Exploring the World's Flavors
What better way to explore a country than through food? What started as the occasional food tour swiftly evolved into a robust lineup of culinary tours. This thriving travel segment is in high demand and has become an integral part of our business.
Last spring, Bon Appétit Culinary Getaways made its debut, captivating eager travelers with sold-out trips to France and Italy. Renowned sommelier Victoria James and Chef Stefano Secchi of the Michelin-starred Rezdôra will each lead a group of lucky travelers on these extraordinary culinary journeys next month.
In an exciting collaboration, TASTE editor-in-chief Matt Rodbard joined forces with cookbook author Suzy Karadsheh for an unforgettable trip to Puglia, Italy where they cooked and ate their way through the region. (Stay tuned as they are back in the kitchen cooking up a new culinary tour coming soon!)
Currently underway in the Mediterranean city of Marseilles is Dinner with Friends Abroad —an annual gastronomic adventure led by four culinary experts: Alec Lobrano, Nancy Silverton, Ruth Reichl, and Laurie Ochoa. The collective brilliance of these award-winning experts makes for an unforgettable exploration of flavors and cultures year after year. And, once again, one of ATA’s super stars, Emma Impavido, Senior Director of Educational Travel, is at the logistics helm, adding her expert leadership to the mix.
Our recipe for a successful culinary tour is no secret—it’s all about partnering with exceptional chefs and organizations who are as passionate about cuisine as we are about travel.
Senior Staff on The Road
Our dedicated staff are the unsung heroes behind our exceptional travel experiences. Day after day our program team leverages their extensive knowledge and expertise to ensure that each tour is meticulously planned and seamlessly executed. That includes placing the perfect Travel Director to accompany each trip and bring it all to life.
We are fortunate to work with many talented Travel Directors, including some from our DC staff! Recently, two senior leaders from our study abroad division were Travel Director’s for important trips to Iceland and Italy. Visit our blog and learn more about their experience on the ground.
The Case for Travel
Travel educates, challenges, and transforms people. However, this summer The New Yorker published an essay against travel emphasizing that “travel turns us into the worst version of ourselves.”
Clearly, we couldn’t disagree more. Kate Simpson, President of Academic Travel Abroad, wrote a counterargument highlighting the transformative power of travel in a more positive light. Read her insightful perspective on why travel enriches our lives for the better.
