travel car snacks

30 Healthy(ish) Road Trip Snacks To Bring on Your Next Adventure

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We share our favorite road trip snacks (and which types of snacks you should definitely avoid!) 

We lived on the road for over two years, and we also run a camp cooking blog. So we feel uniquely qualified to share our thoughts on what foods make great road trip snacks. We have given this topic A LOT of thought. 

We’ve learned a lot over the thousands of miles we’ve travelled and countless hangry meltdowns we’ve had, and we’re excited to share our best road trip snack recommendations with you. 

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We feel snacks are an essential part of any long distance road trip . And we never leave home without them! 

Sometimes you need a little energy boost, sometimes you need to stabilize your blood sugar, and sometimes you need to munch on something just to stay alert and keep blood flowing to your brain.

Snacks can also dramatically improve the overall road trip experience. They turn an otherwise monotonous process into a moveable feast. 

Below we share our thoughts on what snacks you should bring on your next road trip (and which snacks you shouldn’t). 

What snacks should you bring on a road trip?

This will largely depend on your personal taste, but the general rule is that road trip food should be easy to access and easy to consume. They should keep your body fueled, your blood sugar stable, and your mind alert. Keep reading for some of our favorite suggestions!

While there are lots of foods that are great for long road trips, there are few food categories you will absolutely want to avoid. 

Here are some of the worst foods for a long road trip: 

• Food that creates lots of crumbs or waste (e.x. crackers, pistachios) 
• Powdery foods (e.x. Cheetos)  
• Greasy or oily foods (e.x. olives) 
• Foods with strong smells (e.x. some soft cheeses, bananas) 
• Foods that can spoil on a dime (e.x. avocados) 
• Food in excessive packaging

Eating While Driving 

Snacking while driving can be done safely if you have taken the time to properly set up your cab area beforehand. Food should be within easy reach and not require you to take your eyes off the road. 

When driving with another person, delegate as much as possible so you can stay focused on the road. For example, asking them to grab a snack, unwrap it (if necessary), and hand it to you.  

While eating on the road is possible, whenever possible, we highly recommend stopping at roadside rest stops. Taking a 10-15 minute break to eat, go to the bathroom, stretch, and readjust your setup is sooo worth it. 

We know the urge to press on is strong, but taking a few small breaks can improve everyone’s mood. 

The Best Road Trip Snacks 

These are some of our favorite road-tripping snacks. We’ve personally consumed every item listed below at some point or another and can attest to their roadworthiness and superior snackability. 

Greenbelly Meal Bars

Taking a page from hikers & backpackers, these Greenbelly meal bars contain 650 calories per serving, which is as much as a complete meal. While we don’t recommend skipping meals on the road, if you need to, one of these could be a good option.

Energy Bars

There are a million kinds of energy bars, so our advice is to go for variety. Just stay away from those super crumbly ones like Nature Valley. Here are some of our favorite brands: Bobo , RX Bars , GoMacro , Lara Bar , Dang , Aloha , and 88 Acres Seed Bars .

Energy Cookies 

If you prefer your energy bars in a circular form, then perhaps you would be interested in the growing energy cookie sector. (This is just a way to stand out from the 8 billion energy bar brands!) Nevertheless, we are fans of MunkPack Cookies and Lenny & Larry Cookies

Fig Newtons

Fig Newtons are by far our preferred road trip cookies. They’re soft, don’t generate crumbs, and are absolutely delicious. 

Nut Butter Packets

Yum Butter nut butter packets make them super easy to eat while on the road. Sometimes we eat it straight from the packet, but it would also be good with sliced apples or bread if you’re taking a break at a rest stop. This resealable squeeze packet means you don’t have to dirty a knife or spoon to scoop it out of a jar.

Roasted Rye Chips 

Rye chips are our go-to gas station pick up. They are fairly robust and don’t generate crumbs like other chips. When compared to the other deep-fried options in the chip aisle, this is on the healthy-ish-er* side of the spectrum. 

*Healthy, only by comparison to other very unhealthy options. 

The Good Crisp Co. 

While these potato chips violate our no-crumb rule, these Good Crisp Co. chips are just too good to leave out. These are basically a healthier version of Pringles and feature the same cylinder, which protects the crips from getting crushed. 

Chocolate Covered Espresso beans

These are a great little caffeine and sugar burst all at once. We like to reserve these guys for the end of our trip when we’re likely at our most fatigued. 

Yogurt Covered Raisins

These are a real treat and can easily be picked up at a bulk bin in most grocery stores. If you are able to keep these chilled in a cooler, we highly suggest it! 

Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels 

We love these things. We often pick them up from Trader Joe’s and Quinn’s makes a gluten-free version you can find on on Thrive Market . We find that the bags tend to split down the middle, so we like to repack these into a sealable container or a big ReZip bag . These also make great hiking snacks !

Fresh no-peel fruit 

Grapes are great for road trips because they don’t need to be peeled and don’t have cores. Apples and pears are also good options. Oranges, clementines, and tangerines will hold well in a sealed container if you peel and segment them ahead of time.

*Do not throw fruit cores (or anything else for that matter) out the window. Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it will decompose sitting on the shoulder of the freeway. It just attracts wildlife, which leads to more roadkill and more accidents. 

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are one of the healthiest road trip snack options out there. Baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes are all super healthy and easy to eat while driving.

Veggie Chips 

Veggie chips are another snack we often pick up at the bulk bin or from Nuts.com . These are the perfect “bored/hungry” snack and don’t need to be refrigerated.

Plantain Chips

Healthier than potato chips, less pungent than a fresh banana, plantain chips are slightly sweet, salty, and crunchy—which checks a lot of boxes!

Opt for trail mix with large pieces. You don’t want to deal with a handful of finely chopped nuts and tiny seeds. They’re just going to get all over the car. The bigger the pieces, the better. 

We prefer cashews or almonds when driving. They are big enough to easily handle and don’t need to be shucked. Peanuts are just a little too small for us and pistachios and sunflower seeds are the worst.

Cheese 

Hard cheese that doesn’t need refrigeration is a great option. We also LOVE the Trader Joe’s Baked Cheese Bites as well as Parmesan or Cheddar Whisps (the latter are a bit less sturdy though).

Jerky And Meat Bars

Unlike a lot of the carb-heavy options on the list, Jerky and meat bars have some serious sticking power. We are big fans of Epic Provisions, Wild Zora, and other meat products that don’t have a ton of additives (looking at you Slim) 

If you or your road trip buddies tend to feel a little queasy on those winding roads, ginger is a natural way to settle your stomach without causing drowsiness like over-the-counter meds can. We like to keep a bag of Gin Gins ginger chews in our snack bin for this reason.

Need help staying alert while driving? In addition to the usual caffeinated remedies, there has been a lot of scientific evidence that suggests that the act of chewing gum can help focus and alertness.

Masticating (the act of chewing) increases blood flow to your head and helps increase cognitive ability and focus. So if you often get drowsy when driving, consider picking up a pack of gum . 

Best Road Trip Drinks 

This is where having a small soft sided cooler really comes in handy. After a couple of hundred miles, a cold drink can really make a big difference to revive you. 

Sparkling water/seltzer

Take it from us, it’s really easy to get dehydrated on long drives. So be sure to drink water along the way. There’s a world of sparkling water out there, but our favorite brand is Spindrift ! 

Iced coffee

A can of iced coffee or even nitro cold brew coffee can be a great pick-me-up to carry you through that final stretch. 

Another lightly carbonated, non-alcoholic option, kombucha is another one of our favorite drinks on the road.

Best Road Trip Snacks For Kids 

If you’re road tripping with kids, having a strong snack game is an absolute must! Some enticing snacks may not prevent a meltdown entirely, but it can buy you some time. 

However, unlike snack time at home, the kids will be strapped in the backseat. So whatever snacks you choose, they’ll have to be able to deal with themselves.

Sliced vegetables 

Cut slices of bell pepper, carrot, celery, or snap peas are a great snack option for kids since they are healthy and don’t have the potential to become a mess or leave crumbs everywhere.

Fresh fruit

Likewise, fruit that has been pre-sliced makes a great snack for kids. Choose fruit that isn’t overly juicy or soft. Apples, pre-peeled oranges, and grapes (for older kids) are good places to start. 

To keep apples from browning, try soaking them in a water & lemon juice bath for a few minutes before packing them.

String cheese

Kids love these and they’re a great way to add some protein into their diet. Ideally, these should be chilled in a cooler or insulated lunch bag.

Kid-sized energy bars

If the kids see mom or dad partaking in an energy bar, you can bet they’re going to want one too! These “kid-sized” bars are a great way to include them, without having to split your own bar!  Clif Minis and Lara Bar minis are a good place to start.

Annie’s Snack Mix

You’ll probably be cleaning these out from between the car seat cushions, but this is just such a popular snack – particularly if your kids like salty & crunchy things. For toddlers, pair this type of snack with a snack-catching cup, like this one by Munchkin .

Annie’s Bunny Grahams: 

Annie’s Bunny Grahams are usually a crowd favorite! Since they are bite-sized graham crackers, there won’t as many crumbs left behind as there would with full-sized graham crackers.

Mini Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Bite-sized mini peanut butter sandwiches are perfect for little hands. They are a nice balance of carbs, protein, and fats to help satiate your backseat companions.

Organic Fruit Tape

Ok, fruit rolls might not make it to the top of every parent’s “Healthy Road Trip Snacks” list, but they are just so nostalgic for us! 

This version is organic and made from real fruit and not much else, so it’s gotta be healthier than whatever we were eating in the 90’s, right?

These can also be used (leveraged?) as a reward or perhaps as a last resort if things start to really go sideways.

Helpful Snacking Items

You don’t need much, but there are a few pieces of gear that we find to be very useful on long haul trips. 

Soft-Sided Cooler : Generally speaking, you should select road trip snacks that don’t need refrigeration. But having a way to keep some items cold can be very helpful—particularly fresh fruits & veggies. 

Mini Trash Can / Large Sealable Container : We like to keep a mini trash can or sealable container nearby to help us keep the front cab area clean and tidy. Don’t let this be you . A clean, uncluttered car can really improve your overall driving experience. 

Insulated cup with lid : An insulated cup with a lid can keep your morning coffee hot or your afternoon kombucha cold for hours. It can really extend the enjoyability range of your beverage.  It’s also reusable, so your car doesn’t fill up with paper coffee cups.  

ReZip Bags : Ditch the single-use baggie, and consider using these reusable zip bags instead. They are great for sliced fruit and veggies, bulk bin items, or pre-portion out serving for kids. 

Wet Wipes : Sticky, greasy fingers are the worst. Having some easily accessible wet wipes handy is a great idea. 

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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I love pistachios. I buy a big, shelled bag at Costco for road trips. And no shells!

Oh, smart! I love pistachios, too, but always find the shells to be a hassle. Good to know you can pick them up pre-shelled!

