Southwestern United States Tours – How to Tips

These are a few preparation tips-suggestions to make the most from your Southwestern US food vacation.

Have a Ready 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 chance to taste the best food of a given region or culture when your stomach can’t accommodate more than a bite?

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

Just make sure you don’t overeat 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
Heat is a term often associated with the Southwest in more ways than one.

First, a majority of the tastes of Southwest cuisine are extremely spicy. Chimichangas, nachos, taquitos, stuffed peppers, chile relleno, chili con carne, and salsa are just a few of the well-known dishes that could get you hopping mad out of the restaurant with burning taste buds. If you’re not accustomed at eating spicy foods, make sure you have a small bottle or jug of iced water with you at all times; there may be times when you just can’t wait a minute longer to cool your mouth off.

Second, Southwestern states are not exactly the coldest regions of the country. The weather in this region, 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 light, airy clothing. Wearing a cap or sun visor as well as a pair of shades can help shelter you from the heat.

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

Get Ready for the Heat
Concerning the heat, there are also certain characteristics of the weather that you might need to watch out for. Mosquitoes are a nominal but annyoing problem, but one that a mosquito repellent can easily address. Rain can also be a cause of trouble, but not if you come
ready with a raincoat and umbrella.

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

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

Now, if you’ve considerable experience vacationing, you probably already have a first aid kit packed with your things. 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 problem if your food tour includes a short but physical mountain climb.

Double Check Everything
Last, examine your travel checklist several days before you depart for your tour. Call your tour planner to ensure that everything’s fine in their side as well.