At a glance
- On the day you arrive in a city, buy only breakfast for the next day and snacks for the drive at first.
- Small-town accommodations may have few dinner options, so it’s safer to check closing times before you check in.
- On hiking days, don’t count on finding a café meal. Bring water, fruit, and sandwiches in advance.
- If your accommodation doesn’t have a fridge, buy just what you need for the day to reduce leftovers.
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.
Buy water, fruit, bread, emergency snacks, and ingredients for a dinner that can be kept cold. Decide where to store them in the vehicle.
Take a break from driving in a town with cafés. Have a hot meal, use the restroom, and refuel in one stop.
Check for a kitchen and your check-in time. Cook something simple or arrive before the last orders at a local restaurant.
How to fit it in
Plan one meal each day as a special outing and fit the rest around your travel and accommodation. On a late arrival day, book a meal or shop for groceries before you set off.
Reality check
Drivers should prioritize safe parking and rest over choosing a particular place to eat. If you’re not driving, consider walkable dining near your accommodation and tour pickup times.
Allow 45–90 minutes for a lunch stop and about an hour for groceries and getting settled at your accommodation. Arrive before dinner service ends.
Budget separately for cafés and restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and cooking at your accommodation. Check on-site policies for alcohol, tips, and service charges.
Don’t eat while driving; pull over somewhere safe. Check allergens and food storage temperatures, and don’t drive after drinking.
If plans change
Don’t buy ingredients to cook. Choose ready-to-eat food or a restaurant you’ve confirmed is open.
Don’t drive around looking for an open place. Have emergency food and buy groceries the next morning.
Small tip
Don’t rely only on the opening hours shown in search results. Check the restaurant’s official channel or call on the day. In small towns, closing days and kitchen hours may differ.
Final check before departure
- Check whether your accommodation has a kitchen and fridge, and check opening hours in town.
- Prepare phrases to explain allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Check how to store chilled food and dispose of food waste.
Restaurant, café, and supermarket hours and menus vary by season, day of the week, and public holidays. Check official channels and local notices on your travel day.
Information checked: 2026-07-27