Do You Eat at Fast Food Restaurants when Traveling?
#106
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: KSUX
Posts: 906
Within the US I'll weigh the options just like at home. When traveling internationally I try to avoid it as much as possible but sometimes it's the best or only option. When in Europe last spring I always tried to eat breakfast and dinner at local places but for a quick lunch or drink when doing the tourist thing fast food was somtimes the best option. Have to admit the McDonald's right across from my hotel in Lisbon was handy a couple nights when I was out way past midnight and wanted a quick bite before turning in.
#108
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,284
While I eat fast food when traveling for the same reasons I eat it at home (fast, convenient, inexpensive) where I go for fast food varies with the locale. I try to pick local flavor instead of the big name brands I can get back home-- though even back home I don't eat at the big name brands that often. On many trips overseas I do try an American chain restaurant like McDonald's once to see how it's different from in the US.
#109
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
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Posts: 422
#110
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Toronto
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Posts: 2,979
On a vacation...rarely for work lots.
In a small town your choices are usually pretty limited.
My go to is Wendy's Chilli and their almond apple salad (1/2 size)...combo which is about $7.00
In a small town your choices are usually pretty limited.
My go to is Wendy's Chilli and their almond apple salad (1/2 size)...combo which is about $7.00
#111
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Posts: 3,559
I eat fast food on a trip generally for the same reason I do in the US - I'm starving, I'm on the go, and I don't really need a particularly fancy or time-consuming meal at the moment. Outside of the US, McDonald's is usually the only chain I'll be curious to try (or even to look at the menu if I don't eat there) because I find amusement in their localized offerings that are different than in the US. I do find eating at local fast food places an interesting experience and I also like the fact that they often have free wifi and bathrooms.
#112
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
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My first experiences with Pret were in London in about '07 or so and they were great. We had one in our office building...it was perfect for when I had like 15 minutes between meetings. And I've had them in NYC for years as well and never had a problem with them. Maybe this is a one-off bad location, but it left me wondering if the brand is sliding back towards the median for fast-food cleanliness and attentiveness to detail.
#114
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,735
I stopped at a Pret in Manhattan this past week - around 8th and 48th. I was kind of disappointed. The store wasn't very clean, most of the sandwiches were sold out, and nobody seemed to be restocking them. I am pretty sure the store was going to be open for a few more hours - wasn't like I walked in while they were getting ready to close.
#115
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
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#116
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, Marriot Lifetime Gold
Posts: 9,538
Oh, I've eaten it when I've had to. I just try to avoid it if I can. I know when I've been on the road, sometimes it is the only choice. I still hate it. McD's is like a giant salt lick. I try to go for Salsa Fresh or Subway if I have to eat it
#117
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I occasionally see one during travel but have never tried one. I'm not a Subway regular in the U.S. but like you, will sometimes pick one if I'm in a fast-food wasteland somewhere and want something semi-nutritious.
#118
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
Are international Subways pretty similar to American ones? Or do they try to add in local ingredients and flavors?
I occasionally see one during travel but have never tried one. I'm not a Subway regular in the U.S. but like you, will sometimes pick one if I'm in a fast-food wasteland somewhere and want something semi-nutritious.
I occasionally see one during travel but have never tried one. I'm not a Subway regular in the U.S. but like you, will sometimes pick one if I'm in a fast-food wasteland somewhere and want something semi-nutritious.
Last edited by moondog; Jul 15, 2019 at 9:19 am
#119
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, Marriot Lifetime Gold
Posts: 9,538
Are international Subways pretty similar to American ones? Or do they try to add in local ingredients and flavors?
I occasionally see one during travel but have never tried one. I'm not a Subway regular in the U.S. but like you, will sometimes pick one if I'm in a fast-food wasteland somewhere and want something semi-nutritious.
I occasionally see one during travel but have never tried one. I'm not a Subway regular in the U.S. but like you, will sometimes pick one if I'm in a fast-food wasteland somewhere and want something semi-nutritious.