A flexible mindset — and proper preparation — can help parents and children make the most of a food-focused trip.

If, like me, you’re a parent who enjoys a fancy dinner out while traveling, you have no doubt faced this dilemma: either leave the kids in a hotel with a babysitter you’ve only just met, or schlep them along. I’m here to advocate for the schlep. And that’s despite the fact that my two children aren’t the best companions at a pricey multicourse meal.

My wife and I choose to live on this edge because, sometimes, we can’t miss a certain restaurant. Sure, the artistry behind a perfectly plated dish may be lost on our little ones, but my five-year-old still talks about a “gelato cake with a cherry” from one of the many Roman trattorias we dined in last year. I’ll admit I have no recollection of that particular dessert, but I’m grateful that she will remember it forever.

Now that our kids have met more sommeliers than the average elementary schooler, here are a few of the lessons we’ve learned — and some tips from other parents — on making the most of eating out while traveling.

Rethink big-city dining.

Not long ago, restaurants in major European capitals had a reputation for being very kid-friendly, says Daniella Hunt, an American who runs Mirabilia Urbis Tours in Rome. These days? “Many restaurants here have gotten clinically precise about getting you in and out,” Hunt says of the new no-lingering paradigm. Instead, she recommends saving those big nights out for when you visit smaller cities — places like Orvieto or Trieste — where restaurants still dote over young children.

Skip the kids’ menu.

North Carolina’s High Hampton Resort is one of a growing number of venues scrapping this old-fashioned concept. Executive chef Scott Franqueza puts forth a more thoughtful “family menu,” with elevated versions of classic dishes. The chicken tenders are brined and soaked in buttermilk; for the fish-and-chips, he uses the day’s catch, whether that’s grouper, snapper, or wahoo. “When a parent takes a bite to see if a dish is too hot,” Franqueza says, “we want them to want another.”

Dress (and act) the part.

Even the simple step of putting on a dress or a collared shirt can help signal to children that a meal out is a special experience — and calls for special behavior. For our family, preparation also includes grabbing a couple of fresh coloring books and having a well-timed pre-dinner snack. (We also make a point of visiting the bathroom upon arrival, so everyone can enjoy sitting down together.)

Once in our seats, there’s a quick discussion about what might happen if someone crawled under the table and pulled on a tablecloth. Laughs ensue about the potential chaos, but the point is made.

Find middle ground on phones.

Many families turn to screen time as a way to find peace at mealtime. But Rick Simone, the president of Federal Hill Commerce Association, in Providence, Rhode Island, has reached a compromise with his four kids. When at a restaurant, he’s okay with the kids using their phones until the meal arrives. “But as soon as the food drops,” Simone says, “everybody automatically knows it’s time to put phones away.”

Rethink menu speak.

For us, creative rewording goes a long way. Our son loves soup, so at a restaurant, we might pitch him on a root-vegetable curry by calling it “coconut carrot soup.” Or, we might say that butternut squash is “basically a sweet potato” to encourage him to try something new.

Don’t forget.

A few little things can make a big impact: a crumb-catching bib for toddlers was a lifesaver for us when our kids were younger. These days, we ask for a corner table — or even better, one on a patio — where our family can have more room and avoid any tsk-tsk glances from other diners.

With around 90% of ocean plastic derived from land-based sources and the annual damage of plastics to marine ecosystems Rethinking single-use plastic products requires collaboration across the board – from businesses to governments to people.

Water bottles, disposable toiletries, plastic bags, bin liners, food packaging and cups are among the biggest plastic polluters.

So, what can we travellers do to make better choices?

1. When packing, think reusable! This might include packing things like reusable masks, a refillable water bottle or even your own toiletries. This can have a real impact on reducing any unnecessary single-use plastic products.

2. Remember when out and about – try to bring items that help reduce waste in places like restaurants and shops. This might include using your own straw made from glass or stainless steel, or cloth shopping bags.

3. Reduce and dispose of waste responsibly. We inevitably produce waste, so when you do, make sure you dispose of it properly and look for the appropriate recycling bins.

4. Educate and encourage others. Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about the choices you are making to travel responsibly and sustainably. This helps to sensitise people around you to think twice about their single-use plastic consumption and can have a positive impact.

5. REMEMBER – not all destinations you visit have the same resources or infrastructure. It is key that the alternatives we use for single-use plastic are actually a better trade-off. The rule of thumb is – avoid single-use items as much as possible for you and your family, regardless of the material they are made from.

Ensure a safe vacation with these pre-travel and post-trip health recommendations

Planning to travel for your summer vacation? Before you start packing your bags, take some time to research any health risks associated with your destination. This simple step can help protect your health while you are on holiday. To ensure you stay prepared, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has shared important advice for travellers. Here are some of their top recommendations for a safe and healthy trip.

Tips before travelling

• Check health risks for arrival destination: Learn about the potential health risks of your chosen destination.
• Check regulations and vaccinations: Find out the regulations, procedures and necessary vaccinations in your country and the country of destination.
• Consult your physician: If you have any medical condition, consult your physician.
• Choose a safe hotel: Choose a hotel that applies safety and hygiene standards.
• Stock up on protective equipment: Make sure to take sufficient stock of protective equipment such as hand sanitiser, mask, etc.
• Take extra precautions: Take extra precautions if you are elderly, suffer from chronic diseases, or are pregnant.
• Have your essential medications: Carry emergency medications.

