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Road Trip Food List: Easy to Pack Meals & Snacks

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Are you looking for a road trip food list that includes the best road trip snacks and other food to bring on a road trip?

Road trips can range from being budget-friendly to out-of-this-world expensive if you do not plan ahead, especially when it comes to eating food.

The temptation to grab a snack at every gas station, as well as to eat out at restaurants or gorge on fast food, can really start to add up in terms of money and wasted time.

One way to save money and time while road tripping, however, is to bring your own food!

By making a road trip food list and packing fun road trip snacks, you’ll avoid having to stop and spend as much.

Our road trip food list includes easy road trip snacks, as well as portable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options – plus, a FREE Road Trip Food List printable to take with you to the grocery store.

The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Road trip foods, yogurt parfait

Table of Contents

Road Trip Food List: Breakfast

One of our absolute best family road trip tips is to leave bright and early in the morning when starting a long road trip.

As the most important meal of the day, luckily, having breakfast on the road is the easiest meal to eat cold and on the go.

If you decide to hit the road early, or if your hotel en route doesn’t offer a free breakfast, plan ahead by bringing along these simple road trip breakfast foods.

Our tried-and-true road trip food list awaits!

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

  • Yogurt tubes and granola bars
  • Muffins, donuts, and scones
  • Bagels and cream cheese
  • Squeezable applesauce
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla
  • Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category “breakfast foods”, “brands or cereal”, or “types of fruit” while you play a road trip word game .

Road trip food, colorful sandwich

Road Trip Food List: Lunch

When it comes to planning for lunch and beyond, your road trip packing list should always include a reliable portable cooler .

Whether you chill made-ahead sandwiches, salami & cheese, fruits, or veggies, there are so many awesome road trip food ideas when it comes to having lunch on the go.

What we love about these road tip lunch ideas is that they keep us out of congested cities and fast-food drive-thrus during the busy noon hour.

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

  • Premade sandwiches with deli meat and cheese (make them extra fun by using shaped sandwich cutters !)
  • Peanut butter sandwiches (skip the jelly to avoid sogginess)
  • Pita pocket with mozzarella, tomato, basil, turkey, cheese, hummus, cucumber, and/or tuna salad
  • Home-ade Lunchables with summer sausage, cheese, and crackers
  • Tortilla with cream cheese, sliced olives, and pepperoni
  • Veggies and single-serve packs of ranch dressing, hummus, or guacamole
  • Pre-assembled Salad In A Jar

Road Trip Food List: Dinner

If there is one meal that you choose to splurge on, I recommend stopping to have dinner at a roadside restaurant or cafe.

Though this may not be your final destination, experiencing another city in this way will help you check more places off of your family travel bucket list !

If you’re not keen on stopping, however, here are the road trip foods we enjoy that are tasty and hearty enough to serve as dinner.

Road trip salad

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

  • Cold rotisserie chicken, chunked and served with a garden salad (package in a disposable salad container )
  • Pre-made pasta salad, such as Pizza Pasta Salad
  • StarKist ready-to-eat tuna salad in an avocado half or on a bun
  • Chicken and pickled veggies in pitas
  • Hummus veggie wrap

Additional planning tip: If you’re road tripping in the winter when driving conditions are much more unpredictable, packing extra road trip food is an essential component of your winter road trip packing list .

The best Road Trip Food List from Top U.S. family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!

Road Trip Food List: Snacks

In my opinion, snacks   are the No. 1 way to keep everyone (including you!) happy on a family road trip.

Homemade snack mixes and individual pre-purchased snacks are also a great way to help cut costs associated with buying food on the road.

For this reason, I suggest assembling an entire tub filled with fun and appetizing snacks and surprises that you know your kids will love.

We use these  16-quart storage tubs from Sterilite  that are the perfect size, price, and durability!

Road Trip Snacks Ideas

  • Chips and pretzels
  • Animal crackers (Suprise them with Barnum’s Originals !)
  • Filled crackers (peanut butter, cheese)
  • Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)
  • String cheese, Babybel, Laughing Cow cheese wedges
  • Fresh or dried fruit
  • Healthy no-bake cookies
  • Candy and gummy candy

Be extra organized for your family road trip by clicking the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Road Trip Food

Travel Snacks for Toddlers

Road tripping with toddlers presents its own set of challenges and requires additional thought when it comes to toddler-friendly road trip activities and food.

(It’s much harder to keep a close eye on them when they’re in the backseat, and you’re in the front.)

When considering toddler road trip foods, the most important thing is to avoid giving them anything to eat that could be deemed a choking hazard.

In addition, opt for healthy versus overly sweet options that may give them a tummy ache.

Our favorite healthy toddler car snacks and road trip foods include:

  • Graham crackers
  • Snap pea crisps
  • Applesauce and/or yogurt pouches
  • Cheese sticks
  • Soft mini muffins
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • Bananas and/or this apple slices

Road trip sick bag essentials

9 Essential Tips For Traveling With Food

As seasoned travelers, we’ve assembled a list of tips for traveling with road trip foods and make-ahead hotel room meals.

  • Use up your most delicate fruit first when on long-haul road trips.

In other words, start by eating bananas and berries, then move on to more sturdy produce such as apples and oranges that don’t spoil as easily.

2. Every family needs an organized packing strategy !

When it comes to road trip food, tortillas, pitas, or other sturdy flatbreads work better to bring along than do loaves of bread. They take up a lot less room and do not risk getting smashed.

3. When packing a cooler with items that need to stay chilled, be sure to lay the ice on the top, versus the bottom of the cooler.

This is because cold air sinks and will, therefore, disperse itself more evenly if laid on top of the food.

4. Aim to open the cooler only 1 or 2 times a day in order to maintain its refrigeration and keep the ice from thawing.

5. Also, make all food, including snacks, easily accessible throughout the duration of your family road trip.

This prevents someone (likely mom or dad!) from having to constantly bend over the back seat or stop to open the trunk every time hunger or boredom hits.

6. Avoid bringing anything made of glass on your road trip, including glass food containers. Glass is heavy, bulky, and very dangerous when broken within the confines of your family vehicle.

7. Assemble and bring along a road trip kit with the following road trip essentials for spills, clean-ups, and car sickness:

  • Anti-bacterial wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Garbage bags
  • Ziplock bags
  • Napkins/paper towels
  • Saltine crackers and motion sickness medicine

8. Each time you stop while on a road trip, don’t forget to pitch any garbage that has accumulated.

This prevents build-up and smelliness.

9. Head to the grocery store with our FREE printable checklist and purchase all of your road trip food in one shopping trip!

Road tripping is one of our favorite family vacations!  Get our awesome road trip food list that includes ideas for meals and snacks on-the-go and a printable checklist to take to the grocery store!  #roadtripfoodlist #bestroadtripfoods #roadtripsnackideas #toddlerroadtripsnacks #healthyroadtripsnacks #roadtripmeals

If you enjoyed reading our best Road Trip Food List , click here to check out our Related Posts:

  • Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
  • 7 Road Trip Word Games to Play in the Car With Kids
  • 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet” Road Trip Activity Bags
  • Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm
  • The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
  • 8 (Unexpected) Benefits of Traveling With Kids

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Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Thank you for the road trip food list and travel tips.

You’re welcome! Was there something you saw that you hadn’t thought of before? Happy travels!!

This is a great list as we also big in road trip. Snacks is so important especially to keep them from asking are we there yet. Haha… I myself like peanuts to keep me awake when it’s my turn to drive.

Thanks for reading and for sharing your favorite road trip snack!!

This is such a comprehensive list and it is so helpful as I predict a lot of us will be going on more road trips once we can. Prepping these meals will definitely save some money and help the kids feel less bored. I know that my kids are usually pleased munching stuffs during road trips. I also like that it is more likely for the road trip snack to be more healthier than what you’ll buy elsewhere.

Thank you! Yes, the health factor of pre-packing is a big one, as is the enormous cost savings 🙂

I like to have a good mix of healthy (kids like apples, those are easy to eat) and snacky/salty. I am also very particular. about road trip drinks. Big coffees, la croix, iced tea!

I like your ideas! We’d be good road trip buddies!

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Live A Wilder Life

THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP FOOD LIST: 50 Scrumptious Travel Snacks

Post Summary: The definitive road trip food list with 50 snack ideas and meals to keep you happy the entire car ride. Plus, tips for what else to bring and recommendations for the best road trip coolers.

Road trips are the classic adventure that everyone needs to do at least once in their life, whether you’re traveling solo, with your best buds, or packing in the whole family. What’s the secret to a great road trip? Besides having your maps already downloaded to your phone (travel must #1), it’s to have a collection of the best road trip food at your disposal. Being prepared with good travel food will ensure you don’t:

  • Kill your travel mates because you’re hangry.
  • Get killed by your travel mates because they’re hangry.
  • Get lured in by every gasoline stop and somehow end up with bright orange Cheetos and Slim Jims.
  • Waste your travel budget dining on Subway and Wendys road trip meals.

After road tripping with a toddler for half a year around the US, we’ve figured out the ultimate road trip food list so we can enjoy the journey together feeling nourished and happy. Our list includes road trip food ideas for adults and kids as well as healthy car snacks.

After the road trip food list, we’ve included non-food items you’ll want to bring and some tips on choosing the best road trip cooler.

Need More Road Trip Tips? Check out our other articles below:

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 41 Essentials For The Road 160 Fun, Deep, and Sometimes Silly Road Trip Questions 41 Fun and Challenging Road Trip Trivia Questions 17+ Fun Things To Do On A Road Trip How To Survive A Road Trip With A Toddler 40 Must Have Items To Have In Your Camper

*This road trip food list post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely think are helpful.

The Ultimate Road Trip Food List

prepared food on top of a map

Healthy snacks for a road trip

We’ll start with healthy snacks for the road. I don’t know about you, but when we go on road trips, we tend to fall back on fast food and junk food. In an effort to have a quasi healthy road trip we make sure to include some healthy options so we can at least feel like we’ve balanced out all our snickers bars and Wendy’s frosties. Here’s our list of the best road trip foods that won’t leave you feeling sluggish at the end of the day. We also added in a few recommendations of some of our favorite brands.

Healthy Snacks For Car Rides 1. Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, oranges 2. Sliced veggies: carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, pickles, radishes 3. Cherry tomatoes 4. Olives (buy the pitted kinds) 5. Salsa 6. Deli sandwiches or wraps (already made from home or pre-purchased) 7. A simple charcuterie spread (summer sausage, pepperoni, sliced cheese, dried apricots, olives, crackers, etc.) 8. Popcorn 9. Yellow corn chips, blue corn chips, kale chips 10. Granola Bars and Energy Bars ( Munk Bars are our favorite! ) 11. Dried Fruit 12. Crackers (cheese crackers, saltines, whole wheat crackers, these almond crackers are my favorite!) 13. Pretzels 14. Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, macadamia, walnuts, pecans) 15. Trail mix 16. Tuna (Get the kind that doesn’t need to be refrigerated! It can become a snack on crackers, a sandwich, or added to a salad) 17. Coconut chips ( Dang chips are our favorite. ) 18. Dark chocolate 19. Wasabi peas 20. Fruit leather 21. Whole-grain muffins 22. Bread (pretzel rolls, pita bread) 23. Water (Preferably in a water bottle like a Hydro Flask that will keep your water cold for hours.) *The following are all still healthy snacks for a road trip but will require a cooler. Skip them if you are going sans cooler. Further down, we’ll talk about the best road trip coolers. 23. Hard-boiled eggs 24. Small yogurt containers or drinkable yogurts 25. Humus 26. Guacamole 27. Pasta salad 28. Lentil salad 29. Grocery store salad kits (Can be eaten out of the bag! Just cut the top, pour in the salad dressing, and shake it away. You can also opt to do salads in a jar) 30. Cheese

Essential Road Trip Snacks

Pile of potato chips for a road trip

These road trip snacks might not be the healthiest, but look…you can’t always be perfect!

Road Trip Snack List 32. Beef Jerky 33. Chips 34. Fun candy (Any kind of candy that brings you joy for your road trip. Gummy bears, reeses pieces, airheads) 35. Ranch dip to go with your healthy veggies 36. Fun drinks (Just make sure the drink is able to be resealed or small enough that you’ll drink it all quickly. My favorite road trip drink is coconut water!) 37. Cookies

Road Trip Snacks For Kids And Toddlers

While we don’t put a distinction between road trip food for the adults and road trip food for kids, here are some fun ideas you can add in addition to the travel food listed above. We found that allowing for leniency with what we let our kid snack on will mean a more fun time for everyone in the car.

Road Trip Snacks For Toddlers and Kids 38. String Cheese or Babybels 39. Peanut butter pretzels 40. Clementines 41. Squeezable applesauce 42. Squeezable nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter) 43. Graham crackers 44. Goldfish 45. Fruit snacks 46. Fruit roll ups 47. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich 48. Dry cereal 49. Nutella 50. Snap pea crisps ( I love the wasabi ones from Harvest Snaps . I can only get them online because my grocery store never has them!)

Essential Non Food Items

Utensils and napkins for a road trip

Now that you’ve got your travel food and made your road trip food list, let’s talk about non food items to have on your road trip packing list. We are both advocates for minimal waste living so we do advise using reusable items like real utensils, glass containers, and reusable straws rather than single-use items. I know it can feel like a nuisance, but once you get used to doing it, it’s easy to integrate it into your habits. We’ve provided links to different products, so you can check out some good options.

-Trash bags (old shopping bags work well) – Stackable glass or plastic containers (While glass may feel like a hazard, I find that most of them are built for endurance and would require some extreme throwing around to actually break. Either way, bringing containers rather than an entire bag of snacks is a great space saver.) -Reusable straws (we like this multipack option here ) -Bento boxes (another option is to make individual bento boxes with everyone’s preferred snacks put in. It’s essentially a healthier version of a Lunchable. Great option if you’re traveling with kids.) Check out these cute bento boxes here . -Utensils -Plates -Paper towels -Hand sanitizer -Ziplock bags -Wipes -Cups if you want to share drinks -Ice packs for the cooler (We prefer to use reusable ice packs like these , but frozen water bottles or ice cubes in a ziplock back will do the job as well.) -Reusable grocery bag to carry your non-perishable stuff -Plastic tub (If you’re going on a long road trip and will have lots of snacks, a good option is to pack all your non-perishable items in a tub like this .) -Cooler

Related : A Comprehensive Guide To the Best Toddler Carriers For Traveling

Best Road Trip Coolers

food when travelling

If you’re going on a long road trip, you’ll definitely want to bring a cooler so you can have more options for the journey. Things to consider when deciding what kind of road trip cooler to bring.

  • How much space will you have in your car?
  • How many days will you be driving and subsequently how much food will you need?
  • Cost of the cooler
  • If you road trip or camp a lot and will use a cooler several times a year.

Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Tan

Our choice for the best road trip cooler is the Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler . It’s a mid-sized cooler that can fit a bottle of wine standing upright. We like its lightweight design and that its compact size can fit on the ground behind the passenger seat.

It has a mid-range price point, so if you are wanting something more economical, you’ll probably want our next pick.

Igloo MaxCold Cooler

Igloo Maxcold 40-100 Qt Commercially Insulated Coolers

If all you need is a no-frills cooler to keep your food cold, the Igloo Maxcold Cooler is a great option. The thin design also makes it a great choice for someone wanting to save room in the car.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler - 30 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler - Navy Blue with Deep Freeze Insulation, HardBody Liner, and SmartShelf

If you like a soft cooler, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze consistently offers the best bang for your buck.

Yeti Tundra 45

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler, Navy

Lastly, if you are wanting a high-end cooler that will be great for camping and can take the wear and tear of consistent use, the Yeti Tundra 45 is your best bet. Yeti is the reigning champion of coolers and you can’t go wrong with anything you purchase from them.

Before you head out on your epic road trip, we suggest packing the night before. Alleviating as much stress as possible on the day you leave, especially when you’re doing a road trip with a toddler , is key to enjoying the road trip journey. We find that the night before, it’s best to:

  • Wash, cut, and peel all vegetables and fruit.
  • Pack up all non perishable food and supplies.
  • Prepare any road trip sandwiches you plan to eat.

Lastly, don’t forget to make sure all your tasty road trip snacks are within reaching distance in the car.

We hope you enjoyed our complete road trip food list. Happy road tripping!

** For more road trip inspiration follow us on Instagram . We travel… a lot.

NEED SOME TRAVEL INSPIRATION? A Complete Guide To A Utah National Parks Road Trip How To Plan A Cross Country Road Trip + Fun Routes To Take 10 National Parks To Visit In The East 50 Family Bucket List Experiences In The US

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Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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Food and Drink Considerations When Traveling

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Contaminated food or drinks may cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases, which can disrupt your travel. Learn how to incorporate safer eating and drinking habits to reduce your chances of getting sick when you travel. Always wash hands with soap and water before eating and before prepping food. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Food Considerations When Traveling

Avoid lukewarm food: Cold food should be served cold, and hot food should be served hot. If you’re selecting food from a buffet or salad bar, make sure the hot food is steaming and the cold food is chilled. Germs that cause food poisoning grow quickly when food is in the danger zone, between 40°F and 140°F.

