Six out of 10 travel abroad just for the food

By Richard Jenkins, 72Point via SWNS

Six in 10 vacationers go abroad - just for the food, according to research.

A study of 2,000 travelers found food was the ultimate driver for city break vacations, with many choosing upscale - and local - establishments to try local cuisine.

Nearly a quarter (23 percent) have a wish list of restaurants they’d like to visit one day, and 28 percent dream of visiting a Michelin starred eatery.

When traveling, 36 percent feel trying local, independent restaurants provides the most authentic experience of a region’s food.

With 33 percent checking out if the restaurant is filled with locals when deciding where to dine while away.

The research was commissioned by Eurostar to mark its 10-year anniversary partnership with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc OBE.

The study also found 41 percent even claimed they’d even be willing to travel hundreds of miles to track down the "perfect" meal.

While 42 percent believe they’re more adventurous with their food choices when they’re away from home and surrounded by culinary temptation.

Further to this, prior to going away, 42 percent fantasize about the food they’ll get to eat when they’re finally away, according to the OnePoll data.

More than half (55 percent) further underlined their fascination with food by revealing their idea of fun is learning about international cuisine - like how it’s prepared and where it comes from.

As such, 46 percent have enjoyed food tours when away on breaks - and 46 percent have also received cooking lessons during getaways.

Exactly three in 10 like to share their love of cuisine with others by posting images of mouth-watering meals they’ve ordered during their travels on the likes of Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To highlight the influence of social media further, when it comes to eating abroad, 31 percent revealed Facebook is their main source of inspiration when choosing restaurants to visit.

Another 28 percent get pointers from Instagram and 23 percent turning to Twitter.

A spokesperson for Eurostar, said: "Like many of those polled, we’re passionate about food and have demonstrated that through our partnership with one of the world’s greatest chefs.

“To celebrate, Raymond has curated a special sustainably-sourced menu for 10,000 of our Paris to London Business Premier passengers which will be available until the 23rd of November.”