There are many benefits to a well “stocked” pantry, refrigerator ect… in our home. When healthy choices are available, we are more likely to make them. I quote a bit of that research in the first post of this series on Airport Food..
Here’s what I know for sure… that also applies when you travel! Crossing the state, country or work my process has become a routine:
- Destination
- Date
- Select flight
- Select hotel
- Research Grocery stores to get food!
I can’t say I’ve perfected the “stock your hotel room” concept, but I have learned from my mistakes and refined approaches.
10 Ways to Stock the Hotel Room
Prep
1. Research your hotel location to see if there are any Grocery stores nearby ahead of your departure.
- I’ve made the mistake of having groceries delivered to the hotel, only to find out there was store right around the corner. 🤦🏾♀️
- Learn from my mistakes, and take 5 min on this step ahead of time.
Plan
2. Make a list of meals and snacks
- Knowing which meals and snacks you will eat out vs in-room will help with not overbuying.
- I’ve made the mistake of grabbing a few extra fruit for b-fast only to have my family request b-fast out one day.
- This 2 min step can save on your budget.
3. Call your hotel ahead of time and request a mini fridge if one is not available.
- I’ve never had a hotel decline the request.
- On the contrary, most will confirm or even in one case wheel a fridge up to the room 🤯 to accommodate dietary needs.
4. Schedule time ahead of your event or travel for a Grocery run
- This one can be a bit harder but totally worth the time spent.
- During a recent conference attendance, I recommended this step to a few colleagues. We had a blast riding an Uber over the store and getting our rooms ready for a great long weekend.
- This to can be a fun “bonding” experience for new friends.
Purchase
5. Create a mini pantry in your room.
- Keep in mind the number of days and refer back to your list of meals.
6. Choose dry goods
- Nuts, Seeds, and popcorn can make great go-to breakfast and snack ideas for munching
- Whole wheat crackers, and whole fruit (🍌 🍎🍐) can also jump start the day with good choices.
7. Mini-fridge stock
- During this trip I had access to a microwave, and fridge so I was able to be a bit more liberal.
- This is the time pre-cut fruit and warm and go vegetables can be your best friends! Don’t shy away from them to give yourself a bit of convenience.
8. Water 💦
- I typically carry an empty water bottle in my carry-on.
- I purchase a larger bottle of water I can stash in the room and keep refilling my water bottle.
- If you don’t have a water bottle I guarantee the grocery store water pack will be cheaper than the hotel sundries 😆.
- Look out for the hotel water refill station as well. Sometimes these will be in the form of fruit-infused water. Fill up that water bottle!
9. Lean into your creature comforts
- I love Greek yogurt. I know having it on-hand will help me make better choices (adding fruit, and nuts become a perfect day or night snack for me).
- This item becomes a routine fav wherever I go.
10. Bring a small/micro lunch bag
- With a keep cold bag, you can throw a few snacks to much in between exploring, or in my case conference workshop sessions.
- My Mom and I also discussed using this method on a cruise. Having fresh fruit or snack options while reading on the deck.
- There are so many practical uses for a small bag packed i
BONUS! Supermarket Tourism is Real 😆
Here’s what I know, grocery stores not only tell you much about the community, but often provide a cultural experience you can’t “buy”. Don’t be afraid to Uber over and take your time. There can be a bit of “self-care” in shopping in a new place like a tourist.
I hope these tips are helpful. If you try them out on your next trip from me a line and let me know how it went!
In peace,
J