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| Telluride, Colorado, kitchen. |
One of the biggest advantages to staying in
vacation rentals is having a kitchen. Some offer gourmet kitchens with the
latest high-end appliances and utensils. But at the very least, you'll
have a stove, refrigerator, microwave and a grill, so you'll be able to cook your own meals instead of eating out all the time. Here are three tips for getting the most out
of cooking in your kitchen.
Make a Plan
First, don't assume you're going to eat a lot
different on vacation than you do at home. While local cuisine and the
availability of certain foods will certainly play a part, you'll more than
likely be drawn to the kinds of foods you normally enjoy. If your lunches
generally consist of sandwiches and chips, then assume you'll eat in a similar
fashion at your vacation rental. Having this mindset will allow you to branch
out to new and interesting foods in a way that you'll enjoy.
Before you leave
on your trip, go online and scope out the grocery stores and farmers' markets
in the area you're visiting. Become familiar with the kinds of fruits and
vegetables available. Then create a grocery list that you'll use when you first
arrive. Ask the property manager or owner if any
shopping services are available. You might be able to have some of your
groceries waiting for you when you arrive. Also, resist the temptation to buy
too much when shopping. While you want enough food around to keep you from
eating out every meal, you don't want spend a lot of money on groceries and
then leave them behind. Be sure to ask what kind of appliances are available as
well, and if there are any restrictions on grilling.
Bring Some Staples
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| Cabo kitchen. |
Purchase some easy-to-pack staples before
departing. Everyday spices will almost certainly be cheaper at home (though
stay open to local spices if they're unique and fresh). If you know a recipe
calls for flour, bring some in a baggie. The same goes for baking soda, sugar,
chocolate and other staple ingredients.
Along with staple foods, bring along small
specialty cooking utensils you know you'll need. A garlic press, an extra
spatula, a pair of high-quality kitchen scissors are all excellent bring-along items.
Resist the temptation to pack your food processor, however. You'd be better off
packing a favorite kitchen knife or two and asking for help in the kitchen from
your travel buddies.
Meal Planning
Once you've researched the food availability in
the area you're traveling to, you'll have a great idea about what kind of meals
you should plan. First, don't schedule yourself for a full day in the kitchen.
Any recipes you make should be quick and easy. If you're traveling with a large
or diverse group of people, now's not the time to get creative either. Try to
come up with meals that will please everyone. Do include local produce, meats, fish and breads. There's nothing like going to Italy and enjoying some locally made prosciutto
and cheeses. Ask if anyone in your group has special dietary needs or is trying
to lose weight.
While you might be the main cook in the group
(and you probably like it that way), try to share the work with others. Perhaps
ask someone else to prepare a lunch, and another to take on a dinner. You'll
feel less like the burden's all on you. And by all means, ask everyone to help
in the clean up.
Lastly, stay flexible. While you want to have a
plan going in, if a meal out a night or two makes your vacation more
enjoyable, then by all means eat out. Remember, whether it's a lake vacation rental, a ski vacation rental, or a beautiful place in a charming neighborhood, you're on vacation and are
supposed to have fun.
