BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- International Expeditions, the world leader in engaging and authentic nature travel, has expanded many of its 2011 itineraries to include additional opportunities for guests to sample local fare, creating a more immersive travel experience.

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"It's important to remember that food is a large part of culture the world over," said Bill Robison, IE's Director of Product Development.  "Trying local cuisine is a great way to 'experience' a country."

Some of the culinary treats IE offers guests include opportunities to dine in a restaurant featured on No Reservations — Anh Tuyet's — as part of their 16-day Laos & Vietnam vacation; working alongside local women to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes; and an exclusive sunset meal at the International Miraflores Restaurant overlooking the Miraflores Locks — a Frommer's Top 5 Panama dining experience — while on a Panama tour.  Travelers on IE's popular Amazon River cruise regularly dine on fish and fruit purchased from villagers during daily excursions while aboard the 28-guest La Amatista riverboat, and even learn to cook piranha as well as traditional Peruvian favorites.

In addition to allowing guests to savor exotic cuisine during their adventures, adding more meals at local restaurants allows International Expeditions to fulfill their mission of using travel for the betterment of the communities it visits.

"By eating outside of hotels and 'tourist' areas, supporting local restaurants and buying local foods, we're contributing to the local economy," said Robison.  "Plus, locally grown food tends to be fresher and tastier, often coming from farm to plate on the same day."

Sampling local food and culture is only one aspect of IE's diverse itineraries to Latin America, Africa and beyond.   Each journey is crafted to offer an in-depth look at nature, history and wildlife, and is led by knowledgeable native expedition leaders and naturalists.  

Specializing in engaging nature travel, International Expeditions' hallmark is small-group journeys to Earth's most exhilarating destinations.  A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the communities it visits.  This mission is reflected in the conservation, education and community-service projects IE supports in Peru, Laos, East Africa, India and the Galapagos Islands.

For more information or to request a nature travel guide, contact International Expeditions at 1-800-633-4734, nature@ietravel.com or http://www.IEtravel.com.

SOURCE International Expeditions

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