Dry or packaged foods: Most germs require a damp environment to grow, so foods that are dry, such as potato chips, are usually safe. Additionally, food in factory-sealed containers, such as canned tuna or packaged crackers, are usually safe if they were not opened or handled by another person.

Baby formula:  If preparing baby formula, make sure to use a safe source of water per the guidance below. See safety guidance for formula preparation and storage .

Raw foods : Avoid eating raw foods. Fruits or vegetables may be safer to eat if you can peel them yourself or wash them in bottled or disinfected water.

  • Stay away from cut-up fruit or vegetables. They may have been contaminated during preparation. 
  • Avoid eating fresh salads, even if finely cut or shredded. They may be contaminated with human or animal waste that even clean water can’t wash off.
  • Avoid fresh salsas, condiments, and other sauces made from raw fruits or vegetables.
  • Avoid eating raw meat or seafood, including items “cooked” with citrus juice, vinegar, or other acidic liquid (such as ceviche).

Street food : Avoid eating food from street vendors. If you choose to eat street food, follow the same food safety rules as you would with other foods. For example, avoid raw vegetables and eat food cooked and steaming hot.

Bushmeat : Avoid eating bushmeat. Bushmeat refers to local wild game, generally animals not typically eaten in the United States, such as bats, monkeys, or rodents. Bushmeat can be a source of animal-to-human spread of diseases, such as Ebola. 

Drink Considerations When Traveling

Tap water:  Do not drink the tap water in countries where the tap water might be contaminated. Avoid swallowing water when showering. Brush your teeth with bottled or disinfected water. Tap water can be  disinfected  by boiling, filtering, or chemically treating it.

When visiting places with unknown water quality,  treat your water to make sure it is safe to drink .

Ice : Do not use ice in destinations with limited access to clean water or where there is a concern about contaminated drinking water because it was likely made with tap water.

Bottled or canned drinks : Drinks from unopened, factory-sealed bottles or cans are safer than tap water; however, use caution as vendors in some countries may replace bottled water with untreated water. Sometimes, a drop of glue can be used to mimic the factory seal. Carbonated drinks in bottles or cans, such as sodas or sparkling water, are typically safe because the bubbles indicate that the bottle was sealed at the factory and not tampered with. Avoid drinks that have ice.

Hot drinks : Hot coffee or tea should be safe if it is served steaming hot. It’s okay to let it cool before you drink. Do not drink coffee or tea that is served warm or at room temperature. Be careful about adding things that may be contaminated to your hot drinks, such as cream or lemon. Sugar is usually okay to eat because it is a dry food.

Milk : Pasteurized milk from a sealed bottle is usually safe to drink. Do not drink milk stored in open containers, such as pitchers, that may have been sitting at room temperature; this includes cream for coffee or tea. Unpasteurized foods carry risks for all travelers; however, it is especially important for pregnant women or people who have a weakened immune system to avoid unpasteurized milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Alcohol : The alcohol content of most liquors kills germs that may have been present in alcohol. When choosing mixers, such as fruit juices, follow the recommendations about what types of food and drink are least likely to have germs. Avoid drinks that have ice.

Fountain drinks : Sodas from a fountain, such as ones in restaurants, are made by carbonating water and mixing it with flavored syrup. Since the water most likely came from the restaurant’s tap, do not drink fountain drinks.

Freshly squeezed juice : Avoid fruit juice, and food and drinks made with freshly squeezed juice made by others. It is fine to drink fruit juice or eat ice pops and other treats if you washed/peeled the fruit in bottled or treated water and squeezed the juice yourself.

More Information

  • CDC Yellow Book: Food and Water Precautions
  • Food Safety
  • Avoid Contaminated Water
  • WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP)
  • U.S. Government Global Water Strategy
  • U.S. Department of State Country Information Pages

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105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Road trips are exciting adventures to take with your friends, family or solo. However coming up with a list of the best road trip food & easy road trip meals and snacks can be hard.

Which is where our ultimate list of the best food for road trips comes in handy. To help you avoid hangry companions, outrageous food costs, and unhealthy gas station food stops.

We’ve taken our share of cross country & multi-day road trips over the years, both as adults, and with kids from months old to teenagers. So we know quite a few tricks when it comes to road trip meal planning.

Our list includes easy ideas for healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches & dinners, for all ages we love. As well as gluten-free, and vegetarian options too.

Plus we provide essential packing tips and a list of non-food items to bring along, at the end of this post. Hop in the car, & let’s go!

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE HEALTHY ROAD TRIP MEALS LIST

 Road trip snacks; canned salmon, grapes, carbonated water on wooden picnic table, looking out over water.

If you plan ahead and pre-make some yummy snacks and meals, your family will be well fed on the road. Whether you are heading on a Southwest USA road trip or a coastal road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park or elsewhere.

Healthy road trip food & easy meals the whole family will love.

Why Bring Make Ahead Meals For Road Trips?

Before I get into our epic food list, I’ll quickly go over a few reasons why we bring our own make-ahead road trip meals and snacks. And why you should too:

  • Road trip meal planning is a great way to reduce fast food temptation, junk food and save money for your family road trip .
  • Bringing good food for road trips frees up some of your hard earned cash to splurge on meals you will actually look forward to . 
  • We find our own make-ahead meals & road trip food tends to be healthier.
  • If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, creating a road trip meal plan will allow you to have safe meal options on the road.
  • Have fun picnics at rest stops, parks, or in your hotel room along your long drive.
  • Avoid hungry kidlets with healthy road trip snacks , so they can focus on road trip activities , not driving you crazy with whining. I know you feel me on this one!

Bringing your own food is well worth the time and money you can save on your adventure. Use our road trip planner to help organize your trip.

I love how make ahead easy travel meals are great for cutting down on the mess, stress and time it takes to prepare and clean up on the road. Because as a parent anything I can do to make my life easier is golden.

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

food when travelling

We’ve found it’s easy to take these road trip breakfast ideas to go, or quickly eat hot in the morning.

As long as we’ve made them ahead of time, and brought them in our cooler. Or if we have access to hot water or basic kitchen facilities or a microwave.

Grab tasty breakfast recipes .

Cold, Non-Perishable Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

  • Granola 
  • Cereal Bars & Granola Bars
  • Breakfast Bars
  • Fruit & Veggie Pouches 

⭐️ PRO TIP : Bring a reusable coffee mug and water bottles for each family member. They’re a great option for filling up with hot water, tea, coffee and water on the go. We’ve found they’re less likely to spill in the car if you use a spill-proof refillable cup and snack cup for the littles.

food when travelling

Cold Breakfast Ideas for Road Trips

  • Yogurt – Tubes, Drinks
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Rye Crisp Breads & Goat Cheese
  • Chia Pudding – Make the night before
  • Granola & Overnight Oats – Make the night before
  • Muffins & Peanut Butter (or other nut or seed butters)
  • Egg Muffins or Mini Quiches (To heat or not to heat. That is the question)
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs
  • Breakfast Cookies 
  • Vegan Blueberry Muffins
  • Bagels and Cream Cheese
  • Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap
  • No Bake Oat Bites 
  • Apple Pie Oat Bliss Balls
  • Croissant, ham, cheese
  • Croissant, jam & cream cheese
  • Pancake Sandwiches – nut butter / jam between two mini pancakes (make ahead)

food when travelling

Hot & Quick Breakfast Ideas

  • Instant Oatmeal 
  • Cup of Soup or canned soup
  • Pre-made Mini Quiche (just heat up)
  • Egg, Cheese, & avocado tortilla wrap
  • Haloumi Cheese and Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
  • One Pan Chickpea Hash (fried chickpeas, veggies, herbs) & Fried eggs

More kid friendly breakfast ideas here .

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

Camping & road trip  Lunch Ideas; chickpea salad, sandwiches, fruit & veggies.

Road trip lunch ideas are probably the easiest for most people to come up with, when it comes to thinking of meal planning for road trips . We like to think of them as picnic lunches.

What is the first thing that comes to mind, but sandwiches. Sandwiches are such a staple we’ve given them their own section below. 

To be honest, I often just prepare and pack foods I would usually take for lunch at work, for the first day or two.

Then I add easy road trip lunches to grab and prep along the way, like sandwich fixings. Or cheese, meat  and cracker plates for a longer trip.

Easy Non-Refrigerated Road Trip Lunch Ideas

  • Canned Tuna & crackers – The mini pull tab tins come in many flavours
  • Protein Bars , Energy Bars
  • Sardines or Mackerel canned with avocado, crackers or bread
  • Snacks for lunch: Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Smoothie Pouches, Nut Butter Pouches
  • Peanut Butter (or other nut & seed butter) & Jam Wraps
  • Canned grape leaf rolls

Cold Road Trip Lunches

  • Sushi / nori rolls – sweet potato, cucumber and avocado,  smoked salmon, cucumber and avocado, smoked salmon & cream cheese
  • Sandwiches (see Road Trip Sandwiches below for ideas) 
  • Tortilla Pinwheels
  • Meat Kabobs
  • Pasta Salad
  • Corn & Zucchini Fritters
  • Fruit (apple slices, cantaloupe, grapes), cheese and bread or crackers
  • Charcuterie plate – cheese, deli meats, olives, dried fruit
  • Chickpea or Bean Salads
  • Quinoa Salad
  • Mason Jar Salad – keep the dressing separate
  • Pre-made Quesadillas – Refried beans and cheese. Keep salsa & sour cream separate in small leak-proof containers

Sides to Add to Lunch Ideas

  • Cut up veggie sticks and hummus
  • Fruit – apple, berries, melon, grapes
  • Homemade cookies or energy balls
  • Cucumber, cherry tomatos & peppers salad

Road Trip Sandwiches

food when travelling

What’s a road trip, without a sandwich or two. In fact sandwiches are so iconic, portable, easy to make and ideal for lunch and family vacation dinners they deserve a section, all on its own.

For easy,  awesome sandwiches we’ve found you will only need a few things to mix and match:

  • Bread: First you’ll need some kind of hearty bread (kaiser bun, wraps, pita, baguette, ciabatta)
  • Protein: Pair with protein such as deli meat, sliced chicken or beef, bacon, eggs, tofu, nut butters
  • Extras: Add on the extras such as cheese, lettuce, pickles, fruit 
  • Condiments: mayo, mustard, olive tapenade, other sauces

Tasty Sandwich Ideas for Traveling:

  • Cheddar and Jam
  • Egg Salad 
  • Cream cheese and cucumber
  • Spicy Tuna and Cucumber – leave out the spice if it’s not your thing
  • Pesto Egg Salad Baguette
  • Ham & Cheese Baguette or Wrap
  • Turkey and Cheese Baguette or Wrap
  • Turkey Club Sandwich
  • Turkey, Pear, Feta Wrap
  • Apple, Cheddar and Mustard Sandwich
  • Roasted Red Pepper & Hummus Sandwich
  • Curry Chicken or Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich

food when travelling

Tips for Packing Sandwiches on Road Trips

  • Start with heartier bread or toast it first . Put a layer of mayo, or mustard on each side. It actually helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
  • I often toast the bread, and then wait until it’s completely cooled before making and storing the sandwiches.
  • Keep wet sandwich ingredients separate like tomatoes. We add them right before eating.
  • Pack each ingredient separately . Then everyone can assemble their sandwich how they like, on-the-go. We’ve found this helpful with our pickiest eater.
  • Pack sandwiches in a hard sided container . Either use reusable individual sandwich containers or larger leak-proof containers for multiple sandwiches. We also love silicone sandwich bags to cut down on plastic.
  • Keep the sandwiches on top of the cooler for easy to grab meals on the road.

You may also like 50+ Easy to make, healthy road trip snack recipes

Easy Road Trip Meals Dinner Ideas

Dinner is the one meal we often splurge on, and choose to eat out at a local restaurant, instead of on the road when possible. 

I like to do a bit of research and see what the area is known for, or if there are special meals we can’t get at home. Also after a few days of packed road trip meals, it’s nice to sit down at a restaurant and have someone else clean up and organize.

However, there are times I find when you need a few dinner in the car ideas on hand. You can always re-use the lunch or even the travel breakfast ideas , because they are all tasty anytime of day. 

Check out our favourite easy vacation dinner recipes .

Cold Road Trip Dinner Ideas

  • Pasta Salad & Greek Salad
  • Cobb Salad 
  • Other Cold salads – Potato, bean, egg, chickpea, salmon, tofu, quinoa, rice and bean
  • Sandwiches – check out ideas in sandwich section
  • Chicken salad / caesar wrap
  • Falafel Wrap
  • Rice Paper Rolls & Peanut Sauce
  • Chicken wings & pre roasted veggies
  • Grilled or roast chicken, rice and veggies
  • Tortilla Chips, Bean Dip and Salsa
  • Egg roll pinwheels with spinach, and cheese 
  • Mason Jar grain + protein + roast veggies (pre-made)

Salad Tips – Keep the ingredients & dressing separate. That way each person can assemble to their liking, and the lettuce doesn’t get soggy from swimming in the dressing all day.  

KOA has 10 fun on-the go recipes to try.

Mason Jar Meal tips

Mason Jars are a fun and easy way to store pre-made meals.

They are fairly sturdy (I’ve dropped them many times without breaking them) and come in different sizes. The 500ml and 250 ml are perfect for individual meals.

Choose a grain + a protein + roasted, steamed or stir fried veggies and you have a delicious meal to go.

  • Pre-cook a grain: brown rice, basmati rice, white rice, quinoa,
  • Choose a protein : roast chicken or beef, curried chickpeas, tofu
  • Cooked veggies: stir fries, steamed broccoli, curries, stew,

Hot Road Trip Dinner Ideas

One pan or pot dinner ideas are perfect for travel, camping and road trips. Especially if you ‘ve been entertaining the kids with road trip conversations all day.

As long as you remember the hot plate, or cook stove. I’ve been there, done that, forgetting the stove. Another option is to choose motels, or places to stay that have basic kitchen facilities. 

I’ve also gone the route of meal prepping ahead of time and putting individual meals in separate containers that are easy to reheat and clean up. 

If you are a camping family, what you plan for pre-made camping meals is similar.

Think easy camping type meals:

  • Baked Beans
  • Cup of Soup or Canned Soup
  • Frozen Homemade Soup (use the first day or two after it defrosts. Bonus it helps keep the cooler cold)
  • Bacon or Sausages and Eggs
  • Quesadillas
  • Rice and beans or ground beef for tacos or wraps
  • Chickpea Curry and Rice (pre-make and heat up)
  • Spaghetti 

ROAD TRIP SNACK & DRINKS LIST

Picnic table with snacks; chips, dark chocolate, apple sauce, seaweed snacks

We have a full article on our favorite road trip snacks to bring that both adults and kids will love. Good food for long journeys.

Here are a few snack ideas to get you started:

  • Energy Balls
  • Baby Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Snap Peas, Celery Sticks & Dip 
  • Cheese and Crackers
  • Apple Pear Muffins
  • Jerky, Beef Sticks
  • Potato Chips
  • Plantain Chips
  • Moon Cheese
  • Cheese Crisps
  • Seaweed Snacks
  • String cheese
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Gluten-Free Bars –  We like these mini Gluten-Free Bars  

Who doesn’t drink too much on the road because they are avoiding using restrooms at pull-outs or gas stations?  

I’m guilty of this too, but this often leads me to crankiness and wicked headaches, sooo…… Do as I say, not as I do (said Parents everywhere).

Staying hydrated is super important. While water should be the number one choice, sometimes you need a little something different like:

  • Coconut water
  • Water with crushed berries, or cucumber slices, or lemon
  • No sugar added fruit juices 
  • Flavoured Sparkling water 
  • Almond / Oat / Soy Milk

🚙 More road trip ideas 7 day Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon itinerary

Road Trip Food & Meal Planning Tips

Road Trip Cooler full of food, apples, deli meat, cheese, carrots.

Meal Planning Tips

When meal planning healthy road trip foods, I think it’s important to consider a few key important things:

  • What road trip meals you want to bring, and which one’s you’d like to buy.
  • If travelling with kids, which foods do they already like. They aren’t going to magically start liking raw broccoli and raisins on your long trip. Adapt your food for road trips with kids.
  • Road trip meal ideas – Make a list of food ideas for breakfast , lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Make sure they’re easy food to travel with.
  • Creating a road trip grocery list is a good idea, so important items don’t get forgotten. But don’t stress, as usually you’ll be able to pick up ingredients along the way if needed.
  • How to pack food for your road trip, so it doesn’t get squished, and stays cool longer.

With so much to do when planning a road trip, it’s sometimes hard to be prepared when it comes to traveling food.

