Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Buying Food at the Market and Other Daily Savings Tips for Travelers

You’ve got to eat while traveling and most tourists will tell you that the best part of the whole trip is experiencing the food while in foreign places. If you are a fussy eater or have special dietary needs, you can still be accommodated while traveling, just plan ahead.

What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by visiting the local markets. Not only will you get to see and try the local cuisine, but you’ll probably save a lot of money. Eating in restaurants, especially those geared towards the tourist trade, can get very expensive. Try buying your food fresh from the markets and preparing it yourself. Or buy already prepared food from the market vendor.

In Bangkok you can visit the floating markets and buy anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to ready prepared noodle soup. In Jerusalem the outdoor market or ‘shuk’ not only sells fruits and vegetables, but meat, poultry, fish, bread, nuts, cheese, spices and so on. As in most markets, you have to bargain at a shuk to get a good deal as prices vary markedly. African markets sell souvenirs as well as food.

Bargaining is welcomed at most markets, especially for keepsakes. Knowing how to bargain will save any traveler money. Here are a few points to follow when attempting to bargain for an item:
  1. Always be polite and enjoy the experience
  2. Ask for the price and then halve it. Start your bargaining at that number.
  3. If the price is too high, walk away. You’ll be surprised how quickly the price comes down when you are disinterested!
  4. Work out how much you are paying for in your own currency. Don’t haggle over a couple of cents. Remember this is how the market vendors make a living.
  5. Don’t pay more than your think the item is worth.
  6. You can also barter in some places. Brand name items (jeans, hats, shoes) are sought after items in some countries so barter with what you can afford to part with.


Other tips for saving money on a daily basis include:
  • Avoid tourist-type restaurants. Find out where the locals eat and you’ll usually find authentic (better) cuisine at a lower price.
  • Take note of what the farmers in the area eat. It’ll be cheap and healthy.
  • Always pack snacks and fruit when going on a day trip. You’ll save money when you don’t have to buy from the tourist stops and street vendors along the way.
  • Pack a picnic and go exploring. Use produce from the local market. You’ll save a bundle and eat well.
  • Shop where the locals shop, not where the tourists go.
  • Book into hotels that have breakfast as part of the package.
  • Avoid airport food as it is usually expensive and not particularly healthy.
  • Always ask if there are any discount offers available. If you don’t ask you won’t know and you won’t save.
  • Walk when you can. It’s cheaper and a good healthy alternative, as well as giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are in.
  • Avoid Laundromats. Wash your own clothes in the bathroom sink if you are able.
  • Look for free entertainment.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Brazil People and Food

Brazil has hundreds of miles of pristine and undeveloped beaches that stretch from the tropical north to Rio de Janeiro and all the way down to the border with Uruguay. With cities such as Rio, there are plenty of developed areas to buy in and be near the ocean, but there are also many less expensive areas farther north. The most popular stretch of coast for new development and international investment is in the northeast, stretching from Salvador, in the state of Bahia, around Natal at the tip of Brazil and up to Fortaleza.

While this part of the country has long been popular with Brazilians as an ideal place to take a vacation, it hasn't been nearly so well known to foreigners. That means that home and Brazil property prices are still relatively low, particularly when compared to traditional retirement havens such as Florida, California and the Caribbean.

Major investment is ongoing to build attractive property in Brazil, improve Brazil's infrastructure and create purpose built tourist facilities. Due to increased efforts by its government, Brazil experienced 48% growth in its tourism industry between 2002 and 2005, with further growth predicted in 2006.

Few places in the world provide the same welcoming atmosphere to newcomers like Brazil. Over the initial miscegenation basis, a slavery society was then built, which never succeeded in eliminating an already traditional custom and that could be evidenced in the offspring from white and black people, black and Indians, mulattos and white people, white people and Indians. At Independence time, these people had developed an identity in such a vigorous manner that neither divisions nor internal political disputes could be seen over the country's territory. On the contrary, the nation was formed based on arrangements that for European eyes and even for Brazilian ones often seemed to be absurd, but which, up to these days, still work on an unusual way.

