Eating on Vacation: How to Stay Nourished, Hydrated & Satisfied

By Amber Charles, MSPH, RDN

March 15, 2021

As the world continues to adjust to living with the #newnormal, you may consider venturing out and taking a (much-needed) vacation.

You may have a lot of anxiety around eating during a vacation – especially during a pandemic.

What should you eat? How can you stay on top of your nutrition AND enjoy the (foodie) experiences?

What if you go “off course”? Should you be saving your calories to splurge at dinner? Will this vacation stunt your weight loss goals?

If you have spent any time worrying about these or became frustrated: Do. Not. Fear.

This blog has got you covered.

In this blog:

• Vacation type

• How to eat healthy on vacation

• Eating on vacation with diabetes

• Must-haves

• Takeaway

Picture courtesy Amber Charles/Tobago vacation 2021

Vacation type

Staycation, domestic or international vacation?

Are all meals included, or just breakfast? Do you plan on trying local favorites, eating out or staying in?

Do you need to purchase your own groceries for the duration of your stay? Do your tours include meals?

Answering these questions will help to put your food environment into perspective and may ease your anxiety by forming the foundation of your #foodie plan.

If all or some meals are provided, feel free to browse the online menu or contact the hotel/resort for additional information.

If you are purchasing foods to prepare your meals or are eating out, scout ahead to determine your food access – what groceries are in the area, restaurants, street foods and meal delivery services?

Maybe you’d have breakfast at the hotel and lunch out on the town. You decide what works best for you and what you’re comfortable with.

This is a key step for the meticulous and stressed planner that is informative, helps you to retain some sense of control and ease anxiety surrounding your upcoming trip.