Road Trip Food Tips

Beyond throwing a bunch of items into the cooler and food bag and hoping for the best. Let’s give you a few of my top tips to make packing a bit easier:

  • Bread: Bring wraps, pitas and flatbreads – we find they take up less room, and won’t get squished like bread loaves
  • Perishables: Eat your perishables and more fragile fruits first (bananas, raspberries, pre-cut fruit like melons, pineapple, mango etc.)
  • Freeze Water bottles: When hot out, freeze a couple of the water bottles the night before. They’ll keep your cooler cold, and we love that they give us cold water to drink as they melt.
  • Pre-Make Meals & Portion Out: Pre-make meals, and portion them out in mason jars or reusable plastic or glass containers.
  • Place your cooler somewhere cool the night before, or pre-chill the cooler for up to 12 hours with ice / ice packs you won’t be using on your trip. 
  • Lay solid blocks of ice or reusable ice packs on the bottom, plus put a layer of ice on the top
  • Pack the cooler full – too much space helps the inside heat up faster
  • Freeze food you won’t need for a couple of days, and use frozen water bottles to help keep the inside colder, longer
  • Try to limit the number of times you open the cooler in the day.
  • Pack your food in order of when you want to eat it, leaving the next day or two’s meals on top. 
  • Garbage Bag for the car: We always have a designated garbage bag for the car. It helps to keep the garbage contained, and the car organized.
  • Clean-Up Kit :  Bring a clean up kit. Kids, adults, toddlers all on occasion make messes. Having a clean-up kit handy just in case is good practice. Include wipes, paper towel, extra water, and an easily accessible change of clothes.
  • Storage: To keep things organized, we usually use small stackable Rubbermaid containers to pack our non-perishables.

🚙 More Road Trip Ideas: 4 Day family friendly itinerary in Acadia National Park

Road Trip Essentials

Now that we’ve got the meals all planned out, and the best road trip SNACKS organized  let’s move on to the non-food items you’ll need to add to your road trip packing list. 

Reusable Items

Our goal is to reduce our impact on the earth whatever mode of travel. Bringing reusable items on our trips to cut down on waste is one simple way to do this. If you make it part of your routine, you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it becomes.

Here are some other reusable items to pack for your road trip:

  • Plastic, glass or stainless steel containers – Can be used for leftovers, as dishes, hold snack packs, or even small toys, art supplies
  • Cutlery – knives, forks, spoons, 
  • Dishes – Cups, plates, bowls
  • Coffee Mugs – Our favs are Yeti Mugs or the Klean Kanteen  
  • Reusable Straws
  • Water bottles for the kids
  • Water bottles for the adults
  • Cloth fruit bags 
  • Bento Boxes
  • Garbage bags – reuse grocery bags

Storage & Cleaning Supplies

  • Reusable Ice Packs 
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Paper Towels & Wet Wipes 
  • Biodegradable Soap

Travel Backpacks

You will definitely want to make sure you and your kids have their own travel backpack for the trip.

A good travel backpack can be multipurpose, for hiking, storing road trip activities and entertainment, plus give easy access to a couple of snacks, and a handy change of clothes.

There’s been numerous times my “safety first” approach & extra clothes has saved us on long trips. From puking children, to epic diaper blow outs, and unexpected spills, with kids it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Best Road Trip Coolers

Coolers provide more flexibility with the types of meals and snacks  you can bring on your trips. We think they are a road trip essential, without a doubt. Before choosing one, there are a few things to consider:

  • How long is your trip?
  • Which meals will you be packing from home?
  • How often will you have access to a grocery store?
  • How much space do you have in your vehicle? Where do you want to put the cooler?

Answers to these questions will give you an idea of the size and cooling ability needed from your cooler. We’ve put together a list of the best coolers to try, that are easily available on Amazon.

Best Overall Cooler – Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Charcoal

The Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler is narrow, so it easily fits behind the seat, is well insulated, which holds the cold, and is lighter than previous versions.

It can also be transformed into a stool if you buy the cushion. It’s a bit of an invesment, so a good buy if you are planning on using it a lot.

Best Afforable Family Cooler – Coleman 316

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

The Coleman 316 Cooler is a top pick for size, flexibility and price. It can hold a lot of food and ice, which can be kept cool at higher temps for 2-3 days.

Perfect for shorter trips, or if you plan on replenishing your food / ice every few days.

Best Soft Sided Cooler – TOURIT Leak-Proof Backpack

TOURIT Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Backpack

The Tourit Leak Proof soft-sided backpack is an excellent option for shorter road trips or if you are planning a picnic or day at the beach. This leak-proof high-density insulated backpack can keep food cold for up to 3 days. It also has side pockets for extra storage.

Tips to Prepare For Your Next Road Trip

Anything you can do the day or two beforehand to prep your food, and pack your non-perishables, do it. This will save rushing around at the last minute, and forgetting important things like your water bottles.

We recommend doing the following ahead of time:

  • Make a Shopping list and meal plan.
  • Check off the items as you pack them. 
  • Wash and cut veggies and fruit
  • Prepare sandwiches, meat slices, cheese slices
  • Freeze meals and water bottles the night or two before
  • Prepare the snack bags or snack tote 
  • Prepare your Clean up kit
  • Pack non-perishable foods in small totes or bags
  • Pack your perishable foods in the cooler, & an airtight container, right before you leave.

PRO TIP: Pack your car the night before you leave, to make sure everything fits. Make sure your cooler and essential road trip snacks are easily accessible. 

Conclusion: Ultimate Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks List

With over 100 delicious and easy road trip meal ideas, you will find a party in your cooler for all taste buds or your next long journey.

 Plus don’t forget that a little pre-trip planning can go a long way towards a stress free vacation.

Grab a great road trip snack or two and head on out on the open road. I hope this helps you have an epic road trip.

3 road trip meals ideas; charcuterie plate, granola with yogurt and sandwich with fruit

Related travel tips and destination articles:

  • Easy ways to take a frugal road trip
  • Epic RV Gift Ideas: Gifts RV Owners will love and use
  • Epic Gifts for Beach Lovers – prep for your beach vacation
  • Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips
  • Complete Road Trip Packing List For Families

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Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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25 Best Travel Snacks For Your Next Trip

These picks are approved by our registered dietitians and taste testers for your next adventure.

best travel snacks

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oatmeal

Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oatmeal

Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Double Filled Energy Balls (6 Pack)

Frooze Balls Double Filled Energy Balls (6 Pack)

Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack)

LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack)

Probiotic Prunes (4 Pack)

Mariani Probiotic Prunes (4 Pack)

Protein Bar Variety Pack (12 Pack)

UNiTE Protein Bar Variety Pack (12 Pack)

Breakfast Biscuits, Cinnamon Sugar (30 Count)

Sweet Loren's Breakfast Biscuits, Cinnamon Sugar (30 Count)

Baked Cheese Bites (12 Pack)

Whisps Baked Cheese Bites (12 Pack)

Pop Mmms (3 Pack)

Simple Mills Pop Mmms (3 Pack)

Ideal snacks for travel include ones that will keep in your backpack, purse or carry-on without melting or falling apart. If you're traveling by plane, you'll want to make sure the snacks are TSA-compliant , so no liquid or gel food items over 3.4 ounces. Most importantly, the best snacks should have a combination of protein and fiber to keep you fueled and satisfied. Try to aim for about four grams each of protein and fiber, and keep added sugar to a minimum (under eight grams is ideal per snack, which is the equivalent of two teaspoons). Always prioritize fresh produce when possible, since they offer a great combination of fiber and antioxidants to keep you feeling your best during your travels.

Fruits and vegetables also are packed with water, a smart way to stay hydrated during your trip. Hydration in general is the key to savvy travel — especially for long plane rides, so don't forget to bring an empty water bottle with you to fill after you go through security at the airport. Since the altitude is dehydrating, and turbulence/delays can make beverage service unpredictable, it’s worth the investment to buy a second, unsweetened drink at the airport. Pair that with these nutrient-dense snacks and you'll be sure to have a great vacation.

Made from sustainably sourced proteins, these convenient jerky sticks are a notch above from what you'll find at a traditional convenience store en route to your travel destination. The beef and venison varieties are 100% grass-fed and finished, and turkey options are free-range. Every CHOMPS option is hormone-free, antibiotic-free and has lower sodium counts than other options on the market.

Per serving (one stick): 90 calories, 6g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 25mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 0g total carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 9g protein

Oats are an easy base for when you're at a hotel or during any travel experience. Ones that come in a convenient cup like this from Purely Elizabeth just require a bit of hot water that you can ask for on the airplane. While oats can be a great source of fiber and whole grains, flavored varieties tend to be very high in added sugar and void of any protein. That's why these cups are a top pick for us since they only have six grams of added sugar and pack in nine grams of protein from collagen, creating a well-balanced choice.

Per serving (one container): 230 calories, 5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 37g total carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 6g added sugars, 9g protein

Nut or seed butter packs offer a great dose of healthy fats and you can add them to crackers, cereal, oatmeal, fruit or other snacks you've packed (or simply enjoy them on their own). Bonus: Packs smaller than 3 ounces, like these ones, get the thumbs-up from TSA . They even pack in seven grams of protein too.

Per serving (one pack): 210 calories, 18g total fat, 3.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 6g total carb, 1g fiber, 2g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 7g protein

These energy balls are the perfect bite to stash in your purse or backpack for your trip. Made from dates, nuts and fruit, each bite has two freshly made fillings inside and is seriously satisfying. Flavors include caramel chocolate peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut, dulce de leche, lemon, peanut butter and jelly, raspberry dark chocolate and triple chocolate fudge. The tiny packs are great for travel.

Per serving (two balls, peanut butter and jelly): 126 calories, 6g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 12g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 3g protein

Popcorn is a great volume-rich snack, meaning you can eat quite a bit of it for very little calories. It is also considered a whole grain and good source of fiber. Skip the movie theatre popcorn dripping in butter, and opt for air-popped or lightly oil-popped varieties. The convenient mini bags from LesserEvil are great to stash in your carry-on and are made with organic extra-virgin coconut oil.

Per serving (one bag): 50 calories, 3g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 7g total carb, 2g fiber, 0g total sugars, <1g protein

Between lengthy travel plans and a new environment, keeping things regular can be a challenge. That's why our dietitians suggest having some prunes on hand during any trip. Prunes have a slew of health benefits , and research suggests that prunes are as effective as over-the-counter products to help with constipation. We especially love these prunes from Mariani that add in probiotics for additional gut health and immune support to keep you healthy during your trip and beyond.

Per serving (five to six prunes): 100 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 26g total carb, 3g fiber, 16g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Protein bars can make for an easy travel snack, but not all of them are created equal (some mimic the nutrition facts of a candy bar more than anything else). We like these gluten-free bars from UNiTE that are nutrient-dense and made with dates, nut butters and whey protein. The churro flavor was a tester favorite and packs in 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber at under 200 calories.

Per serving (one bar, churro): 190 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 35mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 19g carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 7g added sugars, 11g protein

We can't get enough of these sweet breakfasts biscuits that come in convenient packets of three and are made with better ingredients than others on the market. One serving makes for a light breakfast on-the-go or a layover snack, and is packed with 19 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and five B vitamins. Plus, the biscuits are gluten-free and come in blueberry, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate flavors.

Per serving (one pack): 200 calories, 8g total fat, 3g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 32g carb, 3g fiber, 11g total sugars, 11g added sugars, 4g protein

Bringing perishable foods like yogurts and cheese sticks might not be possible during your travels, but you'll get the best of both worlds with these baked cheese bites from Whisps that are shelf-stable. Whisps first ingredient is protein-packed cheese and each bite is super crispy and satisfying with a whopping 13 grams of protein per serving. They come in a few fun flavors as well and were a family-friendly hit in taste tests.

Per serving (23 crisps, parmesan): 150 calories, 10g total fat, 7g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 13g protein

Looking for something to crunch on mid-flight? These bite-sized popped crackers are baked and made with 1/3 cup of vegetables per serving like organic butternut squash. They have a cheesy flavor and are light and airy. Throw some in a handy reusable snack bag that you can refill all trip long.

Per serving (44 crackers): 140 calories, 5g total fat, 1g sat fat, 5mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 21g carb, 1g fiber, 1g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 2g protein

Natural Delights Medjool Date Strips with Tajin

Medjool Date Strips with Tajin

Who knew that fresh Medjool dates and Tajin chili lime seasoning would pair so well together? This snack offers a unique flavor profile for sweet and spicy lovers, and the simple ingredient list is one to rave about. "Loved the spicy flavor. A flavorful snack and good for on the go," one tester said.

Per serving (one pouch, six pieces): 100 calories, 0.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 22g carb, 3g fiber, 19g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Prevail. Grass Fed Beef Jerky (4 Pack)

Grass Fed Beef Jerky (4 Pack)

Our dietitians are fans of this jerky from Prevail since it is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef jerky and is free from fillers and additives. Taste testers appreciated its tender texture and balanced flavor since it is cherrywood smoked and seasoned with organic spices. Most importantly, it has lower sodium and sugar counts than competitors, so you won't get bogged down on your trip. And with 12 grams of protein per serving, it's perfect to keep you fueled on those long rides in the car.

Per serving (one ounce, original): 70 calories, 1.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 5g total carb, 0g fiber, 4g total sugars, 12g protein

Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips (15 Pack)

Sweet Potato Chips (15 Pack)

A top performer in our potato chips taste test , these sweet potato chips from Jackson's come in perfectly sized snack packs for travel. They are made with premium avocado oil and cooked low and slow to maintain the stability and integrity of the oil's healthy fats. The brand uses non-GMO heirloom sweet potatoes , and while the sea salt is the healthiest options, the flavored choices are truly delicious.

Per serving (one ounce): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 3g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Junkless Chewy Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip (24 Bars)

Chewy Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip (24 Bars)

An upgraded version of your favorite chewy granola bar, this snack is actually significantly lower in sugar than other brands and is free from high-fructose corn syrup or sugar alcohols. Made from simple ingredients, we love the soft and chewy texture of the bar and that it has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. "Nice and chewy with just the right amount of chocolate chips to peanut butter," one taste tester said.

Per serving (one bar): 130 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 22g total carb, 2g fiber, 5g total sugars, 3g protein

Biena Roasted Chickpea Snacks, Sea Salt (10 Pack)

Roasted Chickpea Snacks, Sea Salt (10 Pack)

Crispy chickpeas are the perfect protein-packed snack to keep in your carry-on that won't crumble or fall apart. Of course you can make them on your own , but a pre-made pack like this is extra convenient for travel. We love that each portable pouch offers a filling combination of eight grams of both fiber and protein per serving.

Per serving (one pouch): 140 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 20g total carb, 8g fiber, 1g total sugars, 8g protein

Sweet Nothings Nut Butter Bites (6 Pack)

Nut Butter Bites (6 Pack)

Wholesome and delicious, these disc-shaped, organic bites feature a chewy outer shell of dates, oats and flaxseed wrapped around a nut butter filling with all-organic, no-added-sugar ingredients. Free from gums, stabilizers, preservatives or artificial flavors, each package offers up to four grams of plant-based protein. The bite size treat is perfect for tiding you over at the end of your flight.

Per serving (one package, oatmeal raisin): 145 calories, 5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g total carb, 3.5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 4g protein

Siete Grain-Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Grain-Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Skip the oversized cookies at the airport and pack a few of these seriously delicious Mexican Shortbread cookies from Siete. Made with a lightly sweetened blend of almond flour and pecan pieces with a dash of cinnamon, testers couldn't believe that each cookie only has one gram of sugar. The grain-free treat has a crispy texture and won't fall apart in transit either.

Per serving (five cookies): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 17g total carb, 1g fiber, 5g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 1g protein

Second Nature Antioxidant+ Protein Smart Snack Mix (12 Pack)

Antioxidant+ Protein Smart Snack Mix (12 Pack)

Trail mix is a favorite travel snack since it always keeps well and is also resistant to crumbling in your bag. These portion-controlled packets from Second Nature are great for stashing for a road trip or flight. We especially love the flavor combination in the antioxidant mix, and the filling fiber and protein makes this a smart choice. Plus, it doesn't have any chocolate chips like many other mixes which may melt in your bag in transit.

Per serving (one package): 250 calories, 17g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 21g total carb, 4g fiber, 13g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 8g protein

RIND Snacks Straw-Peary Skin-On Dried Fruit (3 Pack)

Straw-Peary Skin-On Dried Fruit (3 Pack)

This chewy whole fruit medley is packed with dried strawberries bursting with jammy flavor, bosc pears and sweet fuji apples. Our dietitians love that RIND maximizes nutrition and minimizes waste by taking upcycled fruit that would otherwise go to waste, retaining their nutrient-rich peels and gently drying them into snackable slices. Plus, dried fruit like this keeps really well when traveling.

Per serving (1/2 cup): 140 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 33g total carb, 5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

RXBAR Chocolate Lovers' Protein Bars Box (10 Bars)

Chocolate Lovers' Protein Bars Box (10 Bars)

When it comes to simple ingredient lists, it doesn't get much better than RXBAR. These tasty bars come in a wide variety of flavors and are loaded with 12 grams of protein thanks to nutrient-dense egg whites. Plus, they are a good source of fiber too — the combo of protein and fiber can help keep you full for longer on those lengthy road trips and train rides. Our registered dietitians point out that these delicious bars are sweetened with dates for binding purposes and contain no added sugar.

