Why you should never Google the best places to eat on vacation – and what to do instead

If you’re a true foodie on the go, read on to find out why you should never Google the best places to eat on vacation.

While the search engine is a quick and efficient way for travelers to discover new places, it can lead to tourist traps instead of memorable meals.

Experts believe that there are four principles that make a difference to your taste buds. These principles are: don’t plan too much, eat regularly, ask smart questions and go with the flow.

Nathan Thornburgh, co-founder of Roads & Kingdoms, a food and travel publication, shared with The Wall Street Journal: ‘Allow yourself to have a bad meal. It’s like anything in life – the risk and the reward go together.’

By taking a step back from Google searches, foodies can discover under-the-radar, delicious dishes.

If you don’t plan too much, you are open to new opportunities.

Hiker Jamie Barys, who lives in both Shanghai and Singapore, tried to take cover when a sudden rain shower fell. When she found herself on a secluded street, she arrived.

She eventually discovered ‘great izakaya’ without planning it.

Jamie was so inspired by her often unforeseen culinary discoveries that she decided to set up UnTour Food Tours. This website is aimed at ‘experienced eaters’ and offers visitors places that don’t appear on most search lists.

When life coach Elizabeth Hays, 43, took a trip to Paris, she went to the same bakery every day for its convenience and tasty pastries. She believes it’s important to become a regular.

During Nathan’s trip to Novello in Piedmont, Italy, he visited a wine bar that he didn’t expect much from, but he still went there every night.

He said “the food was great” and that he felt part of the community.

Jamie also encourages foodies to not just ask questions, but specific questions.

While the search engine is a quick and efficient way for travelers to discover new places, it can lead to tourist traps instead of memorable meals (stock image)

She suggested asking locals, “What’s your favorite place to have lunch or dinner? A place you eat regularly, but don’t see a lot of tourists?”

If you want to dine somewhere fancy, Jamie advises travelers to ask locals where they like to go for their special occasions.

Additionally, Jamie noted that it’s important to ask what specific dishes you should order at each event.

Jamie also emphasized the importance of strategizing about your resources.

She warned: ‘Don’t ask someone from Shanghai what the best Sichuan restaurant in the city is.’

Instead of just following the hotel concierge’s restaurant recommendations, Jamie recommended asking the bartender or housekeeper for more insight as well.

Nathan suggested that in addition to asking for recommendations, it’s also important to ask what time of day locals visit.

Experts believe there are four tactics that will make all the difference to your taste buds, including not overplanning and becoming a regular (stock image)

He said, “Save your meals for when you know you can eat well.”

During his travels to Mexico City, he discovered that it’s not about afternoon tacos, it’s about late night tacos.

Life and career coach Colleen Newvine shared the rule her father taught her: “If it’s lunchtime and a spot is dead, there’s probably a reason and we move on.”

Colleen also noted the importance of following the physical crowd, rather than just focusing on the hype surrounding a place on social media.