie tour is that new-ness is a guarantee. You’d be hard pressed to come away having not tried something positively scrumptious that you’re more than keen to replicate at home. You can pick up tableware and spices on visits to local markets and surprise your dinner guests at home with truly unique flavours they’re unlikely to have tried before!
Not only will you be trying new foods, but our culinary tours include cooking classes, allowing you to practice your hand at unique recipes using a variety of different ingredients. If you wanted to try it again, you’ll know how!
Get out of your comfort zone
When travelling independently, some planning is necessary and safety can be a concern. Luckily, safety in numbers holds true, and being part of a larger group can ease your mind when veering into unknown territory. Moreover, your guide will have curated and planned each destination specifically, allowing you to relax and simply enjoy the journey.
This effect also translates into culinary exploration – whereas independently you may stick to dishes familiar to you, choosing ingredients you know well, on a pre-planned tour you will experience new cuisine in all of its forms, learn about exotic food combinations and get under the skin to sample the tastiest treats. If you’ve found your diet has become rigid, this is the perfect opportunity to diversify your palate!
Reduce your environmental impact
It should come as no surprise that travelling as a group within one vehicle leaves a much lighter carbon footprint than if you all travelled separately. In addition to this, if you book with a responsible travel operator like Odyssey World, the restaurants chosen, services utilised and travel arrangements will all be specifically picked for their sustainability credentials and support of the local community.
The more we endeavour to travel responsibly, the more positive an impact we have on local communities, helping enrichen the experience for everyone involved!
This year, we’re reigniting the successful Great Culinary Escape to Malaysia (on the 21st of September) as well as introducing the all-new Great Culinary Escape to South Africa (departing the 17th of November)! Engage with local artisans, enjoy informative cooking classes, visit vibrant neighbourhoods and explore esoteric eateries on a unique tour celebrating delicious dining experiences.
To get in touch, email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or give us a call to book your tour today!
