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Let’s be sincere: most of us don’t have a ton of additional money mendacity round. Between hire, payments, and New York-level cocktails, the funds doesn’t all the time stretch far. However in terms of journey? That’s the place we’re prepared to splurge—particularly on meals.
A Rustic Pathways Foodie Index 2025 research checked out 70 nations by way of the lens of eating, affordability, and logistics to determine the place foodies ought to really journey in 2025. Suppose: restaurant density, Tripadvisor rankings, meals excursions, lodge costs, security, even geopolitical stability (as a result of, yeah, that issues too).
The largest shock? New Zealand got here out because the #1 foodie vacation spot for the 12 months.
Why New Zealand is 2025’s Surprising Foodie Paradise
Most vacationers consider New Zealand for its Lord of the Rings landscapes or adrenaline-junkie adventures like bungee leaping and glacier mountaineering. However meals? Seems it’s among the finest locations on the planet to eat proper now.
✨ Right here’s what stood out:
- Tons of mid-range eating places—38.97 per 100k arrivals (that’s 370% greater than the typical, so no ready ceaselessly for a desk).
- Excessive rankings: Mid-range eating places rating 4.4/5, superb eating hits 4.5/5.
- Meals excursions galore: At 3.38 per 100k worldwide guests, New Zealand ranks #1 in availability.
- Seasonal produce in September (strawberries and lamb, yumm!) makes it further tasty.
The catch? It’s expensive to get there. Flights from the US common round $1,147 and lodges run about $81/night time. Positively not your least expensive journey—however perhaps one price saving up for.
Costa Rica, Japan, Italy & Peru Additionally Prime the Foodie Checklist
If New Zealand looks like an excessive amount of of a stretch (hello, 20-hour flight), there are many different locations the place you possibly can nonetheless eat effectively with out completely draining your financial savings.
🌴 Costa Rica (#2)
Flights common $425 (half the price of New Zealand!) and lodges are beneath $90/night time. Mid-range eating is robust right here with stellar rankings, although meals excursions are uncommon. Excellent in order for you seashores + reasonably priced meals with a tropical backdrop.
🍣 Japan (#3)
World-class sushi, ramen, and izakaya tradition—no shock Japan made the record. Positive-dining density is greater right here than most locations, and mid-range meals common 4.45 stars. Flights are pricier (~$819), however the meals scene is unmatched for selection.
🍝 Italy (#4)
Nonetheless one of the crucial basic foodie nations. Suppose pasta, gelato, wine—all with mid-range eating that scores greater than virtually wherever else (4.59 stars). Positive, it’s crowded and touristy, however consuming in Italy by no means will get outdated.
🥘 Peru (#5)
Probably the most thrilling culinary scenes proper now, from ceviche to Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion). Restaurant rankings are constantly excessive, and Lima has quietly turn into one of many world’s nice foodie cities.
Peru is the highest vacation spot I plan to go to in 2026!
Meals Is All the time A Purpose to Journey
Journey in 2025 isn’t nearly seeing sights—it’s about consuming them. In keeping with the 2025 Hilton Developments Report, half of world vacationers guide eating places earlier than reserving flights, and almost 1 in 5 plan journeys solely round meals.
That makes culinary tourism the right splurge. You would possibly lower corners elsewhere—low-cost flights, funds lodges—however the meals? They’re what you’ll keep in mind.
So whether or not it’s superb eating in Japan, market hopping in Peru, or wine-and-lamb feasts in New Zealand, take into account letting your tastebuds set your journey plans this 12 months.
