We love to travel the backroads of America. We prefer the car to an airplane for most trips. And we absolutely love a good deal on a fun weekend. One thing that really makes a positive difference in our budget…and our experience…is how we eat on the road.
Skip the drive thru and protect your budget with these road-trip-friendly snacks and meals.
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First, the WHY…
Meal planning, prepping, and packing might seem like another chore that you want to skip while you’re away. But here’s why we prefer it:
- Eat Healthier and Feel Better While Traveling
- Save Money and Feel Less Guilty About Splurging on a Couple Nicer Meals
- Safer for Anyone with Dietary Restrictions (Nobody wants to be sick on vacation)
- Little Picnics Create Opportunities for You to Enjoy New Areas
- Avoid Hangry Meltdowns
Breakfast
Effortless, grab and go options that require little or no prep and no cooking are the easiest. Consider cereal, granola, breakfast bars, toaster pastries (if you like them cold), and protein bars.
What to pack in the cooler:
- Yogurt Tubes/Cups
- Fresh Fruit (Apple Slices, Berries, Grapes) in Individual Containers
- Mason Jars of Chia Pudding or Overnight Oats
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- No Bake Protein Balls
What to pack in a hard-sided tote:
- Bananas
- Peanut Butter/Nut Butter
- Wraps
- Instant Oatmeal (This portable electric kettle can heat water anywhere)
Bring a hot/cold travel cup and a refillable water bottle for each person on the trip. For younger kids, I also pack a spill-proof snack cup. Pack a couple gallons of water for drinking and for rinsing out cups on the go.
Lunch
Eat light for lunch. Salads and sandwiches are the best way to go! Pick a protein, add a veggie (or two), a healthy fat, a bit of fruit for something sweet. The good news is, there are A LOT of grab-and-go, eat cold options for lunch on the road that isn’t a sketchy gas station sandwich!
What to pack in the cooler:
- Deli Meat
- Mustard/Mayonnaise (Bring those packets you’ve been saving up)
- Cheese Slices (We prefer Gouda or Provolone)
- Bologna or Salami
- Pre Cut Veggies (Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper)
- Individual Hummus Cups
- Fruit Cups (Apples, Melon, Berries, Grapes)
- Cucumber Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Jelly/Jam
What to pack in a hard-sided tote:
- Shelf-Stable Tuna Pouches/Pull-Tab Cans
- Sandwich Bread (in a Bread Buddy)
- Crackers
- Chips/Pretzels
- Peanut Butter/Nut Butter
Make sure to buy secure but disposable individual sized food storage containers. I like these, with the secure locking tabs or the small, round containers with twist on lids. I also tend to use A LOT of mason jars. They are glass, but really durable. I’ve dropped them many times on asphalt and hard floor surfaces without breaking them. 😲
Dinner
When it comes to the end of the day, we like to eat a proper (snack-free) meal. If we dine out, it’s usually for dinner. But more often, we’re stopped for the night with a few more options to prepare food.
If we’re at a campsite, we know we will have a fire, a grill, or at least access to electricity. If we’re in a hotel, we likely have a microwave as well as electricity. You can do A LOT with a little when eating dinner on the go.
One thing we always do is bring an Instant Pot or portable rice cooker.
Instant Pot Meal Ideas:
- Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Crack Chicken (My FAVORITE Recipe)
- Pulled Pork BBQ Nachos
- Protein (Ground Sausage, Beef), Rotel, & Cream Cheese with Tortilla Chips
- Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Meatball Subs
Microwave Meal Ideas:
- Fettuccine Alfredo Mug Meal
- Egg Fried Rice in a Mug
- Baked Potato & Can Chili
- Anything in a Pull-Tab Can (Spaghettios, Soup, Beans)
- Hot Dogs, Sausages (Precooked)
Electric Kettle Meal Ideas:
- Ramen Noodles
- Can/Instant Soup
- Easy Mac N Cheese
If you plan to have electricity, pack a small toaster (2-slice) like this one that has a removable serving tray. I like to pack mason jar salads and a bottle of our favorite salad dressing to use as an easy side to whatever road trip meal we end up cooking. You can also store dressings and condiments in squeeze bottles.
More Road Trip Snacks
Here’s a few more snacks that travel well so you can much in between meals while on the go…
- Jerky or Meat Sticks
- Cheese Sticks
- Almonds or Pecans
- Ritz Bits
- Ready-to-Go Trail Mix
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