A Travel Picnic To Die For | Enduring Wanderlust

To maximize the benefits of your travel picnic, EW has put together four steps to the perfect outing.

1. Location
“To leave a place is to die a little.” ~French Proverb

Select a comfortable spot that reflects the interests of the participants. It’s often best to choose a setting that connects you with nature. Areas within reach of rivers, lakes, or parks are ideal. This approach is feasible in the urban jungle, too. For instance, the banks of the Seine River in Paris feature popular walkways for spending an afternoon. The Great Lawn (map) of Central Park in New York City represents another great spot, Belvedere Castle located in its immediate vicinity.

2. Food Selection
“Tell me what you eat, I’ll tell you who you are” ~Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Picnicking is an opportunity to enjoy an authentic meal. It’s easy to collect a variety of foodstuffs from local markets that residents eat in their daily lives. A sojourn to an Italian city or village, for example, would allow for a picnic menu that consists of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, mortadella with breadsticks, chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto on wedges of honeydew, and a basket filled with figs and grapes. Add a glass of local wine or fresh tomato juice with lemon and black pepper.

3. Guests
“Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.” ~Rod McKuen

Consider inviting a couple of locals or fellow travelers to your gathering. There is no better way to understand a location than to spend time with those who know it best. It will also provide an opportunity to learn several new phrases in their native language. If you haven’t met any residents yet, contemplate arranging your get-together near a group of locals. Don’t be surprised if an invitation to join them is in the offing. This is especially helpful for solo travelers.

4. Conversation Topics
“Friends are those rare people who ask how you are then wait for an answer” ~Unknown

During the meal, it’s best to stick to light topics, allowing each guest to select a topic for discussion over the course of the afternoon. This ensures everyone has a chance to participate. It’s equally helpful to listen to your fellow picnickers and engage with their musings.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.