Per serving (one bar): 210 cal, 9g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 23g carb, 5g fiber, 13g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 12g protein

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food when travelling

7 Tips: How to Find the Best Food when Travelling

We leave the comfort of our homes to travel for different reasons.

Some of us want a break from work to relax, others are keen to learn and experience different cultures.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

how to find the best food when travelling

Food is an essential part of any trip or journey.

Regardless of your travels’ purpose or budget, finding good food in foreign countries can sometimes be challenging.  See our tips for how to find the best food when travelling.

Table of Contents

1)  Do your research before you go

Our eating habits and types of food we enjoy are common practices to us, however, they can be very different from other countries. Before you go, make sure to read about the food and cultures in the country you’re visiting.

You might find that the type of dishes served in the country and when and where to eat might not be what you are used to at home.

For example in Australia, lunch is often eaten in a café and many cafes close at 4 pm, so it’s often hard to find the kitchen still serving food or coffee after 4 pm.

In Spain, you won’t eat dinner before 8 pm as most places don’t open until late. When dining in the USA, remember that a 15-25% tip is expected on top of the total bill.

In Thailand, the whole country eats on its streets because it’s very affordable and the food is fantastic. For this reason, cooking in the home in this country is uncommon.

Don’t miss our other 26 handy tips for travel in Thailand.

RELATED POST- Top 5 Best Street Foods in Asia

It’s worth noting that if visiting the Middle East during Ramadan, be aware that most food places will be closed during daylight hours.

how to find the best food when travelling

2)  Ask a local for a recommendation

One of the best ways to find great local food in any destination is to ask someone who lives there. Simply ask a taxi driver or your receptionist for a recommendation.

If you’re after a local flavour, ask them to suggest where they would eat as sometimes a receptionist might point you to a fancy restaurant instead of the simple canteen where they get their lunch.

how to find the best food when travelling

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3)  Don’t be afraid of the menu in a different language

Don’t speak the language? No problem. Many restaurants might have an English menu or the wait staff can translate for you. If this isn’t the case, Google Translate can help. Download the App to your phone at home and then choose the language pack of the country you are going to visit (ie. Italian) and download it for offline use.

When in a restaurant you can simply type a sentence to translate: “ Can I please order the most popular dish?” or “What would you recommend?”

You can also hover over the menu with the camera feature and it will translate the menu on your screen, it’s amazing.

Now you’re multilingual! If you don’t have a smartphone, simply point at another diner’s dish to order the same.

Some of the best dishes I’ve eaten in Vietnam and China (but I couldn’t stomach many that are on my 10 most bizarre foods in China  post) were ordered this way.

RELATED POST – The Best Travel Websites to Save Money

food when travelling

4)  Go to the local market

You will find fresh produce and usually find cheap and tasty meals nearby.

There is nothing quite like going to the local market. Not only is it a great way to interact with locals, but you will get to see the fresh seasonal produce that you should be eating.

Fresh tomatoes and porcini mushrooms in Italy, tropical fruits in Thailand, the best tuna in the world in Japan or fresh fish in Greece, among other amazing Greek foods.

You can usually find some local food vendors near markets… hello, deep-fried langos in Hungary or chicken kebab in Turkey.

Some of the 8 foods worth travelling to Europe for are street food classics!

how to find the best food when travelling

5)  If there is a queue for food – join it!

If you see locals lining up for food somewhere – join them, it’s always good.

Food places that are always busy are for a reason. So if it’s popular with locals, it will be good.

RELATED POST – The Ultimate Food Map of Asia

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6)  Research food bloggers online to see their recommendations.

Turn to the experts when learning how to find the best food when travelling. Bloggers and foodie influencers write about where to find the best coffee, sandwich or cocktails in many destinations. It’s a good source of information.

In the new area of the Internet, getting some hot tips online is a great strategy.

You will find websites dedicated to food everywhere. Every destination will have some food bloggers whose passion is eating and sharing their experiences.

To find them, search for something similar to ‘ best places to eat in Athens ‘ or ‘ best cheap eats in Cairns ‘. We use searches like’ best food in New York City ‘ or ‘ where is the best coffee in Stockholm? ‘

Most blogs are written in English, but if you are not fluent, simply translate them with google translate and note down the name and addresses.

We always use this trick when researching how to find the best food when travelling. More often than not, it always works really well.

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7)  Use Google Maps to mark food places to avoid tourist traps

I like to use my google maps for orientation when in a foreign city. You can also save places on your map (you need to have a Gmail account to log in) which is very helpful.

Let’s say you are visiting Bratislava for the first time, I’d research the places and dishes online as mentioned above and then search for them on my google maps.

You can then click on the name of the bistro or restaurant and hit the save button – you can add it to your favourites or places you go.

By the way, we found the best restaurants in Bratislava, and here they are .

I usually add some places for lunch, dnner or coffee and might even look for a supermarket. This means that if I then visit the old town I won’t just walk into the first restaurant on the main square to have an overpriced, average meal.

If you see a restaurant with signs or menus with the words ‘traditional’ or ‘original’ cuisine, then my advice is to skip it.

The meal will likely be average and you’ll be paying tourist prices of up to four times the price. Many restaurants that do this are only catering to hordes of tourists who they can bet will never be visiting again. Not worth it at all.

I’ll follow directions to the place I’ve already saved on my map to find great food in a local place that is likely to be full of locals eating great food. Win!

Google maps is an amazing tool for showing you how to find the best food when travelling the world.

how to find the best food when travelling

Try new flavours and combinations! They might sound strange but they usually work. As eating rice, chicken and cherry compote might sound strange to someone who is not from Slovakia, some dishes you come across might not sound appealing to you either.

Our bonus tip for how to find the best food when travelling is to consider joining a food tour in great foodie cities. We do this all the time and it’s awesome!

We like to search on Get Your Guide or Viator for the best range of food tours.

Either way, I recommend that you try them and you may be pleasantly surprised. Here are some strange combos from around the world that seem to work:

  • Pineapple or beetroot in a hamburger – Australia (Read more about 12 Australian Classic Foods you need to try )
  • Melon with prosciutto ham – Italy (Perhaps try it as one of the 10 Best Things to do in Venice )
  • Waffles with bacon and maple syrup – Canada (and other amazing Cheap Eats in Vancouver )
  • French fries with peanut sauce – Netherlands (You can find this on the best food tour in Amsterdam )

Have you tried any of the above food combos? What are your best tips for how to find the best food when travelling?  Please share them with us below.

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Travel Tips

You may be interested to read our 15 best travel tips from visiting every country in the world.  We’re all about sharing our advice on how to save money to travel  and our list of 20 Jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world.  And yes, we’ve done many of them just to keep living the travel lifestyle.

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It’s such a clever idea and just perfect for travellers to travel longer. If you’d like to try it, you can  join Trusted Housesitters with our personal invitation and receive a massive 25% off your membership!

Many people combine housesitting with  Teaching English Overseas, it’s the best job to earn money to travel.

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12 Comments . Leave new

food when travelling

Have you tried some insects in Thailand? It looks quite horrible but tastes so good, haha. I love the street food in Thailand. Anyway, thanks for your post Marty and safe travel 🙂

food when travelling

Yes, we have tried them in Thailand. As you said, there are not so bad after all.:)

food when travelling

Good tips to find best food in travelling… good job.. nice blog

food when travelling

Sounds good!! I have bookmarked and will share these tips with friends. Very useful tips to save the food during traveling. I love to eat in restaurants.

food when travelling

I am always love grill. But now i am change my habit. Now find my best food. Thanks Marty for your blog.

food when travelling

Great post, Marty! These tips are so practical and useful! I am saving your post for when deciding for my next travel!

food when travelling

Thank you so much for all the food items. I found some amazing ones thanks to you ! Keep up the good work !

food when travelling

thanks for sharing those good tips, Marty, Fablose post ;)!

Thank you.:)

food when travelling

I like how you highlighted that asking a local is one of the most excellent methods to get delicious local food in any location. Due to his next vacation to Europe, my partner should consider this. He enjoys dining out and rarely cooks. I’ll be sure to provide him with this page so he can choose an excellent restaurant wherever he’s located, thanks!

food when travelling

Since I’d like to surprise my husband for his birthday this weekend, I’ve been looking for a restaurant to book. I appreciate how you said to ask people for recommendations if you want to experience a local flavor since occasionally a receptionist would direct you to a nice restaurant rather than the straightforward canteen where they grab their lunch. I’ll take this into account because I really want to locate a place that serves wonderful cuisine and local wine that has an amazing romantic feel.

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25 Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meal Ideas they’ll love!

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

Planning a road trip? Looking for easy, make-ahead meal ideas, whether for a weekend break or a longer trip? Or maybe you want some easy recipes for meals on the road? Here are 25 great ideas for you!

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meals

I’ll be honest- planning meals for a road trip is one of the things I dislike most.

Don’t get me wrong- I like cooking and I DEFINITELY like eating … but I am not good at creating a meal plan.

I also have a daughter who has gone from eating whatever we give her to being more and more particular about what she likes- and she’d rather not eat at all than eat something she doesn’t love. At home, it’s pretty easy to cook separate meals, but in the van, it becomes a whole different issue- and it makes the process of meal planning a lot harder.

Why plan meals on a road trip at all??

Oh, I hear you. In an ideal world, we’d just head off into the unknown and see what we find. One of the things we enjoy most about travelling is sampling local foods and dishes and enjoying discovering new things.

Both Mr WB and myself are fairly easy to please and can make do with all sorts, but anyone with kids knows that it’s just not that easy. I also don’t want to spend my time on the road worrying about whether she’ll eat anything- so it makes MY life easier if I plan it out a little in advance.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

food when travelling

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Road Trip Meal Planning

So, where do you even start with planning meals for a road trip??

For me, I break it down into 2/3 day intervals. Generally, we like to pop into a shop and buy fresh bread, fruit and other bits every 2/3 days. We don’t do MASSIVE week long shops when we travel- our fridge is nowhere near big enough to deal with that and there’s the worry about what happens if you lose power or gas? All that food will go to waste.

Of course, if you’re only going to a weekend, you can easily make-ahead several dishes and just heat them up- much easier.

TOP TIP for picky eaters- Make them choose some meals

One way I tackle our favourite picky eater is to get her to pick 5-7 dinners she will eat. (Annoyingly, this seems to change every week or so!) I also make her come shopping with me- I find if she chooses it, there’s a higher chance she’ll eat it.

While we’re on the subject of kids, here are some posts you might find useful:

  • 21 EPIC Children’s car games & road trip activities
  • 14 quiet time activities for kids, tweens and teenagers

Our Normal Road Trip Food shopping method

On a ‘normal’ two-week road trip to mainland Europe, this is my tried and trusted routine:

  • Buy stuff in UK which we struggle to get overseas (see below)
  • Make-ahead meals for first night or two
  • Buy things as you travel (at local markets, supermarkets or Lidl)
  • Do this every couple of days so we can buy fresh bread, fruit and croissants! Yum!!
  • Try to ignore jeans not doing up….!! 
  • Remember that people eat EVERYWHERE and try not to overbuy before you leave the UK.

This system has worked fairly well for us. It’s allowed us to discover new things, let Jade choose what she fancies and my stress levels don’t get too high trying to plan out a whole weeks worth of meals.

What about perishable foods?

We have a fridge which works both whilst we’re driving (battery) and when we’re parked up (gas). So we bring a small amount of perishable food with us- milk, cheese, ham, meat, yogurt, fruit, bacon.

We don’t buy too much in case there is a problem and the fridge breaks- it’s always been a little tempermental and is the part of the motorhome I trust the least!!

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

Easy Road Trip Recipes

When I’m on a road trip, especially if it’s a holiday, I don’t want to spend hours of my time in the galley, prepping, washing, chopping, cooking and washing up!

Here are a few easy recipes we use and love. Most only use one pot and many can be made in advance if you prefer.

5 easy road trip Breakfast ideas

  • Greek Yogurt and fresh fruit
  • Muesli/ cereal
  • Scrambled eggs in a wrap or on toast (toast is HARD to cook on a gas hob though!)
  • Bacon/ sausage sandwich (bring your own bacon from the UK. Alternatively, look in European supermarkets- but it won’t look the same. It’s usually much thinner and cooks MUCH faster.)
  • One Pan English Breakfast 

Note how those went from fairly healthy to full-on delicious! I’m making myself hungry!

10 easy Lunch ideas for a road trip

We tend to do lunch as we travel- or if we’re exploring we’ll treat ourselves to a cheeky lunch out. Just don’t do that at Neuschwanstein Castle ! ( Jeez- you thought Norway was expensive!!!! )

  • Fresh crusty bread and… anything. Cheese, ham, tuna, butter, garlic cheese, crisps, chicken, leftover beef, fish fingers…
  • Salad. We try and add some fruit or salad in where possible- we’ll pretend to be healthy every once in a while! If we’re parked up I love to fry up some chicken and pop it onto a quick salad with avocado, tomatoes and peppers. Or try these delicious healthy salad recipes . TOP TIP- WASH your salad. Even the ones in bags. They don’t always wash it in Europe. It also doesn’t seem to last as long (that might be the heat) so don’t over buy.
  • Grilled Cheese (see below for recipe)
  • Couscous (see below)

I have still not found a decent way to make toast in the van. It’s an ongoing process that I will continue to work at! Still, Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a perfect snack:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

  • Sliced Bread
  • Cheese (Cheddar and Mozzarella work well)

Butter bread thinly and put butter side down into hot frying pan (not too hot and use butter, not oil.) Add slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Add other slice of bread on top, butter side up. After a couple of minutes (when bottom slice is brown but not burnt), flip sandwich over. Grill for a couple of minutes. For an extra touch, transfer sandwich to oven tray and bake in oven at 170’c for 5-7 minutes until cheese is totally melted.

Burritos are basically large wraps, with beans and/ or rice added into the wrap. One of the easiest ones is the bean and cheese burrito, but you can easily add in meat, sauces and any leftovers you might have.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 whole-grain tortilla wrap
  • 1 medium-sized can of black beans (cook in advance if needed)
  • Cheese- sliced or grated

Simply spread ingredients over wrap, fold in all ends tightly and enjoy!

5 Easy Road Trip Sandwich ideas

Sometimes, simple is best. Here are some easy road trip sandwich ideas:

  • Sausage or Bacon Sandwich – great for breakfast or lunch!
  • Ham/Chicken/ Salami Sandwich – with or without cheese
  • Jam or Peanut Butter Sandwich
  • Egg Mayo Sandwich
  • Tuna sandwich

Couscous is magical. Lighter than rice and so versatile. I make a big helping of this and it lasts for lunch and dinner quite happily.

The trick is to double the amount of liquid to cous cous. One cup couscous= 2 cups stock. I love to use chicken or vegetable stock. Nothing fancy; those little cubes in some boiling water are just fine. Stir until the cube disolves, then pour it over the couscous. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. The beauty of this is you can add whatever you like to it. We like lemon, mint, feta, avocado, red peppers, spring onions, celery… the list is endless. I generally make a bowl of plain couscous and we each add different fillings to it.

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

10 easy or make-ahead road trip meals for dinner

Ahhhh… now this is the fun part. Everyone’s been driving in the exact same motorhome for several hours… and as soon as you arrive somewhere and the van is parked up for the night, they all turn to you and ask ‘what’s for dinner?’…!

All of these recipes take no more than 30 minutes or you can make many of them ahead for the first few days of the trip.

TOP TIP- Be kind to yourself. Many people dislike ‘pre-made’ sauces, feeling that they’re ‘cheating’ if they don’t cook everything from scratch. But it’s your trip too, so don’t be judgemental about sauces from a jar. Yes, there might be a bit more sugar or salt- but it’s a heck of a lot better than a pizza or McDonalds. So be kind to yourself and make things easy.

Some easy or make-ahead meal ideas for dinners on the road:

  • 3-way mince (Bolognaise, Chilli, Savoury)- can be made in the slow cooker

Spanish Omelette

  • Easy make-ahead taco Bowl

Chicken Quinoa

  • Pea/ Pesto Pasta

Cheats Pizza

3-way mince: bolognese, chilli or savoury.

Here’s the recipe for 3 way mince bulk cooking. You can get savoury mince, bolognese and chilli from 1 pack of mince. It’s the perfect ‘make-ahead’ recipe and is very easy to heat up on the road.

1 pack of 500g mince makes 5 meals: 2 x savoury mince 2 x chilli 1 x bolognese

Start with chopped onion, pepper, garlic and grated carrot all in one large pan with a little oil (or butter) until softened.

Split the mix between 3 pans & add the mince. Cut it long ways in the packet before adding so it’s easier to break up in the pan.

You can add any vegetables at this point. Previously I’ve used courgette, mushrooms and aubergine, all finely chopped. You can get 6/7/8 kinds of vegetables in there!

