Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but when you’re away from home for an extended period, cooking your own meals can become a challenge. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, renting an apartment, or camping in the wilderness, having the right products to help with cooking while traveling can make all the difference in ensuring you eat well and stay healthy during your trip. Over the years, I’ve learned that having a few versatile, compact, and easy-to-use kitchen tools can transform the way I cook while on the go. Below are some of my personal favorite products that have made cooking while traveling a breeze.
1. Portable Stove or Camp Stove
One of the most essential items for cooking while traveling is a portable stove. I’ve used several types of compact stoves, but the most convenient for my travels has been a butane or propane camp stove. These stoves are small, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them perfect for both city apartments and outdoor adventures. With a portable stove, I can cook meals anywhere, whether I’m staying in an AirBnB or camping in the wilderness. A stove also allows me to prepare simple meals like pasta, stir-fries, and even scrambled eggs, which are much better than relying on fast food or takeout.
2. Collapsible Cooking Gear
Space is often limited when traveling, so collapsible cooking gear is a game-changer. I’ve invested in a set of collapsible silicone pots, bowls, and cups, which take up minimal space in my luggage. These products can easily be flattened and stored in a drawer or bag, and when needed, they pop back into their full-size form. I’ve used collapsible silicone pots to cook soups, stews, and rice, and collapsible measuring cups and spoons are handy for baking or adding precise ingredients to dishes. They’re durable, lightweight, and versatile—perfect for travelers like me who want to cook without taking up too much space.
3. Portable Blender
If you’re into smoothies or want to blend up some sauces, a portable blender is an absolute must-have. I used to think I couldn’t enjoy smoothies while traveling, but now I take along a compact, rechargeable personal blender. These blenders are small enough to fit in your suitcase or carry-on bag, and they can easily blend fruits, vegetables, and even ice. It’s perfect for making breakfast smoothies, fresh juices, or even protein shakes after a workout. Some of these blenders are also great for making quick soups or blending up ingredients for a stir-fry sauce or marinade. Having a portable blender on hand makes me feel like I’m eating fresh, healthy meals no matter where I am.
4. Travel-Sized Spice Kit
One of the downsides of traveling and cooking in new places is the lack of access to a variety of spices. Over the years, I’ve learned to pack a travel-sized spice kit to add flavor to my meals. I put together a small container filled with my favorite spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs. Some spice kits are designed for travelers and come with several pre-packed spices in small, leak-proof containers. Having this little kit on hand means I don’t have to settle for bland food, even when I’m cooking in a minimal kitchen or on a campsite. It’s an easy way to elevate any dish with minimal effort.
5. Multi-Use Utensils
Packing the right utensils can save you space and make cooking easier. I highly recommend bringing multi-use kitchen tools like a spork, a foldable spatula, and a portable knife. A spork combines the functions of a spoon and fork, making it perfect for eating and cooking. A foldable spatula can be stored flat in your bag, but when extended, it works just like a regular spatula for flipping pancakes or stir-frying vegetables. A compact, sharp knife is essential for chopping fruits, vegetables, or meats, and having one that can fold into itself for safe storage is a great idea. I’ve also found cutting boards that roll up to be a huge space-saver, allowing me to cut ingredients without taking up too much counter space.
6. Electric Kettle
When traveling, I find that an electric kettle is an incredibly useful kitchen tool. It’s ideal for boiling water quickly for tea, coffee, or instant noodles, but I’ve also used it to cook quick meals like instant oatmeal or boil potatoes for mashed potatoes. Some electric kettles come with dual voltage options, which is especially helpful when traveling internationally. I’ve had times when I’ve stayed in places without a full kitchen, but I could still make hot drinks or quick meals with the help of an electric kettle. They’re compact, versatile, and very efficient for preparing a range of hot foods and beverages.
7. Non-Stick Frying Pan
A non-stick frying pan is another essential item I carry when traveling, as it’s one of the most versatile pieces of cooking equipment. Whether I’m making an omelet, sautéing vegetables, or frying fish, a non-stick pan is easy to clean and doesn’t require a lot of oil. I look for compact versions of non-stick frying pans that are lightweight and easy to store in my luggage. Some travel-friendly pans even come with folding handles, making them even more portable. This pan is a lifesaver for cooking a variety of meals, from breakfast to dinner, and it ensures that I can make tasty, healthy meals wherever I go.
8. Portable Cooler Bag
For longer trips, especially road trips or outdoor adventures, a portable cooler bag is essential for keeping perishable ingredients fresh. I pack the cooler with items like fresh vegetables, dairy, meats, and beverages to ensure I have access to fresh ingredients while traveling. Some cooler bags are even designed with extra insulation and can hold ice packs, which helps to extend the freshness of my ingredients. Having access to fresh ingredients while traveling helps me stay on track with my diet, and it allows me to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals even when I’m away from home.
9. Reusable Food Storage Containers
I always travel with reusable food storage containers to store leftovers or prepared meals. These containers are especially helpful when I want to cook larger batches of food, like pasta or stew, and store them for later. I’ve learned that it’s much easier to meal prep and store food for the next day, particularly when I’m traveling on a budget or on a tight schedule. These containers are lightweight, stackable, and often microwave-safe, making them an ideal solution for storing food on the go.
10. Portable Oven or Toaster Oven
While not always necessary, a portable oven or toaster oven can be an incredible tool if you have access to electricity. I’ve used portable ovens for everything from baking potatoes to roasting vegetables and even reheating pizza. It’s perfect for small spaces, as it doesn’t take up much room but still allows you to cook meals in a variety of ways.