A shift in travel motivations is emerging across generational lines as younger Americans increasingly plan their vacations around culinary experiences, according to new research published by The New York Post. A survey of 2,000 Americans from the general population has revealed that 21% of travelers have embarked on trips specifically to experience the food at their destinations, with Gen Z and Millennials demonstrating a substantially higher likelihood to engage in this behavior than their older counterparts.
The study, commissioned by Visit Anaheim and conducted by Talker Research, showed that 44% of Gen Z respondents and 31% of Millennials have taken what researchers term a “foodcation.” These figures are a stark contrast to the mere 21% of Gen X travelers and just 11% of Baby Boomers who reported planning trips primarily around gastronomic experiences.
The Economics Of Food Tourism
The financial commitment to culinary tourism demonstrates its growing significance in the travel industry. According to the survey data, the average respondent traveled approximately 484 miles and spent $910 on their most recent food-focused vacation. Perhaps more tellingly, travelers indicated they would be willing to spend nearly double that amount, $1,929, if it meant experiencing a specific cuisine or dish on their culinary bucket list, such as authentic sushi in Tokyo or traditional curry in Mumbai.
The research indicates that food tourism often inspires more adventurous eating habits. Two-thirds (67%) of all travelers surveyed reported being more adventurous eaters when away from home, with the trend particularly pronounced among younger generations. The majority of Gen Z (76%) and Millennials (78%) described themselves as more culinarily daring while traveling, compared to 67% of Gen X and 59% of Baby Boomers.
Top Culinary Destinations
The research identified several American cities that attract food tourists seeking specific regional specialties. Philadelphia topped the list for its famous cheesesteaks, followed closely by New York City for its distinctive pizza style. Kansas City (spanning Missouri and Kansas) ranked third for its barbecue offerings, with Chicago’s deep-dish pizza and Central Texas barbecue rounding out the top five most desired culinary destinations.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Philly cheesesteak (27%)
- New York City, New York – New York–style pizza (27%)
- Kansas City, Missouri & Kansas – Kansas City barbecue (26%)
- Chicago, Illinois – Deep-dish pizza (25%)
- Central Texas – Texas barbecue (24%)
- Memphis, Tennessee – Memphis barbecue (23%)
- Alaska – King crab (20%)
- Boston, Massachusetts – Lobster roll (warm with butter) (19%)
- Louisiana – Gumbo (17%)
- Southeastern U.S. – Biscuits and gravy (17%)
- Maine – Lobster roll (cold with mayonnaise) (16%)
- California – In-N-Out Burger (16%)
- Maryland – Chesapeake Bay crab (16%)
- California – California-style pizza (16%)
- New York City, New York – Pastrami on rye (15%)
- Chicago, Illinois – Italian beef sandwich (15%)
- Oklahoma – Chicken-fried steak (15%)
- Arizona and New Mexico – Navajo tacos and fry bread (14%)
- Napa Valley, California – Wine (14%)
- San Antonio, Texas – Tex-Mex cuisine (14%)
