Through the years, food has definitely moved to the forefront as a “main character” in my family’s travels. Finding the perfect meal, snack, and/or dessert that personified our vacation destination(s) became as important as visiting all the popular tourist sites.
Food and our food choices are important in keeping us healthy during our travels. Eating well can really make or break a vacation. Overeating, drinking too much and deviating too much from our normal eating routine can affect us in a negative way. Yes..you are on vacation and you want to enjoy yourself. But drastically changing your eating habits can really do a number on your intestinal health. Trust me. I learned the hard way!
So read on…
Commandment 1
Thou shall research eating establishments BEFORE you travel.
Part of my vacation itinerary planning includes where we will eat our meals EVERY DAY. Yes.. I really research and plot out the details of where we will dine. This is all part of building a detailed, daily vacation itinerary as I explained in my blog titled “Being a Smart Travel Architect” under Travel Tips.
If you were booking a prepaid tour of your vacation, meals would most definitely be part of the plan designed by your tour operator. So why wouldn’t you do the same if you’re the travel planner? Planning your daily itinerary provides you with the information of what food establishments are near the sites you’re visiting. Use the internet and travel books to help you with your planning. Read reviews, locations, operating hours to add to your itinerary. I like to mix up the types of cuisine we eat.
Commandment 2
Thou will eat as the locals do.
Traveling and exploring new places includes immersing yourself in thefood scene. This includes tapping into:
What the locals eat: You will be surprised at the similarities with what you’re used to eating. Many times, it’s the preparation that makes the food seem so different. Now, of course, you’ll know you’re own “intestinal limitations” when it comes to being more adventurous. But, try to be open minded. You will be well rewarded.
My daughter enjoyed the famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans. She wished she hadn’t worn black though!
Where they eat: Cafes, al fresco, tapas bars, posadas, family style dining. Eat where the locals eat! Avoid touristy establishments.
When they eat: Meal times vary in different places around the world. In many European countries, dinners don’t usually start until after 8pm. Lunches are mid-afternoon.
Commandment 3
Thou will AVOID eating at well-known “fast-food” establishments.
Skip the well know fast food joints from home. You may be surprised at how these places have infiltrated all parts of the world.
But every destination will most likely have a “fast food” experience unique to them. For example, our family tried “poutine” in Quebec. This dish is french fried and cheese curds topped with brown gravy.
Commandment 4
Thou will try new foods to expand your palette
A big part of traveling is immersing yourself in the destination. Trying different foods is a great way to do this. Not only will you meet locals this way, but you will expand your food palette in ways that you never thought. This definitely helps with kids and picky eaters.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to try new foods at every meal. But get your taste buds travelling too.
Commandment 5
Thou will AVOID all touristy establishments.
Yes, you’ve probably heard this before but please, take this advice. Avoid eating in heavy tourist districts or streets where restaurants post “tourist menus” on signs outside their doors. Trust me.. if you probably walk a bit out of these areas, you will find better and cheaper restaurants.
Commandment 6
Thou will visit local food markets (indoor and outdoor) and supermarkets.
When traveling domestically, finding well known supermarkets is pretty simple. In addition, local farmers’ markets and outdoor markets have sprung up all over.
However, when my family began traveling abroad, I realized that exploring their local markets were destinations in themselves.
These markets offer a myriad of choices for all meals. You can try local delicacies. Shopping for fresh fruit and perishable items at these markets is especially good if your accommodations provide a kitchen.
There are, of course, indoor supermarkets, similar to what we’re used to as well as local shops. I always like to buy waters and some snacks from these places when we first arrive.
Commandment 7
Thou will book a local food tour or cooking class.
We’ve taken food classes and tours in both the U.S. and Europe. You will actually combine a “sightseeing destination” with a meal. How perfect!
Pasta making in Tuscany 
Learning to cook in NOLA!
Immersing yourself in the foods of your destination is a wonderful way to meet locals, brush up on your cooking skills as well as get helpful hints on where to go for your next meal!
Commandment 8
Thou shall eat well and not break the bank.
For my family, eating well without draining our wallet is important on any travel journey. Part of trip planning is research. This includes not just what to see but where to eat. Preplanning most if not all of your meal destinations will help you assess how much you will spend per day. Take into account that some days, you may eat more cheaply. You may picnic or have a lighter lunch. Another day may include a big splurge dinner.
Commandment 9
Thou will book one special meal as a treat.
Whenever I plan a vacation, I always try to include one special dinner. This usually is a more expensive meal that usually requires reservations.
When visiting Hawaii, a luau fit the bill! Dancing, great food, wonderful weather was more than we could have asked for!
And finally,
Commandment 10
Thou will continue your food travel journey when you return home.
My family quickly realized that the foods we sampled in our travels continued to inspire us well after our vacation ended. When possible, we try to replicate the many foods that we have tasted across the globe.
Family celebrations have included smoking ribs inspired by our Southern road trips, Tapas dinners inspired by Spain and homemade pasta inspired by Italy.
SO REMEMBER —
EAT WELL & EAT ADVENTUROUSLY!