I went on a work trip for 5 days. I'm mostly gluten free (not celiac, just intolerant).

My hotel didn't have a microwave (I couldn't find one that did) but it did have a fridge. I brought premade food (pictured) in a cooler as well as snacks.

I was able to microwave food at the rest stops which meant I could eat delicious home cooked food instead of paying $7 for a bag of chips.

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A few lunches/dinners were catered and I gave my dietary restrictions. They were fine but they were things like one (1) baby eggplant with some veggies on top, so I was obviously hungry lol. Having a tub of hummus and crackers in the room made sure I was fed and didn't need to go looking for food at restaurants.

I also brought oats which are my normal breakfast and kept my tummy happy. This is beginner level travel food but foundational for a reason!

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Things that went well

• bringing food to microwave on the drive, although the final test stop didn't have a microwave.
• bringing a bowl for the oats and soap to clean the bowl out with after using.
• room and purse snacks that didn't need a microwave.
• the cooler stayed cool on the 8 hour drive.

Things to improve

• I lied to myself and said I would go pick up some fresh fruit and veg. I should have just brought some with me. It was chaotic leading up to my departure and grocery stores were a 30 min drive away from where I was staying.
• I should have made my own granola bars/snacks versus buying them. They are expensive!

I am doing a longer (9 day, personal) trip in just over a week and I am bringing my rice cooker lol! I will more than likely have access to a kitchenette and will definitely go to the grocery store, as I am crossing a border and don't want to deal with bringing fresh fruit/veg over that. I'll make a post about that when I get back 🤠