Designing My Dream Travel Itinerary

If I could map out the perfect travel adventure, it would start with food. There’s something magical about eating a dish in the country where it was first created. It’s not just about taste—it’s about culture, history, and the sense of connection that comes from experiencing something authentic.

As I plan for future travels, my dream itinerary is all about pairing favorite dishes with the places that do them best. It’s ambitious, but I think it’s doable with careful planning, a little flexibility, and plenty of enthusiasm. Here’s what my culinary bucket list looks like—and how I’m making it a reality.

Why Food Guides My Travel Plans

Food has always been more than just fuel for me. It’s comfort, celebration, and sometimes even adventure. When I think about traveling, I can’t separate the experience from the meals I’ll have along the way.

Eating Pad Thai in Thailand, Pho in Vietnam, or Lasagna in Italy isn’t just about checking items off a list. It’s about understanding the stories behind those dishes. Who made them first? Why are they made the way they are? What makes them unique to their region?

These questions excite me. Food tells a story, and I want to hear it straight from the source.

Destination #1: Thailand for Pad Thai

I’ve eaten a lot of Pad Thai in my life, but I’ve always wondered how different it would taste in Thailand. My first stop would be Bangkok, where the city’s street food culture is legendary. Picture this: a sizzling wok, the sound of vendors calling out, the aroma of tamarind and peanuts wafting through the air. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience.

While there, I’d also love to take a cooking class. Learning how to make Pad Thai from a local chef would be a great way to bring a piece of Thailand back home with me.

What I’d Do:

Visit Bangkok’s night markets and sample different variations of Pad Thai.
Explore a cooking class to understand the ingredients and techniques that make Thai cuisine unique.

Destination #2: Vietnam for Pho

Pho is one of my ultimate comfort foods, and Hanoi is the place where it all began. From what I’ve read, the broth in Vietnam is lighter and more fragrant than the versions we get in the U.S. It’s a dish that’s all about balance—simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.

Beyond the bowl, I’d want to visit local markets to see where the fresh herbs and spices come from. There’s something grounding about seeing the origins of what ends up on your plate.

What I’d Do:

Enjoy a bowl of Pho at a street-side stall in Hanoi.
Walk through a traditional market to learn more about Vietnamese ingredients.

Destination #3: Italy for Lasagna

When I think of Italy, I think of long meals, shared stories, and comfort food made with love. Lasagna might not be the first dish most people associate with Italian cuisine, but for me, it’s the ultimate indulgence. Bologna, known as the birthplace of Lasagna, would be my must-visit spot.

I’d pair the meal with a trip to a local vineyard. Italian wine is almost as famous as its food, and I’d love to learn about how they complement each other.

What I’d Do:

Enjoy authentic Lasagna in a cozy trattoria in Bologna.
Tour a vineyard for a wine tasting experience.

Expanding the List: Other Dream Destinations

While Pad Thai, Pho, and Lasagna top my list, there are plenty of other places I’d love to visit for their iconic dishes:

Japan for Sushi: Tokyo’s sushi scene is world-renowned, and I’d love to experience it firsthand.
Mexico for Tacos al Pastor: Fresh tortillas, marinated pork, and vibrant toppings—need I say more?
France for Croissants: A flaky, buttery croissant in a Paris café is on my morning dream list.

Each of these destinations offers something unique, and food is my entry point to discovering it.

Tips for Designing Your Own Itinerary

If you’re thinking about planning a food-inspired trip, here’s how to get started:

Start With Your Favorites: Think about the dishes you love most and research where they originated.
Do Your Homework: Look for recommendations on food blogs or travel sites to find authentic experiences.
Plan Around Food: Build your itinerary to include meals, food tours, and cooking classes.
Balance It Out: Don’t forget to include time for sightseeing, relaxation, or other activities.

Tools like Google Maps and travel apps can help you organize your plans and ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Reflecting on the Journey

For me, this itinerary isn’t just about the food—it’s about what the food represents. It’s a connection to history, culture, and the people who’ve kept these traditions alive. By experiencing these dishes in their original context, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the stories they tell.

This plan is still a work in progress, and I’m sure it’ll evolve as I learn more and explore new possibilities. But isn’t that part of the fun? Designing a dream itinerary is as much about the journey as the destination.

If you’re inspired to start your own food adventure, I’d love to hear about it.