LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - March 30, 2016) - Dining has become one of the top leisure activities for global travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association*. More vacationers today are interested in tasting local food than exploring monuments, national parks, and other traditional tourist attractions. Global hospitality and vacation ownership company, Diamond Resorts International®, says travelers find that enjoying the region's cuisine is one of the best ways to experience a new culture. Whether tasting interesting, exotic flavors, or savoring a region's unique take on comfort food, eating local dishes is now one of the most exciting activities when traveling. The internationally acclaimed resort company has compiled a list of some of the different dishes served around the world.

Travelers to Asia are able to explore and experience authentic dim sum. A conventional Cantonese cuisine, it is a variety of small savory and sweet dumplings or buns -- classics include steamed shrimp dumplings and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves. Translated to 'a little bit of heart,' these bite-sized delights are traditionally served in bamboo containers, alongside steaming cups of oolong tea. There is a wide variety of dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, giving Diamond Resorts International® vacationers a variety of eateries to choose from to enjoy this local food. Nearby Thailand boasts some of the most fragrant, distinctive dishes in the world with ingredients like coconut, lemongrass and galangal to flavor fresh shrimp, fish, and meat dishes. No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a bowl of local Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shellfish soup made with chilies, lime leaves, prawns, and traditional Thai veggies.

Vacationers to the Caribbean can enjoy strong, aromatic dishes made with tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and plenty of exotic spices. The local cuisine has been influenced by the original inhabitants, as well as all the cultures that have migrated to the islands, giving its dishes a dynamic flair with roots in French, African, Dutch, and Spanish cooking. When traveling to Jamaica, breakfast like a local with salt cod and ackee, a tasty meal of salted cod, ackees, Jamaica's national fruit, hot chili peppers, and tomato. Aruba is known for tasty conch stew, a traditional soup with conch meat, veggies, and chili pepper.

For European travelers, the culinary selections are endless. Some of the most memorable dishes throughout the continent include hearty Irish stew, a customary soup made with lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions, that has been served in Ireland for centuries. For dessert, guests can delight in a delicate apple strudel -- a sweet pastry that has been popular in Germany since the 18^th century, and farikal, Norway's delectable national dish of boiled lamb and cabbage.

About Diamond Resorts International®

Diamond Resorts International®, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

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To learn more about Diamond Resorts International®, visit: https://www.diamondresorts.com

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