Guest Post By: Kelley Last, Contiki traveler
I consider myself to be a picky eater and when I first started traveling, I was nervous that I’d starve while on vacation. One of the greatest ways to experience a new culture is through the food, and I’ve learned not to be afraid anymore. If you play it safe and plan ahead, you really have nothing to worry about.
Here are my tips for fueling on vacation:
1.) Pack Snacks
We always pack a box of granola bars in our suitcase. They come in handy for long bus rides or to tide you over in between meals. A hungry traveler is no fun at all. You may not need to dig into your stash, but in case you do, you’ll be happy you have them! Be wary of chocolate though. Chocolate coated anything does not fare well in a hot purse all day.
2.) Drink Lots of Water
Goes without saying, but drinking a lot of water will help you stay hydrated and energized throughout your amazing trip. Sleeping in hotels and traveling in buses can make your skin dry too. Sometimes you’ll be so busy and distracted you might forget to chug that H2O, but I recommend buying a bottle every morning and sipping it throughout the day while you’re touring.
3.) Try the Local Dish
Many of the Contiki tours offer local dinners where you can try a traditional meal from the region you’re in. I was skeptical of some of the foreign food at first, but was surprised to find out I actually liked Borsht from Russia and Pesto from Italy. Don’t be afraid to try something new. It will definitely add to the experience.
4.) Take Pictures of your Food
It may sound silly, but take photos of your culinary adventures. I said it before, but food really is a huge part of traveling. You’ll want to remember the restaurants you ate in and the meals you enjoyed.
5.) Use your lunch-time to explore local hotspots
Most Contiki tours don’t have organized group lunches, which is a great opportunity to get out and discover local cuisine on your own. You could seek out a restaurant famous for a certain dish, or relax al fresco and take in the sights as you dine.
6.) Do your Research
For the most part, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your food, but do your research ahead of time just in case. I usually never drink from the tap and even brush my teeth with bottled water. In certain countries (like Egypt and Russia), we stayed away from fruits or anything washed in the water. Carbs like bread, pasta, rice and fries are usually a safe bet. You want to try to eat healthy, but you also don’t want to risk getting sick.
7.) When in doubt…
There is always a McDonalds in nearly every touristy city.
8.) Eat Gelato. Daily.
This doesn’t really need an explanation, does it?.
Mmmm, Gelato!
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Kelley is a self-proclaimed world traveler and has taken three Contiki tours (and counting)! She is originally from Boston, but now calls Los Angeles her home. When she’s not traveling, she’s running marathons, watching soccer games, eating cupcakes or planning her next trip. You can follow her adventures (both big and small) on her blog: www.kelocity.com or on twitter: @kelocity.
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