Tips for feeding kids on vacation! Traveling with kids can be a lot to handle without the added stress of feeding them well away from home. But don’t worry, we’ve got ideas!
Enjoying some time away from home as a family this summer? Us too!
We know firsthand how tough it can be to go from the eating routine at home to one that’s sort of up in the air.
Here are some tips for feeding kids on vacation to help ease the burden for everyone.
Pack your own snacks
This could be a combination of bringing snacks from home and heading to the grocery store once you get to your destination. Note that ice packs ARE allowed through TSA check – as long as they’re frozen!
Consider plane or road-trip-friendly items like:
- Dried seaweed
- Trail mix
- Popcorn
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Crackers
- Dehydrated veggies, like broccoli, peas, cauliflower, or shiitake snacks
- Breakfast cookies
- Muffins
- PBJ Balls
- PB&J sandwiches
We all know how quickly kids can go from zero to hangry monsters. Keep snacks on hand as you explore the area on your trip, too. Things that fit in your daily bag can help tide them over until you find a good sit-down-meal opportunity.
Make some of your own meals
This can be easier if you’re renting a place on your trip versus staying in a hotel, but the latter isn’t necessarily impossible.
If you have access to a kitchen, this creates a nice opportunity for homemade breakfasts, stopping at home to make lunch or a family dinner together out on the patio.
Just a microwave or kitchenette? No problem. You could prepare morning oatmeal with your preferred shelf-stable toppings (or grab some fruit from the continental breakfast). If you have a refrigerator, even better – keep yogurt, plant milk, and perhaps from fresh fruit and veggies in there to help round out meals.
If you’re able to pack some lunches and ice packs for the day (and maybe even smoothies?) and bring them on your adventure, this is also a nice option.
That’s not to say you should avoid eating out on vacation. After all, enjoy the local cuisine! It’s just helpful to know that you can have a mix of both if that makes things easier for your fam to feel more nourished as you travel.
Stay on (feeding) schedule
Being out of your regular routine or even changing time zones can throw a wrench into your normal eating schedule.
Try to adjust accordingly and be prepared to offer your kiddos food on a similar schedule. Of course, this will be harder if you’re adjusting to jet lag or flying overseas, but after a day or two, it should get a little easier. Offering something every couple of hours can help.
Don’t overthink it
Don’t let the challenges of feeding littles make your vacation stressful. Sometimes we just have to accept that things are messier than usual and go with it.
Take this opportunity to not only see new sights but also try new foods. Allow your kids the freedom to explore their palate. It’s much easier to find predominantly plant-based menu items today than even a few years ago.
Take advantage of ways you can be prepared for how traveling might disrupt your normal eating habits. But remember that one vacation isn’t going to derail all of your hard work to feed your babies well.
Feeding kids on vacation can be a source of stress for many parents and caregivers but it doesn’t have to be! A few proactive steps to plan ahead paired with flexibility can go a long way.
Chime In: What other tips for traveling with hungry kiddos do you have? Share yours in the comments!
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