As the adage goes, to truly know a place, you must taste its food. Setting foot on foreign soil, it’s not just the landscapes that excite you, it's also the scents wafting from street corners and the palette of dishes laid out in local markets. Whether it's the first bite of an exotic fruit or the familiar comfort of a traditional meal enjoyed miles away from home, each destination offers stories of traditions served on a plate.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best destinations around the world for food lovers and how to get your hands on reward flights to these spots with your British Airways Avios points.
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Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany isn't just a feast for the eyes and a tease for the taste buds. Think rolling vineyards stretching to the horizon, ancient olive groves, and mediaeval villages. Begin your culinary journey with a bowl of creamy risotto, often infused with the flavours of truffle or saffron. And if you thought you knew ice cream, wait until you've tasted authentic gelato in natural flavours, from classic stracciatella to tangy lemon. But no trip to Tuscany is complete without a traditional Tuscan steak - charred on the outside and pinkish perfect within.
Florence in particular invites food lovers with its historic cafes, food markets, and cosy trattorias. Try its artisanal breads, cheeses, and cured meats, or lose yourself in its myriad pastas to celebrate the region’s gastronomic legacy in every bite.
And while the food is undeniably a draw, one cannot speak of Tuscany without mentioning its wines. Don’t miss out on the Chiantis wine tasting tours that weave through the picturesque countryside and offer an opportunity to sample renowned Tuscan wines directly from the vineyards they hail from. The velvety Chiantis and crisp Vernaccias promise to be a revelation; the appeal covers a novice as well as a connoisseur.
If you’re planning a trip to this food paradise in the next 12 months, London to Florence off-peak return Economy tickets are priced at 23,500 Avios plus £1. With lots of summer 2024 seats up for grabs, now’s the time to utilise our Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to find your reward seats.
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Paris, France
Often referred to as the world's gourmet capital, Paris is a paradise for food lovers. As you walk through its cobbled streets, it’s hard to resist the allure of freshly baked croissants wafting out of a petite boulangerie, or the display of escargot, ready to be savoured with a dash of garlic butter. And who could pass up the opportunity to try a rich coq au vin?
But it's not just the food that's enchanting, the ambiance plays a role too. Imagine sipping on a creamy café au lait at a riverside café by the Seine, watching the world go by, or discovering the world of French wines in one of the city’s intimate wine bars.
Speaking of wine, consider taking one of the city's popular wine tasting tours. Paris Wine Day Tours offers trips to the Champagne region for an experience of vineyards and cellars with tastings. Another option is O Chateau which provides a variety of wine tasting sessions from beginner classes to expert level, allowing you to sample wines from all over France. Both tours not only let you taste but also educate you on the rich history and the art of French winemaking.
For those looking for Avios flight redemption to this culinary utopia, you can secure an off-peak return Economy ticket from London to Paris for just 18,500 Avios + £1. According to our Reward Flight Finder (RFF), availability for the next 12 months is strong with lots of seats up for grabs for summer 2024.
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San Sebastian, Spain
As you wander through San Sebastian, the aroma of freshly cooked pintxos (small bites that are a Basque specialty) entices you from every corner. These delightful morsels, often skewered onto bread, range from simple olives or fried seafood to elaborate combinations of local ingredients. As you dive deeper into Basque cuisine, the Txuleta (a perfectly seared steak often cooked over open flames) becomes an absolute must-try. Its smoky flavour and tender meat are the epitome of simple yet decadent eating. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Basque cake, with its soft pastry layers and creamy filling, is the perfect ending to a meal.
A visit to San Sebastian would be incomplete without a tapas bar crawl in the Old Town. Each bar offers a unique experience with an array of colourful pintxos on display. As you hop from one bar to another, you'll quickly understand why this city is a favourite among food lovers from around the world.
If you’re looking for Avios flight redemption, off-peak return Economy tickets are priced at 18,500 Avios plus £1. However, do note that flights are only scheduled two days a week. While San Sebastian is a popular destination, especially during the summer, the best months for snagging Economy seats are from December to March and August to October. For those preferring a more luxurious experience, Business Class offers solid availability throughout the year.
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New York, US
Bite into the Big Apple for a taste of the world. New York City isn't just skyscrapers and Broadway shows; it's a smorgasbord of flavours from around the globe. From quintessential American bites to dishes that transport you continents away, NYC serves up an endless feast for the senses. The city is particularly famous for its freshly baked bagels, a staple breakfast item often topped with a generous smear of cream cheese or layers of smoked salmon, so make sure not to miss it.
But New York's culinary repertoire doesn't end in the morning. As the day progresses, locals and tourists alike can indulge in the creamy New York cheesecake, a dessert that has become synonymous with the city. And for those on the go, street vendors serving up classic hot dogs become a quick and delicious option. Whether you like yours plain, with a drizzle of mustard, or loaded with sauerkraut and onions, these hot dogs are emblematic of the city's fast-paced lifestyle.
While Manhattan offers countless upscale restaurants, serving everything from sophisticated tasting menus to the best steaks, crossing over to Brooklyn offers its own set of culinary delights. Quirky cafes, artisanal bakeries, and innovative eateries line its streets.
As for reward flight availability, off-peak return tickets in Premium Economy are priced at 85,000 Avios plus £280, while those looking to travel in Business Class will need 160,000 Avios plus £350. Due to New York City's popularity, availability is strong throughout the year, thanks to the numerous flights connecting the two cities daily. And for those planning their next summer getaway, there are still many seats up for grabs for summer 2024.
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Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city where you can experience the time-honoured art of sushi preparation in the morning and by afternoon, find yourself sipping a latte next to an owl in one of the quirky themed cafes.
The absolute must-tries for any gastronome are, of course, the classics: the delicate nigiri sushi, which is often prepared right in front of you; the hearty ramen with its rich, simmering broth; and the crisp, light tempura, a testament to Japan's mastery of deep-frying. For the freshest seafood, an early morning visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market is an experience like no other. Wander around the maze of seafood stalls, and don't miss out on the tuna auction if you're there early enough.
As for reward flights, an off-peak return in Premium Economy to Tokyo will cost you 100,000 British Airways Avios plus £380, while in Business Class, it's 200,000 Avios plus £550. Given Japan's surging popularity as a travel destination, seat availability can be rare, especially in Business Class. However, there are glimpses of availability in Premium Economy in certain months. It's wise to set up Alerts on Reward Flight Finder (RFF) so that you're notified as soon as seats become available.
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