As the height of summer nears, we all find ourselves obsessing over the desire for an incredible journey, full of new experiences and tantalizing tastes. We may all enjoy the simplicity of grilling, picnics, beachside seafood, and farmers market fresh produce, but there's an entire world out there to explore. There are inviting fish smokehouses awaiting your visit in Sweden, over 300 varieties of corn in Peru just asking to be tasted, and the enigmatic lure of white truffles ready to be discovered in Italy. The tantalizing scent of hot, fresh roti from a streetside vendor and the enchanting ambiance of dining on the waterfront in untouched wilderness are some other foodie adventures calling your name.

Put your daring to test by savoring snapper from a local food stall instead of a posh resort in the Caribbean. Plunge deep into the mystery of undiscovered cuisine, from local cooking classes in Santa Fe to culinary courses in the exotic lands of Jordan. Experience truffle hunting in scenic Montalcino or take part in a foraging tour of Finland’s capital. Look ahead and make sure to coincide your trip with Stockholm's Midsummer or Munich's Oktoberfest, for genuine traditional celebrations. Plan a train journey across New Zealand or an island-hopping ferry trip across Scandinavia. Relish the delights of ceviche in Cusco, curry in Cambodia, tagliolini in Tuscany, wild herbs in Helsinki, or fresh bubbly served up at a Nordic island beach camp.

Making the decision to embark on this journey may require a little push, but seasoned travelers have shared poignant reflections on how culinary explorations have broadened their understanding of the world. A professional forager gives an account of the medicinal powers of edible Finnish finds, a nomad discusses how food can offer a special connection to the fleeting scenery outside your train window, and a former resident provides insider knowledge about the top spots at Oktoberfest.

Whether it’s meeting talented truffle-sniffing dogs, observing elephants captivated by the allure of mangoes, watching an expert chef skillfully prepare meals for bush camps in Zambia, or spending time with island residents familiar with traditional local fare from St. Maarten to Stockholm, you are assured of unprecedented experiences.

Mapping our culinary adventures can seem daunting, but our travel experts and welcoming locals help bridge the gap, allowing for extraordinary experiences such as savoring a tasting menu in an ocean-view greenhouse, enjoying a farm-to-table salad alongside wildlife, or indulging in an exclusive Swedish cheese pie at a traditional maypole event. Regardless of your desired travel aspirations - whether they're exploring a breathtaking national park or going on a thrilling African safari – the world offers unique flavors and culinary experiences that are certain to create an unforgettable itinerary.