Brown the mince on a low to medium heat so it doesn’t clump together, break it up with a spoon as it cooks.  Add the seasoning to the chilli pan (cumin, turmeric, chilli powder, garlic powder and paprika) and garlic powder to the savoury mince & bolognese pans. 

Once browned, strain peas & sweetcorn (one small can of corn & 1 small can of peas and add to savoury mince pan.

Add one can of chopped tomatoes to the chilli pan & 1 to the bolognese, stir through. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and add to the chilli. I used half a can of beans, I’ll save the rest for a salad.

Rinse the tomato cans out with a little water & add to the savoury mince pan. Stir in Bisto granules (or beef stock & maybe cornflour or thickener as needed). Add a little Worcestershire sauce & pepper to taste.

Taste & adjust seasonings if necessary.

Divide & eat, or store in the fridge until ready.

Many thanks to Phillippa from PhilyaBelly for the recipe – follow her on Instagram

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

Serve with:

  • Spaghetti, rice or potatoes.
  • Garlic or crusty bread
  • Grated cheese
  • Side salad if your family will eat it.

I LOVE this Spanish Omelette. It’s so easy to make and only uses one pan.

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped

Heat the oil in large frying pan. Peel potatoes and slice thinly. Put the slices in the pan with the onion & garlic. Cover the pan and cook until the potatoes are tender, turning them occasionally. Beat the eggs.

When the potato and onion mixture is cooked, add it to the eggs and mix together. Heat another spoon of oil in the pan, and turn the heat down as low as it will go. Pour the egg, onion & potato mixture into the pan.

The essence of this dish is slow cooking and it should take about 20 minutes. When there is no liquid left turn omelette over for 2 minutes. It’s now ready to serve and eat! Delicious- perfect with salad or french loaf.

Lamb Kebabs

Take 500g (4 people) of lean lamb mince and add spices (salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika… whatever you like!) Mould into balls or around a skewer and cook on BBQ or in oven until browned.

If using BBQ and wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes first.

Serve with Tzatziki- Greek yogurt, mint, lemon and cucumber

Easy make-ahead Taco bowl

  • 1 can of beef
  • ½ of a small jar of salsa
  • Bag of tortilla chips
  • 1 can of beans
  • 1 avocado/ guacamole

Warm beef and cook beans as directed on label. Mix and add on top of chips (can be warmed in oven) Add Salsa, avocado/ guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese as desired (we pop the whole thing in the oven to melt the cheese.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 tsp. herb de Provence (or any herbs)
  • 1 cup. quinoa
  • 1/4 cup. white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup. olive oil
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 4 cup. rocket/ lettuce/ salad
  • 2/3 cup. olives, quartered
  • 12 oz. tomatoes, halved
  • Season chicken breasts with herbs, salt and pepper. Grill 3 minutes per side on medium-high or until cooked through.
  • Cook quinoa as label directs.
  • Mix vinegar, olive oil, green onions, Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss half of the vinaigrette with cooked quinoa, salad/ rocket, tomatoes and olives. Serve chicken over quinoa with remaining vinaigrette.

Pea / Pesto Pasta

  • Pasta  
  • fresh or frozen peas
  • Chopped chives, for serving
  • Cook pasta. Drain and return pasta to pot. 
  • While pasta is cooking, roughly chop 1 cup peas. Add ricotta and lemon zest and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. 
  • Add ricotta mixture, remaining 1/2 cup peas, and pasta water; toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped chives, if desired.

Alternatively, cook pasta, add several large spoons of pesto and some grated cheese and mix well.

Salmon with rice and vegetables

We eat salmon a lot- it’s very good for you.

Grill (or use a low-wattage air fryer ) and serve with rice, couscous (see above) and vegetables.

Sure, you can make your own dough and add toppings- and if that works for you, then go for it. However, we cheat.

  • Grab 2 pitta breads per person and pop them under the grill
  • You want them warm, but not ‘crispy’
  • Turn over, and spread with pesto (green or red)
  • Add mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, mushrooms… whatever you like!
  • Grill until bubbling

If you’d like more inspiration, here are a couple of our favourite camping cookbooks:

The Camper Van Cookbook: Life on 4 wheels, Cooking on 2 rings

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

We’ve done an entire post on 15 quick & healthy road trip snacks (many of them Keto friendly) but here are a couple more ideas for you:

  • 1 large can of tuna
  • ½ cup of cranberries
  • A packet of whole-grain crackers

First, take the tuna out from the can and empty it into a bowl. Next, mash a whole avocado and add it with the cranberries into the tuna. Use whole-grain crackers to dip into your tuna.

Apple Cookies

  • 2 green apples
  • Peanut butter
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Almond slices

Cut an apple into slices that resemble a cookie, then layer the rest of the ingredients in between two slices to make the snack look like an apple sandwich. The snack will stay fresh in an ice cooler for two days.

Barabrith – great snack for afternoon tea!

Other things:

Whilst we’re on the subject, don’t forget to bring:

  • Washing up liquid
  • Big scrubbing pad for BBQ if using
  • cleaning supplies
  • Kitchen roll
  • Bottle/ can opener
  • Mugs and glasses
  • Tea/ coffee/ sugar

How else can I help you today??

  • See the BEST Road Trip Journal to record your adventures!
  • Show me essential Road Trip Accessories
  • Get 100+ essential road trip songs (+ playlist)
  • Help me plan my road trip
  • See gift ideas for road trippers

Road Trip meals- quick and easy road trip meal ideas to pack and prep for adults, couples & families.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Hi Kat I’ve not tried these yet but they get a good review on Amazon. As I’ve bought the barbecue you recommended in your blogs I thought I would try to keep my new BBQ clean as I absolutely hate scrubbing it after use. Just bought a pack to try on our trip to France in September BBQ Grill Mat, Set of 5 Beeway® Non Stick Barbecue Baking Mats for Charcoal, Gas or Electric Grill – Heat Resistant, Reusable and Easy to Clean, FDA Aproved – Bonus 12″ Just thought you may also find these useful

They look amazing- let me know how you find them 🙂

The https://wandering-bird.com website is one of the best we have found, and the 15 Easy Road Trip Meal Ideas article is very well written and useful! Thanks and kisses! 🙂

I recommend a ridge monkey for camper van cooking. You can cook chicken breasts, steaks, poach eggs, bake a cake, make an omelette, and it also makes great toast!

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How to Eat Healthy No Matter How You're Traveling

Hitting the road? Whether traveling by car or plane to a hotel or rental, you can still make healthy choices.

food when travelling

Related To:

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Photo by: fstop123/Getty

fstop123/Getty

When traveling, you want to consider several things before deciding what food to take. First, plan ahead. Before you start packing meals and snacks, determine if you will have the capability of keeping refrigerated foods cold (like a cooler in the car) or if you will need to pack foods that are safe at room temperature. If you are flying, think about which foods can make it through security — yogurt and peanut butter in the jar aren’t allowed. If you do want to eat refrigerated foods on your flight, make sure to eat them early on in your travel, either at the airport or at the start of your flight.

If you are packing cold foods for a car ride, pack foods directly from the fridge into a cooler, and keep meat and poultry separate from foods that will be eaten raw like fresh fruit. The temperature of the cooler should be 40 degrees F or colder and filling your cooler with several inches of ice or using frozen gel packs can help. You can also freeze juice boxes, water bottles, and other beverages to keep your cooler cold. When you do put the cooler in the car, it should be inside the car where it is air-conditioned and not in the trunk.

Best Foods for Traveling by Car

By the time you turn the corner, everyone in the car is begging for food. While chips and cookies can be fun snacks, you may want something more nutritious . Pack a few good-for-you mess-free meals and snacks. To keep things fresh, bring a cooler.

  • Whole-grain pasta salad or quinoa salad
  • Turkey and cheese sandwich on whole-wheat bread
  • Hard-boiled egg and cheese in a whole-wheat pita
  • Sliced fresh fruit like melon and berries
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cheese and whole-grain crackers

If you end up having to hit the grocery store or gas station mart anyway, look for healthier choices.

  • Whole-grain pretzels
  • Hummus cups
  • Coffee or tea (nothing fancy)
  • Fresh or dried fruit
  • Small bowl of oatmeal

Best Foods for Traveling By Plane

Not all flights provide food and some only give you cookies or pretzels as an option, so if you want to stay on track with your healthy eating goals, advanced planning is a must. If you're counting on purchasing food at the airport or on board, you'll pay a pretty penny, plus not all airports carry healthy fare. Instead, pack a few sandwiches and snacks.

Sandwiches:

  • Cucumber and whipped cream cheese on whole-wheat bread
  • Peanut butter and jelly on rye
  • Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato and mustard in a whole-grain wrap
  • Hummus with sliced tomato, pepper and cucumber in a whole-wheat pita
  • String cheese
  • Homemade trail mix
  • Nonfat Greek yogurt
  • Whole fruit (plums, peaches, banana)
  • Cut vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, celery)
  • Seaweed snacks

Foods to Pack for the Hotel

Traveling always makes me hungry, and the last thing I want to do is check into my hotel and run to the vending machine. Instead, I ask ahead if there is a supermarket nearby and if the room has a refrigerator and microwave oven.

At the supermarket, I pick up easy finger foods that require little or no prep, such as fruits, pre-cut veggies or baby carrots, dry roasted nuts, Greek yogurt, and whole-grain cereal and milk. If there's a microwave, I bring snacks like popcorn.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day .

*This article was written and/or reviewed by an independent registered dietitian nutritionist.

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Let's Roam Explorer

41 No-Cook Meals for Your Next Travel Adventure

We’ve challenged ourselves to come up with the easiest dishes to prepare on a trip. You’ll love these no-cook meals for traveling!

food when travelling

Let’s be real … nobody wants to cook on their vacation. However, it isn’t economical to eat out every meal, and if you are off the grid camping, then you can’t anyway. Luckily, there are lots of great no-cook meals for traveling out there! They might take a bit of preparation beforehand, and you’ll definitely need a cooler or refrigerator of some sort, but it can be done! 

While the options for minimal-cook or prepare-before-hand meals are endless, we are going to challenge ourselves today. For this guide, we will only use only recipes that you need absolutely no heat source for, once you’re on the road.  That’s not to say, you couldn’t modify some of them to make even better meals cooked over a campfire or stove—like s’mores! 

App-Guided Travel Adventures

While you’re traveling, don’t forget to download our app and search for nearby scavenger hunts ! Each adventure is designed to help you get to know new places and learn fun facts. Search through hundreds of tours , pub crawls , art walks, and ghost hunts and find one perfect for you!

No-Cook Breakfast Meals for Traveling

​Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? It certainly is if you plan on taking a long hike or spending the day in one of the blazing hot national parks of the Western United States. While packaged doughnuts are totally an option, let’s what else we can find!

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious way to start the day. All you need is something to keep them cold. There are a million ways to make overnight oats.  Most recipes call for milk of some sort, your favorite nut butter, and then embellishments. For a banana bread flavor, try oats, almond butter, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix, and allow to sit in the refrigerator or cooler overnight. You want your mixture to be fluid and runny, as the oats will absorb the milk overnight. Add cut bananas in the morning and enjoy! Many people choose to add flax seeds, yogurt, or chia seeds for extra protein. There’s no wrong way to do it, whatever ingredients you have on hand will do!

2. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Chilled peanut butter balls are not only an amazing-tasting snack but they’re also packed with protein and all the sugar you need for a long hike. You can make them before you leave the house, and just throw them in the cooler. Five easy ingredients of chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, peanut butter or other nut butter, honey, and oats are all it takes for this perfect camping trip power breakfast.

3. British Bean Bites

Sounds weird to Americans, but the brits eat cold beans and bread for breakfast all the time. Open a can of baked beans and served atop crunchy french or focaccia bread! The British version would be more akin to Showboat Pork and Beans than saucy baked beans. They’re usually in a thin, tomato sauce, not a sweet, thick BBQ sauce. 

4. Yogurt Parfaits

Low-sugar yogurt is packed with healthy protein. Add a little granola and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. We love this one because the ingredients are available at pretty much any grocery store and can be used for other quick meals as well. A large can of rolled oats and a big tub of original Greek yogurt should be on everyone’s packing list for a road trip or camping trip. 

5. Boiled Eggs

This is the one cheater on the list. You’ll have to cook them before you leave, but boiled eggs are valuable to have around. You can at them on their own, or use them in several of the recipes on our list. Boil a batch of 12 before you leave the house, and they will keep for a few days in the cooler. Eggs will keep you full for a while, have healthy protein, and pack easily. Just peel and eat! Plus, you can use them for several of the other recipes on our list.

6. Bagels and Cream Cheese

Don’t know about you, but there’s nothing much better than an “everything bagel.” Pack a brick of cream cheese or goat cheese in your cooler, and you are good to go. You can top with blueberries for some extra anti-oxidants, or sprinkle with un-salted sunflower seeds for a little extra belly-filling protein. 

7. Banana and Peanut Butter

It’s simple, but it’s effective. Just beware with this one if you are sensitive to sugars. Bananas are a high sugar item, so you might consider pairing them with organic nut butter with no extra sugar added. Add a glass of your favorite milk, and you are good to go!

Better yet …

8. Banana Cereal

Nope, we don’t mean put bananas on your cereal, we mean make banana cereal. This was grandma’s specialty. We loved it, and your kids will love it, assuming they like bananas. Cut up the banana in thin slices, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and douse in milk. Eat up!

9. Avocado toast

There’s nothing you can’t do with the superfood avocado. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it will show up everywhere on this list. It’s easy to pack, easy to find in most stores, and works to eat by itself, as a garnish, or as a spread or dip. It truly is a superfood. Since you likely won’t have a toaster, and it’s not as good on untoasted bread, consider grabbing some English muffins from the store. Mash your avocado a bit, making it soft. Spread over your muffin. Shred some of your boiled egg over the top and add a few diced tomatoes or spicy salsa … breakfast of champs!

10. Muffins

One of our favorite road trip treats is Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chocolate Chip muffins. There is just something about them that screams wreckless vacation abandon! 

11. Chia Pudding

Like overnight oats, chia pudding can be made beforehand and kept in the refrigerator. A good chia pudding base only needs 3 ingredients: Chia seeds, milk, and something sweet. For a little extra flair, combine chia seeds, your favorite milk, pureed strawberries, or another berry, and a bit of yogurt. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and the chia seeds will suck up all the liquid, expand, and turn into a kind of gelatinous pudding. Top with almonds and coconut shreds or cacao nibs for the perfect treat! Add a bit of honey if you need some sweetness. 

12. Just be gross, you’re on vacation

When all else fails, Poptarts are tasty. It’s not ideal on the health front, but there is no shame in having some easy, premade stuff on your vacation. While you certainly don’t want to eat 5 Little Debbies a day (well, you might want to, but you probably shouldn’t) it never hurts to have one. There’s nothing better to celebrate conquering that beast of a hike than a Cosmic Brownie. You earned it. If you are absolutely against big-brand packaged foods and all their harmful grossness, there are some stellar organic options out there for granola bars, breakfast bars, and even brownies. 

No-Cook Lunchtime Meals for Traveling

Lunch on a trip needs to be quick, easy, and filling. If you are traveling alone, that’s super easy, but if you need to please a whole picky family, we don’t envy you. That job is much harder. Good luck to you! Hopefully, you’ll find something below that your clan will enjoy. 

13. Charcuterie board

You’ll be the fanciest road-trippers at the RV park with this one. Cold cuts, salami, fresh cucumbers, cubed cheese, an assortment of nuts, grapes, and some tomato slices, and you have a lunch that not only fuels your body but looks super pretty! We love charcuterie boards because they’re easy to feed a lot of people with, and littles can come by and pick up a healthy bite as they play. It can be stuck in the fridge and pulled out later too, so it just works great. 

14. Egg Salad Sandwiches

You still have those boiled eggs right? Turn them into yummy egg salad and slap it on a sandwich. Pair with some potato chips, and get back on the trail!

15. Good Old Peanut Butter and Jelly

Hey, don’t knock it. It’s an American classic, and it is tasty whether you are 3 or 93. 

16. Tuna salad

Tuna salad is another protein-packed option that is easy to carry on the road. Buy some packets or cans, or better yet fresh tuna if you live somewhere you can get it. Add your favorite fixings. This tuna salad recipe with red onion, dijon mustard, and celery is super tasty! Serve with crackers or as a sandwich. It doesn’t get much easier. Tuna is handy to have around, as you can also add it to pre-bought pasta salads for a little extra protein or make tuna-stuffed avocados for dinner (later). 

17. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Chicken Caesar wraps are one of the best backpacking recipes. Whether you choose to grab a rotisserie chicken at the store before you leave or go with canned chicken, either way, it makes for a delicious meal. This chicken Caesar recipe with whole wheat tortillas , parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes is simple and yummy! 

18. Crab Salad

The grainy mustard and sharp cheddar in this creamy crab salad recipe make it extra delicious! However, like tuna or chicken salad, you can pretty much throw everything but the kitchen sink in a crab salad or put nothing but mayo, and it will be just fine in a pinch. Plop it in a pita bread pocket, and pair it with some fresh veggies, and you have the perfect lunch.

