by Catherine L. Tully

When you write about travel, it usually means including something about the dining that is available in the area. If you are no expert when it comes to food, there is another way to approach things. If you don’t know the difference between a great steak and a good one, don’t pretend you do. Instead, select a few spots based on the atmosphere, or the location. The spot in the photo above would make a great inclusion for a piece on Melbourne because it is on the harbor, and many locals frequent the bar there. It gives a sense of “local color”.

Now. That said, if you are going to do travel writing seriously, you should begin to learn about food. An educated palate and knowledge of what is new or “hot” in the dining scene can make a big difference when it comes to selling articles. How do you do this? Here are some ways to get started:

• Read. Get a subscription to one or two magazines such as Gourmet or Bon Appetit. Reading the articles in these mags will help educate you, as well as give you an idea of what the latest trends are.
• Dine. Go out to some of the nice restaurants in the area. Take the time to really look at the menu. Ask the waiter questions. Read reviews about the places you go and see what they are saying in newspapers or magazines.
• Take a class. Poke around and you are likely to find some cooking classes that have a Chef at the helm. Learning about food will help you to appreciate it.

If you write about travel destinations you have a responsibility to make sure you are giving your reader the best information you can. Food is one area that can be tricky, but taking some steps to educate yourself is an excellent investment. Plus, it’s fun.