Let’s be honest—traveling with kids can be an epic adventure… but feeding them? That’s a whole different journey.
Whether you’ve got a selective eater, a sensory-sensitive kiddo, or a food-loving tween who just wants to eat sushi and gelato, meal time while traveling can bring out both the best and the most stressful parts of a family trip.
So let’s talk strategy.
Meet the Safe Foods Suitcase
Yes, we have a literal suitcase for safe foods. Zero exaggeration and zero shame when I tell you I pack our “Safe Foods Suitcase” before I even pack our clothes!
Why? Because the last thing I want is for my kid to be hangry on hour 12 of a travel day, or for me to be stressing over sesame seeds at a beachside burger shack.
Inside our Safe Foods Suitcase:
- Burger buns (no sesame seeds, thank you very much)
- Fruit pouches and crackers
- Shelf-stable protein (my kids won’t eat chicken nuggets, but love some canned salmon. Weirdos!)
- Instant oatmeal (you can find hot water and half and half at any coffee shop!)
- Barilla ready to eat pasta and some salt packets. Because sometimes it really is just about getting a few calories in thier bodies!
This isn’t about avoiding local cuisine. It’s about knowing we have a backup plan. It’s a lot easier to try the weird-looking empanada when you know there’s a cinnamon applesauce pouch waiting in the bag.
Snacks Are Self-Care (for Everyone)
I always, always travel with easy grab-and-go options. If we’re running to catch a train or stuck in traffic on the way to a jungle eco-park, those safe snacks can save the day.
Also, airport food is expensive. And sometimes, just not it.
The Buffet Is Your Best Friend
One of my favorite travel perks—especially at all-inclusive resorts and cruises—is the buffet. If you’ve got picky eaters, this is gold. Why?
Because they get to choose.
No surprises. No pressure. No expensive entrée staring you down while your child announces, dramatically, “I don’t like it anymore.”
At the buffet, kids can:
- Take tiny bites of things without committing
- Try that odd-looking potato-cheese-thing because they chose it
- Grab three slices of watermelon and some breadsticks and still be considered a success
And for neurodivergent kids (like mine), seeing everything ahead of time removes a ton of anxiety. They know what to expect. They can plan their plate. That control? It makes a big difference.
The Joy of Re-Dos
Another reason I love all-inclusives and cruises: the no-pressure dining.
If your kid doesn’t like their meal? No problem—order something else. If they suddenly decide they’re vegetarian after ordering chicken? Great! There’s pasta and veggies and fries right there.
You’re not shelling out $27 for a plate of untouched chicken nuggets like you might at a restaurant. You’re giving your kids space to try, and maybe fail, without guilt or tons of extra waste.
We’ve even been known to hit the buffet right before or after our restuarant experiences…fed kids are happy kids!
Trying New Foods… When They’re Ready
Let’s be clear: I do encourage my kids to try new foods. I want them to experience the flavors of the places we visit. But I never force it.
What works for us:
- Sharing new things and making it low-stakes (“Want a bite of mine?”)
- Celebrating curiosity, even if they don’t love it (“You tried cactus juice! That’s awesome!”)
- New foods are new foods!! It’s easy to focus on getting kids to eat healthier options, but even if they hit up the dessert station and try 4 new desserts, they are experiencing new flavors in a positive way. Play the long game and maybe trying those desserts at lunch will lead to trying the curry at dinner!
Some kids try the weirdest things first. Others just want plain rice—and that’s okay. We’re building trust, one bite at a time.
Final Thoughts
Food can be a source of connection, adventure, and joy on a trip—or it can be a huge stressor. The secret is in the balance: bring the comfort foods, plan ahead, and create opportunities to explore.
And when in doubt? Hit the buffet, pack the buns, and don’t forget the snacks.
Happy munching,
Sara 🍓
Mom. Traveler. Safe Foods Suitcase Pack-er. And Founder of The Traveling Mommune.