19. Berry Salad

Add a little extra beauty to your boring salad with some colorful berries.  Romaine lettuce topped with strawberries, blueberries, shaved almonds, and feta cheese or goat cheese is a quick, healthy camper lunch. Throw on your favorite dressing, we love this Brianna’s blueberry balsamic vinaigrette . 

20. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Pimento cheese is one of those things that we rarely eat unless we are traveling. Grab a tub at the store and use it on sandwiches, crackers, or as a spread for fresh veggies. It also makes a good addition to veggie tortilla wraps, lettuce wraps, or pinwheels.

21. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Here’s where those ten cans of shredded chicken you bought are going to come in handy. Chicken salad can be very plain or really fancy. We love this cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe ! For a healthier option, omit the bread and serve as a lettuce wrap!

22. Smoked Salmon Stacks

A few packets of pre-cooked salmon are also nice to have around for fish tacos, to throw on your salad for a little extra filler, or to make this tasty lunch treat. This flatbread salmon stack is an easy option that requires just a bit of meal prep, so you might want to start the night before. If that is too much work, just load up some Ritz crackers with a bit of salmon, a slice of avocado, and a dash of salt and pepper for a quick and easy lunch. 

No-Cook Dinnertime Meals for Traveling

Dinner is probably the hardest category on the list, at least for Americans. We tend to save our largest meal for the end of the day, and we generally want something warm. So, a completely no-cook dinner is out of the normal for many of us (though sandwich or cereal night is certainly not unheard of in our house)! 

23. Greek Salad

A traditional Greek salad is not only healthy and tasty, but goodness it is pretty. While recipes vary all over the Mediterranean and the Balkans, they generally consist of fresh diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and sometimes bell peppers, red onions, and cucumbers. You can make it any way you want, with whatever you have. Toss in a little olive oil or vinaigrette and a pinch of salt. Magnifique!

24. Stuffed Avocados

This is one of our favorite no-cook camping meals. Split an avocado, and remove the pit. Fill the center with a plop of your favorite meat salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or paprika. You can use any of the meat you have, salmon, chicken, tuna. Use the leftover tuna salad from yesterday’s lunch. Another option is to make taco-stuffed avocados . All you need is a taco-seasoning packet to add to the meat and veg you already have on hand!

25. Crab Ceviche

Ceviche is a cold seafood dish, popular all over Central America. It is traditionally made with fresh fish, lime juice, peppers, red onion, and whatever else you have on hand at the time! You can use any of the packaged or prebought fish you have to create “ camping ceviche .” For a side dish, whip up some 7-layer dip and tortilla chips for a complete no-cook dinner!

26. Veggie Gyros

These vegetable gyros feature our favorite item-avocadoes, plus chickpeas and yummy tzatziki spread. Chickpeas are packed with protein and all these veggies will get you to your daily allotment of vitamins and fiber. For the meat lovers in the group, you can easily add chicken you have on hand! 

27. Mexican 3-bean salad with guacamole

… Oh, sorry! Just dreaming about this Mexican 3-bean salad ! It might be a favorite meal idea on this list. Hiking and exploring make you hungry, and all the beans in this baby give you the fiber you need for a good night’s sleep! Pair it with fresh guacamole for the ultimate easy camping meal.  

28. Layered Taco Salad

Take some of that chicken you brought and mix in some taco seasoning. In a large bowl, layer it with cheese, beans, lettuce, and crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos. Alternate your layers of each until the bowl is full. Let everyone choose their own toppings of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. 

Mexican food is the easiest no-cook dinner to make. Layer nachos with shredded canned meat, beans, and all the veggies and toppings you like! If you can warm your meat and beans, that’s great, but it is just as good cold!

Snack Ideas or Side Dishes

You’ll likely be more active on your vacation than you are in normal daily life. It seems most of us need a vacation from our vacation by the time we get home. So, you are going to need more fuel than usual. Plus, if you have kids in tow, then snacks are a primary food group (maybe the only food group)! Make sure you have some good ones on board!

30. Veggies and Hummus

Nothing super inventive here, but it’s easy and effective. Plus, you might get your picky ones to eat a carrot or bell pepper stick if it is slathered in yummy hummus or guacamole. You could make a big batch of homemade hummus before your trip, or make it easy on yourself and buy some tasty flavors at the store.

31. Trail Mix

No surprise here, trail mix is a great idea to have on hand. It fits easily in the backpack for long hikes. You can throw the bag at a kid in the backseat when needed, and it is filled with tummy-filling protein. Make your own trail mix , or snag a giant premade bag from Amazon before your trip!

32. Fresh-Fruit Salad

Nothing screams summer like a bowl of fresh fruit. This fruit salad with citrus dressing is delightful and is the perfect anecdote for that summer heat! You might even convince your kids to eat something healthy today. 

33. Beef Jerky

Beef jerky just belongs in a backpack. They go hand in hand. 

34. Pesto Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a classic party appetizer, but they also make a great one-bite snack. We love these pinwheels , but there are many great ones out there, so use what you have on hand! It does take a little bit of meal prep time as they need to sit in the refrigerator or cooler for several hours to set up. 

35. Deli Rolls

Don’t know about you, but to us, there isn’t anything better than a slice of your favorite cheese, rolled up inside of a piece of deli meat. Admit it, you have done it. You can make it fancy with a hummus spread or olive-decorated toothpick! It’s quick, easy, filling, and budget-friendly. We love it!

No-Cook Snacks for Traveling

36. s’mores.

Okay, so the best s’mores require a little smoking on a campfire, but technically you can make them with uncooked marshmallows. They’re still super tasty!

37. To-Go Banana Pudding

The banana version is the best, but you can try this treat with any premade pudding cup of your liking. Crush a bag of Vanilla wafers. Add it to your pudding cup. Slice up a banana for garnish and plop a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Yummm.

38. No-Bake Lemon Tarts

Lemon pudding snack packs can easily be turned into a tart. Line a small bowl, or just make a pile of finely crushed Graham crackers. Slather on a healthy slab of cold lemon pudding, and top with your favorite whipped topping. Sprinkle on nuts or coconut shavings to taste!

39. Cottage Cheese and Dried Fruit

This one won’t please everyone, but if you love it, you love it! Cottage cheese has healthy fat and is a good source of protein. It will keep you full, and if you top it with some sweet dried pineapple, it’s pretty tasty!

40. Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Topping

Strawberries topped with a little sugar take on a totally different flavor! If you don’t use granulated sugar, honey works just as well. Slice them up, add your honey or sugar, and allow them to sit in a cold environment for at least 4 hours. If you want a lush dessert, stock up on some pre-made angel food cakes or make one at home before your trip. The decadent strawberry mixture on top of some food cake with whipped topping is a fantastic dessert any day of the week!

41. Fruit Pizza

Pizza! Create this delectable treat with granola, nut butter, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. Combine together to make a delicious crust. You can add honey if you use unsweetened nut butter. Press into a pie pan or dish, or just press flat on parchment paper. Let chill in the refrigerator or ice chest for at least an hour. Cover in yogurt or softened cream cheese, then sprinkle with your favorite fresh fruits, cacao nibs, or drizzle with chocolate syrup!

Other Staples To Keep On Hand

If you tried to make everything on this list, your entire camper would be full of food and ingredients. Instead, try to group your choices by recipes that use and reuse a smaller number of ingredients. Remember you can always repurpose your leftovers from day 1 lunch for day 2 dinner. Get creative. With this sample shopping list, you’ll be able to create several dishes.

  • Canned or packed meats: tuna, salmon, and chicken
  • Canned beans of several varieties
  • Boiled eggs
  • Lots of fresh fruit and veggies
  • A tub of your favorite “crumbled” cheese – Feta or goat.
  • A jar of nut butter
  • A large bag of mixed nuts and seeds
  • Your favorite multi-purpose bread
  • Mayonnaise and brown mustard
  • Granola or oats
  • Olive oil and lemon juice or a vinaigrette dressing
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Closing Thoughts

Just because you don’t want to cook doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a king on your vacation. With a little forethought, some smart shopping, and perhaps a small amount of meal planning before you leave, you can ensure that you have everything you need to whip up fast, easy meals on the go. 

What are your go-to camping or travel meals? Let us know in the comments!

Going on a long hike? Here are a few more “ Healthy Travel Snack Ideas To Keep Your Belly Full. ” 

If you want an epic camping adventure this summer, check out our list of the “ 20 Best National Parks In The USA .”

Frequently Asked Questions

No one wants to cook on vacation. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals are not only filling but healthy too. While camping, try stuffed avocados, crab salad, or camping ceviche.

Travel food should be easy, and the ingredients versatile. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals can be made with bread, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And don’t knock canned ingredients!

It’s always best to seek travel advice from experts ! For starters, download travel apps to save on fares and an adventure app for fun. Also, plan some no-cook meals to fuel up between adventures.

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How (and when) to pack food when traveling.

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Is there anything better about traveling than enjoying the local cuisines? Whether it’s fromage in France , cuy in Ecuador, or pad thai in Thailand , it’s all about the experience.

But then there’s the major downside of not always knowing what you’re eating. For example, I ordered something in Vietnam that was definitely chicken, but it still had some feathers on it and hardly any meat. Not my best meal to say the least.

Traveling with food helps you avoid some of these moments where you might go back to your accommodation hungry. We don’t recommend packing entire meals! However a few items might help your trip go a bit more smoothly.

Why Pack Your Own Food?

There are lots of reasons as to why you might want to pack food for a trip .

  • If you have dietary restrictions or allergies , as I do, it can supplement your meals until you can find an appropriate alternative.
  • You might be a long term traveler who wants to carry food to cook to save money on meals out.
  • You also might be a picky eater who wants to be sure of what they’re eating. Or you’re afraid of getting sick.
  • Packing your own food prevents hanger , which affects even the best of us. It’s how I ended up eating Burger King in Bangkok at 10 pm after a 12 hour bus ride . I worried that everything was closed, irrationally forgetting that the city is always busy, especially with food stalls. Had I thought for a moment or had some food items with me, I might not have made this mistake.

pack food when traveling

Food to Pack When Traveling Abroad

Certain types of food pack best and you shouldn’t expect to carry an entire pantry with you.

Look for dried or powdered packets at your local grocery store. Outdoor stores also carry meals that can be quickly cooked with boiling water from brands like Backpacker’s Pantry . Powdered soup, oatmeal, and ramen noodles are a safe bet.

If you’re looking for more substantial items, pasta and rice work well in many forms. I also like to pack instant grits (a Southern thing!), instant coffee, Pique tea crystals , dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars.

pack food when traveling

Consider how you’ll actually transport these items:

I’ve carried Tupperware containers of snacks on trips as they can be reused or tossed if necessary. Sea to Summit makes collapsible containers that fold flat for storage. Just make sure they’re leak free! Utensils are also a must, including a spork , but make sure it won’t get taken at airport security .

I also travel with a reusable mug , which can be used for your morning coffee or your dinner. A cooler might also come in handy. Just remember to put liquids in your checked luggage. Look for lighter containers like packets instead of cans.

Consider how you’ll go about cooking it:

If you’re staying in hostels , most will have kitchens, but some won’t. Have a few items that don’t require heating. It’s generally easy to find boiling water, as I even found on trains in Asia.

>>Learn how to travel like MacGyver: pack these items that solve problems .

When Not to Pack Food When Traveling

pack food when traveling

The most important time you shouldn’t pack food is if there are strict quarantine laws around food items from other countries. Australia , New Zealand , and Canada all have laws of this sort, as does the state of Hawaii . You might be told to ditch it all upon arrival.

You also shouldn’t pack food if it’s going to take up too much room or weight in your bag . Remember that most countries will have stores selling what you need. I’ve found dairy free options in Israel , Guatemala , and everywhere in between. Give it a Google search before you leave.

Did we leave anything out? Have you packed food for travel?

packing food when traveling

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Written by Caroline

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

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Reader Interactions

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November 8, 2017 at 3:46 am

Good tips Caroline. Will keep in mind. 😉

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January 6, 2018 at 9:12 pm

I must always pack food as I am allergic to wheat soy gluten nuts cow dairy and can’t eat sugar at all. I Sometimes I travel for up to 6 months. A few things have ended up absolutely indispensable. I treat travel abroad a bit like camping in respects to food. Instant quinoa flakes: cook way faster, pack densely and light, and have much more protein than oatmeal. They taste great sweet or savory. Bring flavors and spices you can’t do without and prevent accidental msg ingestion. Homemade protein bars with sunflower butter, vanilla bone broth protein powder, goat milk powder, and carob. Actually delicious even though it sounds weird. Or you can do store bought, but these are usually more sugar than anything else! Goat milk power is amazing, I would bring evaporated cows milk if I drank it, it’s just so nice to have milk to add to tea, instant cereal, and even use dry as a thickening agent in homemade treats. Hydrate using small amount of water. I add stevia, but you do you! Also some kind of electrolyte powder or tablet is irreplaceable. Can hydrate you on a crazy long hike, help with altitude adjustment, is a must for air travel! And because I’m a weird health nut I travel with greens powder. I like vita mineral green by health force nutritionals, combined with blue green algae. You never know when your meals will be balanced on a trip, and if you do eat something weird that your system doesn’t like, greens powder can balance blood sugar issues from a sweet tooth crash, counteract a fatty junk food meal, and help relieve constipation from all that rich pasta in Italy. Shake it up in water. Chase it down with a nice flavor afterwards. I bring homemade real food for the flights to and from a destination, such as sandwhich crepe rolls in disposable waxed paper. And I head straight to the “health food store” when I arrive for most things else. For cultural immersion I eat in homes of locals, or read menus like a scrutinizing lawyer and hand over my allergy card to the cooks. It takes some planning but most of these items are way more compact and versatile for me than prepackaged meals. This last one isn’t really food but it helps the body remove things it thinks aren’t food either: activated charcoal! Don’t leave home without it. Enough said 🙂

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February 1, 2018 at 1:14 am

I’ve read that if you have dietary restrictions, most airlines will let you exceed the carry-on allowance for medically necessary items. You can also bring extra medically necessary liquids–you just need have the TSA agent examine them separately (you might need a note from a doctor).

I have Celiac and a dairy sensitivity, and since airlines only cater to one restriction at a time I’m planning to bring a collapsible cooler bag with enough “real food” to get me through my 9hr flight when I travel in a few months.

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February 20, 2018 at 12:57 pm

As a solo female, I never do long-term travel without a box or two of protein bars. I find you can enjoy sightseeing and touring independently so much more when you always have a handy snack, and don’t have to worry about stops or meal times. Can’t count how many times I was out exploring an area and taking pictures while the tour group was stuck in a restaurant suffering sketchy food. Not to mention buying meals three times a day adds up. In new countries I tend to eat vegetarian to adjust, so I also will bring the portable packs of peanut butter and eat one for lunch with a protein bar. Oh and always bring plastic forks and straws to countries where you have to be careful with the food and water – don’t want to put your mouth on a soda can and be in bed for two days missing your trip!! Safe travels 🙂

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April 16, 2019 at 5:58 pm

I always bring food whereever I go. I get low blood sugar so when I drive it’s the responsable thing to do. When I travel I bring cinnamon rolls, granola bars etc. The last time I flew it had been about 8 years since I had been on a plane. I forgot that my water bottle had to be empty. Luckily I can drink fast. 🙂 I filled it up at a sink when I passed the security.

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  • Low-carb recipes
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How to eat low carb and keto when traveling

Jennifer Calihan

Are you tired of lousy food options at every airport, train station or rest stop? Hit the road with confidence. A little preparation goes a long way. We’ve made it easy with this guide to low carb travel.

  • Commit to success

1. Eat well before departing

Fill up on your low carb favorites before you leave. Home is the easiest place to eat right. Don’t rush – start your journey nourished and satisfied.

A filling low carb breakfast before your travel begins can be quick and easy – hardboiled eggs, cooked bacon, reheated egg muffins , or plain Greek yogurt with cream, berries, and nuts. If you have more time, sauté sausage with mushrooms and tomatoes or slice an avocado and enjoy with olive oil or mayonnaise.

food when travelling

2. Pack low carb snacks

When the flight attendant passes out pretzels, resist temptation and reach for one of these delicious and portable snacks tucked in your carry-on:

  • Nuts and nut butters (Which nuts are best? Check out our guide .)
  • Peeled hard-boiled eggs – don’t forget some salt!
  • Jerky, dry salami and cooked bacon
  • Low carb Sesame Crispbread
  • Parmesan Cheese Crisps
  • Celery filled with cream cheese or nut butter
  • Ham and cheese roll-ups
  • Crudité with dip
  • Salmon and Cream Cheese Bites
  • Leftovers (yesterday’s low carb dinner makes a great snack or meal)
  • Butter (for coffee, tea and crisps)
  • Olive oil (for salads and veggies)
  • Dark chocolate (≥ 70% cacao; no more than a couple of squares per day.)

