Restaurant Dining Habits When Traveling: 73% of Guests Eat Most of Their Meals Out at Restaurants

Travelers may claim they’re vacationing for the culture, the beaches, or the historical landmarks. But the truth? Many itineraries are stacked with restaurant reservations. According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, 50% of global travelers book restaurant reservations before they book flights. 

There’s no judgment here; we respect it. Local restaurants are the culture of many cities, and tasting regional flavors can turn a trip into an experience. For operators, tourism can provide a boost to business. That’s why Toast set out to learn more about how dining influences travel plans. 

Toast surveyed 850 diners to uncover where they find restaurant recommendations, how often they eat out when traveling, and what foods they crave most during summer trips. Here’s what the data shows.

Dining habits of traveling guests

How travelers discover restaurants while traveling

Partners, friends, and even pets might tag along on a trip, but the real travel companion is actually a search engine. (Sorry, friends.) A clear majority of travelers, 56% of respondents, rely on Google or another search engine for restaurant recommendations while on vacation.

Social media is a distant second at 16%, but it has a strong hold on younger travelers. Among guests ages 25–34, 25% prefer social media over Google, using platforms like Instagram or TikTok to find the most photogenic (and hopefully tasty) spots.

AI is a growing option for restaurant discovery, which is ironic, because AI can recommend dinner but can’t taste a single bite. Men are more likely to experiment with AI for restaurant recommendations, with 14% of men turning to AI compared to just 6% of women. Usage also declines sharply with age, except for 35-44 year olds, who use it less than 45-54 year olds do.

Finding the perfect spot is just the first step. Next is learning how often travelers dine out. From eating every meal at a restaurant to mixing in takeout and delivery, vacation dining habits reveal a lot about how food shapes the travel experience.

How often do travelers dine out?

For most travelers, dining out is the default. Who wants to cook on vacation? 73% of respondents said they eat most of their meals at restaurants while on vacation. Some take it even further: more than 23% of men reported eating every single meal out, compared to 16% of women. On the flip side, skipping restaurants altogether is almost unheard of, as less than 1% said they never dine out while traveling.

Dining out doesn’t always mean sitting down for a full-service meal. 53% of respondents said they order takeout or delivery at least a few times during a trip. Younger generations are driving this trend as 38% of 18–24 year olds order takeout or delivery very often, vs. only 12% of those 55+ do the same. 

Convenience clearly matters, and for younger travelers, a late-night delivery or quick pickup meal is just as much a part of the vacation as a big night out.

Are travelers planning trips around restaurants?

Almost half of travelers plan at least part of their trip around food. In fact, 47% said they “sometimes” choose destinations or activities with local restaurants in mind. They enjoy discovering the flavors of a new city, even if food isn’t the main reason for the trip.

Demographics play an interesting role here. Men are more likely than women to build a food-focused itinerary, with 36% saying their schedule is fully stacked with local restaurants compared to 28% of women.

The biggest foodies seem to be in the 25–34 age range. Among these travelers, 44% admitted their itineraries are packed with local dining spots. Another 46% said they “sometimes” plan around food, showing that, for younger travelers, restaurants are a major part of the overall experience.

Where are travelers going for great summer meals?

When traveling, food isn’t just about convenience. Many travelers plan trips to regions where they can get some tasty eats. When traveling nationally, the South tops the list, with 28% of respondents saying they head to spots like Gulf Shores, Austin, Miami, and Orlando for sunshine and flavorful bites. Think smoky barbecue in Texas, fresh Gulf seafood in Alabama, and Cuban sandwiches in Miami. 

In Toast’s 2025 Summer Trends Report, Naples, FL, saw the highest year-over-year growth in restaurant transactions at 8%. Charleston, SC, and Miami Beach, FL, also showed notable transaction growth at 3%.

Close behind is the Northeast Coast, with 24% of travelers making their way to destinations like Cape Cod, Portland, Bar Harbor, Newport, and Nantucket. Lobster rolls, clam bakes, and waterfront dining define these trips, proving that classic coastal cuisine still has major appeal for summer wanderers. Portland Area, ME, specifically saw a 5% increase in transactions year-over-year. 

What foods do travelers crave in summer?

The flavors of summer are top-tier, and for many travelers, they start with the grill. Grilled meats claim the top spot, with 44% of respondents saying they’re the most appealing option when dining out in summer. From burgers and ribs to skewers and steaks, smoky, flame-kissed dishes seem to define warm-weather dining.

According to Toast's 2025 Summer Trends Report, the Pacific states are big on burgers. Hawaii ordered 72% more burgers per restaurant location than the national average, with Alaska (+64%) and Washington state (+52%) also showing high demand.

Meanwhile, Nevada leads the nation in hot dog orders, with a 130% increase per restaurant location compared to the national average. West Virginia (+88%) and Georgia (+81%) also show strong preferences for hot dogs.

How cravings differ by gender

Women’s top pick for summer foods is grilled meats, with 35% ranking it first, but lobster rolls come in a close second at 33%, showing a strong preference for seafood during summer getaways. 

Men, on the other hand, are firmly team barbecue: 52% say grilled meats are their favorite, while only 29% crave lobster rolls. These variations can offer insight for restaurants and hospitality businesses, tailoring menus for diverse audiences.

Food matters in travel

Our data proves one thing for sure: travelers are actively seeking out great dining experiences. For restaurants, this is a major opportunity. Tourists are building their itineraries around food, researching restaurants before they even pack their bags, and craving local meals once they arrive.

Operators who market to travelers can turn seasonal crowds into steady revenue. Whether it’s optimizing for local search, showcasing their offerings on social media, or partnering with hotels and travel guides, the payoff is clear.  Tourists are ready to spend. Make your restaurant part of their journey, and you’ll turn a vacation meal into a lasting impression.