Introduction
Traveling is an incredible experience. Exploring new places, immersing yourself in different cultures, and creating lasting memories are all part of the adventure. However, amidst the excitement, the simple act of eating can often become a logistical challenge. Finding healthy, affordable, and convenient food to take travelling can be a hurdle, leading to reliance on fast food, overpriced airport meals, or unhealthy options that can disrupt your travel experience. This guide aims to alleviate those concerns by providing a comprehensive overview of the best food to take travelling, ensuring you enjoy delicious, nutritious meals and snacks wherever your journey takes you.
One of the biggest struggles of eating while traveling is the unpredictable nature of meal times and access to quality food. Airports, train stations, and roadside stops often offer limited choices, and those options frequently lean towards processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Restaurant options can be expensive, and navigating unfamiliar menus while battling language barriers can be stressful. The alternative, of course, is to go hungry or settle for sub-optimal choices that leave you feeling sluggish and depleted. The solution? Pack your own food to take travelling.
Bringing your own food to take travelling empowers you to take control of your diet while you are away. You can tailor your meals and snacks to meet your specific dietary needs and preferences, whether you’re following a gluten-free diet, a vegan lifestyle, or simply trying to eat healthier. You’ll avoid the temptation of unhealthy fast food, helping you maintain your energy levels and well-being throughout your trip. Moreover, you’ll save a significant amount of money. Those airport sandwiches and vending machine snacks quickly add up, while packing your own food offers a cost-effective way to stay fueled and satisfied.
Planning and Preparation
Before packing any food to take travelling, careful planning and preparation are vital. Take some time to evaluate the specifics of your upcoming trip. Consider the duration of your journey, the modes of transportation you’ll be using, and the potential availability of refrigeration or heating facilities. If you’re flying, be aware of restrictions on liquids and gels, and whether you’ll have access to an ice pack to keep your food to take travelling cool. These factors will heavily influence your food choices.
As part of your planning, consider the method of transport. A road trip allows for more flexibility regarding perishable items, like fruit, sandwiches, or even small pre-prepared meals. Air travel, however, requires more careful selection of shelf-stable options or those that can handle being without refrigeration for a longer period. Train travel falls somewhere in between, dependent on the length of the journey and potential access to onboard food services.
Start with a detailed list of potential meals and snacks, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any between-meal nibbles you like to enjoy. Try to anticipate what you might crave during different points of your journey. Do you often get hungry on a plane, train, or car ride? Having a ready supply of appropriate food to take travelling will avoid a hangry situation.
Cooking ahead is a lifesaver. If you have time before your trip, consider preparing meals and snacks ahead of time. You can portion out meals into individual containers, seal them tightly, and then freeze them. Once they’re frozen, they’ll help keep other items in your cooler bag cold.
Shelf-Stable Food Options
When it comes to selecting the ideal food to take travelling, the best choices are those with a long shelf-life, that are easy to transport, and provide a good source of nutrients. The key is finding a balance between deliciousness, portability, and nutritional value. Let’s explore some excellent options, starting with shelf-stable choices that require no refrigeration.
Dry Goods
A great selection of dry goods form the bedrock of any well-planned food to take travelling supply. Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense, providing healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Choose a variety, such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, and portion them into small bags or containers. Trail mix is another winner, combining nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even a few chocolate chips (in moderation).
Cereal bars are another easy win for the road. Read labels to find varieties low in added sugar. Consider whole-grain options that contain a good mix of fibre and protein, which will help you feel fuller for longer. Oatmeal packets are a convenient option for a warm, filling breakfast. You can buy instant oatmeal and add hot water or simply enjoy it cold with your beverage.
Dried fruit can be a great source of natural sweetness and fiber. Choose options like apricots, dates, raisins, and cranberries. Bear in mind that the natural sugars in dried fruit are concentrated, so moderation is key. Crackers are another reliable option, offering a satisfying crunch and a base for spreads or cheese (if you have refrigeration). Consider whole-wheat or rice cakes.
Protein is essential for sustained energy during travel. If you are bringing food to take travelling in the form of a powder, choose a small container or single-serving packets, so you can mix it with water or milk when you need it.
