When we go on holiday, we don’t just want to relax—we also want a break from everyday routines. This applies to both kids and adults. The rhythm is different, the schedule shifts: later mornings, evening walks, leisurely dinners. Meal times may get pushed around, but we still aim to keep up with at least three proper meals a day—especially when traveling with a young child.

We usually do our main grocery shop on the first day so the rest of the week runs more smoothly. Having a fridge is a major plus—it lets us stock up on essentials like dairy products and fresh veggies. For fresh bread, we prefer picking it up daily from a local bakery, ideally wholegrain.

Shopping as part of the holiday vibe

Grocery shopping isn’t just a chore—it’s part of the travel experience. We love discovering local produce, food culture, and flavors. Our daughter often marvels at unfamiliar fruits or colorful packaging. It helps all of us ease into our new surroundings and feel “mentally arrived.”

Keep cooking simple—and quick

Nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen while on holiday. That’s why we stick to meals that take no more than 20–30 minutes to prepare, require just a few ingredients and tools, and can be easily adapted: pasta with sauce, rice-and-veg bowls, egg-based dishes, fresh salads.

No matter where you are in the world, you’ll almost always find these budget-friendly staples: canned beans, corn, fish, tomato sauce, rice, pasta, dried legumes. With a bit of creativity, they turn into filling and wholesome meals.

Lunch: eat out or cook in?

Since we’re usually out exploring during the day, we’re rarely at the apartment around lunchtime. Instead, we grab lunch on the go. We always check in advance where we might stop to eat, depending on the day’s itinerary. Usually, we opt for a local restaurant or a sandwich bar. It’s a great way to try regional dishes—asking your host for recommendations helps avoid tourist traps and leads to more authentic food experiences.

For full-day outings: plan ahead

Before a full-day trip, we make sure we’re well prepared. We always eat breakfast in the apartment to fuel up. Then we pack something to snack on—usually sandwiches (which we try to eat early in the day), plus non-perishable options like fruit, wholegrain crackers, and granola bars that fit easily in a backpack.

Hydration is key, especially in warm weather. And we always ask ourselves: do we need to prep something for dinner too? If we’re getting back late, it’s helpful to have a plan.

Dinner: out and about, or homemade and cozy?

Evenings are perfect for a laid-back dinner. If the day’s been long and we didn’t plan ahead, we might eat out. But when we return to the apartment in good time, we like to throw something together ourselves—simple meals like sandwiches, egg dishes, salads, or a quick hot dinner. The key is speed and simplicity.

Personal tip: easy dinners = less stress

A few years ago, I used to say, “I’m not cooking on holiday!” But I realized that planning just 3–4 easy dinners for the week actually reduces stress. It’s way easier than trying to decide each evening where to go, what to eat, and how to avoid overpriced, mediocre restaurants. Plus, it saves us a lot of money.

We cook meals that need minimal equipment, few ingredients, and come together fast. Our holiday motto: keep it minimal, not gourmet.

Our go-to holiday grocery list (flexible basics for a week)

Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Apples, bananas, berries, mandarins or grapes for our child—easy to eat and not too perishable.
• Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots—great raw or cooked.
• A leafy green like lettuce or baby spinach—for salads or sandwich fillings.

Dairy / dairy alternatives

• Plain yogurt or plant-based alternative—for breakfast with fruit or oats.
• Cheese—sliced or cubed for sandwiches or snacking.
• Milk or plant-based drinks—whatever we usually drink at home.

Bakery items

• Wholegrain bread or rolls—for breakfast and picnic lunches.
• Something crunchy like rice cakes.

Grains and pantry staples

• Brown rice, bulgur, quinoa, or pasta—depending on our mood, these make an easy dinner base.
• Oats—for breakfast, cooked with water or milk, topped with fruit.
• Tomato passata or canned tomatoes—for sauces or stews.

Basic seasonings & oil

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, dried oregano/basil—most apartments have these basics.
  Tip: Sometimes we pack a mini spice kit from home, especially if reviews say the kitchen is bare. That way, we don’t need to buy full packages.

Protein sources

• Eggs—so versatile and great for quick dinners.
• Chicken breast or fish—depending on the local options.
• Bacon or prosciutto—for sandwiches, omelets, or salads.

Healthy snacks

• Dried fruits, nuts, and seeds—check for allergens.
• Rice cakes, fruit bars.

For our 4-year-old

• Kids’ yogurt, preferably without added sugar.
• Small fruit purées—also great for travel.
• Rice cakes or yogurt snacks—perfect for nibbling on the go.

Don’t forget basic household supplies if not provided:

• Dish soap, sponge
• Paper towels, hand towels
• Tip: Bring a reusable sandwich bag or lunch box—you can even pack your plane snacks in it!

• Toilet paper (some places only provide a small starter roll)

Local shopping tips:

• Explore local markets and farm shops
• Even big supermarkets often have a section for organic or dietary products
• If someone in your family has food intolerances (e.g., gluten- or dairy-free), it’s smart to bring a few staples from home—not all countries make it easy to find alternatives.

With a little planning and mindfulness, eating well on holiday doesn’t have to be a hassle—it can be part of the joy. Simple, tasty, and healthy meals help save both money and energy, leaving more room for what really matters: making memories together.