Cooking class in Paris
I never knew Bob Blumer, the superstar host of the Food Network’s The Surreal Gourmet and I had much in common (except for my secret musings that he’d have made a good love match for my travel writing friend Wandering Carol ), until I found out that he often travels with a bottle of Tabasco hot sauce. It’s on my packing list too.
For me, the best culinary adventures are all about discovery. Whether it’s a bottle of Waupoos apple cider from Prince Edward County, a spicy noodle dish at the night market in Kuala Lumpur or a luscious first-press olive oil in Spain — a true food lover should always be prepared.
Here are the 10 must-have items I pack in my suitcase:
- Portable salt & pepper shaker: Want to liven up some fresh market tomatoes or remove a red wine stain? These basic condiments can come to the rescue in many ways.
- Utensils: A paring knife, a fork, knife and spoon set and a corkscrew/bottle opener are the absolute minimum utensils a food enthusiast needs. Unless you’ve mastered the art of opening Corona beer bottles with your teeth, you’ll need something to open bottles of water, wine and beer in many parts of the world. I use a Swiss Army knife.
- Portable immersion water heater – dual voltage: For making tea or coffee or even heating up soup in your room, these little heating elements will come in handy. If you don’t want to melt your hotel glassware, pack a stainless steel mug to do your boiling in.
- Ziploc Bags: Whether you’re stashing cheese or garlic sausage, you can’t beat a sealable bag for worry-free (and non-stinky) transportation of your food souvenirs. If you have room for bubble wrap, use it to protect bottles of olive oil, vinegar or even wine you can’t take in your carry-on luggage. If not, slide the bottle into the Ziploc bag and then into a shoe for extra protection.
- Pretty tablecloth: Makes even the simplest meal look festive. Buy one as soon as you arrive and you can enjoy it during your travels and keep it as a souvenir. Disposable wet napkins are also a must-have for food safety and hygiene.
- Pair of travel wine glasses (made of resin and foldable): You’ll always be welcome at an impromptu party if you have your own wine glass. Plus, it makes even a wine of modest quality taste better.
- Digital camera with food mode setting (Check out Panasonic Lumix): Save your memories and create travel souvenirs with a camera equipped with a mode for taking food photos.
- Pocket-size notebook: Jot down memorable meals and recipes that you come across during your travels. Before you leave home, fill it with a couple of your favourites. You never know when you’ll be invited to cook up a specialty or want to swap recipes.
- Small nylon shopping bag: Use it for stuffing with goodies from a farmers’ market or for bragging rights if it’s from a swanky foreign shop.
- Tiny bottles of Tabasco hot sauce: Bob Blumer is right. Not every meal is a winner. So pack some hot sauce – it’ll add some kick to even the dullest meal.
My Favorite Bloggers
Culture Tripper
Nerd's Eye View
The Planet D: Canada's Adventure Couple
Trans-Americas Journey
Traveling Light Blog by Travel Writer Colleen Friesen
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In 2003, I left the corporate world to try my hand at travel writing. Now, I travel the world, writing about people, places and cuisine. My writing has appeared in over 100 publications and anthologies. 
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