I really enjoy reading all your tips and tricks from your various trips. They are all SO helpful and well communicated. Keep ‘em coming!!

I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks, Danielle 🙂

I love you guys! Such good ideas and great information. I’ll be looking into an Oregon trip for sure!

These 20 Road Trip Snacks Will Have You Eating Good on the Go

Whether you’re the driver or the passenger princess, you won’t go hungry with these picks (we promise!).

Now, if you want to do a road trip right, there are a few things you can't forget to bring with you. I already mentioned a few: a killer playlist, some friends you won't want to drop off at a gas station after a few hours, and some good travel bags . But perhaps the most important thing of all to pack ahead of a road trip? A bag full of snacks. Good snacks .

Whether you're the one driving or the one snoozing in the passenger seat, you're definitely going to need some sustenance if you're going to be cruisin' for hours on end. That's just a fact. But not all snacks are meant to be eaten in the car, never mind while driving (no one likes a sticky steering wheel) so you've gotta pack accordingly. Lucky for you, I basically wrote out a shopping list for your pre-trip grocery haul, and it's just a few scrolls away. Read on, and happy trails!

Moon Cheese Bites Bundle (Pack of 3)

If you told me in high school that I'd be waxing poetic about Moon Cheese and getting paid for it one day, I simply wouldn't believe you. I went through packs on packs on packs of these back in the day as an after-school snack (and, tbh, still do). They're crunchy while still being airy, and savory without being too salty. They are, dare I say, out of this world.

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs (Pack of 10)

Peanut butter is essential—but peanut butter is not always portable. You don't want to be lugging a big, sticky jar when you're hitting the road. That's why these squeeze packs from Justin's (who make damn good nut butters, fwiw) are perfect for long drives where you want a spoonful or two of the good stuff. Tear off a corner and squeeze some on an apple, piece of celery, or straight into your pie hole.

Scott's Protein Balls Plant-Based Protein Balls, Brownie Batter (6 Bags)

Long road trips require plenty of energy (and a killer, Justin Bieber-heavy playlist, but that's another story), and that's where protein-loaded snacks save the day. Pop one of these chocolatey balls during your journey to fuel your body and mind...perhaps while you stop to fuel your car.

Moonshot Climate-Friendly Crackers Variety Pack (Pack of 6)

It's not easy to eat a piece of margherita pizza or slice of crumbly sourdough bread over your steering wheel—but it is easy to eat these crackers that taste just like 'em. They're nutrient dense and made with regeneratively grown ingredients, so you can also feel good(ish) about crushing a whole box in one go.

Lucky Charms Breakfast Cereal Treat (Box of 16)

Not quite breakfast and not quite dessert, the cereal bar is a beautiful, beautiful anomaly. Throw a few in your center console and enjoy as a sweet treat to start or end your day of driving. Or just pick the marshmallows out, I won't judge.

Hippeas Chickpea Tortilla Chips, Nacho Vibes (Pack of 18)

Don't say it, don't say it, don't...DORITOS DUPEEEEE. But for real, these tortilla chips taste just like Nacho Cheese Doritos, except they're made from chickpeas and are packed full of plant protein. Warning: they might be better suited for passengers, or for eating during driving breaks, because you *will* get orange fingers.

Now Foods Salted Caramel Almonds

Sweet, salty, and crunchy all at the same time? Sign me tf up. If you've ever had the almonds from a Nuts 4 Nuts street cart in NYC, these are reminiscent and therefore fantastic.

Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites (Pack of 5)

If you've ever dipped a soft pretzel into a warm cheese dip, you know that it's a life-changing experience. (ILYSM Auntie Anne ♥.) These new innovations from Whisps mimic the same flavor pairing, mashing real cheddar cheese and crunchy pretzel pieces into bite-sized snacks perfect for stashing in the center console.

Applegate Charcuterie Plate with Uncured Genoa Salami, Cheddar, Roasted Almonds & Dark Chocolate

Charcuterie boards typically don't transport well. Like, even the distance from the kitchen counter to the dining room table can feel infinite. So it goes without saying that charcuterie boards probably don't make great car snacks. OR DO THEY? These snack packs from Applegate reverse the status quo, allowing you to get your cheesy, meaty thrills on the go. The deep-pocketed tray has a section for genoa salami slices, cheddar cheese cubes, roasted almonds, and dark chocolate chunks.

Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune Shot (Pack of 6)

Ever come home from a trip and wind up sick as a dog the next day? Yeah, same. These immune-boosing juice shots—packed with fruit, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals—can help keep you healthy amid the lack of sleep and influx of germs often associated with traveling. They also don't taste bad, which might come as a surprise to anyone who has taken a shot like this before.

Saffron Road Organic Crunchy Chickpea Snacks (Pack of 6)

If you've never roasted chickpeas to the point of crispy perfection, then you just haven't lived. Full stop. But it can be tricky to get them super crisp at home, especially if you don't have a lot of time (or a deep fryer). That's where these bad boys come in—pop a handful for a hella crunchy and just-salty-enough snack that's high in fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals.

BRAVE GOOD KIND Tender Chicken Bites

Eating greasy chicken tenders while driving? Not ideal. Eating tender chicken bites while driving? Perfection. Think of these like jerky: they're easy to pop in your mouth while keeping one hand on the steering wheel, and have 10 grams of protein per serving to keep you ready for the drive ahead.

Partake Crunchy Cookie Variety Pack (Pack of 4)

Life is better when you have a cookie in your hand. Prove me wrong. I recommend using both hands for these cookies—they're vegan and gluten-free while still tasting like you're eating dessert. Each of the four flavors—chocolate chip, birthday cake, ginger snap, and double chocolate—is to die for. Scout's honor.

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs

If you've never eaten a bag of these before, chances are you're thinking, "wow, that's a funny name." And you know what? It is. But the snacks inside...no laughing matter. They're frickin' delicious. You'll eat the entire bag without even noticing because they're so puffy and light. That said, if you're driving with a plus one, I highly recommend packing two bags.

SmartSweets Variety Pack Sampler (Pack of 6)

Candy? That's not chock-full of sugar? Groundbreaking. But actually . These chewy cuties only have 3 grams of sugar per bag, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without having to worry about wiggling the steering wheel as you shake like a leaf thanks to a sugar high.

Unbound Chili Lime Walnuts

The only thing better than this Albert Einstein-embellished packaging? The snack inside. The chili-lime flavoring packs a punch without giving too crazy of a kick (you don't want a spice attack while you're driving, after all), and keeps your taste buds occupied no matter how long the drive. Get those Omega 3s, babes!

Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothie Variety Pack (3 Packs of 6 Tubes)

It can be a challenge to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies when traveling. These squeezable smoothies—yes, they're reminiscent of the yogurt tubes we all used to pound as kids—make it a little easier. (Okay, sure, these are also targeted to kids, but they're just too good to skip.)

SToK Cold Brew Iced Coffee

Do I really need to explain why you might need caffeine on a road trip? SToK offers little coffee shots for those who don't want too much of a buzz, or big bottles like you see here.

M&M's Limited-Edition Peanut Milk Chocolate Candy (Pack of 2)

Everyone loves peanut M&M's, and they're the best chocolates to munch while driving thanks to their candy coating, which doesn't get all melty and sticky. You know the vibes. If you see this limited-edition bag (hi, look to your left) of the treats, grab it ASAP. It's the brand's first time using female-focused packaging in honor of women "flipping the status quo," and $1 from each bag is donated to women's empowerment organizations.

Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips (Pack of 16)

Love a red apple but don't like the sticky juice that inevitably always drips down your chin? These babies were made for you. Crunchy and sweet minus the mess, they're everything you could ever ask for from a car snack.

Hannah Chubb is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan , covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram .  

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25 Best Road Trip Snacks That’ll Fuel the Family

They're sweet, salty, healthy, and everything in between!

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It's been years since the entire Drummond clan took a proper family road trip, but Ree took the kids on lots of by-car adventures when they were younger, especially as part of homeschooling lessons. Ree got the kids in the car bright and early to avoid traffic, and would always make sure to pack a Thermos of hot coffee. "Mornings are my favorite part of the day to be on the road," she says. "Most people are just waking up, the roads are significantly less populated…coffee tastes better."

No matter where you're traveling this year, these road trip snacks will fuel you and your family through even the longest drives. Have a safe trip!

Country Archer Beef and Turkey Jerky Variety Pack

Ditch the carby snacks and opt for beef or turkey jerky when you're craving some protein. This variety pack comes with six different flavors and is big enough to share!

That's it. Fruit Bars Variety Pack

For a satisfying chew without the added sugars, try fruit bars. They're healthier than candies and gummies but still bursting with fruit flavor for when you want something sweet.

Combos Pizzeria Baked Pretzel Snacks

You'll find these filled snacks in the chip aisle at most gas stations. They're low-crumb and delicious.

YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears

Who said gummy bears are just for kids? These gluten-free gummies are great for the whole family—and they taste delicious, too!

Kar's Sweet 'n Salty Trail Mix

Is the highway kind of like a trail for cars? Either way, this sweet and salty trail mix will satisfy your hunger on long trips.

Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

For the ultimate sweet and salty snack, try this kettle corn. It's made with 100% whole grains and is gluten free and non-GMO, so it's a snack you can feel good about!

JUSTIN'S Classic Gluten-Free Almond Butter Squeeze Packs

Whether you're spreading it onto another snack like an apple (without any mess!) or enjoying it on its own, an almond butter squeeze pack is a great on-the-go snack.

CLIF BARS - Mini Energy Bar Variety Pack

These miniature energy bars are perfect for giving you a little boost when you're on the last leg of your trip. Buy this variety pack to find your favorite flavor.

Newtons Soft & Chewy Cookies Variety Pack

Satisfy your sweet tooth and skip the crumbs with a few Fig Newtons. This variety pack comes with fig and strawberry cookies.

Goldfish Crackers Big Smiles Variety Pack

Goldfish are always a crowd-pleaser. Get the variety pack so everyone in the crew can enjoy their favorite flavor!

Happy Bites 3 Flavor Covered Coffee Beans

When you need a little caffeine but can't stop for coffee, reach for these chocolate-covered coffee beans. Just be sure to keep them away from the kids. 😂

Garden Veggie Straws

The whole family can enjoy this snack, from toddlers to teens to adults. Try a fun flavor like Zesty Ranch to mix things up.

Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets

Get your greens on the go with these roasted seaweed snacks. They're kid and parent-approved!

Dried Mango Slices

Traveling with fresh fruit can be tricky—it's so frustrating to reach for a banana, only to find it smushed at the bottom of a bag. Plus, what do you do with that pesky peel when you're on the road? We recommend packing dried fruit for no-fuss snacking.

Fritos Scoops! Corn Snacks

Satisfy a salty craving with some simple corn chips. There's a reason they've stayed popular for more than 80 years. And if you're looking to dip, Scoops! will help you avoid a mess.

