Food hacks while travelling with little ones
It seems like you may have come across our page while searching for tips on traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids, particularly regarding their dietary needs. We understand the challenges of catering to fussy eaters while traveling and can relate to the initial concerns we had during our own journey to Bali, our first overseas trip. To ease your worries, we have compiled all the essential information about suitable foods, available options in local shops, and the variety of offerings in buffet breakfasts at the majority of hotels we have stayed in. We hope this condensed guide will assist you in ensuring that your little ones have enjoyable and nourishing meals throughout your travels.
Tips and Tricks
Commencing our blog on a high note, we are excited to share a collection of hacks that we have personally discovered and are eager to impart. These invaluable tips are designed to enhance your holiday experience, making it significantly more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Milk tip
During our time in Vanuatu, we discovered a clever strategy that we found to be quite usefu, to which we wish we knew when we first embarked on our first overseas trip to Bali with Haileyl. We observed that the resort would add an additional charge for milk when ordering it for our baby/ toddler. Consequently, we devised a simple solution by avoiding this expense altogether. Instead, we began filling a bottle from the breakfast buffet, saving both money and unnecessary charges.
Water tip
Bringing your own refillable water bottles can save you a lot of money, especially in places where buying bottled water can be expensive. By asking for a glass of water in the morning and then filling your own bottles, you can ensure that your whole family stays hydrated without breaking the bank. It’s a simple yet effective way to cut down on unnecessary expenses during your holiday. We had also done this on our most recent trip to El Nido, Philippines and the hotel staff were very understanding about it due to Hailey being a toddler (2.5) and needing water.
Lunch box for snacks tip
I strongly suggest purchasing a leak-proof lunch container prior to embarking on your family travels. We employ this ingenious lunch box strategy during each buffet breakfast, which proves to be immensely helpful later in the day when we simply open it up to enjoy a snack we saved from the morning meal. This proactive approach ensures convenience and saves us a lot of money as it adds up fast and also saves us time during our activities. You can find the leak-proof lunch box right here through this link from our Amazon storefront; Leak-proof lunch box/ 3 storage divider
Food and allergies
Milk
Traveling to a third-world country like Bali from Australia can present some challenges when it comes to finding suitable milk options for babies. In Bali, you will come across long-life milk that is either locally produced or imported from countries like Australia. Additionally, there are other alternatives available such as goat’s milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and cow’s milk.
If your baby is still on formula, we highly recommend bringing a full container with you. This is because you never know how much formula will be needed or if any might go to waste during your trip. While there is a supermarket in Bali that offers a variety of formulas to choose from, it’s important to note that not all formulas may agree with your baby’s tummy. Bringing your own formula ensures that you have a familiar and suitable option for your little one.
It’s also worth mentioning that your formula will not be confiscated at customs, so you can safely bring it with you without any issues. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your baby’s dietary needs are met while traveling in Bali.
Food
When discussing the prospect of dining overseas with a baby or toddler, it seems to always elicit a strong reaction from people. Many individuals raise questions about Hailey’s fussiness. However, we have discovered that Bali offers an incredible selection of high-quality food options that cater to our needs. Over the years, the variety of choices has only expanded. Whatever you crave, whenever you crave it, Bali has it covered. Additionally, the locals are accommodating when it comes to specific requests, such as overcooking meals for you or your little one. They often fulfill these requests without even being asked. Hailey, who can sometimes be a selective eater, has developed a fondness for local dishes like chicken satay and nasi goreng (fried rice).
Packaged baby food can be quite costly, with small jars or sachets priced between $3 and $8.50 AUD, and the selection isn’t the greatest. However, when breakfast buffets are not available, we have found that making Hailey toast with Vegemite, which we bring along in our checked in baggage, it is a satisfying alternative that she thoroughly enjoys. Which we also do enjoy ourselves at times. Additionally, a combination of hot water, bananas, oats, milk, and yogurt proves to be a successful solution.
Fruit is another crowd-pleaser, abundant and very affordable. Hailey particularly adores bananas, strawberries, and watermelon, which we are obsessed with mango. When ordering smoothies or fresh fruit juice, it is advisable to request no added sugar, as it is often the default. Furthermore, if you opt for ice, ensure it is store-bought rather than made with tap water. Our main recommendation is to choose dining establishments that utilize refrigeration or freezing facilities. Some places may leave their meat unrefrigerated, which poses obvious health risks. As you can find the best resurants we’ve eaten at right here – PENDING PAGE.
Hailey is generally a cooperative eater, although occasionally she can pose a bit of a challenge. As a parent, I have developed a clever trick to encourage her to eat. I order her a separate plate of food but pretend that it’s for myself. This spikes her interest and motivates her to eat the entire meal on her own. It’s a simple parenting hack that has proven to be quite effective.
Water
One aspect that travellers need to be cautious about is the quality of drinking water. Bali, like many other tropical destinations, has a different water treatment system compared to developed countries. As a result, it is essential to take certain precautions to avoid getting “Bali belly,” a term used to describe traveler’s diarrhea that can ruin your vacation. Here are some tips to stay hydrated and avoid Bali belly:
1. Stick to Bottled Water: The safest and most convenient option is to drink bottled water. Make sure the seal is intact before purchasing. It is widely available in stores, hotels, and restaurants throughout Bali.
2. Avoid Tap Water: Tap water in Bali is not suitable for drinking. It is advised to use bottled water even for brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth to prevent any accidental ingestion of contaminated water.
3. Filtered Water: If you prefer to be environmentally conscious and reduce plastic waste, you can use a water filter or purifier. Many accommodations in Bali provide filtered water for guests, or you can carry a portable water filter bottle.
4. Ice Cubes and Beverages: When ordering drinks, be cautious about ice cubes. Ensure that they are made from filtered or bottled water. Stick to sealed beverages such as bottled juices, soft drinks, and canned beverages to avoid any risks.
5. Fruits and Vegetables: While fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, it is advisable to choose those that can be peeled or washed with purified water. Avoid consuming raw or uncooked produce that may have been washed with tap water.
6. Pool safety: going under water can result in ear infections or Bali belly if you get some in your mouth, another problem we have heard of lately is gastro from the pools. Please be cautious.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this blog on our tips and tricks/ food hacks for travelling with little ones. We sincerely hope that the information we provided has been helpful to you in some what way. As you plan your trip, we want to remind you to prioritise the safety and well-being of your children. Please ensure that you are aware of any allergies they may have, especially to common allergens like nuts, and take necessary precautions. It is advisable to conduct allergy test before embarking on your holiday to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. By being prepared and mindful, you can create lasting memories and enjoy a delightful family vacation.