The Grand Comeback of Travel

There's a buzz in the atmosphere. Can you sense it? It's not just the delightful aroma of summer barbecues or the ocean breeze mixed with the smell of salty fries. It’s not the jasmine or jacarandas, nor the warm beer and fresh waffle cones, or the collective energy of countless people released back into the summer cityscape. The sensation in the air is travel — and it's on the verge of unfolding.

If you haven’t embarked on your journey yet, you’re likely, hopefully, making plans. With vaccination rates rising, infection rates dropping to record lows, and those blissfully long days beckoning from our quarantine confines, a getaway feels just around the corner. Your cousin vacationed in Las Vegas with friends last month; your neighbors are off to Honolulu next; your parents are eyeing a drive up Lake Michigan; and you're considering Oaxaca, Memphis, and definitely Palm Springs.

We are truly fortunate — our desire to explore is a privilege that remains out of reach for many around the globe, for whom the need for a vacation is the least of their worries. Inconsistent vaccination rates and coronavirus variants continue to impact communities worldwide; some find themselves in what seems like a endless cycle of lockdown as they navigate through successive waves. Here in the U.S., however, many of us are cautiously stepping into a hopeful yet delicate bubble of optimism — one that we trust may finally take off and whisk us away to distant places.

As eager as we are to embark on a long-overdue journey, who’s even more prepared to greet us? The resilient and talented chefs, restaurateurs, street vendors, baristas, bartenders, and bakers scattered across this vast continent. Dinogo Travel has spent recent months collaborating with locals in cities throughout North America, updating existing maps and creating new ones to guide you to dining options in over 100 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada. [Note: Updates for other international cities are still pending; COVID-19 remains a shifting landscape, and for now, taking baby steps is wise in this post-pandemic era.] These local experts shared with us the establishments, both new and established, currently serving outstanding meals right now, as well as must-try dishes to pack into your travel plans (and later, your appetite) or, better yet, turn into a dedicated culinary journey.

What insights can we gather from all this information? It seems there may never have been a better time to savor the culinary scene across North America — indeed, it’s still the case. Maui, traditionally recognized more for its tourist-focused fare than culinary excellence, has forged new partnerships with local ranchers, farmers, and fishermen during the pandemic, leading to a fresh approach to island cuisine. Meanwhile, Nashville appears to have drawn half our friends there last year, and for good reason, as hot chicken and dry-rubbed barbecue share the spotlight with innovative Italian dishes and enticing banchan. Mexico quickly emerged as a favored “not too far, but a world apart” destination, with our local recommendations for fish tacos in Ensenada, flame-grilled sea bass in Puerto Vallarta, tostadas in Cabo, mezcal in San Miguel de Allende, and chicharrón in Monterrey prompting us to renew our Duolingo subscriptions.

Many are still embracing their love for the great outdoors, and the towns surrounding national parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, and the Great Smoky Mountains now offer more options than ever to satisfy every type of nature lover. If you’re ready to go all out, we have the ultimate hotspots in Kingston, Jamaica, Miami, Las Vegas, Mexico City, the Hamptons, and even Disney World.

The point is, we are — for the moment anyway — finally in a position where we can seriously consider going out and enjoying a meal somewhere else. Even if it’s just to the neighboring town, there’s something transformative about being away and experiencing something new in terms of food and culture. Here’s plenty of information to help you plan your next big (or small) adventure. Scroll through the cities, get inspired (and hungry), and book yourself a trip today. You deserve it. And because it feels so wonderful to say: Bon voyage — and bon appétit!