You could pack your snacks in their original containers or in a plastic bag. But you could also get creative, like in the picture at the top.

Here are some smart containers to make travel easier, and keep your food fresh for longer:

  • soap case (for butter)
  • 4-oz leak-proof bottle (for olive oil)
  • squeezable 3oz GoToob (for nut butter, mayo)
  • medium GoTubb (for nuts, cream cheese, dip)
  • toothbrush case (for bacon)
  • salt & pepper shaker
  • chilled bento box (for veggies, cheese, dip)
  • chilled salad shaker
  • chilled yogurt and berries container

When in doubt, pop your container into a large zip-lock plastic bag for extra protection against leaks.

3. Use coffee to keep hunger at bay

Coffee, either black or with heavy cream or melted butter, can take the edge off of hunger until you make it to a place with better food. This works with tea or bouillon, too.

food when travelling

4. Try fasting

If intermittent fasting is part of your low carb routine, use it strategically to skip meals and make travel simpler. Perhaps you rush to your early morning flight and wait to eat until lunch. Or, eat a hearty low carb breakfast before leaving home and don’t eat again until dinner at your destination. One nice thing about fasting is that you can do it anywhere.

Look here for more on why intermittent fasting can complement LCHF.

5. Master restaurant dining

Eating out with confidence is a key part of success when traveling. Common sense should rule – say no to bread, ask for double veggies instead of the starch with your main course, and choose olive oil and vinegar for your salad. Ask for butter to melt on your cooked vegetables and protein. Skip dessert, or choose a cheese plate or berries with heavy cream.

Drink mostly water – champagne, dry wine, light beer, and straight spirits are okay in moderation. (Our guide to low carb alcohol is worth consulting.)

For more expert tips to help you enjoy low carb meals at restaurants, check out our dining out guide .

6. Commit to success

No excuses. Traveling is not a reason to cheat on your low carb lifestyle. Make health your priority and decide to make low carb work before you leave for your journey.

This Diet Doctor guide was written by Jenni Calihan , who also blogs at EatTheButter.org . Photos by Anne Lopez .

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25 Food For Travelling: Ultimate Guide To Packing Healthy Travel Food

When you’re going on a trip, having food packed can help you save money and your mood when hunger strikes. If you are a fitness enthusiast who strives to live a healthy lifestyle, you are probably aware of how difficult it is to do so while on vacation. Any trip to any part of the world, even a short trip, would require you to forego your diet. But what if we told you there’s a way to pack healthy food while traveling? You heard correctly! There is no need for you to succumb to greasy food or oily snacks. Because every stop has several fast food options, you may get forced to eat unhealthy foods. So, here are some healthy food ideas to pack when traveling to ensure that you and your family eat healthy, nutritious food while on vacation. It’s time for you to figure out how to stay healthy while traveling. Here’s your ultimate guide to traveling with a healthy diet.

Dry fruits are small, but they are high in minerals and proteins. Every healthcare professional recommends including a handful of dry fruits in our diet to keep us healthy and fit. Dry fruits come in a plethora of varieties, including raisins, cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, dates, plums, and so on. Dry fruits are said to have a slew of health benefits if consumed in moderation. We’ve compiled a list of dry fruits that add nutritional value to your everyday food and provide you with multiple health benefits.

Food For Travelling

There are numerous reasons to pack at least a few healthy travel snacks for your next trip. Packing healthy travel snacks will help you resist the urge to purchase something unhealthy. Another important reason is that packing healthy travel snacks allows you to stick to your nutritious diet and lifestyle even when you’re on the road. It can be hard to stay healthy on the go, but taking the small step of bringing your own nutritious and delicious snacks can make all the difference.

Without further ado, here’s a list of the top 25 healthy travel snacks!

25 Healthy Foods To Pack When You Travel

You pack outfits tailored to your destination, so why not do the same with your snacks? After all, you wouldn’t dress the same in the mountains as you would at the beach. To help make your travel snacking experience as unique as your outfits, we’ve compiled a list of healthy travel snacks appropriate for a variety of destinations and activities.

These wholesome travel snacks are simple to pack and eat, and we hope they enhance your travel experience. Good luck on your journey!

Here are the 25 healthy foods to pack when you travel.

1. Pistachios

Pistachios are an excellent healthy travel snack because they are one of the lowest-fat tree nuts, containing only 100 calories per 32 nuts! They are also high in fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients.

2. Greek Yogurt

Probiotics are one of the BEST things you can eat while traveling. In a nutshell, probiotics are gut bacteria type that aids digestion while traveling and eating new, unfamiliar foods. Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, in addition to probiotics!

Almonds contain a lot of fiber, potassium, protein, and vitamins B and E. They’re also high in biotin, a vitamin that is said to improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

4. Avocados

Avocado has been dubbed a “superfood” by health experts, and it’s easy to see why after learning about all of its incredible health benefits. With just one avocado, you can supply your body with slightly less than 1,000 mg of potassium! Not to mention, your body gets an ample amount of calcium, iron, magnesium, and cobalamin, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and D!

5. Peanut Butter or Almond Butter

Pack a small tub of your favorite peanut butter or almond butter to add high-quality fats and protein to a snack. For a healthy travel snack, you can mix it with celery sticks, carrots, apples, or whole-grain crackers.

6. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are portable and have been shown in studies to improve feelings of happiness and mood swings. These seeds contain tryptophan, which aids in the breakdown of serotonin, the body’s feel-good hormone. They’re also high in healthy fat, protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium!

7. Whole Grain Cereal

Cereal is simple because it comes in convenient little cups, making it an excellent healthy travel snack. Of course, you will want to read the nutrition labels before buying to ensure you’re getting the best whole grains with low sugar, high fiber, and low sodium. You can eat it either with or without milk!

8. Granola or Homemade Granola Bars

If it is healthy snacks you want to munch on while traveling, granola comes out at the top. However, reading labels before purchasing granola will help you choose the healthiest one of the lot. With Fit & Flex Granola, you can even make homemade granola bars. They are a filling and hearty breakfast, on-the-go snack, or even after-dinner treat – and they are super easy to make. You can store homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

9.Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. One piece of any dried fruit that you pick contains roughly the same amount of nutrients as one piece of the same fresh fruit but in a much smaller, travel-friendly package!

Related Blog:   List Of Dry Fruits To Add In Your Diet With Their Benefits

Light and airy popcorn is the ideal snack for satisfying your munching desires while staying on track with your health and fitness goals. One cup of air-popped popcorn contains only 30 calories and is high in fiber, as well as many essential vitamins and minerals. Just make sure to leave out the butter and salt!

11.Baby-cut Carrots

Baby-cut carrots are lightweight and portable, and it’s high in vitamins B, C, and K! They’re also high in fiber, so they’ll keep your stomach nice and sated on your flight or your road trip.

Pack an apple or two to help you lose weight, cleanse your liver, and lower bad cholesterol! They also contain a lot of fiber, potassium, and vitamins B and C!

13. Oranges

Mandarin oranges are fantastic because they are seedless, incredibly simple to peel, and a tasty treat high in antioxidants and vitamin C! It is critical to consume vitamin C-rich foods while traveling to avoid becoming ill!

14. Berries

Berries are small (which makes them ideal for traveling) and high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all options.

15. Wheat Flakes Nut Mix

Most of us buy snacks from stores outside of our homes before or during a trip. You can avoid these practices entirely by substituting home-cooked meals. Put a handful of your favorite almonds, pistachios, peanuts, nuts, and roasted Bengal gram in a bowl. Combine them with lemon juice, cornflakes, and olive/mustard oil, and you’re good to go!

16.Banana Chips?

Banana chips are delicious for our taste buds, a great snack to take on your trip, and they are simple to make at home. It’s a piece of cake. Chop some raw bananas into thin, fine slices, and shallow fry them. Sprinkle with red chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. To keep them fresh for a few days, store them in an airtight container.

17. Homemade Vegetable Chips

Homemade vegetable chips are superior to potato chips because they are healthier. Making a large batch of these chips would be ideal for an on-the-go snack. You can make uniform thin slices of vegetables out of anything, such as carrots, beets, or parsnips.

18. Homemade Crackers or Cookies

Homemade cheese crackers are delicious and an excellent snack to take on a trip. To make them even more nutritious, you can season them with whole-grain crackers and onion powder before topping them with grated cheddar.

19. Trail Mix

A trail mix is a snack food made up of nuts and dried fruits, but some crackers and dried cherries/cranberries would make the trail mix taste better than anything else. It is a great snack to have while driving down the highway.

20. Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are high in plant protein, which helps you feel fuller for longer. They’re ideal for long flights or road trips. The chickpeas are crunchy and tasty, and you can season them however you like. They can be easily packed in a zip-top bag and taken with you on the road!

Raw vegetables are always a healthy option, but they taste much better with something to dip them in. Consider hummus a tasty way to get more vegetables into your diet, and with so many flavor options on the market, your palate will never be bored. At home, you can make your hummus and vegetables.

22.Kale Chips

Kale chips are a great alternative to regular potato chips because they have fewer ingredients, count as a serving of leafy greens, and you can even make them at home.

23.Dried Mango

If apples and bananas aren’t your things, try something a little sweeter with some dried mango slices. Look for versions with only one ingredient (mango) and no added sugar or oil.

24. Dark Chocolate

Snacks do not have to be just “healthy,” but they can also be indulgent. A small amount of dark chocolate can go a long way toward satisfying a sweet tooth, especially on a long journey. For maximum nutritional benefits, skip the milk chocolate in favor of dark chocolate that is at least 80% cacao. Purchase a small bar to reduce portion size, or ration a larger bar by only eating a couple of squares.

Cheese, if chosen correctly, can be a great snack high in good fat and protein. When selecting a slice of cheese, look for an organic variety with few added ingredients if possible. You can certainly cut a few slivers from a big brick at home or purchase small single-serve slices before you go.

Although all of the above healthy travel snack ideas are excellent choices, appropriately pairing them can help you stay fuller for longer and avoid the need to buy an extra treat when your flight gets delayed or when you make that extra stop on your road trip. To put it simply, pack travel food that is high in fiber and protein. It will allow you to make an informed decision while still maintaining your health significantly. This ultimate guide to healthy travel food will hopefully help you stay healthy and fit while enjoying your travels to the fullest!

Fit & Flex Granola   is the best option for packing something healthy, nutritious, and tasty. It’s a great healthy snack option that helps boost your energy levels and comes in several flavors. It has just the right amount of crunch to get your day started or to wake you up from a mid-afternoon slump. You can eat them at any time of the day or night because they are made entirely of the finest ingredients and baked. Begin your journey with a healthy treat and towards a healthier lifestyle with Fit & Flex Granola today! It is available at the   Online Granola Shop.

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15 Healthy Foods to Pack When You Travel

15 Healthy Foods to Pack When You Travel

15 Best Foods to Pack While Travelling

How to pack food for travelling.

When you are planning to stick to a healthy diet, travelling with family might get a little tricky. Since every stop has numerous fast food options, you may be stuck with unhealthy food choices. So here are some healthy food ideas to pack when travelling to ensure that you and your family are eating healthy, nutritious food during your trip.

Here is a list of healthy snacks you could take with you while you are travelling.

1. Black Pepper Popcorn

Popcorn is an amazing choice of snack when travelling. If you are on a road trip, you can take a handful of this amazing popcorn and concentrate on driving without making a fuss. This makes them the best food for travelling in car. Instead of getting a stale version of popcorn you find at the gas station, you could make some on your own through recipes which include cheese, extra-virgin oil and fresh black pepper which is so much more delicious.

popcorn

2. Green Chutney Sandwich

You could take this delicious chutney sandwich with you during your trip, which is better than the street foods you will find. This sandwich can be easily prepared and will not take a lot of your time. All you need is some buttered bread slices – apply some green chutney in between to have a spicy delight during your journey. You can store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for around 3-4 hours.

3. Wheat Flakes Nut Mix

Most of us tend to buy snacks from shops outside before going on a trip or while on the trip. You can skip these practices and replace all of them with food made from home. Take a handful of almonds, pistachios, peanuts, nuts, and roasted Bengal gram of your choice and put them in a bowl. Mix them together with some lemon juice, cornflakes, olive/ mustard oil and you’re ready to go!

wheat flakes nut mix

4. Chole Masala

Also known as chana masala, this is an amazing spicy gravy chickpea dish which you can cook as a sandwich filling. It also goes very well with rotis, rice, bhaturas, and pooris . It has a unique taste because of the addition of so many Indian spices like cinnamon, cumin, garam masala , bay leaf, and turmeric. So the next time you are planning on going for a trip, try this c hole masala to fill your sandwiches.

5. Paneer Bhurji

Paneer bhurji is another very popular dish you could take with you that is made out of cottage cheese (paneer) combined with a mixture of spices. You could pack them with a few rotis, bread, pav, pooris , or parathas . You could also use it as a stuffing for your kathi rolls, bread rolls, or sandwiches. It is very easy to make them before your journey. To make it even healthier, you could add some vegetables like peas, carrots, and capsicum. Leafy greens would also work.

paneer bhurji

One of the best foods to rely on while travelling is fresh fruits. Fruits are always available and can be bought from every place. However, it is best to not get any sliced fruits from outside because when the pieces are exposed and not stored properly, they might get contaminated and cause several health problems due to bacteria. Fruits are light and get digested easily, providing you with instant energy which you will need for a long trip.

7. Bread Dhokla

This is another quick-fix dish which is very easy to make, convenient to pack, and tasty. This dish is made with a batter of bread crumbs along with some rava . The ginger and green chillies added to this makes it a very delicious food. You could take this along with some delicious green chutney. You and your family are sure to love this on a nice journey.

bread dhokla

8. Banana Chips

Banana chips are amazing for our taste buds, and they can be bought easily as they are always available in the market. They are an amazing snack to take along with you on your trip, and they can be easily made at home. It’s very simple. Take some raw bananas and chop them into thin, fine slices and deep fry them. Sprinkle some red chilli, salt, or pepper on top of them. You will need an air-tight container to store them so that they last for a few days.

Chaklis are a type of snack that is very easy to carry with you during your journey. They are ideal and handy and your family would love to have this tasty snack when on the road. This snack is made from spiced rice flour made into a soft dough with butter and curd. This snack can be easily stored in a dry airtight container for about two weeks so you would not have to worry about it getting spoilt!

chakli

10.Nuts and Bolts Trail Mix

A trail mix is a mixture of nuts and dried fruits that are eaten as a snack food, but some crackers and dried cherries/cranberries would make take the trail mix better than what you will get anywhere else. When you are cruising on the highway, this will make a really good snack.

11. Mix Seeds

These days, it is a raging fitness trend to snack on energy storehouses like sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, watermelon seeds, and other dry food items for travelling. Most of these seeds are rich in energy, and they can satiate a person’s hunger keeping them full for a long time. You could make them with different kinds of seeds, dry fruits, and nuts of your choice along with some coconut shavings. You are sure to soak in all the protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

mix seeds

12. Muffins

When you are on a trip or staying at a vacation home, muffins will always be a quick solution for an amazing breakfast even if you do not have many types of equipment in hand. Before you leave home for the vacation, you could bake a batch and keep them in the freezer to later use them as a snack. They are fairly easy to make, and the kids will absolutely love them!

13. Indian Snacks

Many people who travel really long distances rely on desi snacks to have a taste of home during the journey. Travel snacks can be easily stacked and taken along with them during the journey.  Thepla , matthi with achaar, papad, fafda, khakhra , and papdi could help to add a spark to your journey, and are great ideas for food while travelling in a train.

indian snacks

14. Cheese Crackers and Cookies

Homemade cheese crackers are really good and an amazing snack to take for a journey. To make them even more nutritious, you can substitute them with whole grain crackers and onion powder to season them nicely alongside some grated cheddar.

Sometimes, you can travel along with something sweet to consume on the road. Making your own cookies are better than getting the packed version, since fresh ones do not have preservatives or artificial flavourings.

15. Homemade Vegetable Chips

Vegetable chips made from home are better than potato chips as they are healthier. Making a big batch of these chips would make them an on-the-go snack. You could make uniform thin slices of vegetables, and you can make them from anything like carrots, beetroots, or parsnips.

homemade vegetable chips

Here are some few ideas on how to pack healthy food when planning to travel.

1. Plan Ahead

Obviously, it is best to plan in advance for your trip.

2. Cook Earlier

If you are bringing food, you need to prepare and pack it earlier. You could make items like whole-wheat sandwiches, tortillas, etc in advance and pack them the previous night.

3. Get the Right Bags and Containers

Make sure your bag has a firm base and strong handles that won’t break. Use a small bag that will not add too much weight to your luggage.

4. Use Disposable Containers

If you do not want to bring back empty containers, bring disposable ones that you can discard after use. If you want to be eco-friendly, you can avoid plastic and use disposable bamboo or wooden containers and cutlery.

5. Pack Spare Ziploc Bags

Use spill-proof Ziploc bags to seal off containers with liquids and pack some spares in just in case.

