I love food, but I sometimes hate spending time on guided food tours. It is rather annoying to follow a guide waving a small flag through a busy market. Only to get one little bite and then get hastily ushered along. If you have the same experience, the problem isn’t your appetite, it’s what sort of tour you’re on. Here is how to plan a trip to enjoy great food all by yourself without being part of a group so that you can move at your own pace and eat exactly what you please.
The Problem with Group Tours.
Scheduled tours rarely satisfy personal preferences because the servings are small, the journey always follows the same itinerary, and you cannot linger longer at off-the-beaten-track places. For people who like to eat alone, even top-rated tours can feel like someone else is always controlling the pace of the meal.
Solo dining making its mark.
Many folks are eating what and how they want nowadays. OpenTable data showed that reservations from solo diners rose by twenty-three percent recently, with many solo diners spending more than their multi-person counterparts.
Markets as Main Events
A bustling market is a great way to go on a self-led food tour. You can meander around and easily note where the locals are waiting in queues. This means when you spot something tasty you can get a big portion straight away!
Uncovering Free Local Context
Many markets offer free historical information. At Findlay Market in Cincinnati there are self-led audio tours to give you plenty of history to take in. You can munch on some hearty snacks at your leisure.
Deep Dives in One District
Rather than rushing around the city, find a foodie area to focus on. The Buford Highway corridor in Atlanta offers a variety of incredible immigrant run businesses with interesting and authentic food history that can take hours to explore.
The Magic of the Bar Seat
If you’re someone that likes things more laid back then the bar is the way to go. No bookings required, you’ll get faster service, you can order everything on the menu and you can leave as soon as you’re done.
Strategic Morning Bakery Runs
You won’t need a professional guide to plan the perfect foodie day! Start your day off with a local bakery you love. They will have fresh pastries, hot coffee and won’t be too busy.
Lunching Where the Locals Work
At noon avoid the tourist spots and eat where the locals work. These simple shops in the area keep their prices low, incredibly fast and always delicious to cope with the busy locals.
Afternoon Snacks and Dinner Plans
Have a quick snack in an area that hasn’t been explored much to keep your energy up. For dinner book a seat at a bar in a restaurant that has been directly recommended by a local. Avoid those that only show up on tourist lists.
The True Luxury of Freedom
The main benefit of going on a foodie trip by yourself is that you can do whatever you like! Get extra portions, avoid places you don’t like and stay as long as you want. With no tour you’re in control of what you’re eating!
