Despite what many people think being a fussy eater isn’t limited to being a child. There is a myriad of reasons why you might have food issues and these can cause some major problems when you’re planning trips. If you’re happy stuffing your face with everything on your plate then you probably won’t understand that travelling as a fussy eater can be filled with stress, anxiety, illness and in some of the worst cases can actually prevent people from travelling altogether.

I’ve always been a fussy eater, it would be easier for me to list the food that I do like than those that I don’t like.  Colour, texture, smell all contribute to my disliking certain foods, but often it was the unfamiliar that would also prevent me from even trying things in the first place. 

If you are travelling as a fussy eater or travelling with one and you are worried about how you’re going to find places to eat with food that won’t cause anxiety. 

Travelling as a Fussy Eater

Do Your Homework

Before you head on your trip, do a little research, look up the local restaurants and check out the menus. Get an idea of the sort of food that’s available so that you might be able to plan what you’ll order before you even arrive.

Practice Beforehand

Depending on where you’re going, find out if there are any restaurants or cafes close to where you live that offer a similar cuisine, then head there to get an idea of what food might be offered. 

Fill Up at Breakfast

If you’re staying somewhere that offers a good breakfast (a buffet is the best sort) then fill up on the things you like. I would always recommend having a good breakfast as it will fill even the most fussy eater up for a few hours whilst your exploring your destination.

Translate When Essential

If there are certain foods you’re concerned about then translate them into the relevant language, then keep them noted somewhere, either in you phone or on some paper. That way you can look out for them on the menu and avoid them without unwanted surprises.

Stock Up on Snacks

Find a local shop, supermarket or food market and buy a few snacks, pop them in your bag and keep them for times of the day when you might be feeling peckish. Depending on where you travel to you might even be able to take snacks from home. That way you’ll have familiar things to hand that you won’t need to worry about.

Be Hungry

Go in search of lunch or dinner when you’re actually hungry, this will give you less time to overthink where and what you want to eat and will force you to make a decision and hopefully eat the meal before too much anxiety can set in.

Take a Food Tour

If you’re particularly unfamiliar and nervous about a certain cuisine then book a food tour for the day of your arrival – give yourself a few hours in case of delays and time to settle in. This way you’ll have a guide to provide you with information about the place and the food, you’ll be told about the cooking processes and origins of the ingredients.

Travel With Someone

As someone who advocates solo travel it might seem a little strange that I would suggest this, but sometimes confidence is contagious. Travel and eat with someone who doesn’t have any food hang-ups, make sure it’s someone who won’t be too judgemental of you and your food issues. 

Finally… Just be brave.

Your travelling to explore, to experience. So try to challenge yourself to try new things.

Remember, if you don’t like something, you don’t need to have it again.

How do you deal with travelling as a fussy eater or even with one?

Let me know in the comments.