If you want to know more about Brazil culture, find out about Brazil food, which like all other country food is characterized by a wide variety of food stuffs. They have got an appreciable appetite for all kinds of foods. Brazil foods generally depend on nutritious food than apparently sumptuous dishes. They have specified choice for breakfast, lunch and dinners which do not vary a lot from the major North American dishes.

A Brazilian would not prefer to eat during walking, riding or doing other thing. They will rather wait for the food to get consumed instead of diverging attention. They even do not like to consume food anywhere on the street or in workplaces. They take frequent sips of coffee. Brazilian children learn table manner at a very early age.


Monday, December 8, 2008

Take a Food Travel of the Usa for a Vacation With a Difference

In the modern age, travel is such a large part of people's everyday lives. In fact, given today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it's hard to imagine that not so long ago, the idea of going on vacation was a rare luxury rather than a growing necessity. And, as the travel industry across the world has boomed, so too have the number of different types of vacations people in America are taking.

These days, holidays often revolve around a theme: skiing holidays in Lake Tahoe or Colorado are common, as are shopping holidays to some of America's most famous malls. But, if you really want a travel experience with a difference, why not take a food tour of the United States – you'll find a range of culinary delights available to tickle your taste-buds!

Take a trip to the Deep South on a food travel excursion and you'll find a wealth of fine foods to sample and enjoy on your vacation. The culinary landscape of America's southern states has always formed a large part of the lifestyle of its inhabitants; and if you're embarking on a food tour of America, make sure you don't miss out on its special and unique offerings!

Taste legendary American desserts, like Pecan Pie and Mississippi-Mud Pie, as well as authentic Kentucky fried chicken. Whether you're in New Orleans, Atlanta or Austin, you'll be able to sample some of the finest Cajun and Creole cuisine in the US, as well as partake in the long Soul Food tradition! From chitterlings (pig's tripe) to Gumbo soup and Jambalay, food tourists in the Deep South are sure to enjoy an enriching vacation!

Anyone interested in embarking on food tours through the USA should also explore the culinary realms of New England on their excursions. From Massachusetts to Vermont, New England's speciality foods are known for being simple yet high quality cuisine. For instance, New Haven boasts its reputation as the creator of the hamburger - and with a history that dates back to 1895, New Haven burgers are a must-have for any American food fan.

If you're visiting Maine, make sure to sample Maine lobster - the state's most famous export worth over $70 million a year. Legend has it that the lobster industry in the region was once so prosperous that lobster was even fed to chickens! And people visiting New England today will be able to taste this special lobster in one of the many roadside lobster shacks that adorn Maine’s coastline.

If you're looking for more exciting destinations to visit on your trip around America's greatest food spots, visit San Francisco during the San Francisco Crab Season, which boasts some of the worlds best crab markets and crab festivals annually from mid-November to June. Inspired by a range of immigrant communities, be sure to taste the region’s famous Dungeness crab, which is available in a variety of forms and flavours: from Italian dishes to Chinese and Vietnamese crab recipes, food lovers will adore the range of speciality crab dishes available in San Francisco during crab season!

While you're in California, why not also sample some of the state's local produce? Local farmers markets in California are well known for a range of foods, including artichoke, avocados, goat's cheese and a range of other green produce. And why not indulge in some of California's well-known Napa Valley wine while you're on your food tour? You'll experience the best wine and food the golden state has to offer - a pleasurable experience that is sure to round off your food tour of the USA nicely.

When embarking on a food tour of the US, you’re sure to find a range of food and hotel packages to suit your palate - regardless of the destination you visit. So, why not prepare your taste-buds for an experience to savour?

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

How To Eat Good Quality Food While Traveling

When you are traveling whether on the road or airport hopping finding good food to eat at a reasonable price is an important consideration. When you are traveling eating out at fancy restaurants can take you over your budget in a hurry. Take a look at some ideas to help you keep your food costs down and still enjoy your dining experiences.

First off, always be sire to eat a healthy breakfast if at all possible. If you are on the road you can stop in at a spot like a Waffle House or even better yet a mom and pop spot that will fill you up without killing your wallet. Don't go for the quick fix of a bag of donuts from a convenience store
. Eat something healthy like a bowl of oatmeal with some fruit and wheat toast. If you are lucky enough to be traveling in the Bahamas, try the local favorite, Fish and Grits!

