Road Warriors Live

These are some preparation ideas to get the most from your Southwestern US food tour.

Have a Big Appetite
The perfect way to do justice to any culinary trip is to have a big appetite. What’s the point of paying for the opportunity to taste the best culinary delights of a specific region or culture when your tummy can’t accommodate more than a bite?

Of course, having a big appetite doesn’t mean depriving yourself the day before.

Just make sure you don’t eat too much the day before your trip. If possible, take a pill to ensure your stomach’s certifiably empty for the food fest ahead.

Prepare for the Heat
Hot is a term often associated with the Southwest in more ways than you might think.

First, a majority of the dishes of Southwest food are extremely spicy. Chimichangas, nachos, taquitos, stuffed peppers, chile relleno, chili con carne, and salsa are just some of the popular dishes that could get you hopping mad out of the restaurant with burning taste buds. If you’re not good at eating spicy stuff, make sure you have a small bottle or jug of iced water with you at all times; there will be instances when you just can’t wait a minute longer to cool your tongue off.

Secondly, Southwestern states are not exactly the coldest areas of the United States. The weather in this area, especially in Arizona and Texas, can be quite ovewhelming in its heat. You can’t beat Arizona attractions. But be sure you’re dressed comfortably in cool, airy clothing. Wearing a hat or sun visor as well as a pair of sun glasses can help protect you from the heat.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are always a possibility, so again, having a ready source of water with you at all times is encouraged.

Prepare for the Weather
Speaking of the heat, there are also certain aspects of the weather that you might have to watch out for. Mosquitoes are a nominal but annyoing problem, but one that a mosquito repellent can often address. Rain could also be a cause of trouble, but not if you come
ready with a raincoat and umbrella.

Clothing
Since we’re on the topic of clothing, make sure to ask your tour organizer if you’ll visit any locations with a requisite dress code. Knowing how to dress can also help ensure that you pack light for your Southwest US vacatioN.

Bring a First Aid Kit with You
Tour planners always have first aid kits with them, but there’s no telling when you’ll find yourself alone and separated from your group. Thus, it would do you no harm to have your own first aid kit with you.

Now, if you’ve considerable experience touring, you might already have a first aid kit packed with your bags. There are, however, extra things you could add to your kit in consideration of “special dangers” you might face during your Southwest US tour.

If your vacation includes a trip to the desert, antidotes for snake bites and medication for other types of bites (remember: scorpions and spiders can cause harm, too!). High altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also a possibility if your culinary tour includes a short but challenging mountain climb.

Double Check Everything
Last, review your travel checklist several days before you leave for your tour. Call your tour organizer to ensure that everything’s ready in their side as well.