Canned/Pouched Items
Canned and pouched items provide another level of shelf-stability. Pouched tuna or salmon is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Canned chicken breast is another convenient protein source. Select lower-sodium options whenever possible. Beans, whether canned or in pouches, are a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Canned or pouched soups can be a satisfying and warming meal, especially on cooler days. Be mindful of the sodium content and opt for low-sodium varieties. Canned or pouched fruit, like peaches or mandarin oranges (in their own juice) are a great way to satisfy a sweet craving.
Foods Requiring Refrigeration
If your trip is shorter, and you have access to a cooler or ice packs, you can expand your choices to include some refrigerated items. Keep the perishable items cold with ice packs or by freezing some of the food itself.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, but choose carefully when selecting food to take travelling. Apples, oranges, and bananas are relatively durable and easy to transport. Carrots and celery sticks are easy to pack in a container. Pre-cut salads, which can be assembled at mealtime, are a great way to get your greens. Pack dressing separately to avoid soggy salads. Berries are delicious, but delicate. If you want to take berries, pack them carefully in a sturdy container and aim to consume them fairly quickly.
Dairy and Alternatives
Dairy can be a good source of protein and calcium. Yogurt tubes are a good portable option, which you can pack with ice packs. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss, tend to travel better than soft cheeses. Pack a small knife and a cutting board, or use pre-cut cheese sticks or cubes. Plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, is increasingly available in shelf-stable, single-serving boxes, making it easy to bring with you and add to your breakfast.
Pre-Made Meals
Pre-made meals that can be refrigerated offer convenience and deliciousness. Sandwiches are an easy win. Choose fillings that hold up well, such as hard cheeses, lean meats (turkey, ham), hummus, or peanut butter. Salads are also a good option, pack dressing separately and add it just before eating. Leftovers from home, properly refrigerated, can also be a great option.
Considerations for Air Travel
If you are flying, be aware of TSA restrictions regarding liquids, gels, and aerosols. You are allowed to bring food to take travelling through security. Solid foods generally pose no problems. However, liquids and gels are subject to the 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and all containers must fit in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. Pack your food items in such a way that security will quickly assess it.
Packing food to take travelling in your carry-on allows you to have easy access. Checked baggage might be the better option for larger quantities of food. Consider what you would like on hand during the flight.
Dealing with Specific Needs
No matter your destination, it is important to cater for any specific needs. If you have dietary restrictions, you must carefully consider what food to take travelling. If you’re gluten-free, avoid items containing wheat, barley, and rye. Look for certified gluten-free options, and read labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
For vegetarians, ensure that you have a good supply of protein, such as nuts, beans, lentils, and eggs (if applicable). Vegans will need to avoid all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Pack plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and plant-based protein sources.
If you have food allergies, careful planning is even more critical. Read all labels meticulously to avoid allergens, and be aware of cross-contamination risks. Pack separate containers and utensils to avoid any potential reactions.
For those feeding infants or young children, preparation is extra crucial. Pack formula, baby food, and snacks that are appropriate for their age and dietary needs. Pack snacks and meals that are easy to prepare.
Drinks and Beverages
Don’t forget your drinks. Staying hydrated is key, especially during travel. Bring your own reusable water bottle and refill it throughout your journey. Consider carrying electrolyte drinks, or powders, to replace any electrolytes you have lost. Instant coffee, tea bags or pre-made coffee and tea in a thermos can also prove very convenient for a quick and delicious pick-me-up.
Tips and Tricks
There are many tricks you can use to make packing food to take travelling easier. Correct storage and spoilage prevention are critical. Use airtight containers, Ziploc bags, and insulated bags to keep your food fresh. Use ice packs. Knowing where to find grocery stores at your destination can add versatility. You don’t have to pack everything from home, and having a grocery store nearby can simplify things.
When bringing your own food to take travelling, you should always consider the environment. Minimize plastic use. Choose reusable containers. If you have leftovers, eat them or dispose of them appropriately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bringing your own food to take travelling offers a multitude of benefits, from saving money and promoting healthy eating to catering to special dietary needs and preventing hunger on the road. By planning, prepping, and packing strategically, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals and snacks throughout your travels, making your journey more enjoyable and hassle-free. Remember that the most important thing is to find what works best for you. Experiment with different options, try new recipes, and adjust your packing list as needed. With a little foresight and preparation, you can transform the way you eat while traveling, ensuring you are always fueled, satisfied, and ready to embrace the next adventure.
