Andrew Zimmern – Travel Quote of the Week

Quick Summary 

In this article, you’ll learn about Andrew Zimmern, a chef and TV personality known for exploring unusual foods worldwide, and his inspiring travel philosophy. Zimmern’s quote encourages travelers to be curious and engage deeply with new cultures rather than sticking to safe tourist routines. The article highlights the importance of stepping beyond comfort zones to truly understand the world and connect with locals. It also reflects on how modern travelers seek authentic experiences over superficial sightseeing.

Andrew Zimmern: From Chef to World Explorer

Andrew Zimmern is an American chef, food writer, and television personality. He is perhaps best known for being the host and co-creator of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.

This week’s travel quote—“Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in”—is informed by the years Zimmern has spent exploring the world’s oddities.

Zimmern was born in New York, the child of two globetrotters who took him around the world. He took up cooking at a young age, and by his early 20s he was helping in the kitchens of some of New York’s best restaurants. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol addiction sidetracked his career, and for a brief while he was homeless.

Eventually, he started a new, sober life in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Slowly working his way up from dish washer to executive chef, Zimmern went on to develop a series of highly-acclaimed restaurants. Along with culinary success, Zimmern also became something of a local media celebrity, which eventually led to his involvement with Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, a television program that highlights non-traditional foods from around the world.

Travel Wisdom: Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist

This week’s travel quote—“Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new thinks, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in”—is informed by the years Zimmern has spent exploring the world’s oddities.

I share Zimmern’s belief that engagement is one of the keys to escaping the disappointment-laden experiences by which most tourists seem to be plagued. Engage the locals in conversations, try new foods and drinks, and explore streets and squares not included in your guidebook.

While this may seem obvious, it’s so easy to wander to safe and familiar things when you’re traveling.  After all, for a long time , tourists wanted—a slight variant on their lives at home.

But times have changed. Thankfully, many of today’s travelers are more interested in growth than comfort. They want to engage with the real world, not a Disneylandesque version of things. And considering the turbulent political times we live in, I’m encouraged to see so many people eager to better understand other peoples and cultures.

Next time you travel, remember Andrew Zimmern’s advice and become a traveler; you won’t regret it. 

I publish a new travel quote every week, right here. Do you have a particular one you’d like us to feature in the future? What do you think about this quotation? Let us know in the comments below! 

 About the Author

Andrew Scott is the founder of Authentic Traveling and a travel educator who has traveled to over 30 countries. He believes in helping individuals discover deeper, more intentional journeys, with a focus on mental preparedness and purpose-driven travel.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is Andrew Zimmern and what is he known for?

Andrew Zimmern is an American chef, food writer, and television personality best known for hosting and co-creating the show Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, where he explores unusual and traditional foods around the world.

What does Andrew Zimmern’s travel quote mean?

 His quote, “Please be a traveler, not a tourist,” encourages people to go beyond surface-level experiences by trying new things, meeting locals, and exploring beyond typical tourist spots to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.

How can travelers apply Zimmern’s advice to their own trips?

Travelers can embrace Zimmern’s advice by engaging with local communities, tasting authentic foods, and venturing off the beaten path instead of sticking to familiar or “safe” tourist activities, leading to more meaningful and memorable travel experiences.