🍽️ Travelling with Picky Eaters: Stress-Free Tips for Family Holidays
Travelling with kids is one thing. Travelling with picky eaters? That’s a whole different challenge.
What if they won’t eat anything?
What if every meal turns into a battle?
What if they live on bread for a week?
Here’s the truth:
👉 That’s actually more normal than you think.
Both of my kids have gone through phases of not liking things, but my eldest took things to the extreme when it came to picky eating. He is much better these days, but still very reluctant to try new things. So I feel your pain when it comes to travelling to unknown places where the food may be different to what they are used to.
This guide on travelling with picky eaters will help you take the pressure off, keep your kids fed, and make mealtimes on holiday feel much less stressful.
✨ First: Lower the Pressure (This Changes Everything)
When you’re at home, balanced meals and variety matter.
When you’re travelling? The rules can relax a little.
If your child:
- Eats plain pasta every day
- Survives on bread and fruit
- Refuses to try anything new
That’s okay.
👉 A fed child is more important than a perfectly balanced diet—especially on holiday.
🍞 Stick to “Safe Foods”
Most picky eaters have a few go-to foods they’ll almost always eat.
The good news?
You can usually find versions of these almost anywhere.
Common “safe foods” abroad:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Chips/fries
- Fruit
- Plain chicken
💡 Tip: Look for simple menu options rather than trying to translate complex dishes.
🧃 Always Have Backup Snacks
Snacks are your safety net.
They:
- Prevent hunger meltdowns
- Buy you time between meals
- Take the pressure off trying new foods
Easy travel snacks:
- Crackers
- Snack bars
- Dry cereal
- Fruit pouches
- Biscuits
💡 Keep a small stash with you at all times—especially when heading out for the day.
If you need some ideas for easy on the go snacks – Budget Friendly School Holiday Snack Ideas
🍝 Don’t Force New Foods
It’s tempting to think:
“We’re on holiday—they should try something new!”
But pressure usually backfires especially when travelling with picky eaters.
Instead try offering new foods alongside familiar ones. Give them a chance to try them (or not) without the pressure and always keep the experience positive.
👉 Travel can gently expose kids to new foods—but it shouldn’t feel like a battle.
🪑 Choose Restaurants Strategically
Not all restaurants are created equal when travelling with kids. Look out for places that have simple menus, customisable meals and are a casual, family-friendly setting.
I love trying new foods and nice restaurants, but when on holiday with a fussy eater, you should definitely try to avoid overly formal places, anything with fixed menu and places that have long waiting times.
💡 Tip: Checking menus in advance can save a lot of stress. Agree options before going out to eat, so that your children know that there will be something that they are happy to eat.
🧠 Let Kids Have Some Control
Giving kids a small sense of control can make a big difference.
Try:
- Letting them choose between two options
- Asking what they’d like to eat (within reason)
- Letting them pick snacks at a shop
This helps them feel involved rather than overwhelmed.
🕒 Timing Matters More Than You Think
Hungry + tired = meltdown territory.
I know that times can easily slip when on holiday, but if at all possible, try to eat earlier than usual if needed. If an early dinner time isn’t possible, carry snacks to bridge the gap. You want to avoid long waits for food.
💡 Sometimes it’s not about what they’re eating—it’s about when.
📑Come prepared
Sometimes a wait is unavoidable in restaurants and when we’re tired and hungry on top of that, it can quickly turn into meltdown territory and that is before the food issue comes into it.
Always take some distractions with you when going out to eat. A favourite book, small toy or activity sheet and crayons can do wonders when patience is in short supply.
I have created a restaurant scavenger hunt for just these moments.
🍦 It’s Okay to Be Flexible
Holidays aren’t the time for strict food rules.
It’s okay if your child ends up eating more snacks than usual or more “treat” foods. I remember a holiday where my eldest had chips for every meal. The only rule I had was that he ate a variety of salad items to go with the chips for some balance. Thankfully salad is something he does generally eat.
👉 You can return to normal routines when you’re home.
🧳 Bring a Few Familiar Items (If You Can)
If you have space, packing a few familiar foods can be really helpful:
- Favourite snacks
- Breakfast staples
- Anything you know they reliably eat
This gives you an easy fallback when options feel limited.
If you are someone that usually overpacks for holidays, I have shared some tips to help you pack like a pro in my Travelling with Kids Packing List post.
🚨 When Things Don’t Go to Plan
Even with the best preparation, there will be moments when they refuse to eat anything and nothing on the menu works. Frustration will kick-in for everyone. Sometimes that’s just unavoidable.
When that happens:
- Stay calm
- Offer a simple alternative
- Move on
One difficult meal won’t ruin your trip.
💛 Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
Travelling with a picky eater doesn’t have to be stressful.
Focus on:
- Keeping them fed (not perfect)
- Reducing pressure
- Staying flexible
The goal isn’t to create perfect meals—it’s to enjoy your time together.
📌 Coming Next
Next in the series:
How to Make Travelling More Fun for Kids (Without Screens)
If you want to follow the whole series, read the ultimate guide to travelling with kids
💬 Over to You
Do you have a picky eater?
What’s your go-to “safe food” when travelling?
Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear!