Honey Nut Cheerios

Cereal is delicious even without milk. Fill a baggie with your favorite kind for a great on-the-go snack.

CraveBox Care Package

If you're heading on a cross-country road trip, one or two kinds of snacks might not cut it. So buy a wide variety instead! This CraveBox comes with a mix of 45 different salty and sweet snacks.

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels

Skip the plain salty pretzels that just leave you feeling parched. These twists are seasoned with a buttery blend of spices including onion, garlic, and pepper.

Glico Chocolate Pocky Sticks

Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both in the form of chocolate Pocky sticks? They're easy to eat with one hand, too!

Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps

These dried snap peas are a healthier alternative to potato chips. We promise they're just as addictive!

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If you’re heading on a lengthy car ride, it goes without saying that road trip snacks are a must: When hunger and boredom strike, these little treats may just be your savior.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of some favorite road trip snacks that you should definitely take along on your next adventure. So, pack your cooler, buckle up, and let’s get into it!

What Are the Best Road Trip Snacks?

When packing snacks for a road trip, you should pick foods that are both convenient to store and eat, and those that aren’t overly messy .

The driver, in particular, will need snacks that are easy to reach and eat, as they’ll be busy focusing on the road.

Snacks in individual packets are a great option, but you can also portion up healthy snacks, like carrots and cucumbers, into zip lock bags or plastic containers.

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

There are plenty of healthy car snacks that you could take on your next epic road trip, and below, we’ve narrowed down some of our favorites.

Beef jerky is a great road trip food because it contains a lot of protein , which is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger. It’s also extremely easy to eat, as it already comes in its own packet and leaves behind minimal mess.

When choosing beef jerky, stay away from the gas station kind. Jerky that’s sold at gas stations comes full of preservatives, so instead, opt for some organic, grass-fed jerky from a natural foods store.

Sometimes you need more than just a snack, and that’s where sandwiches comes in.

Of course, depending on what you put in, these could be messy snacks; so, it’s best keep things simple. PB&J or a ham sandwich are great snack options for road trips.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare, store, and eat. Eggs are packed full of protein, which is exactly what you’ll need on long car rides to keep hunger at bay.

Once you’ve boiled your eggs, remove the shells and place them in a plastic container so you can quickly grab them when needed.

Granola or Protein Bars

Granola and protein bars are fantastic snacks that come in their own individual packets.

However, take the time to choose your bars carefully. Some are filled with sugar, preservatives, and additives — stuff you don’t want to be ingesting.

When shopping for a granola or protein bar, always check the label and look for natural ingredients that will fuel your body.

If you’re particularly handy in the kitchen, you could even make your own granola bars. That way, you know exactly what is going into them!

String Cheese

String cheese may be designed with kids in mind, but who doesn’t love peeling bits of cheese off and placing them in your mouth? It’s recommended not to leave cheese strings out at room temperature for more than 4 hours, so make this your first road trip snack or place it in a cooler!

Carrots and Cucumber Sticks

Carrot and cucumber sticks are the ultimate boredom snack — carrots especially. The amount of concentration chewing a carrot requires will relieve all boredom and also give your body some all-important nutrients and fiber.

Precut the carrots and cucumbers and place them in a container or zip lock.

You could even add some hummus or your other favorite dips to make these easy road trip snacks even tastier.

Fresh fruit will always be a great snack, whether you’re at home, on a picnic, or on a road trip.

If you prefer your fruit chilled (like we personally do), then be sure to pack a cooler.

Here are some great, easy-to-eat fruit options while road tripping :

• Strawberries

And, if you have time before your trip, you could even cut up pineapple, watermelon, and mangoes and place them in a container.

Sliced apples are also an alternative if you’re not a fan of eating apples whole.

Nuts are an amazing source of protein, and make a fantastic travel snack. You could create a nut mix by adding different types of nuts to a bag, or you could single out your favorite to enjoy while driving.

Here are a few nuts for you to consider for your next road trip:

• Pistachios – Packed full of fiber and unsaturated fats. Low in calories.
• Walnuts – Contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids
• Peanuts – A great source of protein.
• Almonds – Rich in vitamins and minerals.

Protein Balls

Protein balls are an alternative to protein bars.

And, I don’t know about you, but foods made into different shapes often look more appetizing.

The rules that apply to protein bars are also in effect for protein balls: Look for ones that aren’t filled with lots of sugars and additives, or make them at home!

Here’s a simple protein ball recipe:

Mix nut butter, shredded coconut, protein powder, rolled oats, chocolate chips, and dried fruit.

Then, roll the mixture into ball shapes and place the balls into the fridge.

Crackers make a good snack if you’re looking for something crunchy. Whether you turn them into cheese crackers, tuna crackers, or nut butter crackers is completely up to you.

Whatever you choose to do with your crackers, just be sure to prepare the snacks before getting into the car.

Sunflower Seeds

Seeds are another great option alongside nuts. Sunflower seeds are full of magnesium and healthy fats.

Remember to pack a spare bag to spit the shells into!

We love popcorn for road trips , and here’s why.

For one, not only is it a great source of carbs and fiber, but it is also fun to snack on.

Secondly, if you’re feeling lazy, then microwavable bags of popcorn will do.

Now, for an even healthier snack, grab some popcorn from a natural food store, or even better, make your own.

To make your own popcorn, simply grab some kernels, place them into a pot, add butter, salt, or olive oil for taste, and heat them on the stove until they start to pop. Be sure to put a lid over the pot while the kernels are popping, but leave it open just a little bit.

You can find numerous trail mix options at most food stores, but it’s also incredibly easy to make your own. Your homemade version will probably be a lot healthier, too.

For a simple trail mix recipe, add your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. And, if you want to enhance it even further, you could add cereal, popcorn, chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips.

Dried Fruit

Instead of eating your fruit fresh, you could always go down the dried fruit route.

However, be careful — like most pre-packaged foods, your dried fruit mix can contain high-fructose corn syrup or lots of added sugar. Look for options that contain fruit and nothing else.

Also, note that most fruit that’s been dried — and prunes in particular — could have an unintended laxative effect. And, I’m sure you’ll agree, that’s something you should avoid at all costs while on the road. 

Road Trip Snacks for a Sweet Tooth

Now that we’ve covered the healthy foods, we also thought we should mention some snacks to satisfy your cravings for sweets. Because, let’s be honest, we all need a little sugary pick-me-up from time-to-time.

One of the easiest mess-free snacks that’ll satisfy your sugar cravings is candy. There are tons of candy options out there, and everyone has their favorites.

What we will recommend, however, is not to pack candy covered in sugar, or smaller candies that are wrapped individually. The sugar will end up all over you and the car, and the wrappers are just annoying to dispose of.

Chocolate Bars

If you have more of a chocolate sweet tooth (you and me both), then chocolate bars are guaranteed to nip your sugar want right in the bud.

We’ve found it’s best to pack your chocolate in a cooler to avoid it melting during the journey. After all, melted chocolate equals mess, and no one wants a messy car during a road trip.

Bite-sized muffins, either homemade or store-bought, are another fantastic road trip snack option. Remove the wrappers and place them in a container to avoid excess trash accumulating in the car.

Waffles and Pancakes

Waffles and pancakes are incredibly easy to make and even easier to snack on. Whip up a batch before your trip begins and place them in a container.

You could even cut them up so you can grab some whenever you get hungry.

Cookies are another sweet road trip snack you can make at home or buy from the store. I personally would choose the soft types of cookies as they are less likely to cause a mess.

Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids

Of course, kids can devour all the snacks we’ve listed above, but there are some additional kid snacks we thought we should mention.

Be sure to place all children’s snacks in containers or bags, and prepare all the food before starting your journey. By having everything ready and easy to access, the kids can get to their snacks themselves and won’t have to ask you for help.

Applesauce Cups

Applesauce cups are a healthy and yummy snack, but be careful; if your little ones aren’t the cleanest of eaters, things could quickly get out of hand.

Don’t forget to pack a spoon; or, even better, opt for the squeezy applesauce variations.

Similar to applesauce cups, yogurt is another excellent snack option for the kiddos. Yogurt tubes are widely available, so if you can find them, always choose squeeze! They aren’t as messy, and they can be resealed if your kids have had enough.

Note that you’ll have to keep the yogurt refrigerated if you’re going on a longer drive.

Fruit Sticks

We mentioned fruit before, and we’ll mention it again. Fruit snacks are healthy, tasty, and easy to eat on a road trip.

When preparing fruit snacks for little ones, be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a box with a fork. This way, the kids’ hands won’t get sticky, and the fruit won’t end up all over the place.

Nutella and Go!

Nutella really went the extra mile by creating the Nutella and Go! dipper packs.

If you’ve never seen these before, they’re small containers split into two sections. The first section is filled with Nutella and the second with breadsticks. Once you peel back the foil, you can dip your breadsticks into the Nutella for an easy and satisfying snack.

Potato Chips

Potato chips may not be the healthiest option, but they sure do keep the little ones entertained. Those in a resealable can are a great choice because they can be closed with the lid once your kids have had enough.

Or, you can buy a big pack of chips and portion them into smaller zip locks. That way, they’re much easier for your kids to open, and you can limit how many they’re eating.

Cereal is just as good, if not better dry. So, grab a zip lock bag, add in a combination of your little one’s favorite cereal options and give it a good old shake.

Don’t Forget the Drinks

Cooler? Check. Road trip snacks? Check. Drinks? Almost forgot!

Drinks are just as important on a road trip as the snacks. Some may even say more important, depending on what type of drink they choose.

As you’re on a road trip, it’s best to not guzzle down liters of liquids at a time as then you’ll be stopping every five minutes for a toilet break.

Juice Boxes

Juice boxes may look childish, but they’re actually an amazing road trip drink option.

You see, juice boxes are tasty, they hold just the right amount of liquid, and they’re easy to pack in a cooler.

Some juice boxes contain lots of added sugars and additives, so pay close attention to the ingredients label before purchasing.

This one goes without saying. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, and adults should be consuming over 2.7 liters of water every day .

It’s best to pack your own reusable water bottle and fill it up at stop points along your trip.

Sparkling Water

If you’re bored of normal water, try sparkling water instead. You could even add a splash of fruit juice or cut up fruit slices to elevate it further.

Road trips are long, and a cup of coffee may just be the pick-me-up you need after driving for hours and hours.

Depending on where you drive, you may or may not have access to coffee shops, which give you a great opportunity to sample new coffees.

Alternatively, you can make your own at home, pour it into a flask , and then place it in your cup holder for whenever you’re ready to drink it.

Energy Drinks

This one definitely isn’t the healthiest option, but if you aren’t a coffee lover, you could opt for an energy drink instead.

It’s pretty common knowledge that energy drinks are full of caffeine and sugar, so we don’t recommend drinking more than one, and if you really are that tired, then you should pull over instead of driving.

