The Ultimate Travel Guide for Chocolate and Dessert Lovers
From a traveler who always packs chocolate in her carry-on.
If there’s one thing I take seriously — it’s chocolate. Not just grabbing a candy bar at the airport, but the rich, velvety kind you savor. Whether I’m headed to Paris, Peru, or a weekend getaway, you can guarantee I’ve packed chocolate and a list of dessert stops ready to explore.
At World of Wonder Travel, we believe your journeys should be as sweet as your favorite truffle. That’s why we’ve gathered the world’s top chocolate destinations, must-attend dessert festivals, and over-the-top resorts where chocolate isn’t just a treat — it’s an experience.
Top Destinations for Chocolate & Dessert Lovers
(All tasted, adored, or on my personal must-visit list!)
Brussels, Belgium
Why go? The ultimate chocolate capital.
Don’t Miss:
Chocolate walking tours to legendary shops
Choco-Story Museum
Hands-on praline-making workshops
Zurich, Switzerland
Why go? Home of Lindt, Sprüngli, and Alpine views.
Don’t Miss:
World’s largest chocolate fountain at Lindt Home of Chocolate
Scenic Chocolate Train to Broc
Wine & chocolate pairings
Oaxaca, Mexico
Why go? Where cacao has deep cultural roots.
Don’t Miss:
Grinding cacao with cinnamon & sugar
Traditional mole sauce
Ancient-style drinking chocolate
Paris, France
Why go? The city of light and ganache.
Don’t Miss:
Macarons from Pierre Hermé
Pastry-making at Le Cordon Bleu
Event: Salon du Chocolat – Oct 29–Nov 2, 2025
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Why go? America’s sweetest town.
Don’t Miss:
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Make-your-own bar experience
Coasters at Hersheypark
Tokyo, Japan
Why go? Whimsical, colorful sweets everywhere.
Don’t Miss:
Wild KitKat flavors (matcha, sake, strawberry)
Traditional wagashi paired with tea
Themed dessert cafés
San Francisco, California
Why go? A bean-to-bar paradise.
Don’t Miss:
Dandelion Chocolate factory tours
Ghirardelli sundaes at the Square
Mission District pastry food crawl
Sweet-Themed Chocolate Festivals Around the World (2025 Dates)
Salon du Chocolat – Paris | Oct 29–Nov 2, 2025
Salon du Chocolat – New York | Mar 21–23, 2025
Salon du Chocolat – Tokyo | Late Jan–Feb, 2025 TBD
Eurochocolate Festival, Italy | Nov 14–24, 2025
ChocolART, Germany | Dec 2–7, 2025
London Chocolate Show | Oct, 2025 TBD
Belize Chocolate Festival | May 23–25, 2025
2026 Chocolate & Dessert Festival Dates
Salon du Chocolat – New York | March 7–8, 2026 in NYC at Center 415 Salon Du Chocolat NYC+1
Salon du Chocolat – Tokyo (Japan) | January–February 2026 across multiple city locations Salon du ChocolatThe Chocolate Life
Salon du Chocolat – Lyon (France) | March 6–8, 2026 at Halle Tony Garnier Salon du Chocolat
Eurochocolate Festival – Perugia (Italy) | November 2026 (exact dates TBD) Body and Soul International
chocolART – Tübingen (Germany) | December 2–7, 2026 in the historic old town Hotel Krone Tübingen
Chocolate Festival of Belize – Toledo District (Belize) | May 16–18, 2026 Terra Guatemala
All-Inclusive Resorts with Chocolate & Dessert Experiences
These luxury resorts understand that chocolate isn’t just dessert — it’s a lifestyle.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Dessert tasting menus, cocoa body wraps
Sandals Resorts – Chocolate nights & chocolate massages
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen – Elegant dessert-forward dining
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita – Wine + cacao pairings
Four Seasons Bora Bora – Overwater cocoa spa rituals & private tastings
Sweet Travel Tips for Dessert Lovers
Always pack chocolate in a cool pouch.
Skip the mini bar, hunt for local chocolate shops instead.
Book food tours and pastry classes early.
Bring a reusable snack pouch for sweets on-the-go.
FAQs: Chocolate & Dessert Travel
1. What’s the best time of year to travel for chocolate festivals?
October–December is prime festival season in Europe, while spring and summer bring events in Belize and New York.
2. Are chocolate tours family-friendly?
Yes! Many include kid-friendly tastings and activities like bar-making workshops.
3. Can I bring chocolate home from my trip?
Yes, but pack it in your carry-on and check customs restrictions for each country.
4. How can a travel agency help with a dessert-themed trip?
At World of Wonder Travel, we help plan curated foodie experiences, from festival tickets to pastry classes, ensuring your trip is seamless.
Let WOW Travel Sweeten Your Next Vacation
At World of Wonder Travel, we specialize in tailoring unforgettable trips for food and dessert lovers. Whether you dream of sipping hot chocolate in Paris or indulging in a chocolate spa in Mexico, we’ll create the perfect itinerary.