Eat your largest meal at lunch time. Many establishments offer lunch specials that are bargains during this time. My advice is to sample the local cuisine, especially if you are in another country. This is always a cool experience and generally cheaper than try to find a burger! Also, you never know when you will be on a sightseeing tour and your stomach decides for you that it is time to stop and get something to eat. Take along some healthy snacks, like fruit, nuts, raisins, or peanut butter and crackers.

Many people think going to a grocery store while on vacation is totally taboo. The truth is you can save a ton of money and pick up some local favorites at a grocery store. If you are staying at a destination for more than a week or so grocery shopping pretty much becomes a necessity. When we stayed in the Bahamas last summer for a month we hit up the grocery store three days a week at least. With three teenage boys to feed, I had no choice!

If you are in an area that has small family owned or independent diners give them a try. You will often find much better process as well as better and friendlier service than the larger establishments. By taking advantage of the ideas I have shared with you, you will enjoy your vacation much more because you will not have to worry about the cost of each meal that you eat and hopefully I have convinced you to try the local fare.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Food And Travel

Imagine a destination that promises to deliver a holiday experience of a lifetime. Now imagine a place that will offer a world class cuisine that can only be indulged in the place of origin. This would be none other than Majorca, a place that has in recent times been the most visited annually. Whilst many a tourist would enter this land for the sake of leisure and probably even to appreciate its culture, heritage and history, one understated aspect would be the cuisine in Majorca.
So what is so special about the cuisine in Majorca? Besides the fact that it is part and parcel of the ubiquitous Mediterranean diet, Majorcans sure know how to cook! Every region in Majorca has its own sense of cooking style and does its bit to contribute to the wide mosaic of Spanish cuisine by and large. The staple diet enjoyed by all Majorcans consists of pork and vegetables. There is however an adventurous propensity to mix and supplement dishes with sweet and savoury ingredients.
While throughout its illustrious life, Majorca has developed its cuisine, yet it should be mentioned that Majorcan cuisine does have its roots in its veritable history. When Majorca became part of the Roman entity, besides adapting to their way of life, Majorcans assimilated the Roman diet. They say that lentils were the staple of the Roman army and likewise throughout the years lentils have become rather popular amongst the general population of Majorcans even right up to this present day.
So, yes, Majorca has added the Roman way of living to its own way of living. However, it’s not only the Romans who have made enviable additions to Majorca diet. As history would be compelled to show, the Phoenicians were the ones to introduce olives to Majorca. If one were to visit present day Majorca, it will be plainly obvious to see what an important role olives and its extracts play in normal Majorcan life. There is to date over 3 million olive and almond trees that are spotted throughout this exhilarating island.
As it is to be expected different areas in Majorca will offer its own unique dishes. For example, towards the beach communities, any tourist will be well rewarded for trying out the ever famous paella which is rich in all types of seafood with more preference given to big jumbo prawns and calamari. This coupled with a bottle of red Majorcan wine is sure to put a smile on your face and appease your appetite.
Majorca has contributed to a great degree to international cuisine, especially since it is a part and parcel of Spanish cooking, it could be said that it is the Majorcan “element” that really stands out the most from the overall cuisine of the Spanish nation. Thanks to celebrity chef Ferran Adria whose plethora of dishes and cooking style was lauded widely in 2003 in the New York Times, the gourmet world has sat up straight and took notice of Spanish cuisine. A most promising detail that needs attention is that most hotels in Majorca do offer Majorcan cuisine, hence you are assured of indulging in a cuisine that is adored the world over.
Yet, tasting Majorcan cuisine does not mean one has to have a bank account fit for a millionaire. Although widely acclaimed, Spanish cuisine is commonly available in every Majorca hotels, motel, resort and street corner. Undoubtedly it is best to experience Majorca as a whole. Visit this island in the sun, enjoy its beaches, its heritage, history and its mouth-watering cuisine. The Majorcan cuisine cannot be totally divorced from its culture, history and heritage especially since all three are inextricably linked together.