Road Trip Snacks: Conclusion

Road trip snacks are a must for any lengthy car ride. They can keep kids entertained, give you a much-needed energy boost, and even cure boredom — even if it is just for a minute or two.

As we come to a close on our road trip food article, we’re interested to know what your go-to road trip snack is. What have you found works best for you and your family?

Let us know in the comment section down below!

Please note that all comments will be checked by our team before being approved.

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The Best Road Trip Snacks, According to Eater Editors

From Swedish Fish to charcuterie, these are the snacks that keep Eater staffers sated on long car rides

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This summer, the road trip was the only option for many of us to get in some kind of vacation or pay a long-overdue visit to faraway loved ones. And given the unpredictability of food options along routes these days, road trip snacks — always an essential item on the road trip packing list — were more important than ever.

There are certain essential qualities to a road trip snack: You should be able to eat it with one hand and with minimal mess. But beyond that, there are several interpretations of the genre. Road trip snacks may be the foods you find at gas stations and convenience stores, or indulgent treats that make the trip more bearable. Some road trippers select snacks based on their resemblance to an actual balanced meal, or on whether or not they’ll ensure the driver stays alert at the wheel. Eater staffers’ preferred snacks run the gamut. Here’s what fuels them through long car rides these days, as well as in better times.

Bit-O-Honey: Bit-O-Honey works as a road trip snack because you can eat an entire bag of them and not feel awful (trust me, I just did this on a six-hour drive from Northern to Southern California). It’s somewhat hilarious that this honey-flavored taffy seems to only be available at truck stops and gas stations. Drivers and passengers alike will crush hours gnawing on these glorious sweets, with microscopic almond pieces giving a modicum of texture. Getting the sticky bits out of your teeth is the rest of the fun. — Matthew Kang, Eater LA editor

Swedish Fish: I always have a bag of Swedish Fish on hand for a road trip. They perk you up, they’re chewy and sweet, and they’re the kind of candy I don’t eat every day. It’s also the ONLY time I drink Red Bull. — Lesley Suter, travel editor

Frozen Snickers: I’ve always maintained that a frozen Snickers bar is much, much better than an ice cream Snickers bar, the latter being an inferior product that melts too quickly and the former being something that will last in the car. — Ryan Sutton, Eater NY chief critic/data lead

Sour Patch Kids: My husband and I both agree that Sour Patch Kids are an absolute must on the road. I prefer the watermelon, but he likes the classics. I’m still bitter that the classic recipe seems to have changed, though; I swear they’re not as sour as they used to be. — Rachel Blumenthal, Eater Boston editor

Beaver Nuggets: Road-tripping in Texas means you have to stop by Buc-ee’s and grab a bunch of their packaged snacks. Despite the unfortunate name, the Beaver Nuggets (actually sweet corn puffs) are really great. — Nadia Chaudhry, Eater Austin editor

Trail mix: I buy Archer Farms trail mix from Target — specifically the Monster one with tons of chocolate. Ignore the raisins. — Ellie Krupnick, managing editor

Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Pieces, Honey Mustard & Onion: These carry a Midas touch, covering your fingertips in a golden powder that plays off plain hard pretzels with two sources of tangy-sweet flavor: onion and honey mustard. Grasping for the few thin pieces that hold more powder than pretzel turns every bag into a treasure hunt. — Gabe Hiatt, Eater D.C. editor

Blue Diamond Almonds, Bold Wasabi & Soy: Those thin tubes of wasabi and soy sauce almonds are my road trip snack of choice for a number of reasons. First, they give you all the savory and salt pop of potato chips without the gross “ugh, did I just eat a whole bag of potato chips?” hangover. Second, the pain of wasabi build-up is a great way to stay awake during more monotonous stretches, far less cliched than slapping yourself or other self-abuse you see in the movies. Third, its narrow container is perfect to just tip into your mouth — an act that seems obscene (and obscures your vision) when it’s a chip bag, but makes perfect sense when the bag is long and narrow... and it saves your steering wheel, upholstery, etc. from every road tripper’s nemesis: snack grease. — Eve Batey, Eater SF news editor

Corn Nuts : Corn Nuts are not the sexiest snack, but they fit conveniently in your cupholder and you can just pick at them and shove a handful in your mouth with relative ease. Bonus: If you drop some, they don’t melt all over your car like a bunch of jerks. — Stefania Orrù, coordinating producer

Pizzeria Combos: Combos are so good, but not just any kind: pizza-flavored Combos are the best. They are super salty, bite-sized, and filled with some type of cheesy pizza flavoring. It’s like getting to dip a pretzel in cheese in every bite. I will always eat the whole entire bag on the road regardless of how long the drive is. — Stephen Pelletteri, executive producer

Regional chips: I go for regional takes on barbecue/red hot chips, especially if I am in a new-to-me area where there’s more opportunities to experiment with unfamiliar brands. Pennsylvania gas stations are the best bet for the intersection of multiple brands: One place might get you Snyder’s, Wise, Herr’s, Martin’s, Middleswarth, Utz... No real interest in mesquite/sweet varieties, though. — Missy Frederick, cities director

Ritz Bits, cheese: I only ever buy them at rest stops; I’m scared to invite them into my life outside of that context. — Emma Alpern, senior copy editor

The more holistic meal plans

Carrots and celery: My most recent preferred road trip snack is just straight carrot sticks and celery. I did that on a road trip recently and, magically, I didn’t feel like crap at the end of the trip. Plus, they have that snap and crunch that’s a necessity for a good snack. — Brenna Houck, Eater Detroit editor

Cheese and charcuterie: On the very Los Angeles end of the spectrum, I get mini-cheese and charcuterie boards from Lady & Larder in Mar Vista and then hand feed my boyfriend soft cheeses and cured meats while he drives. — Nicole Adlman, cities manager

Beef jerky, nuts, coffee, and electrolytes: Most of my road trips of late are about the destination, not the journey, and involve driving for 10-14 hours straight — so the idea is to make as few as stops as possible. My road diet therefore is gas station hillbilly x keto bro: beef jerky, nuts, coffee, and Smart Water (or any other electrolyte-loaded water). All the salt means you only need to pit stop when your car does, no matter much you drink, while a zero carb regimen blunts any possible post-prandial zzzs; there’s nothing worse than feeling super full when you’ve got six more hours in a car, even if you have that many episodes of You’re Wrong About left in your podcast queue.

The deep flaw in this plan is that you’re totally at the mercy of the gas station and whatever it merchandises. It’s sort of cheating, because going with the flow is how I approach long drives, but on my usual run between New York and Georgia, I’ve taken to plotting out where the territories of Wawa and Sheetz begin and end to guarantee access to actually edible jerky (the national brands are all trash now, RIP Field Trip) and potable coffee. (As someone who has no particular dog in that regional skirmish , I think Wawa and Sheetz are equally good? SORRY.) At the end of the day, it’s a road trip, and you can’t really appreciate arriving if you haven’t suffered along the way. — Matt Buchanan, executive editor

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31 Filling Road Trip Snacks That Are Perfect For Vacation

From healthy, high-protein snacks to guilty pleasure sweets.

Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Let's be honest: highway rest stops aren't known for being prime culinary destinations. Most travelers are limited to gas station snacks and a few fast food options in between long stretches of the open road. But what happens if you're hungry while driving through the middle of nowhere? Or if you want something more health-conscious than a bag of Hot Cheetos ?

That's why the most essential component of a perfect road trip—or off-roading adventure—is a cooler full of snacks to keep you full while on the go. From crispy and salty to sweet and refreshing, there's a single-serving snack to satisfy whatever you're craving—and the ones below will taste much better than soggy gas station French fries , trust us.

So load up with some caffeine in your cup holder. Turn up that curated Spotify playlist on your speakers. Make sure your partners in crime are in the passenger seat—and buckle up, for heaven's sake! With this lineup of sweet and savory snacks in the car, you're guaranteed to have the best road trip ever.

BjornQorn Popcorn

When it comes to pre-popped popcorn, no brand comes close to BjornQorn. Each and every kernel is dusted in a savory nutritional yeast-based seasoning blend. It's like a vegan, nutrient-dense version of Pirate's Booty.

Crystal Light Crystal Light Sugar-Free Grape Energy Drink Mix with Caffeine

Pack these flavor packets in your car whenever you need to switch up your plain water. Reviewers say grape is the best flavor, followed by lemonade, but for those who can't decide, grab the variety pack.

Nora Seaweed Tempura

This snack is a favorite for our editorial director Jo Saltz. Think of these savory seaweed snacks as a crunchy roll at your favorite sushi spot, minus the rice and fish. They're light, crispy and perfectly salty—A.K.A the ideal road trip snack.

SmartSweets SmartSweets Sour Blast Buddies

Instead of plowing through that whole bag of Sour Patch Kids, try this brand as a super easy swap. They still give you that pucker feeling without all of the sugar.

SKINNYDIPPED SkinnyDipped Snack Attack Minis Almond Variety Pack

Packed with protein; these have just the right amount of sweet coating to keep your sweet tooth at bay. Beware: If you're traveling in the heat, these may melt—so eat quickly 😈.

YERBAÉ Yerbae Naturally Caffeinated Sparkling Energy Water

Long trips = Tired eyes. When you need that last hour boost, these energy waters are where it's at. Each can is the equivalent of one cup of coffee but tastes far better. One reviewer says, "It is like LaCroix with caffeine".

OMG! Pretzels Garlic Gourmet Seasoned Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets

When we say these are the best pretzels we've ever eaten, we're not exaggerating. Each crispy sourdough pretzel nugget is coated in a cheesy, herby, garlic seasoning that makes it nearly impossible to stop at just a handful.

Afraid of subjecting your fellow passengers to your garlic breath? OMG! Pretzels also carries other filling flavors like Cheddar Jalapeño, Chesapeake Spice, and even Salty Butterscotch.

Blue Diamond Almonds Oven Roasted Dark Chocolate Almonds

If you happen to be a fan of chocolate-covered almonds, you'll want to stock up on this on-the-go pack for the car ride gang.

Wonderful halos Mandarins

You may not have thought to bring mandarins along for the ride before, but now that it's in your mind, how could you resist?

Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread with Breadsticks

Not only will the kids love this on-the-go snack, but you will too! Just make sure you bring enough for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Legally Addictive Snack - The O.G.

Do you like to make toffee and chocolate-coated crackers for Christmas or Passover ? Now you can enjoy the salty sweet treat from behind the wheel any time of year. Legally Addictive's cracker-slash-cookie is truly the best of both worlds.

Jack Link's Beef Jerky Variety Pack

Need a snack that can hold you over until your next pit stop for a meal? You can't go wrong with beef jerky.

That's it. Fruit Bars Variety Pack

This variety pack of two-ingredient fruit bars will be the better-for-you snack that everyone can't get enough of.

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Sandwiches

It's no secret that pretzels and cheese can make a big mess on a road trip (especially if you have kids), so these single-pack cheddar and cheese pretzel sandwiches will make the ideal substitute.

