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The popularity of culinary travel was highlighted via a recent AAA survey of travelers, which found that about 22 million Americans are expecting to take a “culinary-focused vacation” within the next year.

Three-quarters of the respondents said that food is an important part of their travel experiences.

Four out of five survey respondents said they have participated in culinary activities while traveling, such as touring a winery or taking cooking classes. Millennials in particular were likely to have participated in culinary experiences while traveling, with 88% stating that they have done so.

According to AAA, 43% of its travel agents reported a recent increase in members interested in planning culinary-focused vacations, mostly to Italy, France and Spain.

“There is no better way to learn about a destination and immerse yourself in the local culture than by experiencing its unique food and dining customs,” Bryan Shilling, AAA managing director of travel products and services, said in a statement. “When planning a culinary vacation, seek the advice of a trusted travel adviser, who can help customize a trip that matches the individual traveler’s dining preferences.”

AAA’s consumer survey was conducted by telephone in March with 1,013 adults in the U.S. surveyed. AAA travel executives, representing their 2,110 travel agents, were surveyed online in February.

Sоurсе: travelweekly.com