Why I prepare my own breakfast in my hotel room

Eating out for breakfast every day while travelling can quickly add up. While experiencing the local food is one of the best parts of travel, in most countries we’ve visited it just isn’t sustainable to do it for breakfast every single morning.

Our usual strategy is to book accommodation with self-catering facilities so we can prepare our own meals. Of course, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes these are out of our budget, or they simply aren’t available – like in Rome, Paris, and Cappadocia, where we stayed in standard hotel rooms without kitchen access for more than 3 nights.
We also don’t gravitate to self-catering options when we’re only staying somewhere for one night – a basic hotel is often more budget friendly.

If breakfast is included in the lowest price it’s a win-win but we won’t pay an additional fee to have this included.

What to pack

The best way to make hotel room cooking work is to pack a few essentials from home. These basics make everything easier and give you way more flexibility with what you can prepare.

Here’s the 3 things we always pack:

Utensil Set

Most hotel rooms don’t provide cutlery, and trying to eat yogurt with a coffee stirrer is no way to start your day (yes, we’ve been there). Having a lightweight set will help you actually enjoy your breakfast.

Collapsible Container

Choose a collapsible silicone container that’s microwave and hot-water safe. You want it to collapse flat for packing but expand to full size for eating from or reheating foods.

Lightweight Plate

Look for a durable, lightweight plate made from materials like wheat straw or BPA-free plastic. It should be shatterproof to survive being packed in your luggage or dropped. Choose one that’s heat-resistant enough to handle hot foods and has a smooth surface so it can be wiped down easily.

Some other items to consider

These aren’t necessary things you need to pack and can typically be brought from a supermarket at any point if you need them:

Dish soap – You can find small bottles at most supermarkets to help you wash your plates and cutlery (we’ve then just packed this into our luggage on travel days). Alternatively, you could bring a small reusable travel bottle filled with liquid from home. If space is an issue, dishwashing liquid sheets (available on Amazon) are compact and easy to pack in your luggage – we use the laundry version and they work brilliantly.

Zip lock bags – These are great for storing snacks and leftovers.

Rubber bands or hair elastics – Perfect for resealing opened packets.

Napkins – I try to grab a few extra when eating out so I always have some on hand when I need them.

20+ Hotel breakfast recipes you can make in your room

All of these breakfast ideas are easy to make and don’t require many ingredients. I’ve broken them down by what you may have access to in your room – whether that’s a microwave, mini fridge, kettle, or nothing at all.

What’s available will depend on the country you’re visiting, but I recommend shopping at supermarkets rather than convenience stores because they’ll have more variety and cheaper prices.

With a microwave

1. Scrambled eggs – eggs are one of our go-to breakfasts because they’re so filling and healthy (especially when you might not be eating so well the rest of the day). Crack an egg into a microwave-safe container or mug, add a splash of milk, then beat with a fork until mixed. Microwave on high for about 90 seconds until cooked through and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper – you can usually grab sachets from restaurants or cafes.
   
2. Oats – Add equal parts oats and milk to a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 1-2 minutes. Quick oats work best as they soften faster. Top with anything else you can find at the supermarket – fruit, nuts, jam .etc
   
3. Pancake mug – Pick up a pancake mix from the supermarket (the kind where you just add milk or water – they come in boxes or shaker bottles). Mix it in a mug, microwave for 60-90 seconds. Top with berries or banana for something a bit healthier.
   
4. Pre-made quiche – Find these ready-made or frozen at the supermarket. I like these because they have protein, dairy, and usually some vegetables too.
   
5. Leftovers – If you ate out the night before, bring back any leftovers for an easy breakfast. This will save you money and reduce food waste.

With a fridge

1. Yoghurt – Pick up single-serve yoghurt pouches or tubs and add muesli or fruit. If you have bowls or containers, a larger tub will be more affordable if you’re feeding multiple people or staying more than one night.
   
2. Cereal with milk – I’ve included this in the fridge section since most people prefer cold milk, but you can use long-life or plant-based milk that doesn’t need refrigeration before opening.
   
3. Bagels with cream cheese
   
4. Overnight oats – Perfect if you enjoy cold oats and want something ready to eat as soon as you wake up. Mix equal parts oats and milk (about 1/2 cup each) in a container the night before and leave in the fridge. Add toppings in the morning based on what you have available – fruit, nuts, jam, or honey all work well.
   
5. Chia pudding – Similar to overnight oats, mix 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1/2 cup almond milk in a covered container and leave in the fridge overnight. Top with fruit in the morning. Any milk works, but sweetened varieties will add extra flavour.
   
6. Cheeses and cold deli meats
   
7. Hummus – I love hummus because it’s high in fibre and filling. Eat with bread, crackers, carrot sticks, or celery.
   
8. Smoothie drinks – You can often find pre-made smoothies at supermarkets. These are a better option to fruit juice as they typically have less added sugar and more fibre, making them filling enough to be a meal on their own. They’re also easy to take with you if you’re heading out early – I know what it’s like not wanting to eat straightaway when you have an 5am start.

With a kettle

1. Instant oatmeal/porridge: (Yes, this is the third time I’ve mentioned oats – you can probably tell I love them).
   Look for instant oatmeal sachets or porridge pots at the supermarket (they’ll also come with instructions). You can also make your own with instant oats and a mug from your room. Add 1/2 cup instant oats to a mug, then pour in 1/2 cups of boiling water. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the oats thicken (add more water if needed). Let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool and absorb more water, then add toppings like fruit, chia seeds, nuts, or honey.

With nothing

1. Fresh fruit – Bananas, apples, or pre-cut fruit cups are easy and filling.
   
2. Pastries or muffins – If you aren’t close to a bakery to buy them fresh, you can pick some up from a supermarket the evening before.
   
3. Protein or granola bars
   
4. Baby food pouches – Don’t be put off by the marketing – you can find nutritious options that are easy to eat on the go, regardless of your age.
   
5. Bagels or sandwiches with toppings – Use spreads like peanut butter, jam, Nutella, or honey. You can also add fresh toppings like banana or avocado for something more filling.
   
6. Nuts, trail mix, or dried fruit
   
7. Protein shakes or drinks – Convenient and filling enough to keep you going until lunch.