Brewer's Food Sea Salt Baked Pita Chips

Whether you're pairing them with hummus or enjoying them by themselves, these sea salt baked pita chips will be the most shared snack in the car.

Vintage Italia Marinara Penne Straws

Love pasta, but don't want to bring a big plate of it on the drive (LOL)? This traditional Italian pasta-inspired snack will be a great fill in. These vegan and gluten free penne straws are so good, a six-pack won't be enough.

bakerly Chocolate Hazelnut Filled Crêpes

This 9-pack of delicious crêpes will be the ideal ready-to-eat snack, breakfast, or brunch item for travelers of all ages. And, each of the crêpes are individually wrapped making it easy for everyone to have their own without making a chocolatey mess.

Brothers-ALL-Natural Fruit Crisps

Perfect for kids and adults alike, this variety pack of fruit crisps gives the whole car options on options on options.

Hippeas Nacho Vibes Organic Chickpea Puffs

With 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of plant protein, these crunchy chickpea puffs will satisfy your chip craving—without the trans fat potato chips tend to pack.

Annie's Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks

Hey, there's no age limit on fruit snacks. These gummies are parceled out by serving, so you can easily avoid mindless eating while driving.

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The Best Road Trip Snacks, According to Our Editors

By Charlie Hobbs

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Science may advise against eating in the air , but on the road consumption is more than fair game. In fact, there’s no better way to break up the time on that long and often monotonous journey (Hello, the Midwest and its many cornfields!) than by eating to your heart’s content. While most rest stops proffer hot foods of various cuisines and qualities, the safest bet for consistency and familiarity amidst an ever-changing landscape is the pre-packaged snack and beverage available for purchase in the mart attached to any given gas station . Whether its crunch or cream, savory or sweet that you seek, there’s something wrapped up in plastic for you. Below, our editors round up some of their essential bites for you to stock up on before or during your next drive.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Megan Spurrell.

Health is wealth

I am not a traditional snacker. I generally care not for potato chips, nor do I understand the appeal of pretzels. I view eating on the road, when you’re cranky and bored and your body is stationary, as a utilitarian exercise—eating to live, you could say, rather than living to eat. It is for these reasons that I prefer a hearty bag of jerky with its powerful punch of protein. I skip the flavored bags, the smoke of the original supplying more than enough flavor for me, although one variation I’ve enjoyed recently is the BBQ chicken thigh jerky a roommate’s sister brought over to my apartment recently. Wash it down with an unsweetened green tea and I’m a happy camper. If pushed to go for some junk, I’d go for the pepperoni pizza combos my mother favored on the road trips of my childhood, although one bite of such a thing now would probably kill me. — Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant

Crunch with a punch

As a kid, I unabashedly loved Cheetos Puffs. Sometime in the last few years, I discovered the grown-up version: its packaging leads you to believe that Simply White Cheddar Puffs are healthier than the original (who am I to argue?), and the white powder is less alarming on your fingers than the neon orange of yore. Most importantly, they are just as, if not more, delicious. I could go through an entire bag, depending on the length of the road trip. As a sour complement, I love Oh Snap! Pickling Co.’s spicy pickle pouches. They’re pretty easy to find in grocery stores and gas stations, and come in a fresh dill flavor if you don’t like heat.— Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Acid & heat

I want my mouth to be excoriated by the snacks I'm munching on, to lose a cluster of taste buds every mile, to be satisfied only when my mouth has essentially gone numb. My poisons of choice? Flamin' Hot Cheetos, kettle-cooked salt and vinegar chips, and a hodgepodge of sour candy—Airheads Xtreme Bites are my favorite, but Sour Patch Kids do in a pinch. I could coddle my tongue with crisp fruit or soft snack cakes, but I like to use my time on the road as a no-holds-barred extreme snack wonderland, convincing myself that I won't regret every bite in a mere hour and wishing I'd been kinder to my palate. But once I reach my destination, as the angry red Cheeto-dust stains fade from my fingers and feeling slowly returns to my mouth, I'll be counting down the days until I can do it again. (Pro tip: Ask your backseat chef to add the Cheetos to the turkey-and-cheese sandwiches they're whipping up for the car—you won't want your road lunch any other way after.) — Taylor Eisenhauer, editorial operations manager

Ruffles & Rollinos

The undeniable highlight of road trips is spilling out of the car at gas stations and loading up on junk food that you don’t normally eat at home. Among my family and oldest friends, it’s considered a fact that “orange chips” (aka Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream) are the very best on the planet, so those always end up getting passed around the car (Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips are a worthy back-up plan). If I’m feeling fancy, and the gas station has a cold fridge, I’ll splurge on a vacu-sealed pack of Rollinos—those tasty little prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks (protein, right?). — Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Salty meets sweet

Terra vegetable chips have been a go-to snack of mine for years. They’re delicious, light, and just the right amount of salty. And while a chip is by no means the healthiest option out there, these feel like a better alternative to the classic potato chip (whether true or not!). And when it comes to road trips or long-haul flights , I love nothing more than to treat myself to a sweet snack—preferably, Brookside dark chocolate-covered pomegranates. I could eat an entire family-size bag of these bite-size, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates to myself. The ever-so-slightly bitter dark chocolate coating on the sweet and gummy pomegranates is heavenly. I keep my eyes peeled for these in every airport, gas station, or other pit stop along the way. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Indian-made biscuits and TJ's crisps

The great thing about going on a road trip, plane ride, or train journey with my family is that someone always bring along a pack of Parle-G biscuits. The bad thing about it is that everyone devours them. If you’re not acquainted with the packaging on this Indian-made milk biscuit, the animated little girl on it is legendary. What’s on the inside is pretty darn great, too. When I’ve run out of supplies from my Indian grocery, I resort to my other favorite snack—cheese and crackers. In this case, a travel-friendly pack of Tillamook cheddar sticks and a box of Trader Joe’s fig & olive crisps—add some grapes and assorted nuts pried out of ziplock bags and it’s a road-trip version of a charcuterie board! — Arati Menon, global digital director

Crush-proof

Whether I’m road-tripping or packing snacks for the plane, I typically want crush-proof options that can withstand my overpacking. My favorite non-chip (if I’m being real there’s always a bag of Cape Cod chips in the car for road trips, too) snacks hit both sweet and salty. For sweet, Trader Joes’ Sweet and Juicy Mango are my favorite dried-fruit option, ideal for when you need a sugary pick-me-up. A more nutritious, whole-wheat treat I always find myself packing (and buying at truck stops when I spot them) for breakfast or on-the-go is Nature’s Bakery fig bars, preferably an original fig bar (but apple or raspberry will do if the OG ones are sold out). For salty, I love shelled pistachios, which are easy to snack on, healthier than the standard mixed-nuts fluff, and pack well in the bottom of a bag so you can finish them off whenever you get around to unpacking. — Shannon McMahon, destinations editor

Sweet & tangy twists

While home, I’m not the biggest snacker. My cabinets aren’t stocked with sweet treats or savory snacks, but while on the road a bag of Honey Barbecue Fritos is never too far from my reach. There is something about the crunch of a Frito that is just so addicting when paired with the honey barbecue spices. There are a ton of barbecue chips on the market, but they just don’t compare to what Fritos has crafted. It’s the perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and slight heat. While I love the sweetness from the chips, it won’t ever be able to curb my sweet tooth like a Butterfinger. I understand it's a bit messy and crumbles after each bite, but every peanut butter flake I have to clean up afterward is worth it. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer

Nostalgic treats

Whether a long or short journey, the little things make all the difference when road tripping. You have to be prepared—and not ‘hangry,’ especially when traveling with a group. While that means different things to different travelers, I need options: the trifecta—sweet, salty, and some sort of chocolate. The sweet, for me, has always been Haribo Happy Cherries—a bundle of cherry shaped and flavored gummies that my grandmother got me hooked on early in my childhood. A perfect pair, the salty adjacent is either the red salsa or orange cheddar Sun Chips—depending on my mood. The bag could go on forever and I could never get sick of them. Of course, a crucial saving grace to crumbs and sticky fingers on the road is napkins or hand wipes. My chocolate pair of choice is more of a subtle delight: a jar of Pirouline’s wafer cookie sticks. Also nostalgic of my childhood, these were always in my house when I was growing up. I never buy them during my general food shopping, but there’s something about seeing them on a rest stop right before hitting the road. They’re almost like tasty good luck charms. These snacks have nothing to do with standard levels of ‘health’, yet everything to do with fulfillment—and a reminiscence of youthful searches for deliciousness. — Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant

Worldwide wonders

What makes a perfect road trip? The company, the music, and the snacks. I’m all about the flavors of the world. I don’t usually keep processed foods at home but all bets are off on a road trip. I’m partial to the umami and savory flavors. Korean Cosmos Hot Rice Tteokbokki Snacks? Sign me up. These are sweet, tangy and crunchy. For something with some heat I’m looking at Magic Masala Crisps or Trader Joe's Jerk-Style Plantain Chips, with garlic, onion, all spice, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, red pepper, and thyme, they are spicy and satisfying. Perfect with a Limonata on a hot sunny drive. For something mildly sweet my go to are these Thai Chewy Milk Fruit candy. These candies always remind me of driving along the beaches in Phuket with friends. They are a bit of surprise—you expect them to be hard because they feel like a marble but they are in fact, little melty pillows and the taste is almost elegant in it’s lightness. Which means you can easily eat 10 and not feel sick. I’m partial to the mango flavor but the durian is a fun one to try! — Pallavi Mohan Kumar, associate visuals director

Swimming with the fishes

I’ve long had a penchant for eating Goldfish on the beach—something about the saltiness makes for endlessly satisfying grazing after a dip in the Atlantic—and now they’ve also become my go-to road trip snack to reach for, usually acquired while ambling aimlessly among the aisles of some gas station in the middle of nowhere. I eat them while sitting in the passenger seat on the way to my in-laws, on sun-tired journeys back from surfing at Rockaway in New York, hungover on a Saturday morning trip upstate, along the highways of the Nevada desert, and on stormy eight-hour drives up to Maine. Although I should include an apology to my friend for the latter, after splitting open the bag and spilling hundreds of Goldfish onto the floor of his car—apparently he’s still finding them. — Lale Arikoglu, articles director

While I believe there’s nothing better than a hearty sandwich for a meal on the go (a prosciutto bocadillo or turkey-pickle-mustard on a roll, to be exact), road trip snacks are about indulging in those guilty gas station pleasures. For this, I gravitate toward the chewy and spicy, two qualities that exaggerate the act of eating into a proper activity. Loudly smacking gobs of Twizzlers is a bad car habit I picked up from my mom who, growing up, always had a bag in her purse—though, to be honest, I’m not even sure I like the taste. Their entertaining texture and bland faux-strawberry flavor is perfectly complemented by tastebud-destroying Takis, which force even spice lovers like me to slow down (meaning, sometimes, the bag will even last you the entire ride). As an honorable mention, I reliably reach for Cape Cod salt and vinegar chips or Fritos if I’m craving salt. —Heather Towey, associate news editor

