For many travelers, one of the best parts of seeing the world is trying the local cuisine. However, if you or someone you are traveling with are picky eaters, concerned about trying certain types of foods and spices, or traveling with children, you could take some steps to help things go smoothly.
Tips For Traveling With Picky Eaters
- Research and talk about food options before you go. What foods are popular in the areas you are visiting? Are there things you can try in advance from restaurants where you live or look up some recipes and try preparing a few dishes. I fell in love with jambalaya before ever visiting New Orleans, but I know I don’t care for curry and to stay away from it when visiting India.
- Take a look the hotel or area you will be staying in. Browse the hotel’s options and well as nearby restaurants. Look at the only menus in advance. If traveling with kids overseas, remember that spaghetti sauce in Italy may taste different than what they are accustomed to or may include vegetables. Make sure there is more than one option that will work. Trying to find a restaurant at the last minute with something you like, or that your children will eat, could create anxiety for you and those traveling with you.
- Be ready to compromise. If those traveling with you have their heart set to eat at a certain place, don’t stay back at the hotel. Eat in advance and go to dinner with them and just have cocktails or a dessert. In Barcelona and several other large cities, consider going to a local market where there are stalls of all types of foods to have a “tasting” dinner, or gather up items and have a picnic. Last but not least, in desperate times if you are not finding any food you like, you are likely to find a McDonald’s or other fast food joints in the city you are visiting.
- Pack non-perishable snacks to have with you during your trip. Things like protein or cereal bars, trail mix, raisins, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit, and candy bars can hold you over when you are hungry and unable to stop, or find something quickly.
- Be open-minded. Consider a foodie tour, visiting local markets for your meals as mentioned above, or attending a cooking class that is picky eater friendly like making pizza or dessert perhaps.
- When it comes to children, a little bit of bribing is okay. If they are excited about trying a crepe in France or gelato in Italy – it’s okay to use that as an incentive to finish dinner first.
