Travelers willing to spend nearly $2K for their 'foodcation’

A fifth of Americans have planned a trip solely for the food, according to new research.

This was revealed in a survey of 2,000 general population Americans, which found 21% of travelers have taken a trip specifically for the food at their destination — with younger generations more likely to have done so.

Forty-four percent of Gen Zers and 31% of millennials surveyed have taken a “foodcation,” compared to 21% of Gen Xers and just one in 10 (11%) baby boomers.

Commissioned by Visit Anaheim (https://www.visitanaheim.org) and conducted by Talker Research, the survey revealed that, regardless of age, the average respondent traversed 484 miles and spent $910 on their most recent “foodcation.”

But those surveyed would be willing to spend $1,929 — if it meant they could eat something that’s been on their list of foods to try (for example, sushi in Tokyo, curry in Mumbai, etc).

The survey also revealed that respondents believe one visit isn’t enough to “fully experience” the food in a city: This requires five trips to the location.

This might be due in part to many people expanding their palates while traveling: Two-thirds (67%) of travelers said they’re a more adventurous eater when away from home.

Younger generations were more likely to become adventurous eaters — over three-quarters (76% of Gen Z and 78% of millennials), compared to 67% of Gen X and 59% of baby boomers.

Regardless of whether respondents are trying new things or sticking to their food routines, three-quarters of respondents will research places to eat in advance of a trip — spending, on average, two-and-a-half hours doing so.

For those who research, they’ll read an average of three articles, watch about seven videos, reach out to three friends and go to four different websites.

“Just as you’d research and plan the attractions you want to see while on vacation, it can be just as fun to map out your meals,” said Scott Oklin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Anaheim. “From iconic dishes to hidden gems, a little advanced research and tips from locals when you arrive in a destination can turn dining into one of the highlights of your trip.”

Respondents prefer to find “hole-in-the-wall” places when they’re traveling (41%) instead of “big-name” restaurants (14%) — but 45% admitted they like a mix of both.

The data also revealed the top locations that Americans would travel to, specifically to experience the food. Topping the list was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a Philly cheesesteak.

That was closely followed by New York City, New York, for a New York–style pizza — and Missouri and Kansas for Kansas City BBQ.

Rounding out the top five was Chicago, Illinois, for a deep-dish pizza and Central Texas for Texas BBQ.

When asked what state they believe has the best food, New York came out as No. 1 (14%) — but California was a close second (12%), with Texas also not far behind (10%).

“Planning a trip with local cuisine in mind is one of the best ways to experience a destination, with Anaheim and nearby Garden Grove being perfect examples,” added Oklin. “From big-name restaurants to pho in Little Saigon or churros at the Disneyland Resort, dining here connects visitors more deeply to the local community.”

“New York, California and Texas each have rich, diverse food cultures,” said Oklin. “In California, you’ll find everything from California-style pizza to authentic Mexican food in Anaheim, Vietnamese cuisine in Garden Grove and wine in Napa Valley. With so much variety across the state, it’s no surprise California ranks among the states with the best food.”

TOP “FOODCATIONS” THAT AMERICANS WOULD LIKE TO EXPERIENCE . . .

1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Philly cheesesteak — 27%
2. New York City, New York; New York–style pizza — 27%
3. Missouri and Kansas; Kansas City BBQ — 26%
4. Chicago, Illinois; deep-dish pizza — 25%
5. Central Texas; Texas BBQ — 24%
6. Memphis, Tennessee; Memphis BBQ — 23%
7. Alaska; King crab — 20%
8. Boston, Massachusetts; lobster roll (warm with butter) — 19%
9. Louisiana; gumbo — 17%
10. Southeast; biscuits and gravy — 17%
11. Maine; lobster roll (cold with mayonnaise) — 16%
12. California; In-N-Out Burger — 16%
13. Maryland; Chesapeake Bay crab — 16%
14. California; California-style pizza — 16%
15. New York City, New York; pastrami on rye — 15%
16. Chicago, Illinois; Italian beef sandwich — 15%
17. Oklahoma; chicken-fried steak — 15%
18. Arizona and New Mexico; Navajo tacos and fry bread — 14%
19. Napa Valley, California; wine — 14%
20. San Antonio, Texas; Tex-Mex — 14%