Fun-to-eat treats

My road trip snack choices still reflect that which I developed in my childhood. My parents were relatively strict about eating healthy at home, but on the open road, we were allowed to indulge in whatever our hearts desired from the gas station aisles. The first item is something that I don’t think I have eaten outside the confines of a vehicle: Bugles, the cone shaped corn chips which function as both snack and entertainment, perfect for slipping on your fingers to poke at your siblings in the envied bucket seats. The other snack that lures me in with its neon colors are Trolli sour gummy worms. I used to only eat the blue and red ones, but I’m a grownup now, so my palate has thankfully expanded. If I splurge for a third choice, it’s always cheddar Chex mix, which contains an elite variety, in my opinion. —Mercedes Bleth, global associate director of social

Liquid diet

I am a hydration girlie, first and foremost! (This is something I am manifesting for the year 2024.) At any given time, I am sipping on a minimum of three beverages; as I write this, I have a coffee, a water, and a tea at my desk, all competing to see which will be the first to reach room temperature. However, the drink missing from this tableau is Gatorade. Yellow Gatorade, specifically. I used to drink the stuff only when I was sick, but these days, I’ve found myself enjoying it with dinner, after a long night out, and in cars. I get car sick easily, and it may totally be a placebo effect, but Gatorade helps me feel better. Give me those electrolytes, honey! Yes, I’m also ingesting a high amount of sugar with it, but it—much like a road trip (in my opinion!)—is best enjoyed in small doses. — Matt Ortile, associate editor

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Healthy Road Trip Snacks

May 31, 2023 by Lindsay Leave a Comment

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Need some healthy road trip snacks? Or just some healthy snacks on the go snacks? Whether it’s vacation, driving to sports practice or a day of running errands, here are some travel snacks you’ll love!

*Originally published 9/21. Updated 5/23*

A couple of years ago I was asked for some ideas about snacks for the car that aren’t super messy so I wrote this post on Low Mess Car Snacks for Kids . I’m finding that a few years later, I still heavily rely on car snacks so I’m always thinking about new ideas. In addition, in the summer of 2021 we drove from Ohio to Minnesota with 3 kids 6 and under. Believe me when I say I packed a lot of snacks.

We also started swim team that summer which meant A LOT of time at the pool. Two years later we’re at the pool even more for swim meets etc and with young kids that means packing a lot of snacks.

I wanted to share some good road trip snacks for kids -both what we packed in our cooler and the non-perishables in case you need more road trip snack ideas! You could also pack a lot of these for plane snacks! Or use these ideas for long days at the pool, hiking adventures and more.

I’ve also already written several snack posts that will have more options for healthy on-the-go snacks.

Healthy Store Bought Snack Ideas

• Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family
• Best Healthy Walmart Snacks
• Peanut & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks
• After School Healthy Snacks
• Healthy Amazon Snacks
• Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids
• Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars for Kids
• 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids

Also be sure to check out The Snack Spark for even more snack ideas!

Homemade Healthy Snack Ideas

As far as homemade snack ideas, I have tons. Especially when it comes to healthy muffins and bars that are good for packing as snacks on the go. Check out the snack category of the blog to browse lots of homemade snack options.

Where to buy healthy snacks online

If you’re looking to buy snacks online vs in-store, you can find lots on Amazon. Here are some individually wrapped snacks . Also check out sites like Thrive Market (requires a subscription) and Vitacost (no subscription required). Nuts.com is another good one, especially if you like to make your own trail mix.

What to look for in healthy snacks

When I talk about healthy snacks with my kids I talk about starting with protein and pairing it with healthy carbs, healthy fats and/or fiber. This combination helps fill us up and helps us stay full for longer periods of time. When packing for a road trip, I try to pack a lot of individual protein options that can then be paired with something else. For example, if my kid asks for crackers, I’ll give them some cheese to go with it. If they ask for a piece of fruit, I’ll give them a yogurt as well.

Good Road Trip Snacks

So here are some good options for road trip snacks!

Healthy Road Trip Snacks For The Cooler

• grapes- I pulled them all off the stems ahead of time
• apples- leave them whole or slice ahead of time and rubberband together to minimize browning
• clementines – you can peel them ahead of time to make it easier
• applesauce cups (or pouches for younger kids to minimize mess)
• baby carrots
• celery sticks – you can even prep ants on a log ahead of time
• bell pepper strips
• String cheese and cheese slices
• Hard-boiled eggs – peel them ahead of time
• Yogurt- yogurt tubes/pouches are less messy for kids. You can also freeze them ahead of time to minimize mess even more 
• Deli turkey & pepperoni – can be eaten with crackers and used to make a sandwich
• Homemade muffins/bars – I have a whole list of Kid-friendly Baking Recipes for bars and muffins packed with veggies and legumes!

Car Travel Snacks (Non-perishable):

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – you can store them in the cooler if you use jelly, or you can skip it, or use honey!
• Bread – for turkey and cheese sandwiches
• Simple Mills & Wheat Thins crackers
• Cheerios cereal – I have a list of Low Sugar Cereals for Kids if Cheerios isn’t your favorite
• Granola bars – Try one of these Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids – our favs are KIND, Larabar and Kashi
• Candy – is it the healthiest? No. Will it sometimes save your sanity as a parent? Yes 🙂

Note that we stopped overnight in a hotel with a fridge and I knew the place we were staying had a fridge so I wasn’t worried about packing too much food because I knew we could just eat it throughout the week of vacation. 

I’ve also noticed that sometimes my kids don’t eat a ton in the actual car but then they’re starving when we get to the hotel so it’s nice to have things on hand to give them while we get settled, figure out where we’re going to eat dinner etc. 

What foods are considered non-perishable?

Foods are considered non-perishable if they are canned, dried, preserved or have the water removed. Basically, things that can safely be stored at room temperature without requiring they be put in the fridge or freezer to avoid spoiling.

Is it safe to snack on the go?

While I recognize that eating in the car is generally not recommended as it can be a choking hazard, I’m also a mom with young kids and know that it sometimes can’t be avoided. I found that plastic cups are a great way to pass snacks back to kids because they’re easy for them to hold and they fit in car seat cup holders. If your kids are still rear-facing, make sure you can see them while eating either by sitting near them or at least in a mirror.

Healthy Snacks on the Go

In addition to what’s listed above, here are more ideas:

Healthy Trail Mix

There are tons of great trail mix options at the store but it’s also so easy to make your own. I love this option because you can completely customize it to your liking and even make different blends for different family members. You can also make it safe for toddlers using mixes like this nut-free trail mix .

Plant-based protein

There are tons of dried plant-based proteins on the market right now. Things like roasted chickpeas, broad beans and edamame make a great on-the-go snack. Check out some different brands like The Good Bean , Biena , Bada Bean and more. Plus there are tons of nuts and seeds that you can eat on their own or as a topping etc.

Protein balls

Homemade protein or energy balls/bars are another great option. While I typically keep these in the freezer for storage, they won’t spoil if you pack them for a day trip. Make them with protein powder or without. Here’s my go-to energy balls recipe as well as some kid-friendly, protein-rich energy balls without protein powder.

Snacks the are high in protein

Protein is a key component of a good snack. If you’re looking for some ideas specifically for high protein, check out my list of Healthy High Protein Snack Ideas .

Other protein-rich snacks

Things like tuna pouches, deli meat turkey/chicken or meat sticks like Chomps (aff link) are high in protein and pair well with crackers for an easy snack.

Healthy snacks that are easy to freeze

Waffles and pancakes are actually one of my favorite on the go snacks. I love that you can easily make them ahead of time, whenever you’re not busy, and freeze them. Then just transfer to the fridge the day before you leave and pack them in a ziploc bag. They’re not super crumbly, they’re easy for kids to eat, you can make them with added protein – try our favorite Whole Wheat Pancakes .

More healthy options for a grab and go snack

Things like popcorn, sweet potato chips and dried fruit bars are strips can be great options. We love That’s It bars and Just Bare apple chips. When it comes to dried fruit, larger strips of dried fruit like mango and pears are less likely to be dropped than smaller options like raisins.

Remember that popcorn, whole nuts, roasted chickpeas etc are choking hazards for young kids.

What are your favorite healthy road trip snacks?

Enjoy! –Lindsay–

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About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

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Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

The Clement Hotel

• Before arriving at the Clement, you are asked to complete a survey so that the staff can learn more about your preferences. The survey also inquires about daily routine and if assistance is needed in the form of restaurant, spa or car arrangements.
• When staying at the Palo Alto hotel, the concierge transforms into your personal assistant. If you request a double-short cappuccino on your first day there, the staff will ensure that the drink will be waiting for you every morning throughout your stay.
• First there is the beautiful open kitchen with chestnut cabinets, black marble countertops and restaurant-grade appliances.
• A chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in the communal kitchen. Choose from a menu of classic dishes, rotating seasonal specials or customize a meal.
• The rooftop deck is stocked with everything you could possibly need to savor the sun, including sunglasses and sunscreen.
• All meals and beverages are inclusive in the price of your room, thus no exchange of money is necessary. 
• If you arrive late at night, but are hungry for a snack, simply look in the kitchen fridge. A variety of prepared meals — salmon with vegetables, a cheese platter, a mixed green salad — await you.
• The heated pool is open year-round. If you feel like sitting poolside while drinking a glass of wine, flip a switch and gas-powered fire pits will make the rooftop your romantic haven.
• The Clement’s relationship with local restaurants, shops and spas counts as an amenity in its own right. The staff can secure last-minute reservations at difficult-to-get-into eateries and make drop-of-the-hat appointments with luxury department store stylists.
• The pet-friendly hotel allows you to bring the family dog along on your trip.
• All of the accommodations are suites with a small living area that includes a desk, a mini-fridge stocked with your favorite items, a Nespresso machine and a 65-inch flat-screen television.
• The bedrooms have plush king beds with Matouk linens, individual reading lamps and another 65-inch TV.
• The color palette is neutral and inviting with accents of crisp white, creams and browns.
• The bathrooms are spacious with heated stone floors and sleek black-marble countertops. There are two large sinks with a vanity area, an oval porcelain bathtub and a separate shower.
• The room is filled with extras that don’t typically come with your average hotel suite: a blowdryer and hair straightener, plug adapters for international travelers, charging cords for smartphones, an umbrella, a yoga mat and a weekly newsletter with the lowdown on what is happening in Palo Alto.
• Once you set foot inside the elegantly furnished property you can’t help but feel more relaxed.
• The décor feels personal because it is. Colorful guitars from the owner’s collection along with artwork by Emil Lukas adorn the walls.
• Dark chestnut wood shelves are filled with books and sculptures and the sleek fireplace enhances the cozy ambiance.

