7 Tips For Keeping Kosher While Traveling
If you are someone who has a dedicated kosher way of living life, things can become challenging if you have sudden or work-related travel to do. Keeping kosher might seem extremely difficult if you are flying especially to an international destination but here are some tips to make it easier to maintain your kosher way of eating.
1. Alternative Travel Meals
Every airline gives you a meal once you are on a flight but in order to maintain kosher, you should pack your own meals. You can also check beforehand if your airline offers the kosher meal option as many large international airlines do. If you are on the plane without a self-made meal on hand, choose a raw, organic, or vegetarian option that contains only fruits and vegetables. Pack items like tuna, nuts, dates, or even miso soup cups that require warm water to activate.
2. Plenty Of Snacks
Having enough snacks is the bane of every parent’s existence when they’re traveling with kids. Pack kosher granola bars, trail mix, chocolates, and dried fruit, all items you’re likely to find in shiva baskets so you can easily snack as often as you need to. Having an abundance of snacks is incredibly helpful if you’re diabetic or are prone to your blood sugar falling rapidly during the long hours of traveling. You can repackage or decant certain items like sardines or salad into small ziplock bags which will easily get through security and will be invaluable on a long-haul flight!
3. Prior Accommodation-Related Planning
If you are staying at an Air Bnb you have many options for maintaining kosher in a convenient way. You can do research beforehand about nearby grocery stores and supermarkets that sell kosher foods. Big chain supermarkets usually have a kosher aisle as well regardless of country. If you have a ton of experience staying at Air Bnbs you can pre-order basic, inexpensive cookware from Amazon so it is ready for you when you arrive.
Many Air Bnb owners manage their property using short-term rental software and they also use the latter to create advertisements. The advertisements are a good indicator of the appliances that will be available to use among other things. You can pre-order kosher meats and other kosher groceries too especially if you are traveling with the family on a budget, as eating out can become very expensive. You can communicate your kosher lifestyle to the Air Bnb owner so there is no confusion once you arrive!
4. Fridges In Hotels Can Be A Lifesaver
If you’re staying in a hotel, make a point of asking for a fridge when you check in so there is somewhere to put fruits, vegetables, hummus, and chocolates! The fridge can be a real lifesaver and keep you snacking like a king or queen during your trip. Make sure the hotel does not over-charge you for the existing drinks and chocolates and you can ask them to be removed as well.
5. A Kosher Itinerary
As any experienced traveler will tell you, it always helps to have an itinerary to use once you land. This not only allows you to make the most of your time in any destination but means you will have mapped out kosher restaurants, shops, and supermarkets and won’t be confused once you start sightseeing. If nothing else you can rely on garden salads in most restaurants to stay safely kosher during your stay!
If you’re traveling to a foreign country where English is not the first language you may want to have the names of kosher foods translated beforehand and saved on your phone or on paper. You can share these with a store attendant or waiter to ensure you do not order incorrectly. For a trip that is only a few days, your zip-locked snacks will go a long way!
6. Non-Refrigerated Kosher Items
There are many kosher food items that do not require refrigeration which makes them ideal for traveling purposes. Canned or packaged soups, nuts, dates, chocolates, and noodles can all be stored in your carry-on to help you out in a fix. If you know you will be traveling in the coming weeks, stock up on these kosher food items to maximize convenience for your trip ahead.
7. Make A Point Of Asking
There is a lot of awareness about kosher globally even in foreign countries on the other side of the globe. There is no harm in asking your hotel or a restaurant whether they serve kosher and if they can accommodate you or not. Many places are more than happy to oblige!
