Traveling While Following Keto

Travel is where most keto beginners fall off. With a little preparation, it doesn't have to be — some of our most consistent readers travel weekly.

Airport strategy

• Pack an emergency stash: jerky, nuts, cheese sticks, dark chocolate.
• Skip pre-security fast food; almost every airport now has grill-forward options past security.
• Grab a rotisserie salad or sushi (sashimi only).
• Order water. Refill after security to avoid $6 bottles.

Hotel breakfast

Almost every hotel serves eggs, bacon, cheese, and some greens. Skip the toast, oatmeal, pastries, and juices. Ask for extra avocado if available.

Road trip snacks

• Hard-boiled eggs in a cooler
• Jerky
• Cheese cubes
• Nuts (portioned into small bags)
• Cucumber slices
• Sugar-free electrolyte packets

International travel

Most cuisines have naturally low-carb options — you just have to know what to order:

• Italy: Bistecca fiorentina, mixed antipasto, insalata caprese
• France: Steak frites (skip fries), cheese course, salade niçoise
• Japan: Sashimi, yakitori (no sweet sauce), grilled fish
• Mexico: Carnitas with cheese, fajitas without tortillas, ceviche
• India: Tandoori meats, saag paneer, raita (skip rice and naan)
• Middle East: Kebabs, tabbouleh (skip if bulgur is heavy), labneh, olives

The 80/20 travel rule

If you're traveling to a food destination, don't stress about perfect keto. Do your best 80% of the time and accept that you'll experiment during the remaining meals. One week of imperfect eating won't erase months of progress.