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Palo Alto, CA

Written by Brad Lane Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Palo Alto is at the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley, bordering the southern end of San Francisco Bay. The illustrious combination of Stanford University and the booming tech industry has circled Palo Alto on the map as a cultural destination for tourists, pioneers, and some of the biggest technology firms in the world.

This influx of industry brings a lot of tech attractions and museums to Palo Alto. But the city also has plenty of things to do for outdoor lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Its proximity to the bay includes wildlife havens like Baylands Nature Preserve to the east. And to the west, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer redwood excursions and hiking trails.

Downtown Palo Alto features numerous places where the community tends to gather, including a weekly Saturday morning farmers market throughout the year. Connecting downtown to the campus, University Avenue is lined with local restaurants and shops, as well as the historic Stanford Theater that celebrates the Golden Age of Hollywood.

For details on the best places to visit, see our list of the top things to do in Palo Alto.

1. Stanford University

2. iris & b. gerald cantor center for visual arts, 3. the stanford shopping center, 4. baylands nature preserve, 5. elizabeth f. gamble garden, 6. stanford dish, 7. hewlett packard garage, 8. stanford theatre, 9. palo alto art center, 10. palo alto farmers' market, 11. the museum of american heritage, 12. computer history museum, `13. rinconada park, 14. pearson-arastradero preserve, 15. rancho san antonio county park & open space preserve, 16. portola redwoods state park, where to stay in palo alto, california for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in palo alto, ca, palo alto, ca - climate chart.

The prestigious reputation of Leland Stanford Junior University spans the globe, attracting students of the highest caliber from across the world. Better known as Stanford University, or the Farm, this private research facility has been a presence in Palo Alto since 1891.

The school receives approximately 50,000 undergraduate applicants every year with an acceptance rate lower than five percent. It is a high standard to be admitted–but that doesn't stop thousands of tourists from visiting the campus each year.

The Stanford campus is simply beautiful. The historic Main Quad is the central attraction, displaying California Mission Revival architecture with lush backdrops of the Santa Cruz Mountains. During the school year, students throng this central part of campus.

Other campus attractions stem from the Main Quad, including the towering 285-foot Hoover Tower on the horizon, named after the 31st president of the United States, Herbert Hoover, who graduated from Stanford in 1895. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for a bird's-eye view of campus.

Self-guided and student-led walking tours of the campus are available, including stops at other notable facilities such as the free-to-the-public Cantor Art Center and the Stanford Memorial Church .

The entire campus is laid out like a public park, laced with hiking and biking trails, as well as bountiful landscaped gardens, including a cactus-infused Arizona Garden . The Stanford Dish area is another popular spot on campus, well used by researchers and those looking for recreation.

Address: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, California

Official site: https://www.stanford.edu/

Cantor Arts Center is on the Stanford University campus with free admission and a world-class collection of art. It houses 24 galleries and over 38,000 pieces within its collection and regularly features rotating exhibits by international artists. The Cantor Arts Center is also home to a robust collection of Rodin bronze sculptures, many of which can be seen in the outdoor Rodin Sculpture Garden .

Plan to spend at least two hours touring the exhibits. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. For 2022, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets are free, but advance reservations are required to visit.

The Anderson Collection neighbors the Cantor Arts Center and offers a dense collection of 20th-century American art. The Anderson Collection also offers free admission.

Address: 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford, California

Official site: https://museum.stanford.edu/

This shopping plaza is on the outskirts of the Stanford University campus. It's popular for window shopping, menu perusing, and a good dose of people watching. It also hosts weekly meetups; fashion shows; and sponsored events, including the annual Summer Jazz Series.

Fashion interests at the Stanford Shopping Center range from athletic casual to extravagant formal wear, including popular upscale clothing brands such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Louis Vuitton.

Numerous restaurants offer fresh entrees at the shopping center, with new eateries opening every year. And much like the diverse shopping styles, restaurants at the Stanford Shopping Center range from casual to upscale and just about everything in between.

Address: 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, California

Official site: https://www.simon.com/mall/stanford-shopping-center

Baylands Nature Preserve encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of undisturbed marshland habitat next to East Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay. This open space uncovers the true nature of the South Bay Area, providing an immediate disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Palo Alto and the surrounding cities.

The 15 miles of trails in the nature preserve are popular for hiking, running, and bicycling, and a nearby sailing station allows boats to get onto the water. Birders should bring binoculars or a telescope to get a better look at the abundant birdlife.

Gamble Garden is a free-admission public garden for the community to enjoy in the Old Palo Alto neighborhood. The 2.5 acres of gardens encourage visitors to take a break from technology to see what's in bloom.

The facility is on a historic property alongside the restored 1902 home of Elizabeth F. Gamble, granddaughter of Frances Gamble, the co-founder of Procter & Gamble. Visitors are encouraged to explore the property on their own, and numerous classes, events, and workshops take place each week.

Address: 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto, California

Official site: https://www.gamblegarden.org

The Stanford Dish Area is the most popular spot on the Stanford campus for the public to explore. It's on the southwest side of campus, accessible from Junipero Serra Boulevard. An alternate access point is also off Alpine Road.

The namesake piece of equipment in this area is a radio telescope used for teaching and research purposes. However, the public generally visits because of the approximate 3.6-mile hiking trail that circles the astronomical instrument.

The trail spans this open environment with a moderate 500-foot elevation gain throughout. It's a route highly exposed to hot summer temperatures, and visitors will want to bring water and appropriate clothing. The entire hiking area is gated and is open from sunrise to sunset.

On a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood just south of downtown, this unassuming detached garage has been dubbed the Birthplace of Silicon Valley . Now on the National Register of Historic Places, this 12- by 18-foot shed was where technology pioneers, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, first began their now Fortune 500 company. The garage is on private property with limited tours available, and most visits entail a quick picture and the feeling of standing near where history was made.

Address: 367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto, California

Stanford Theatre first opened in 1925 in downtown Palo Alto and spent nearly 40 years entertaining the community as Hollywood movies came to age. It received a restoration in 1987 by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, bringing the theater back to its original Hollywood Golden Age grandeur, including the weekly lineup of movies.

Today, the Stanford Theater showcases movies from years past ranging back to the 20s and 30s, with the theater's Mighty Wurlitzer organ often playing during intermission. It's also home to several classic film festivals throughout the year, ranging from Hitchcock screenings to the "Best of Bogart."

The Stanford Theatre has recently facilitated several new upgrades to the antique theater, including an upgraded HVAC system. The theater expects to reopen by the end of fall 2022.

Address: 221 University Avenue, Palo Alto, California

Official site: https://stanfordtheatre.org/

The Palo Alto Art Center features rotating displays of local and regional artwork. It's next to the Rinconada Public Library and expansive Rinconada Community Garden and has numerous art classes for children, teens, and adults. The Art Center also hosts summer camps for kids and teens.

The entire campus of the Art Center is filled with outdoor attractions, including a unique sculpture garden and events like the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch.

Address: 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, California

Among the many interests of downtown Palo Alto, the Saturday morning farmers market, operating year-round, provides the freshest taste. Seasonal items for sale include strawberries, blueberries, apples, fresh-baked bread, grass-fed meats, fresh picked wildflowers, and locally roasted coffee.

What makes this farmers' market unique is that it operates as a non-profit, raising money for a local senior citizen advocacy program. For even more fresh interests, Palo Alto's California Avenue Farmers' Market takes place every Sunday.

Address: 601-699 Gilman Street, Palo Alto, California

Official site: https://www.pafarmersmarket.org/

This extensive museum is within a century-old downtown home, and displays technology that has shaped the country for the last 200 years. The exterior of the museum is landscaped with generous horticulture, including the Ruth Bell Lane Memorial Garden , featuring a 1942 Victory Garden.

With a collection of over 5,000 artifacts, permanent exhibits at the museum include an early 20th-century kitchen, a 1920s general store, and a replica 1940s auto repair shop. Alongside permanent exhibits filled with numerous antiques, the museum also has regularly rotating exhibits on display.

The Museum of American Heritage hosts regular programs and events, including a summer concert series and the annual Vintage Vehicles and Family Festival . The Museum of American Heritage is open Friday through Sunday, free to the public, with a suggested five-dollar donation.

Address: 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto, California

Official site: http://www.moah.org/

Near the luxurious Googleplex campus, the Computer History Museum tells the long saga of computing technology and how it has changed the world. The museum's primary exhibit, Revolution, details how technology has changed the way we live for the last 2,000 years. Autonomous vehicles are also on full display at the museum, with an opportunity for interested passengers to take a ride. Hosting numerous events and workshops, the Computer History Museum also offers classroom education for children, teens, and adults.

Address: 1401 N. Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View, California

Official site: https://www.computerhistory.org

Rinconada Park is across the street from the Palo Alto Center and is the city's second-oldest park. Throughout its 19 shaded acres are large redwood and oak trees, providing great places for picnics or an afternoon nap.

Rinconada is a favorite family park with hiking trails and numerous amenities to explore, including the popular Palo Alto Municipal Pool. The park also features tennis courts, playground equipment, and a Magic Forest.

Pearson-Arastradero Preserve encompasses over 600 acres of woodlands, grasslands, and a thriving riparian habitat south of the city, opposite Interstate 280. About 10 miles of multi-use trails span the preserve and are popular with hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

The preserve borders Los Altos Hills and Stanford University, with distant views of the San Francisco Bay. Fishing is popular within the preserve at Arastradero Lake , and wildlife is also abundant, with common sightings including deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional bobcat.

Address: 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, California

Rancho San Antonio is a sprawling public space southwest of Palo Alto, on the urban fringes of Sunnyvale and Cupertino. It's accessible with less than a 15-mile drive. This combination of county park and Open Space Preserve encompasses nearly 4,000 acres, with 25 miles of trails.

This massive expanse lends to big adventures, but Rancho San Antonio is also home to one of the best family-friendly hikes near Palo Alto. This hike to the historic Deer Hollow Farm is less than a two-mile round trip on either a bike path or mellow single-track trail. At the farm, kids and adults enjoy seeing the resident animals and touring the historic structures.

Longer hikes also await at Rancho San Antonio. The five-mile Wildcat Loop Trail is well-traversed, as are other trails like Rogue Valley Trail or High Meadow Trail. The 9.5-mile round trip hike to Black Mountain is one of the longest in the preserve, with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain.

Portola Redwoods State Park is southwest of Palo Alto within the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering one of the best getaways from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's only a 20-mile drive to Portola from the heart of Palo Alto, but with a long and steep descent from the ridgeline into the park, expect the drive to take approximately 40 minutes.

This long drop into the park's 2,800 acres sets the scene for tranquility. It's noticeably quiet throughout the park, with sometimes only the hum of the forest reverberating from the big trees. This solitude is further found on the extensive network of hiking trails branching throughout the park.