Tips during travelling

1. General precautionary measures:
• Do not share personal tools.
• Adhere to cough and sneezing etiquette.
• Avoid crowded areas.
• Use a contactless payment method.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Keep away from anyone who shows respiratory symptoms.
• Wash and sanitise your hands.

2. Ensure cleanliness: Ensure sterilisation and a good ventilation system in the place of residence.
3. Move around: Make sure to walk and move around on the plane to avoid blood clotting.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Follow a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, movement, drinking water, and getting adequate sleep.
5. Drink clean water: Drink clean water and avoid eating ice.
6. Avoid risky foods: Avoid undercooked or raw food.
7. Be cautious around animals: Beware of animals that may transmit diseases to you.

8. Prevent vector-borne diseases. If travelling to a malaria-endemic area:
• Cover up your body.
• Avoid being outside at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito repellent.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.

Tips after travelling

• Keep updated with all the regulations and procedures of the country.
• Monitor yourself for symptoms; isolate and get medical advice if you fall sick.
• Be careful when you encounter those with chronic illnesses, weak immunity, and elders.

Make sure you get a ‘travel vaccine’

Before making any plans to travel abroad, consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself from infections and communicable diseases. With many UAE residents opting to travel during the summer months, health authorities and doctors recommend visiting a travel clinic for medical advice and necessary vaccines. These recommendations are based on guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to WHO, travel vaccines are essential for protecting against diseases endemic to your destination. They help safeguard travellers and prevent the spread of diseases within and between countries. Some countries even require proof of vaccination for entry or exit.

More than half of Aussies are planning to take a solo trip this year, from short weekends away to extended holidays around the world.

Vietnam is a popular choice for people taking a holiday on their own – it’s relatively cheap, easy to get around, and there are heaps of things to do and see that’ll keep you entertained. Plus the food is amazing.

But where to go? We reached out to the experts at InsideAsia for their top tips.

What you add to your itinerary is totally dependent on your interests, timeframe, and budget. The experts at InsideAsia can help you create a fully bespoke trip that ticks all your boxes.

Here’s everything to know before embarking on a solo trip to Vietnam.

Tip 1: Food is the gateway into any culture

One of the absolute musts in Vietnam is the street food. Perch on a plastic stool slurping a bún chả and grab an incredibly cheap beer or the famous egg coffee and people-watch.

Yep, that’s right, egg coffee.

It sounds strange but it tastes amazing – be sure to try one when you’re there.

Get up close and personal with the food culture by taking part in a cooking class. Walk through the markets with a local chef, select your produce and then learn how to cook a traditional meal in their home kitchen as they explain their unique methods.

Food is central to culture and provides meaningful insight into the psychosocial dynamics at play.

Tip 2: Be curious, be open

Solo travel is the ultimate freedom to explore without compromise. You will find that Vietnamese people are very warm and welcoming – the more you embrace the culture, the more it will embrace you.

It’s all about getting up early for a syrupy egg coffee (yes, we said egg) while old ladies practise t’ai chi around Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s about staying up late to drink beers and eat bun cha barbecued pork with the locals.

It’s about meeting people and getting to know the culture, whether that means exploring the morning food markets with a local chef or cutting-edge contemporary art with a young curator.

Tip 3: Go with the flow

Not everything will always go to plan when travelling around Vietnam, but don’t let that throw you off course. Having the flexibility to adapt is all part of the travel experience, and often leads to the most unexpectedly incredible experiences.

There are countless versions of Vietnam to be explored – from revisiting the Communist era, touring the war museums, visiting temples or meandering the chaotic market streets dating back to the imperial dynasties.

Tip 4: Act confident

Confidence is key. Even if you’re unsure, just fake it ’till you make it – you’ll be surprised at how far this approach takes you. When crossing the road, put your hand out with authority, signalling others to stop and make way.

Generally speaking, the tourism infrastructure in Hanoi is very good – things are accessible, Google Maps works well and everything is in close proximity. It’s best to be on foot and take it all in from the ground. Don’t be intimidated by the unfamiliar, lean into it.

Just be sure to observe your surroundings and stay mindful of what is happening around you.

Tip 5: Vary the pace

Vietnam is an amazingly varied country. From city to country to seaside, there’s so much diversity of landscapes to be enjoyed. The northern and southern ends of the country are vastly different.

The south is steamy and flat, the food is spicier, and the people are less reserved than their northern counterparts. Embracing the differences and learning to understand the relative cultural nuances is what makes a trip to Vietnam so special – set apart from anywhere else in the world.

Tip 6: Respect the place and the people you meet

When travelling, especially solo, it’s essential to approach new cultures and communities with respect and humility. This means being mindful of local customs, traditions, and sensitivities. One of the most enriching aspects of travel is the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds.

But the trick is to let these interactions unfold naturally. Instead of pressing for information or prying, allow those you meet to share their stories in their own time and way. Remember, travel is as much about what you learn from others as it is about the places you visit.

This is why it can be so great to travel with a guide, who can help you navigate interactions with new people as you travel.