Traveling enriches one’s soul and lets us experience new things in life. After all, everyone needs to unwind and take some time off work. One of the best treasures is discovering new cuisines, especially while traveling with our loved ones.
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If you are a food enthusiast, finding new places to eat should be at the top of your list. However, finding delicious cuisines on foreign soil could be tricky. If you are a US resident and want to explore places near your home, Gatlinburg is the ideal getaway.
This city in eastern Tennessee provides an amazing opportunity to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, National Park. Not just that, but this rustic countryside is renowned for scenic landscapes, world-class shopping, and tempting food. If you have a limited budget and want to explore nearby places, Gatlinburg is the ideal place.
However, finding the best places to eat can be tricky, especially if you are a first-time traveler. Use the following suggestions to find the right restaurants and discover the best flavors at a new destination.
Choose a city with diverse cuisine and culture
If you are traveling with your family or in a group, select a place that offers everything for everyone. As mentioned above, exploring cities like Gatlinburg will be worthwhile as it offers diverse cuisine and culture. Luckily for you, there are several places to eat in Gatlinburg, such as The Park Grill, which offers a separate menu for children and a wine menu as well! Moreover, they have holiday specials such as thanksgiving feasts, so you can have a delicious dinner with your family if you’re visiting during the holidays.
Check restaurant recommendations online and read reviews
Before you leave for your holiday destination, make sure to do your homework beforehand. It is best to spend some time reading articles and blogs about the places you will visit. Check the customer reviews about the food, prices, service, ambiance, etc. Since each city offers its unique combination of food and lifestyle, try to keep an open mind and appreciate diversity. Additionally, you can watch YouTube videos of food vloggers and have a virtual tour of the place and restaurants you plan on visiting. You can also ask your friends or relatives about their thoughts and recommendations.
Do not panic over a foreign menu
Picture entering a new restaurant and being presented with a menu that you are completely unfamiliar with. In such a situation, stay calm and call for a server or speak to the manager. New places tend to have an overwhelming effect, but that should not stop you from discovering something that stirs all senses.
Just speak to the waiter or manager and let them recommend their best seller. Mostly, restaurants have an English menu, or the serving staff will help you out if the dishes and ingredients are alien to you. Google translate can also be useful in such a situation – so don’t panic!
Join the crowd and discover new cuisines
There is a reason why busy restaurants have a lot of customers showing up continuously. It speaks a lot about a place’s popularity when customers are willing to wait and eat there. It will be best to ask the individuals in line if they have been here before. Ask them what their favorite meal is so that you know what to order. Once you find a good place where customers are prepared to wait for a table, make a reservation and enjoy a memorable evening with your loved ones.
Avoid dining closer to the city’s top tourist attractions
Restaurants have a better chance of thriving when they are close to popular tourist destinations. Even though their cuisines might not be outstanding, they usually charge extra money. Tourists often believe such eateries are worth trying out or may simply think they offer better food. However, the locals are well-aware of avoiding such places due to their unjustified prices. You should do the same and avoid spending extra for something that will cost you less elsewhere in the city.
Ask locals for restaurant recommendations
The trendiest restaurants in town are well known to locals, as they are familiar with the history of the place. Ask them, “which is your favorite restaurant for dining?” to get the desired answer. If you sound like a local, they might take you seriously and give you the right advice. Some people might help travelers too, but it is best to stay on the safe side and blend in. This way, you will get a lot of information about restaurants you can visit later. Cab drivers will also reveal plenty of places to try as they know the local area well. If you are unsure whether to believe a local or not, just Google the recommended place, and you will find valid information.
Follow the social media pages of different eateries
Research online! One of the best ways to do your homework before traveling to a new city or country is to explore restaurants online by going through their social media pages. Start following certain restaurants’ social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter a week before you depart. Moreover, if you want more suggestions, try following the hashtags like #popularfood, #restaurant, #affordablerestaurants, #finestcuisine, etc. Following social media pages is also a great way to get notified about any promotional offers the place might offer.
Expect the unexpected while traveling
It is always better to have an open mind while traveling and embrace new cuisines and cultures with open arms. If you are not willing to taste various local food items, you might miss out on a lot. Instead of munching on the usuals, try the other culture’s specialties to see what makes them unique. Once you return home, you will reminisce all of it and feel proud of yourself for exploring new things.
Bottom Line
All the tips mentioned above will surely help you explore a new place and its distinct cuisine. Instead of being unsure what to do, take help from these tips and proudly be a traveling foodie. So, what are you waiting for? Follow your instincts and these tips to make the most of your trip by visiting the right restaurants.
