Heading out for a vacation is one of the most exciting things. Studies show that more and more Americans reduced or canceled their holidays during the pandemic. As this is detrimental to physical and mental health, taking a break can give you much-needed rest.
Whether you’re out of town for a week or two, you need some food and other stuff. Here’s why you should get it delivered and what you should get stocked.
Why You Need To Plan Your Vacation Groceries
When it’s your vacation, having enough to eat and drink is needed. Whether you’re taking a solo trip or going with a family, prep is essential. Having enough groceries is only ever an upside.
The first good reason to stock up is your personal preference. Many of us want specific foods, and some even have special dietary needs. Your vacation place may not have the necessary ingredients for your preferred meals.
Sure, you can try something local. But, when you get peckish, you want some of that comfort food you’re familiar with. Vegetarians and allergics will find it hard to find foods that cater to them, especially those going to a more exotic locale.
Another reason to stock up is the potential lack of places to get provisions. If you’re going to a mountain cabin or a sea cottage, you’ll likely find it hard to get groceries unless there’s a town nearby. Even then, you’ll indeed find the options limited.
Finally, bringing your own groceries can save you time and money. Finding restaurants is fantastic, but it can get expensive too. Those on a shoestring budget can enjoy groceries and cook what they want. You’ll know where everything comes from, too, so you don’t have to find legit sources around you.
What Groceries To Order For Your Vacation
Now that we have the reasons out of the way, what provisions should you get from your grocery delivery app? How much should you bring and what types should you have on you? All these depend on several factors.
How much and what food should you bring depends on:
- How many people you’re with
- Your vacation spot
- Length of vacation
- Type of vacation
- Food preferences
Some guides will provide you with general information on what to expect during your travels. You can also use services like GoTravelYourself to plan your destination, get tips, and even have your activities planned.
If you’re vacationing alone in a casual spot, you want enough ingredients to cover two meals per day. If you’re near or within civilization, it’s best to cover breakfast and another meal, usually one of either lunch or dinner. For those in the great outdoors, covering all meals is a necessity.
Most hotels, hostels, and BnB’s cover breakfast, so take that into account too. For those in remote locations, ample drinking water should be a priority, especially in a cabin or camping. You would want to bring as much as 7.5 liters of water per person per day.
Canned Goods and Meats
A common question when bringing groceries is having meat and canned goods. It has its pros and cons, especially if you’re traveling alone. While these are cumbersome and can easily spoil, they’re also perfect for outdoor activities.
So, should you bring some?
It’s best to bring some meat if you’ll eat it the same day or have refrigeration available. Family activities are never complete without a good barbecue. If you think you can’t make do without it, there are several alternatives.
If you’re vacationing alone, it’s best to pack light. It’s best to bring some dry goods that are easy to eat and quick to prep. If you have to have meat, prepared products like nuggets, burgers, and some chicken packs are lighter than others.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are a total staple for packing your suitcase. They’re filling, nutritious, and a breeze to prepare. Having them on hand means you never resort to fast food when hungry.
This is also where you’ll get your vitamins and other essential nutrients. Most fruits are easy to pack, high in fiber, and low in calories. They contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are good for you. The good thing about this is they also don’t need special refrigeration, which means they can last for a few days and stay fresh.
Smaller, bite-sized bruits are better for the types of fruits to bring with you. Strawberries, berries, raisins, dates, lemons, and leafy greens should be easy staples. Bananas are also easy to carry on the go foods that are both nutritious and make for a quick meal.
Fast Foods and Snacks
Disclaimer: we’re not talking about bringing you fast food burgers, fries, and soda. When we talk about fast food, we mean easy and light carry foods that are wholesome and can fill you when you’re peckish. These include nuts, trail mixes, hummus, protein bars, and even hard-boiled eggs.
Fast foods and snack foods are common staples in many diets. They contain the nutrients your body needs for energy. You can eat these on the go, and they usually taste great.
Cheese and Dairy
Cheese is a staple in many parts of the world. It can provide calcium, mineral, and protein for bone health. It can also satiate hunger when paired with carbs.
The types of cheese you can bring with you depend on the venue. For picnics, soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie are convenient. For barbecues, Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great.
As for dairy products, milk is the best. But, if you’re traveling to a cooler locale, yogurt and cream cheese are alternatives that provide the same benefits. Dairy alternatives like nut milk are also fantastic to have.
Don’t Forget Your Essentials
Taking your toiletries and hygiene products with you is also vital. Like having food and clothes, having clean hands, face, and mouth is essential.
When you’re in a new environment, your best bet is to pack the basics. This means a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and washcloth. It may seem small, but you’ll be thankful to have these when you need them.
If you want to take it a step further, having hand sanitizer, wipes, and baby products is better. Sure, hotels provide amenities, but it never hurts if you have your own too.
Final Thoughts
Planning your grocery list is crucial if you’re ready to go on vacation. You don’t want to rush out to the nearest grocery store to find that they’re out of your favorites.
Bringing your food and water is wise but don’t go overboard. When deciding what to take, keep in mind that having too much of anything isn’t a good idea. Having too many snacks can drain your energy and keep you from doing what you want.
Having your vacation grocery list delivered to you should give you an easier, more enjoyable time.