I like picnics. I love buying local food at markets or at specialty stores. I bought cheese in Haarlem at the market (they sliced it for me) and queued in a deli in Bruges (watched others closely question the shopkeeper about meats and cheeses). We bought wonderful pastries in Capri and ate high up overlooking the Mediterranean with nary a restaurant to be seen. We had many train picnics when we Eurailed with our kids. Yes, eating in restaurants or cafes is great (rosemary creme brulee in Mdina in Malta!) but I like a combination. It allows me to save time, cuts costs and experience a little of local life. What's not to like!

Frances in Ottawa, Canada visiting sister and fellow Ziner, Helen