Nearly half of British holidaymakers go away for the food, survey claims

One in five participants diet before going away

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Almost half of British holidaymakers go abroad for the food, a new poll claims.

Participants in the survey would often plan their entire getaway around experiencing local dishes, from street food to haute cuisine.

More than half “love” the chance to tuck into foods they would never try at home – with Caribbean, Vietnamese and Scandinavian top of their cuisine bucket lists.

And 27 per cent have eaten the likes of insects, fermented foods, dishes containing bodily fluids – and even live animals.

The poll by Travelzoo of 1,000 UK holidaymakers identified Italy as the number one destination when it comes to travelling abroad for the food.

James Clarke, general manager for Travelzoo UK, said: “Increasingly, UK holidaymakers are travelling abroad with the primary aim of gaining new experiences – doing things they’ve never done before.

“And as the research shows, food is right at the centre of this – it’s such a crucial part of understanding a country and its culture.”

The study also found two thirds consider themselves to be a “foodie”, with a particular interest in trying new dishes and enjoying authentic world specialities.

One quarter admitted they ate more food on holiday than at home.

So they can indulge when they are away, one fifth said they diet before their trip.

SWNS