Traveling with kids can be stressful. The flights, the car rides, keeping them entertained, the change in routine, change in time zones, and of course: the food.
If you have a picky or selective eater at home, feeding may feel stressful for you quite often - and the thought of traveling with your picky eater may feel overwhelming. You may worry about your child getting enough food, the meltdowns, or how you will go out to new restaurants. Traveling with a picky eater does not have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be fun. Whether you are taking a plane, train, or automobile, here are 9 tips for traveling with a picky eater and keeping your vacation stress-free.
Know your child’s safe food, and how to obtain your child’s food while traveling
Your picky eater most likely has a list of safe foods. Those are the foods you know they will most likely eat when offered. Know those foods. Depending on your mode of travel, it may make sense to bring these foods along, or do some research and know where you can obtain them. Even if you have a child that is more adventurous in their eating, having known snacks on hand can come in very handy when traveling. Think about those simple snacks you can have for your child, and know where to get them when traveling.
Don't stress about what your child is or isn't eating, and embrace the change in routine
Vacation is not a time to spend energy worrying about your child not meeting their nutrition needs. Remember that a few days, a week, or even a month of your child’s intake is not going to make or break their nutrition. Focus on making sure they have enough, and don’t go hungry. That might not mean 3 balanced meals per day - let go of their intake needing to be perfect.
Don't force new foods BUT use it as an opportunity to expose kids to new foods
Traveling can be a good opportunity to expose your child to something new. Remember, you don’t need to pressure or force them to try something, but it can be fun to show them what else is out in the big world of food that may be different from what you serve at home.
Plan Ahead
Research is key when traveling with a picky eater. Think about where you will be eating, and what to expect. Check out the menu of local restaurants, or the hotel that you may be dining at. Look into local grocery stores - you can even call and find out what products they stock. If your child is older, you can talk to them about it as well. Discuss the options and help them to feel empowered by making choices and knowing what to expect.
Understand what you have available
Kitchen in a rental house? Fridge in a hotel room? It’s important to understand what you have available when traveling with your picky eater. Will you be staying in a home with a kitchen? A hotel? Do you have a refrigerator? Plan ahead so you know what to expect and there are as few surprises as possible.
Traveling with family and friends? Talk to them beforehand
Let those you are meeting up with or traveling with know what to expect. Explain to them the necessary facts that you want them to know. That might look like sharing with your extended family that your child has strong preferences so they might be bringing their own food.
Bring familiar utensils and tableware
Bringing your child’s favourite plate, utensils, or cup can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. This small act can make a big difference in helping your child feel more secure when eating in an unfamiliar environment.
Stick to a consistent snack and meal schedule
While flexibility is key on vacation, maintaining a familiar eating schedule can help prevent hunger-related meltdowns. Try to offer snacks and meals at roughly the same time each day to maintain some level of consistency for your picky eater.
Remember to have fun
Focus on the new memories, scenery, people and places Although you may need to do some prep work and put thought into food and traveling with kids, don’t let it stop you from having a great trip. Focus on the new memories, scenery, people, and being together as a family.
At the end of the day, traveling with a picky eater doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning, flexibility, and a little creativity, you can enjoy your trip without food worries taking over. Focus on making memories, embracing new experiences, and enjoying time together as a family. The meals may not always go as planned, but that’s okay—what matters most is the adventure and the joy of exploring new places. So pack those snacks, take a deep breath, and enjoy the journey!
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