{"id":2745,"date":"2019-01-17T19:27:58","date_gmt":"2019-01-17T19:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thewanderingrumpus.com\/?p=2745"},"modified":"2019-01-17T19:40:14","modified_gmt":"2019-01-17T19:40:14","slug":"tips-for-eating-well-when-traveling-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewanderingrumpus.com\/index.php\/2019\/01\/17\/tips-for-eating-well-when-traveling-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips For Eating Well When Traveling With Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether by plane, train or automobile, eating well when traveling with kids can be hard, expensive and sometimes stressful. Especially if you have picky eaters<\/a> or kids with food allergies. I have learned that with a little planning and some simple preparation, better eating is possible (and fun) on your next family trip. Sometimes I prep and prepare things beforehand and other times I work with what I\u2019ve got! And yes, we indulge a lot on vacation too \u2014 but we do try to find a balance to keep everyone’s energy up throughout the trip! Here are a few tips and ideas for you to consider on your next trip with kids:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Airport terminal food can be super pricey and full of salt. Bring instant oatmeal packets (hot water is always available), squeezable fruit<\/a>, granola bars, peanut butter crackers, or nuts to stay satisfied and keep your little ones from getting \u201changry.\u201d Make homemade banana muffins or oatmeal cookies to satisfy the sweet cravings with less sugar. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after you get through security to keep everyone hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pack a small cooler with sandwiches (pb&j or hummus with veggies), drinkable yogurts, fresh fruit (we like to fill a Tupperware with sliced apples, strawberries, and grapes & bring cups to fill and eat out of), hard-boiled eggs, fruit and veggie gummies<\/a>, and bagels with cream cheese. When my girls were little, we also packed dried \u201cO\u201d shaped cereal and string that kids can both string and eat!
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At a Hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Request a mini-fridge in your hotel room and fill it with yogurt, fresh berries, cheese & crackers \u2014 and maybe a beer or bottle of wine for the parents, ahem. You can eat a quick breakfast in the morning with your mini-fridge stash and you will be so happy to come back to your room with some healthy snacks after a day of exploring. If you are staying at a hotel with a breakfast buffet included, find the best offerings. Grab fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, peanut butter packets, and oatmeal\u2014and take any leftovers with you, especially if your kids tend to be distracted at breakfast and super hungry an hour later!
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In a Rental<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pre-make some family favorite dishes like lasagna, a casserole or soup that you can cook or reheat in the kitchen. Make grilling easier by prepping spice rubs or marinades before you go since you may not have a stocked pantry. Bring some favorite recipes, visit a local grocery store or market to buy fresh ingredients to cook instead of dining out every night.
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At a Restaurant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Try to eat early with kids to avoid peak restaurant hours and order an appetizer as soon as you are seated \u2014 edamame, hummus and<\/g> pita or sweet potato fries will help keep your kids occupied and satisfied while deciding what to order. Look at the children\u2019s menu but also consider an entree with several components that they can share (with each other or with you).
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Out and About<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pack a backpack with water, trail mix and a sweet treat for the kiddos like lollipops or small chocolates. Add a farmers\u2019 market to your itinerary so you can enjoy local food and learn about the area. Throw a light blanket, wrap or towel in your backpack, grab a variety of local foods at the market and enjoy a picnic while exploring.
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General Tips<\/g><\/h2>\n\n\n\n