This week we’re taking a break from London and travelling overseas.

If there’s one thing I love more than food it’s travelling. Lucky for me, travelling usually involves trying new cuisine.

Unfortunately, my financial situation isn’t looking too great so I won’t be travelling anytime soon, but I was once an avid traveller and I even have a maxed credit card to prove it.

It’s almost the end of the semester and winter break is quickly approaching. For those of you lucky enough to be going on a trip over the break or studying abroad in the new year, I’ve made a list of restaurants and foods you need to try if you find yourself in one of the following destinations:

Paris, France

I studied abroad in Paris for a semester and let’s just say I ate my way through the city. I may have left 20lbs heavier than when I arrived, but I have no regrets.

The first thing you need to do is is go to a boulangerie (bakery) and grab a baguette. I lived above a boulangerie and would wake up every morning to the smell of freshly baked baguettes and pastries. I learned that it’s acceptable to eat baguettes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and that this is also an effective way to gain weight FAST.

Next, you need to try escargot. I know what you’re thinking, but I promise, you will be blown away. They’re drenched in garlic butter, which you can soak up at the end with the table bread. You can find them on the menu at literally any French restaurant.

And now for some restaurant recommendations…

Le Murmure
Classic French brasserie located in the 15th arrondissement

L’as du Fallafel
Best falafel in Paris with a long line to prove it

Breizh Café
Crèpe café where you can order a crèpe for dinner AND dessert

Savoury dinner crépe from Breizh Café, Paris, France. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Dessert crépe from Breizh Café, Paris, France. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Candelaria
Upon entering, it looks like a small taqueria, but if you keep walking through the doors at the back you enter an intimate Latin-inspired cocktail bar.

Cocktails with a side of chips & salsa at Candelaria, Paris, France. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Cocktail rimmed with peppercorn. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Glitter cocktail. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Ladurée
You can’t go to Paris without eating macaroons. They have locations all over the world, but they taste the best in Paris, trust me.

Ladurée box. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Ladurée macaroons. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Barcelona, Spain

For some reason I ate at a lot of breakfast places when I was in Barcelona…

Mama’s Café
A quaint café, tucked away from the bustle of the city 

Brunch & Cake
Popular breakfast spot, but be prepared to wait for a table

Alsur Café
Come here if you want to indulge 

Latté art at Alsur Café, Barcelona, Spain. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Bacon and avocado waffle sandwich, carrot cake pancakes and salmon eggs benny from Alsur Café, Barcelona, Spain. Source: Savannah Hamelin

And now the reason you came to Barcelona…tapas and sangria! I don’t have any specific recommendations because you can find a tapas bar on literally every street.

Italy

Italy is heaven for carb lovers like me.

In Florence, grab a pizza to go from Gusta Pizza (ask for a heart shape), pick up a bottle of vino and then head to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset. For dessert, get gelato from Edoardo’s–I’ve never tasted gelato so creamy before.

Enjoying a heart shaped Gusta Pizza with a bottle of white wine at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Nutella gelato from Edoardo’s in Florence, Italy. Source: Savannah Hamelin

If you find yourself in the Amalfi Coast, be sure to order seafood pasta.

Iceland

I went all the way to Iceland in the middle of February and didn’t even see the Northern Lights, but I did enjoy some amazing Icelandic food.

Iceland is an island with strict import laws so all the food is fresh and local.

Eat as much seafood as you can–Iceland has some of the best seafood I’ve tasted. Try some fermented shark if you’re feeling brave.

Be aware: The airfare is cheap, but once you get there things can be pricey.

I recommend…

Út í bláinn
Located at the top of the Perlan museum with amazing views of Reykjavik

White fish dish with Icelandic Gull beer. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Located at the top of the Perlan with beautiful views of Reykjavik. Source: Savannah Hamelin

Kol
It will put a dent in your bank account, but this is my favourite dining experience I’ve had in my travels 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Friðheimar
A tomato farm serving a menu of entirely tomato based dishes and drinks

What are your favourite foods or restaurants from your travels? Share in the comments.