Eating While Backpacking – Advice for Backpackers
Friday, August 27th, 2010
“They claim red meat is bad for you. But I never saw a sick-looking tiger.”
- Chi Chi Rodriguez
Here is some practical advice regarding eating and drinking while you are on your backpacking trip:
Cooking
If you stay in hostels with kitchens you can save money on food by purchasing ingredients and cooking for yourself (or even better with others).
If you intend to cook your own food using a stove you will have to buy gasoline locally if you get there by plane. Make sure you get the right mix or you may end up being very hungry on a mountain top. Try your stove before you leave so that you know that it works.
Drinking water
Make sure that you drink enough water, dehydration can ruin your day and give you a very bad headache. Drink small amounts often instead of gulping down large quantities a few times. Carry a water bottle with you and do not wait until you are thirsty before you start drinking.
Allergies
If you have a food allergy and need to make sure that you do not consume anything which contains the food you are allergic to you can get special cards translated into the local language which state that you are allergic to certain food stuff.
Festivals
Participating in a local festival can be great fun. You can find out what is going on in your destination by using the Internet.
Local markets
Local markets usually guarantee great fun. Especially food markets can offer some exhilarating experiences for a Westerner raised on pizza and hamburgers. It is usually a good thing to turn up early in the morning when people offload their merchandise and put it on display.
Happy travels!