By Sara Pinkus, Contributor

To spin an old adage – The way to a traveler’s heart is through her stomach! Memorable travel experiences include not only learning about the destination’s people, history, arts, and culture; they also require savoring its foods. Prior to your trip, research the foods for which the area is best known. Culinary experiences can certainly be enjoyed on a limited budget; however, you may want to save up to splurge on the more exclusive options. Here are my tips for a delicious vacation.

Trusting concierges for the full picture of local dining options could leave you missing out on hidden gems

The cost of airfare has skyrocketed recently. High ticket prices have been fueled by increased demand, high fuel costs, and staffing shortages. But if you can be flexible and do your research, you can still find reasonably priced airfare.

Many of us are over-packers, including me. Unfortunately, missing luggage has become a major headache for air travelers, with the total number of mishandled bags reaching a staggering 26 million in 2022, compared to 9.9 million in 2021.

When choosing hiking sandals for your trip to the Azores, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for sandals with sturdy soles and excellent grip. The Azores' rugged terrain requires a shoe that can provide maximum traction and stability. Second, make sure the sandals have good arch support and cushioning. You'll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so you want a shoe that will keep your feet comfortable and supported.

Here’s an easy way to save money on travel. Check the prices before you leave

I planned an 8-day trip to Ireland during peak season in June. With nonstop airfare running over $1,000 per person to most European countries, I chose Ireland because a non-stop flight on Aer Lingus was $537 per person. Plus, Ireland offers ancient castles, churches and monasteries, fabulous food, friendly people and breathtaking scenery.

Packing for a trip in today’s day and age is a complicated matter. If you check luggage onto your flight, it could get lost or delayed (even if it contains a tracking device), leaving you stuck with the few items in your carryon bag. On a recent 11 day cruise to Greece, my cousin’s luggage went missing for 8 ½ days. Here are some tips to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.