Holidays are a time to embrace new experiences and for many, this involves indulging in exciting new foods and local delicacies.
However, for anyone travelling with picky eaters, finding food options that satisfy every family member can be very challenging.
In this guide, we’ll offer tips and advice for overcoming the challenges of travelling with picky eaters.
Follow these helpful suggestions to harmonise your holiday and ensure everyone’s taste buds are satisfied and smiling.
Understanding a picky eater
A picky eater often has a limited ‘safe’ food list and they tend to reject anything unfamiliar or outside their comfort zone. This can stem from sensitivity to taste, texture, smell, or even colour.
When these individuals face a plate of foreign cuisine, it might trigger anxiety and frustration rather than enthusiasm.
There are many resources available to help caregivers manage picky eating.
However, fussy eating can be particularly challenging when travelling away from home. Navigating this as a family during holidays requires empathetic planning and smart strategies to ensure every member has an enjoyable mealtime experience, no matter where you are in the world.
Tips for Accommodating Picky Eaters on Holiday
Here are some tips for accommodating picky eaters during your holiday travels:
Research food options beforehand
For travelling with picky eaters, preparation is key. Just as you’d prepare for a trip by purchasing travel insurance, so too should you anticipate any culinary challenges that may arise, particularly for those extra picky eaters in the family.
Before setting off on your adventure, conduct thorough research on the food options at your destination. Many places have a variety of restaurants that offer a mix of local and international cuisines. Having a list of potential eateries that serve familiar foods can provide a safety net for wary diners. Not only does this alleviate the stress of daily meal planning while on the go, but it also ensures a smoother dining experience overall.
Find accommodation with cooking facilities
For those comfortable with preparing meals on the road, another option is to consider accommodation that includes a kitchenette or cooking facilities. This offers the freedom to whip up dishes your selective eater already enjoys.
As well as removing any stress of choosing the next place to eat, cooking your meals can lead to significant savings during your trip. Even if daily cooking isn’t on the itinerary, having the option to rustle up simple and familiar meals can greatly benefit picky eaters during your stay.
Bring familiar snacks
For those unexpected moments when your child just won’t eat anything, it’s always handy to have some backup snacks on hand!
Always try to carry a supply of preferred snacks for times when meal options don’t work out. This will help to avoid hunger pangs and meltdowns, keeping everyone happy.
If travelling interstate or internationally, it’s a good idea to check food regulations and restrictions beforehand. Make sure you can bring along your child’s favourite snacks without any issues at customs.
Introduce new foods gradually
Holidays are a perfect time to slowly broaden a picky eater’s food horizons (the key word being “slowly”). Before the trip, perhaps introduce small elements of the cuisine you might encounter. Making it a fun and low-pressure experience at home takes away the stress of trying new foods in a public setting.
Once you arrive at your destination, try to incorporate new foods into meals in a non-forceful manner.
For example, ordering one new dish alongside familiar ones, or asking for small samples from local food vendors. This allows your picky eater to become more comfortable with unfamiliar flavours and textures without feeling overwhelmed.
Use buffets to your advantage
Buffet-style restaurants are a great option as they generally have a range of food options to suit everyone’s taste. Picky eaters can have control over what they choose to eat and how much of it to try, making the experience less daunting. Take advantage of the variety and experiment with new foods in small portions.
These types of restaurants may also have a mix of local and familiar options, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Encourage your child to try at least one new item each time and praise their efforts, even if they don’t end up liking the food. The goal is exposure and making the dining experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Consider the presentation
It may not be the taste of the food that your child is struggling with, but rather its appearance or texture. Try different presentations of the same food to see if it entices your picky eater to give it a go. For instance, if they don’t like whole fruits, try cutting them into fun shapes or making a fruit kabob.
Additionally, consider the texture and temperature preferences of your child.
Children, especially picky eaters, respond well to fun and creative meal ideas.
Use local ingredients and cultural dishes as inspiration for creating fun and visually appealing meals, such as encouraging your child to design their own sushi roll with different fillings. Not only does this offer a new dining experience, but it also allows them to become more comfortable with trying new foods in a fun and interactive way.
Be patient and understanding
Travelling can be overwhelming for little ones, especially when it comes to food. They may feel out of their comfort zone trying new dishes in unfamiliar environments.
As a parent, it’s important to remain patient and understanding during these times.
Encourage your child to try new foods while also having some familiar options on hand for them to fall back on if needed. Avoid pressuring them to eat something they dislike; instead, offer praise and encouragement for their openness to trying new things.
Celebrate their effort, regardless of whether they enjoy the taste, focusing instead on the behaviour of giving new things a go.
Communicate with restaurants
Don’t hesitate to explain your situation to the restaurant staff. Chefs are often willing to make minor adjustments to dishes to make them more palatable for picky eaters. For instance, they may be able to leave out certain ingredients or offer a separate sauce on the side.
By communicating your needs and preferences, you can potentially find a solution that works for both you and your child. This also helps avoid misunderstandings or surprise dishes that your child may not be comfortable trying.
Keep mealtimes positive
Lead by example, and show enthusiasm when trying new foods yourself. A positive attitude towards experimenting can be infectious and might inspire a hesitant diner to follow suit. Try the food first, in front of the picky eater, and express delight as you eat. This will demonstrate to them that the food is tasty and safe.
On top of this, keep mealtime conversations positive and stress-free. Avoid making fussiness the centre of attention, and instead make mealtime a pleasant part of the day.
While dealing with picky eaters on holiday can be somewhat challenging at times, it’s also an opportunity for growth.
Picky eating is just as much about emotion and psychology as it is about flavours and food. Encountering new cuisines can be an enriching experience, potentially encouraging a more varied diet.
A holiday with a picky eater can still be as delicious as it is memorable, with a little foresight and the right mindset.
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