Travelling with picky eaters can quickly turn a dream trip into a dietary nightmare. With the right approach, though, you can enjoy a fantastic journey without compromising on meals or peace of mind.

In this guide, we'll share practical tips to help you take over the world of picky eating while travelling, so everyone can enjoy the adventure. 

Unlock Peaceful Mealtimes: Your Go-To Guide for Picky Eaters

If daily mealtime battles are wearing you down, grab Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller, one of Australia's top childhood obesity experts. This handy resource is packed with tips for tackling different dietary needs and bringing harmony back to your family meals. Say goodbye to the chaos and hello to stress-free, enjoyable dinners!

Put an end to mealtime battles and start enjoying peaceful family dinners! Grabe your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and transform your dining experiences for the better.

12 Effective Tips To Travel With Picky Eaters

Picky eaters, whether they are fussy kids or selective adults, can easily ruin the mood when travelling. But with a little planning, you can turn potential mealtime stress into enjoyable moments. Here are 13 effective tips to help ensure that every meal on your journey is enjoyable and satisfying for everyone involved:

1. Prepare Favourite Snacks

Packing snacks your travel crew loves can make a world of difference for picky eaters. Go for a mix of indulgent yet healthy treats, like granola bars, sliced fruits or mini sandwiches. These familiar flavours offer a comforting sense of security, especially when dealing with new foods. Also, having snacks on hand is a lifesaver during long trips or when meal options are scarce. It keeps everyone’s spirits and energy high.

Need some snack inspiration? Check out our article on Healthy Snacks For Fussy Eaters That Are Sure to Impress for some tasty ideas!

2. Research Restaurants in Advance

Plan ahead for tasty meals on your trip to make everyone happier. Before you go, check out some restaurants that everyone will love. Look for places with food everyone can enjoy, like options for picky eaters or people with special diets. With a list of pre-approved dining spots, you can avoid conflicts and make mealtimes something everyone looks forward to throughout your journey.

3. Choose Accommodation with Kitchen Facilities

Having a kitchen in your accommodation can be a total game-changer, especially when you're travelling with picky eaters or those with specific dietary needs. You get to whip up your own meals, ensuring they match everyone’s tastes and requirements. Not only does this save you some cash, but it also gives you full control over ingredients and how you prepare them.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a fussy eater involved in the cooking process during your trip! Research shows that kids who help with meal prep tend to be in a better mood and eat better too. Access to a kitchen also means you can dodge the stress of dealing with unfamiliar menus or explaining complicated dietary restrictions. Whether it’s kicking off the day with a familiar breakfast or whipping up a quick late-night snack, having a kitchen makes your stay way more comfortable and convenient!

4. Introduce New Foods Slowly

The secret? Introduce new flavours gradually—no rushing allowed! On vacation, mix new ingredients with familiar favourites for a smoother transition. For example, adding local cheese to a beloved sandwich can make those new tastes feel less intimidating. This way, mealtime turns into a fun adventure rather than a chore, helping them explore new foods without pressure and possibly sparking an interest in local cuisine.

For more handy tips and tricks to encourage your picky eater to try new foods, check out our article.

5. Stick to Regular Meal Times

When travelling with a fussy eater, sticking to a set mealtime schedule can make all the difference. Kids thrive on routine! Regular meal and snack times give kids a sense of security, making the idea of trying new foods feel way less intimidating. When they know what to expect, they feel more relaxed, which opens the door to introducing new flavours. 

Furthermore, a consistent routine helps avoid constant snacking, so they come to the table with a healthy appetite and a willingness to try something new—even in unfamiliar places! By planning your itinerary to include some downtime around meals, you can turn mealtime into a fun and stress-free experience for everyone on your trip.

6. Involve Everyone in Meal Planning

Let your picky eaters help choose a restaurant or pick a meal to cook during your stay. For example, if your child loves pasta, you could let them decide on the sauce or toppings for a fun family cooking night. This gives them a sense of control and excitement about the meals and makes them more likely to enjoy what’s on the table. It also encourages teamwork, as everyone’s preferences are acknowledged and respected, which can really enhance the overall vibe of your trip.

7. Stay Hydrated

It’s really important to stay hydrated, especially when you're travelling. Sometimes, kids might feel hungry or cranky when they're actually just thirsty, which can make mealtimes trickier, especially with picky eaters. 

Make sure everyone has a reusable water bottle and remind them to take regular sips throughout the day, not just during meals. This little habit can help keep everyone in a good mood and ready to eat. It makes it easier to stick to mealtime routines and reduces any fussiness that comes from being dehydrated.

8. Flexible Scheduling

It’s great to have some structure while travelling, but being too strict with your schedule can add stress, especially for picky eaters who might feel pressured at mealtimes. Instead, try to keep your travel plans flexible, so you can adjust your meals based on how the day is going and everyone's mood. 

A more relaxed approach helps ease any tension around mealtime and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. You’ll have the freedom to shift meal times or change plans without throwing off your day, making it more fun for everyone.

9. Educate About Local Cuisines

You can kickstart the adventure of introducing picky eaters to local cuisines even before you hit the road! Consider diving into some cookbooks, watching fun culinary videos, or hosting a themed dinner night to give them a sneak peek of what’s to come. This engaging approach can transform any worries into excitement and curiosity, making them more open to trying local dishes when you arrive. By familiarising them with what to expect, mealtimes can become more enjoyable and adventurous.

It’s also a great idea to chat with your kids about the importance of picking the right foods. Check out our Education section to discover which food items are good for your kid's health and what to steer clear of.

10. Offer Rewards for Trying New Foods

During your trip, motivating picky eaters to try new foods with small rewards can create a positive mealtime atmosphere. You can set up a system where trying a new food leads to a reward, such as a sticker, a small toy or choosing a fun activity for the next day. This makes trying new foods an exciting adventure instead of a chore. It also encourages them to explore all the delicious flavours your travel destination has to offer.

11. Ensure Meals Are Balanced

Aim for a balance in meals by incorporating different food groups, even when catering to specific tastes. You can satisfy everyone’s nutritional needs while introducing a variety of foods in manageable portions. For example, you could serve a favourite protein alongside some new or less popular sides, creating a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. This strategy helps normalise new foods, making it easier to include them in the regular diet.

12. Keep a Positive Attitude

Your attitude can make a huge difference in the dining experience for picky eaters. Keeping things positive, patient, and supportive helps take the stress out of trying new foods or dining in unfamiliar places. By highlighting the fun and adventure in each mealtime challenge, you can encourage a more relaxed and open mindset about eating. What could be a stressful situation can transform into an exciting opportunity for growth and enjoyment!

To know how you can keep a positive attitude while dealing with picky eaters check out our Resources at Feeding Fussy Kids.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with picky eaters doesn’t have to be a headache if you approach it with the right game plan! Pack their favourite snacks, research dining options ahead of time, and keep a flexible schedule to cater to even the fussiest tastes. Maintain a positive vibe and get everyone involved in meal decisions to turn potential mealtime battles into fun bonding moments.

Preparation and flexibility are your secret weapons for a smooth travel experience, letting everyone explore new flavours at their own pace. Follow these tips, and you’ll discover that travelling with picky eaters can be just as delightful as any other adventure!

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.