Travel

Traveling can wreak havoc on your eating habits. Being away from home, staying in unfamiliar places, and simply not knowing where to get nutritious and good tasting meals are all to blame. We searched the web for tips to help you navigate dietary pitfalls while traveling so you can enjoy delicious, affordable and healthy food on the road. Bon appetit!

At the airport

Most larger airports have a vast array of eating options to choose from, but they’re notoriously overpriced. If you’re watching your budget along with your waistline, here are some ideas:

• Eat a hearty meal before you leave for the airport. This is basic advice, but is often forgotten about during the last-minute rush to get packed and out the door. Try to make time to eat a protein- and fiber-rich meal to carry you through several hours.
• Bring food with you, choosing items that will make it through security and pass the “crush” factor in your carry-on, like nuts and dried fruit. These are the typical choices, but also consider things like hummus and cut veggies, sandwiches, baked potatoes, or leftovers in collapsible containers. Try instant soup for a cheap, hot meal (tip: get free hot water from Starbucks).
• If you’re on a special eating plan such as vegan or gluten-free, you’ve got several economical options even at smaller airports. Try baked potatoes from fast food joints like Wendy’s, or a veggie-only wrap at a sandwich shop. Most restaurants will also accommodate your needs if you ask.

On your flight

If hunger hits at 30,000 feet and you didn’t pack your own snacks, either stick it out or go for airline food. Some airlines offer tasty fare and not just in first class, but it won’t come cheap. (For insight, check out Delish’s lists for the best and worst airlines for food!) You’ve heard it before: choose lighter options, minimize booze, and drink lots of water.

At the hotel

• Use apps to find healthy choices — check out Food Tripping, a GPS-based app that locates alternatives to fast food. Or try HealthyOut to help you find healthy restaurant options near your hotel.
• Pick up some easy-to-prepare food at a nearby grocery store or market, if possible. Even if you stock up on just breakfast and snack items, you’ll probably eat better and save money.
• Ask for a microwave and refrigerator be delivered if your room doesn’t have them. The hotel may charge you extra, but it’s well worth it if you can prepare and store your food from the grocery store or leftovers from eating out.
• Pack a collapsible teapot and mini rice cooker to keep costs rock bottom. With a bit of planning, these can fit in a carry-on.

Need a ride?

Take Shuttle Express! We’ll get you to Sea-Tac and back, or anywhere you need to be.

Shuttle Express has a service for everyone: town cars, SUVs, limos, luxury vans, even coach buses for group transportation. And, our professionally-trained chauffeurs go the extra mile, delivering outstanding service every time. Safe, on time, and stress free. So, leave your car in the garage and book now on our new app, at shuttleexpress.com, or call 425-981-7000 to talk with a friendly guest service agent. Happy travels!

Air travel has many haters these days, and who can blame them: longer security lines, cramped seats, fewer but pricier food choices, and mounting fees for everything from choosing your seat to storing your bag above your head.

Flying doesn’t need to be miserable. Here are some easy ways to make your next flight more comfortable and, dare we say, even enjoyable!

Get your favorite seat.

Choosing a seat is a big deal for most travelers, and many are willing to pay for the privilege (several airlines now charge for this option).

• If you’re looking for the most space in economy class, book early and snag a seat next to the window, in an exit row or bulkhead area. This may cost you a few dollars extra, though. The additional space isn’t much, but can make your flight more comfortable.
• If you’re traveling with someone, book an aisle and a window seat — there’s a chance the middle seat will stay unoccupied if the flight isn’t full, and if someone books it, they probably will agree to switch places with one of you.
• The app Expert Flyer may give you a leg up on seat selection, alerting you when your favorite seat location becomes available.

Breeze through check-in and security.

• If you travel often, consider TSA’s pre-check program, which allows members to skip the security routine, meaning you can keep your shoes on and avoid the lines.
• Check in for your flight as early as possible — after you book, set an alarm on your phone 24-hours before your flight so you don’t forget.
• Download your boarding pass to your phone.
• Be prepared – remember to pack your quart-sized bag, then store it in an outer luggage pocket so it’s simple to pull out and repack if going through general security.

Go in comfort.

• Wear clothes with a relaxed fit in natural materials – think soft cotton pants, loose T-shirts or tops.
• Skip tight or restrictive clothes, especially on longer flights.
• Choose layers, which not only help regulate your body temperature during flight but also can save some room in your luggage.
• Wear shoes that allow you to quickly traverse the length of an airport – probably flats. Slip-on shoes are also easier going through security.

Eat delicious food.

• Skip the airline’s over-priced warmed up fare and pack your own food. With a little pre-planning you can indulge in your favorite snacks, as long as they pass TSA’s snack rules, don’t take too much room in your carry on, aren’t stinky, and are fairly easy to eat on board.
• Some old standbys include energy bars, nuts, and fruit, but go beyond the same ole snacks and pack things like hummus and chips, tortellini, wrap sandwiches, or meat, cheese, and crackers.
• Don’t have room to pack your food? Get to the airport a bit early, choose your favorite spot, and eat before you board. Have an early flight? Here are some breakfast options at Sea-Tac Airport.

Entertain yourself.

• Since you’re confined to one spot with nowhere else to go, take the opportunity to indulge in a good book. Download the latest best seller before your trip or pick up a book at the airport and enjoy.
• Take advantage of the inflight entertainment, if it’s offered. A good movie will make at least part of the trip fly by.
• Play games, draw, or even catch up on work. You’ll be landing before you know it.

Need a ride?

Book Shuttle Express’s private or shared luxury transportation for easy, stress-free airport transportation. They’ll get you to Sea-Tac and back with friendly, safe service you can trust. They arrive at your door, carry your luggage, and get you to your flight on time. Choose from town cars, SUVs, luxury vans, and coaches for private and business service to anywhere.

It’s easy to book online or on their new app, or call 425-981-7000 to talk directly with a friendly guest service representative. Happy travels!