Choose dinner before packing
Think about the first half hour after arriving. Someone may be unpacking a car, returning keys, or helping a child settle in. Choose a meal one person can make with the kitchen as you expect to find it. Check whether the saucepan, opener, or other required equipment will actually be there.
Put the meal's ingredients together
Put the meal on the calendar for the return date. If you decide to eat on the way home, move those unopened ingredients to the next open dinner. You do not need to prepare a fresh meal in advance just to satisfy a plan.
Write the meal name and location where the person arriving first can see them. “Pasta and tomato sauce on the second pantry shelf” is easier to follow than “food in cupboard.” If the household takes some of those ingredients away on the trip, replace them before relying on the plan.
Keep a decision for very late arrivals
Set a simple condition such as “if we eat before boarding, move this dinner to Wednesday.” Decide who will report that change so the person at home does not start cooking unnecessarily. On returning, add anything opened or used to the next shopping list while the amounts are still clear.