Food Tourism is Driving Travel Trends Among Younger Americans

A shift in why people travel is taking shape across generations, and food is driving the trend. New research shows that younger Americans are increasingly planning vacations around culinary experiences, and they’re doing so at levels far higher than older travelers.

The study surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that 21% of travelers have taken trips specifically to sample the food of a destination. Yet the appetite isn’t uniform across ages. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge: 44% of Gen Z respondents and 31% of Millennials have taken what researchers call a “foodcation.” In contrast, only 21% of Gen X travelers and 11% of Baby Boomers reported making food the primary reason for travel.

The numbers are striking in their contrasts. The research, commissioned by Visit Anaheim and conducted by Talker Research, paints a picture of a younger generation for whom meals aren’t just meals—they’re experiences to be savored, photographed, and shared. Food tourism isn’t a side dish; it’s becoming a main course in how people plan vacations.

Economics also reflect the growing importance of culinary travel. The survey found that the average food-focused trip covered about 484 miles and cost roughly $910. But many travelers aren’t stopping there. If they could cross a cuisine off their list—think authentic sushi in Tokyo or traditional curry in Mumbai—they say they’d be willing to double that expenditure to about $1,929. In other words, the culinary bucket list is not just about tick marks on a map; it’s about meaningful experiences that people are willing to invest in.

Food tourism also seems to influence how people eat while traveling. Overall, 67% of travelers reported being more adventurous eaters on trips away from home, and the trend is strongest among younger generations. About 76% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials said they are more culinarily daring while traveling, compared with 67% of Gen X and 59% of Baby Boomers. The implication is clear: when the setting is all about taste, risk-taking becomes part of the bargain, expanding palates and sometimes reshaping preferences back home as well.

The study also points to some geography that travelers are flocking to for distinctive regional flavors. Among American cities, Philadelphia tops the list for its iconic cheesesteaks, while New York City draws travelers to its signature pizza style. Kansas City earns praise for barbecue, Chicago for deep-dish pizza, and Central Texas for its barbecue traditions. These destinations aren’t just places to eat; they’re culinary experiences that have become integral to the travel narrative for many younger explorers.

What is causing this change? A number of forces come together. Sharing "food experiences" on social media has become even more fun and easy. There is a growing "experience economy" that sees meals as social currency—times to post, remember, and compare. People also want to be real. They want to connect with local cultures through the foods that make them special, not just see famous places.

The trend shows that the travel industry needs to change how it works with other businesses, makes new products, and markets itself. Markets, street food, and chef-led tours are probably more interesting to Gen Z and Millennials than other types of places. Younger travelers might also book with hotels and airlines that show cooking shows. These travelers care just as much about the food they eat as they do about how long they stay. Some examples are planned foodie trips, pop-up tastings, and ideas for dining from farm to table.

The main idea behind this change is to think of travel as a way to try new foods. For a lot of young adults, a vacation isn't just a chance to relax or see new things. It's also about making memories that they can talk about, post about, and plan for in the future. The culinary bucket list isn't a trend; it's a sign that people's ideas about travel are changing. They're looking for deeper, more hands-on, and more shareable experiences that combine culture, food, and curiosity into one delicious journey.