Portola is also a popular spot to spend the night. The park has 55 family sites available. Very few of the sites are big enough for large camping vehicles, and the road to the state park isn't accommodating for big rigs either. Potable water, flushing restrooms, and coin-operated showers are available.

Luxury Hotels :

• One of the most luxurious stays in Silicon Valley is at The Clement Palo Alto The overnight rate for this stylish hotel covers every aspect of a stay, including every meal and drink, many of which can be ordered as room service. Alongside an all-inclusive experience, the NorCal luxury vibe of the hotel makes it easy to relax. Other opulent amenities include a rooftop pool with cabanas and a knowledgeable concierge to make the most out of visiting.
• At the center of downtown Palo Alto, the Nobu Hotel Palo Alto offers a luxurious stay with a blend of Japanese and Northern California aesthetics. Every guest room and suite at the hotel provides a tranquil environment with a simple yet decadent design and airy feel. The 7th and 8th floors of the hotel offer unique Ryokan rooms and suites with added privacy and personal butler service. On the ground floor of the hotel, the Nobu Restaurant attracts fine-dining connoisseurs from across the city.
• In downtown Palo Alto, El Prado Hotel provides an oasis in the urban environment. Visiting the hotel feels like staying in another country, thanks to the Spanish-inspired architecture and courtyard surrounded by a botanical bounty. All 62 boutique rooms at the hotel also offer a feeling of escapism, with plush furnishings and French doors that open onto stunning balconies. Other notable features of the hotel include a popular tapas lounge and a beautiful two-story solarium for casual lounging.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Southeast of downtown off Highway 82, The Zen Hotel offers a comfortable stay for a moderate price. The hotel's location lends easy access to all things Silicon Valley, including local businesses, downtown attractions, and the great outdoors. Rooms at The Zen Hotel range from deluxe rooms to suites, all with a subtle yet eye-catching Asian minimalist design. Other notable amenities at the hotel include free, guaranteed fast internet, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, and welcome snacks.
• For another peaceful respite with a moderate rate, Dinah's Garden Hotel offers beautifully landscaped grounds and well-appointed guest rooms. Koi ponds and tropical gardens line the elegant outdoor pool area, and much of these vibrant aesthetics also flow throughout the hotel. The rooms themselves are uniquely decorated and feel far from the ordinary hotel room. Guests at Dinah's Garden Hotel also enjoy a full-service poolside restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, and accessible public transportation.
• Tucked next to Matadero Creek near Midtown, Creekside Inn - A Greystone Hotel offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. This charming boutique hotel offers standard and deluxe rooms alongside various suites. Each overnight accommodation ensures a good night's rest with plush bedding, soundproof walls, and soothing decor. Every room also comes with coffee makers, extended cable packages, and plush bathrobes. Guests also enjoy the hotel's heated pool, landscaped grounds, and adjacent Cibo Restaurant.

Budget Hotels :

• Budget hotels aren't easy to come by in Palo Alto, but for those looking to save a little on a place to stay, the Travelodge by Wyndham Palo Alto Silicon Valley is worth checking out. It has a favorable location near midtown and is less than two miles from the Stanford University campus. The hotel has recently undergone a remodel of every room, which adds to its comfort and style. Every room comes with coffee makers, cable TV with HBO, and fast Wi-Fi. Larger family rooms are available that sleep up to five adults.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More to Explore in the Bay Area : The urban hub of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, San Jose is the third largest city in California and is filled with fun things to do. No trip to the Bay Area is complete without visiting San Francisco and its many bayfront attractions.

California Coastal Attractions: The best beaches of California all deliver on postcard aesthetics. Along the Central Coast of California, 90 miles south of Palo Alto, the inviting ocean environment of Monterey invites international tourism with attractions like Monterey Bay Aquarium. Farther south of Monterey, the rugged and wild coast of Big Sur highlights the dramatic nature of the Santa Lucia Mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean.

California Road Trip: Many of the best West Coast road trips tour throughout the state of California, connecting the sprawling coastline with dramatic natural features like rivers, mountains, and a few active volcanoes. For more attractions to add to the itinerary, the best places to visit in California all offer an experience above the ordinary. For a more unique California vacation, our guide to California Off-the-Beaten-Path highlights some of the lesser-known gems of the state.

More on California

Money latest: The 'German classic' that's a healthier and cheaper alternative to crisps

Crisps are on the menu as we see where you can make healthier choices for the best value. Elsewhere, the boss of Sainsbury's has insisted customers like self-checkouts - do you agree? Leave your thoughts in the box below.

Friday 26 April 2024 19:45, UK

• New research reveals cost of having children
• Sainsbury's boss insists customers like self-checkouts
• FTSE 100 hits another record high
• Halifax hikes mortgage rates - as entire market moves upwards

Essential reads

• Do smart meters actually save you money?
• How to buy the least unhealthy crisps
• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?
• Money Problem : I have a mortgage offer - will it change now rates are rising?
• Savings Guide : Why locking into fixed-rate bond could be wise move
• Cheap Eats : Michelin chef's secret lasagne tip - and expensive ingredient you shouldn't use

Ask a question or make a comment

The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

The UK could face a shortage of cava due to a drought in the sparkling wine's Spanish heartlands.

The Penedes area of Catalonia is dealing with its worst drought on record, with vineyards across the region so parched the roots of 30-year-old vines have died.

It's left shrivelled red and green grapes languishing under intense sun, fuelled by fossil-fuel driven climate change.

Cava is an increasingly popular drink in the UK, with 17.8 million bottles sold in 2023 - an increase of 5% from the previous year, when Britons stocked up on 16.8 million bottles, according to the Cava Regulatory Board.

That makes the UK the fourth-biggest buyer, behind only the US, Belgium and Germany.

Workforce slashed

The problems have been compounded after Catalonia-based cava producer Freixenet announced it will temporarily lay off 615 workers, almost 80% of its workforce.

Under Spanish law, companies facing exceptional circumstances can lay off staff or reduce working hours.

This measure is expected to take effect from May and it is not known how long it will last.

Price rises

One industry source told retail publication The Grocer  that cava shortages would push up prices "certainly for next year" if there isn't enough supply.

This could last for years if the drought persists, they added.

Consumer expert Helen Dewdney told MailOnline the staff cuts at Freixenet can only mean one thing - price rises.

However, she added, supermarkets say they are not experiencing any issues right now.

Parents are being hammered by rising childcare costs, according to a new study that suggests they may spend more than £160,000 raising their child to the age of 18.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown has found that parents with children pay £6,969 a year more than couples without.

Over 18 years and assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%, that amounts to a whopping £163,175, the investment platform said.

Its study also found that parents were less likely to have money left at the end of the month.

Single parents carry the biggest burden, with the research suggesting they have just £85 left on average compared to £365 for couples with children.

Hargreaves Lansdown also found just 23% of single parents reported having enough emergency savings to cover at least three months' worth of essential expenses, compared to 63% of couples with children.

Parents are also at a slight disadvantage when it comes to pensions, the research found, with only 43% of couples with children on track for a moderate retirement income, compared to 47% without. Only 17% of single parents have a decent projected pension fund.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at the firm, said "having children is one of the most expensive decisions a person can make".

She adds that as a result of having a child, "financial resilience suffers across the board", and added: "For single parents, life is even tougher, and they face far lower resilience on almost every measure.

"It means we need all the help we can get."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

One of the top stories shaking up the markets this morning is that UK-based mining company Anglo American has rejected a major $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover bid.

Details of the attempted buyout by Australian rival BHP emerged yesterday  - sending Anglo American shares soaring.

The deal would have created the world's biggest copper mining company - with the news coming as the price of the metal hit record highs this week.

However, Anglo American has now dismissed the proposal as "opportunistic" and said BHP had undervalued the company.

Anglo's shares are slightly down by 0.8% this morning - suggesting investors may not have given up hopes that a deal could eventually be agreed.

However, overall the FTSE 100 is up around 0.4% this morning, buoyed by strong reported earnings from US tech giants Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet.

It's helped the index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, hit yet another intraday (during the day) record of 8,136 points this morning.

The winning streak comes after a week of all-time highs on the index - including a record close of 8,078 points yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Among the companies doing well this morning is NatWest - despite the bank reporting a fall in pre-tax profits of nearly 28% for the first quarter of the year.

Shares in the lender are up more than 3% after its results were better than expected by analysts.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, almost on a par with yesterday.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil has crept up slightly to $89 (£71).

Self-checkouts - they're like marmite, people seem to either love them or hate them.

But the boss of Sainsbury's has claimed that his customers do  enjoy using self-checkouts, despite criticism that that machines don't always provide the convenience promised.

Simon Roberts told The Telegraph that there are more of them in Sainsbury's stores "than a number of years ago" as shoppers like the "speedy checkout".

But despite this, he said there won't be a time when they'll replace cashiers completely.

"Over the last year, where we've put more self-checkouts in, we're always making sure that the traditional kind of belted checkout is there," he said.

His comments come after northern supermarket Booths ditched self-checkouts at all but two of its sites after customer feedback. 

Walmart and Costco in the US have also scaled back on the systems.

Let us know in the comments - do you love or hate self-checkouts?

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'Smart meters save you money'

For this one, we've enlisted the help of Dr Steve Buckley, also known as the Energy Doctor and head of data science at Loop...

So do smart meters help you save? 

"The short answer is both yes and no," Steve says.

"Installing a smart meter by itself won't magically reduce your energy consumption. But, by giving you easy access to your energy usage data, smart meters pave the way for savings that you couldn't achieve otherwise."

Before smart meters, most households only found out how much energy they had used when the bill arrived. 

By that stage it's too late to address wasteful usage, leading to what's known as "bill shock". 

"With a smart meter, you can see your usage and costs in real-time through an in-home display or an app provided by your supplier," Steve says. 

"This immediate feedback encourages you to use less energy. If you measure it, you can control it."

In 2022, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that homes with smart meters used about 3.4% less electricity and 3% less gas. 

"This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to a saving of over £50 per household annually," Steve says.  

If all homes in the UK made similar cuts, that would amount to savings of around £1.5bn and a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by about 2.7m tonnes each year. 

"Good for individual households but also great for the planet," Steve says. 

Smart meters are often installed at no extra cost to the consumer - it's effectively free data for households. 

Limitations

Smart meters are more or less what you make of them - a simple, free tool that allows you to see headline figures. 

However, "without detailed analysis, it's tough to identify and eliminate" where you could be wasting money, Steve says. 

Apps like Utrack, Loop and Hugo Energy can help you work out where you might be losing money by offering a more detailed breakdown if connected to your smart meter. 

Those tools are often free, but you may need to register your card details as proof of address. 

The tools give a number of useful insights, including looking at consumption in other households of similar size or monitoring where chunks of your money are going, such as to a faulty boiler or the "phantom load" (energy wasted by devices left on unnecessarily).

Myth or must?

Although smart meters alone don't reduce energy bills, they are a vital tool to help energy efficiency and cost savings. 

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