Vacation is supposed to be stress-free and a time to relax but that isn’t always the case when you are trying to feed your family. Maybe you can’t decide where to go out to eat or everyone is tired from a fun day of activities or you’re missing a key ingredient you need to make a meal. Whatever the situation is, keeping everyone fed and happy can be difficult. If you are going on a vacation where you will be responsible for your own meals it may be a good idea to make a vacation food plan beforehand. This could save time and money, and prevent stress. Follow these steps and tips to help you create your vacation food plan.
1. Determine How Many Meals You Will Need to Plan For
Plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks for every day you will be away from home. Don’t forget to include travel days also. Traveling can be stressful enough, you don’t want the added stress of having to figure out last-minute meals. Prepare some travel snacks and / or meals ahead of time if possible. If that won’t work for you, then plan a restaurant to stop at while traveling.
2. Make a List of Your Family’s Favorite Meals
Make a list of your family’s favorite meals and then determine which of those meals you will be able to easily make during vacation. Don’t go overboard and try to make a complex meal because you may not have the supplies you need and vacation is supposed to be a time to unwind.
3. Consider Availability and Meals Out
Check your destination ahead of time to see what cooking supplies they offer. Do they have pots, pans, an oven, or a grill? Don’t forget about staple condiments such as salt, pepper, and ketchup, you may need to bring these with you or purchase them there. If you don’t want to cook every single day, plan some restaurant or take-out meals. If you have the time and resources, you could cook and freeze meals ahead of time to bring on vacation with you.
4. Make Lists
Once you have a general plan in your mind, make sure to write everything down. Make a list of what meals you will be having on what days. Make a list of all the ingredients you will be bringing or need to purchase when you get there. This will make carrying out your plan and your shopping much easier.
Follow these steps and tips to help you plan your vacation meals. This will prevent stress, and save time and money. When you are on vacation you should be relaxing and not stressing about keeping everyone fed.