Vacation Kitchens & Little Eaters: Why We Still Cook When We Travel

When you're traveling with kids, it's easy to fall into a rhythm of restaurant meals and snack breaks on the go. But during our last week in Spain, we've made a point to cook at least one or two meals a day at our Airbnb - usually breakfast and dinner.

It's not because we're trying to be gourmet chefs on vacation. It's because gathering around a table, sharing simple food, and letting the kids help has created some of our favorite moments on this trip.

Even while traveling, cooking at "home" lets our little eaters stay involved and grounded. They've helped us: 🥕 Pick out vegetables at the local grocery store 🔪 Wash and chop ingredients 🥣 Stir sauces and set the table 🍽️ Share meals with friends and cousins

We've had spaghetti with chicken and veggies, a no-fuss antipasto board with cheese and cut-up vegetables, empanadas from a nearby shop, and a crowd-pleasing meal of chicken with guacamole and tortellini. Nothing fancy - just meals built around what we can find, what's familiar, and what everyone can pitch in to make.

We always sit at the table together, even if we're still in swimsuits from the day's adventures. We encourage the kids to wait until everyone is seated to eat, and we let the meal be a chance to pause, check in, and talk.

Sharing a table with friends and cousins has also let the kids learn from each other - whether it's trying a new vegetable because someone else is eating it or figuring out how to pass the bread basket politely (well, almost politely).

🍽️ Little Eaters Takeaways

• Vacation is the perfect time for real-life learning. From grocery shopping to chopping vegetables, helping with meals gives kids a sense of purpose and ownership over what they eat.
• Kids learn from watching other kids. Mealtime with peers or cousins creates natural moments to try new foods, use table manners, and enjoy conversation.
• Consistency builds comfort. Sitting at a table, waiting to eat together, and sharing the same kinds of rhythms at meals - even in a new country - can help kids feel secure and connected.
• Meals don't have to be elaborate to be meaningful. A plate of pasta or store-bought empanadas still counts when what you're really sharing is time, intention, and togetherness.