Today we are chatting with Malia ( @maliayoshioka ), a freelance food and travel writer. We discuss the evolution of Malia's interest in food and travel, the importance of culinary experiences in enriching travel, and the value of food tours. Malia shares insights on how to engage with local culture through food, tips for making the most of food tours, and the significance of tipping and showing appreciation to tour guides. We talk about benefits of booking culinary experiences early in a trip and how food can serve as a bridge to connect with different cultures. In this episode, you will learn: Cooking classes provide a fun way to engage with local culture. Food tours allow travelers to sample various cuisines without commitment. Asking questions during tours shows interest and enhances the experience. Tipping tour guides is a way to show appreciation for their service. Booking culinary experiences at the start of a trip enriches the overall experience. Food tours can provide insights into local customs and traditions. Bringing home spices and recipes can extend the travel experience. Engaging with locals during food tours can lead to deeper connections. Culinary tours are a worthwhile investment for any traveler....and more! You can find Malia here! instagram.com/maliayoshioka You can get your VIP ticket Goodybag for the October Bougie in a Backpack Virtual Travel Summit here , where you can check our Malia's session! https://bougieinabackpack.thrivecart.com/bougie-vip-goody-bag-oct24/ You can find our FREE Travel Beginner's Blueprint Here : dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/457913/90732056966858389/share Want to submit a question or comment to our Bougie Mailbag? You can do so here: forms.gle/Hb3iAbCfsK5BWnii8 Be sure to join our facebook community: facebook.com/groups/bougieinabackpack Find us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bougieinabackpack/ https://www.instagram.com/travelmackenzie https://www.instagram.com/pennywisetraveler