6. Avoid Foods That are Easily Spoiled

Avoid foods that spoil easily. For example, if you carry milk on a long trip, it will spoil without refrigeration. Also avoid carrying fragile items like glass containers or delicate cookies that can get powdered at the bottom of your bag.

Whether you are heading for a vacation or a business, you might fall back on your nutrition game. Going away to places is very tempting, because you want to try so many different things and eat too much. You might be stuck in a train or flight for hours, but you should not let boredom tempt you to eat unhealthy food. Therefore, prepare a snack that is healthy and will also energise you during your journey.

Travelling to Goa with Children Travelling with Kids in Rainy Season Best Places to Travel with Your Kids in India

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Healthy Gem

Healthy Gem

20 Foods You Should Never Eat While Traveling

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

<p>One of the most exciting traveling experiences is trying new food. But many tourists are concerned about food safety. Dan Solis, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director, says that many countries don't have the manufacturing and safety laws that some tourists need.</p> <p>If you haven't adjusted to local cuisine, you could get sick even if you've eaten the meal before. Some fruits carry pathogens if they aren't peeled. Many countries don't clean their tap water, and others don't pasteurize their dairy. To avoid illness, read about the foods you shouldn't eat while traveling.</p>

One of the most exciting traveling experiences is trying new food. But many tourists are concerned about food safety. Dan Solis, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director, says that many countries don't have the manufacturing and safety laws that some tourists need.

If you haven't adjusted to local cuisine, you could get sick even if you've eaten the meal before. Some fruits carry pathogens if they aren't peeled. Many countries don't clean their tap water, and others don't pasteurize their dairy. To avoid illness abroad, keep reading to learn about the foods you shouldn't eat while traveling.

<p>If you buy from fruits and vegetables abroad, don't assume that they've been washed. Some sellers may not adhere to food safety standards. Leaving this produce out allows pathogens to multiply, especially in tropical countries. Always clean and peel your fruits and vegetables before eating, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).</p> <p>Bananas, apples, avocados, and carrots can all be peeled. Most bacteria will sit on top of the food, and peeling may remove them. If you want to make sure that all pathogens are gone, cook or steam your produce. </p>

Peel Raw Fruits And Vegetables Before Eating

If you buy from fruits and vegetables abroad, don't assume that they've been washed. Some sellers may not adhere to food safety standards. Leaving this produce out allows pathogens to multiply, especially in tropical countries. Always clean and peel your fruits and vegetables before eating, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Bananas, apples, avocados, and carrots can all be peeled. Most bacteria will sit on top of the food, and peeling may remove them. If you want to make sure that all pathogens are gone, cook or steam your produce.

<p>Bushmeat is hunting and selling wild animals for food. Depending on the country, these may include bats, monkeys, or squirrels. Not only is this illegal in some areas, but it's also dangerous. According to the UN, bushmeat may spread tuberculosis, ebola, yellow fever, and other fatal diseases.</p> <p>The CDC adds that bushmeat is not regulated. Because it is illegal in many areas, the vendors may not adhere to food safety regulations. It may seem "exotic," but avoid bushmeat at all costs. Some people have died from bushmeat-related diseases.</p>

Never Buy Bushmeat

Bushmeat is hunting and selling wild animals for food. Depending on the country, these may include bats, monkeys, or squirrels. Not only is this illegal in some areas, but it's also dangerous. According to the UN, bushmeat may spread tuberculosis, ebola, yellow fever, and other fatal diseases.

The CDC adds that bushmeat is not regulated. Because it is illegal in many areas, the vendors may not adhere to food safety regulations. It may seem "exotic," but avoid bushmeat at all costs. Some people have died from bushmeat-related diseases.

<p>Frozen meals may not be safe when you're traveling abroad. Physician Jane Wilson-Howarth, the author of <em>The Essential Guide to Travel Health</em>, says that frozen foods are riskier than fresh ones. These meals are often frozen, thawed, and then refrozen before hitting the shelves.</p> <p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that you can refreeze foods that have been in the refrigerator. However, if the foods have remained thawed for over two hours, it's not safe to refreeze. You don't know how frozen meals are handled abroad, so eat with caution.</p>

Frozen Meals Come With A Risk

Frozen meals may not be safe when you're traveling abroad. Physician Jane Wilson-Howarth, the author of The Essential Guide to Travel Health , says that frozen foods are riskier than fresh ones. These meals are often frozen, thawed, and then refrozen before hitting the shelves.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that you can refreeze foods that have been in the refrigerator. However, if the foods have remained thawed for over two hours, it's not safe to refreeze. You don't know how frozen meals are handled abroad, so eat with caution.

<p>If you have to ask whether the tap water is safe, it probably isn't. The FDA advises against drinking tap water abroad, including water used to brush your teeth. Unless the country has safe, regulated tap water, purchase bottled water instead.</p> <p>If you need to use tap water (such as for coffee or tea), boil it first. The World Health Organization recommends bringing it to a "vigorous boil;" that will kill all microorganisms. If you can't do that, you may need to use a disinfectant such as iodine tablets.</p>

Tap Water Isn't Clean In Some Countries

If you have to ask whether the tap water is safe, it probably isn't. The FDA advises against drinking tap water abroad, including water used to brush your teeth. Unless the country has safe, regulated tap water, purchase bottled water instead.

If you need to use tap water (such as for coffee or tea), boil it first. The World Health Organization recommends bringing it to a "vigorous boil;" that will kill all microorganisms. If you can't do that, you may need to use a disinfectant such as iodine tablets.

<p>In over 187 countries, tap water is not safe to drink. This includes brushing your teeth with tap water, washing produce, and yes, ice. Ice can be dangerous because it melts and releases pathogens into your drink that could get you sick.</p> <p>The National Health Service tells tourists to avoid putting ice in their drinks. If you are unsure, ask the wait staff of your hotel. Remember that tap water needs to be boiled before safely consuming, and ice usually isn't boiled beforehand. If you want to make safe ice, use bottled water.</p>

Ask For Drinks Without Ice

In over 187 countries, tap water is not safe to drink. This includes brushing your teeth with tap water, washing produce, and yes, ice. Ice can be dangerous because it melts and releases pathogens into your drink that could get you sick.

The National Health Service tells tourists to avoid putting ice in their drinks. If you are unsure, ask the wait staff of your hotel. Remember that tap water needs to be boiled before safely consuming, and ice usually isn't boiled beforehand. If you want to make safe ice, use bottled water.

<p>Avoid raw meat and seafood while traveling, as these can get you sick. Raw animal products harbor dangerous bacteria. The World Health Organization says that meals should be steaming hot. If the juices appear pink, it may be undercooked. </p> <p>Cooked meats should also be stored in heat. If you see a street vendor or buffet that leaves cooked foods out at room temperature or on ice, beware. Always keep raw and cooked food separated because bacteria from the raw products can spread and infect cooked food.</p>

Eating Raw Meat And Seafood Is A Risk

Avoid raw meat and seafood while traveling, as these can get you sick. Raw animal products harbor dangerous bacteria. The World Health Organization says that meals should be steaming hot. If the juices appear pink, it may be undercooked.

Cooked meats should also be stored in heat. If you see a street vendor or buffet that leaves cooked foods out at room temperature or on ice, beware. Always keep raw and cooked food separated because bacteria from the raw products can spread and infect cooked food.

<p>Unpasteurized milk, also called raw milk, is not safe to consume. Pasteurization is the heating process that destroys bacteria in dairy. The CDC explains that unpasteurized dairy contains life-threatening pathogens, including <i>E. coli</i>, <i>Listeria</i>, and <i>Salmonella</i>. </p> <p>While traveling, read the label on dairy products. It should say "pasteurized" somewhere. Don't trust homemade or "soft" dairy products such as ice cream. And don't believe people who say that raw milk is safe and has greater nutritional value. The FDA asserts that both of these assumptions are false.</p>

Never Trust Unpasteurized Milk Products

Unpasteurized milk, also called raw milk, is not safe to consume. Pasteurization is the heating process that destroys bacteria in dairy. The CDC explains that unpasteurized dairy contains life-threatening pathogens, including E. coli , Listeria , and Salmonella .

While traveling, read the label on dairy products. It should say "pasteurized" somewhere. Don't trust homemade or "soft" dairy products such as ice cream. And don't believe people who say that raw milk is safe and has greater nutritional value. The FDA asserts that both of these assumptions are false.

<p>Eating fish can always be a risk while traveling, but shellfish increases that risk. Most shellfish are "bottom-feeders" and live along with harmful bacteria. According to the CDC, many shellfish (such as oysters) eat <i>Vibrio</i> bacteria in the water, and the pathogens get stuck in their shells.</p> <p>If the shellfish is raw or undercooked, these bacteria could get you sick. Victims could suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and gastroenteritis. The Microbiology Society says that in the worst cases, shellfish can cause paralysis and organ failure. Better safe than sorry; avoid shellfish while traveling.</p>

Shellfish Are More Dangerous Than Unshelled Fish

Eating fish can always be a risk while traveling, but shellfish increases that risk. Most shellfish are "bottom-feeders" and live along with harmful bacteria. According to the CDC, many shellfish (such as oysters) eat Vibrio bacteria in the water, and the pathogens get stuck in their shells.

If the shellfish is raw or undercooked, these bacteria could get you sick. Victims could suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and gastroenteritis. The Microbiology Society says that in the worst cases, shellfish can cause paralysis and organ failure. Better safe than sorry; avoid shellfish while traveling.

<p>While some street vendors are safe to buy from, others may increase your risk of foodborne illness. The trick is knowing which stall to visit. The World Health Organization recommends visiting busy street carts. Not only is their food popular, but the food is more likely to be fresh because so many people are buying.</p> <p>Search for vendors with transparent kitchens. If they pair raw food with cooked food, or if they don't wash the produce, choose another stall. Visit these stalls during meal times when their food is more likely to be fresh.</p>

How To Choose Safe Street Food

While some street vendors are safe to buy from, others may increase your risk of foodborne illness. The trick is knowing which stall to visit. The World Health Organization recommends visiting busy street carts. Not only is their food popular, but the food is more likely to be fresh because so many people are buying.

Search for vendors with transparent kitchens. If they pair raw food with cooked food, or if they don't wash the produce, choose another stall. Visit these stalls during meal times when their food is more likely to be fresh.

<p>Juice products, including smoothies, fresh juice, and popsicles, may not be safe in certain countries. Vendors may use the contaminated tap water to wash the fruit or blend the drinks. If the fruits have peels, the peel or skin may have been blended in, too.</p> <p>The FDA says that cooked produce is less likely to be contaminated. Fruit sauces and purees should be fine, and juices can be safe if they are washed with clean water. Bottled juices may be less contaminated than fresh-squeezed ones that people buy from a vendor.</p>

Beware Of Certain Juices And Smoothies

Juice products, including smoothies, fresh juice, and popsicles, may not be safe in certain countries. Vendors may use the contaminated tap water to wash the fruit or blend the drinks. If the fruits have peels, the peel or skin may have been blended in, too.

The FDA says that cooked produce is less likely to be contaminated. Fruit sauces and purees should be fine, and juices can be safe if they are washed with clean water. Bottled juices may be less contaminated than fresh-squeezed ones that people buy from a vendor.

<p>For the most part, condiments and sauces can be safe to eat as long as you know what you're buying. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds travelers to use sealed bottles only. If the sealing has been tampered with or left out at room temperature, avoid it.</p> <p>Some sauces and salsas are made with fresh produce. In that case, remember the water quality of the country. These sauces may not be adequately washed, according to the FDA. Even if the restaurant is clean, the food may not be.</p>

When To Avoid Condiments, Salsas, And Sauces

For the most part, condiments and sauces can be safe to eat as long as you know what you're buying. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds travelers to use sealed bottles only. If the sealing has been tampered with or left out at room temperature, avoid it.

Some sauces and salsas are made with fresh produce. In that case, remember the water quality of the country. These sauces may not be adequately washed, according to the FDA. Even if the restaurant is clean, the food may not be.

<p>Most fruits are safe to eat when they aren't fully ripe. But other fruits, including lychee, ackees, and Chinese lantern berries, may cause some problems. According to Spoon University, these unripe fruits have poisonous chemicals that could cause foodborne illness and seizures.</p> <p>Of these, the ackee is perhaps the most notorious. Ackees are Jamaica's national fruit, but they may cause "Jamaican vomiting sickness" if you eat them unripe. Fresh ackee has even been banned from the U.S. The takeaway? Don't eat new produce unless you've researched it first.</p>

Certain Unripe Fruits Are Poisonous

Most fruits are safe to eat when they aren't fully ripe. But other fruits, including lychee, ackees, and Chinese lantern berries, may cause some problems. According to Spoon University, these unripe fruits have poisonous chemicals that could cause foodborne illness and seizures.

Of these, the ackee is perhaps the most notorious. Ackees are Jamaica's national fruit, but they may cause "Jamaican vomiting sickness" if you eat them unripe. Fresh ackee has even been banned from the U.S. The takeaway? Don't eat new produce unless you've researched it first.

<p>The FDA advises against ordering fresh foods, including salads, at international restaurants. It's not because fresh produce isn't safe to eat. According to the <i>Independent Traveler</i>, countries have different natural fertilizers that tourists aren't used to consuming. If people are used to the fertilizers, they won't be affected.</p> <p> If the produce has not been properly washed, you may consume fertilizers that will cause intestinal distress. In countries with low water quality, avoid fruits and vegetables until you can wash them in uncontaminated water. Remember, restaurants may only have tap water at their disposal.</p>

Why Fresh Vegetables May Harm People

The FDA advises against ordering fresh foods, including salads, at international restaurants. It's not because fresh produce isn't safe to eat. According to the Independent Traveler , countries have different natural fertilizers that tourists aren't used to consuming. If people are used to the fertilizers, they won't be affected.

If the produce has not been properly washed, you may consume fertilizers that will cause intestinal distress. In countries with low water quality, avoid fruits and vegetables until you can wash them in uncontaminated water. Remember, restaurants may only have tap water at their disposal.

<p>Tourists who are on vacation may want to try local brew and craft. But <i>Fox News</i> reports that some countries don't handle drinks correctly. Unsafe handling, knockoff brands, and unknown ingredients could make people sick. </p> <p>The Overseas Security Advisory Council warns tourists against trying homemade or counterfeit beverages. These are less likely to adhere to safety regulations. While drinking, don't go crazy. If you're not used to the climate, you could become dehydrated or intoxicated more quickly. Always practice common sense, even if you're on vacation.</p>

Don't Drink "Homemade" Brew

Tourists who are on vacation may want to try local brew and craft. But Fox News reports that some countries don't handle drinks correctly. Unsafe handling, knockoff brands, and unknown ingredients could make people sick.

The Overseas Security Advisory Council warns tourists against trying homemade or counterfeit beverages. These are less likely to adhere to safety regulations. While drinking, don't go crazy. If you're not used to the climate, you could become dehydrated or intoxicated more quickly. Always practice common sense, even if you're on vacation.

<p>Meat platters carry a higher risk of pathogens than those in the grocery store. According to the North American Meat Institute, deli meats are precooked and safe to eat when packaged. But if they're left out on a platter, they could get contaminated.</p> <p>The USDA says that meat shouldn't stay out of the fridge for more than two hours. If you go to a country with a meat and cheese platter, ask how long it's been out. Watch out for buffets that may have kept the food out for a while.</p>

Ignore Deli Meats That Have Been Left Out

Meat platters carry a higher risk of pathogens than those in the grocery store. According to the North American Meat Institute, deli meats are precooked and safe to eat when packaged. But if they're left out on a platter, they could get contaminated.

The USDA says that meat shouldn't stay out of the fridge for more than two hours. If you go to a country with a meat and cheese platter, ask how long it's been out. Watch out for buffets that may have kept the food out for a while.

<p>In some countries, eggs aren't handled with as much caution as other nations. Food scientist and physician William Li told the <i>Huffington Post</i> that the United States treats all raw eggs for <i>Salmonella</i>. However, other countries may not have that protocol. If left unwashed, any raw egg with the shell still on can carry pathogens. </p> <p>In the U.S., many companies pasteurize eggs to kill Salmonella. But not all countries have the same safety protocols. If you aren't sure, avoid any product with raw eggs (including mayonnaise) or runny eggs (such as sunny-side-up).</p>

Raw And Runny Eggs Aren't Cleaned Beforehand

In some countries, eggs aren't handled with as much caution as other nations. Food scientist and physician William Li told the Huffington Post that the United States treats all raw eggs for Salmonella . However, other countries may not have that protocol. If left unwashed, any raw egg with the shell still on can carry pathogens.

In the U.S., many companies pasteurize eggs to kill Salmonella. But not all countries have the same safety protocols. If you aren't sure, avoid any product with raw eggs (including mayonnaise) or runny eggs (such as sunny-side-up).

<p>Depending on where you travel, some drinks are made with saliva. For instance, an indigenous beverage in Brazil called chicha includes saliva. Japanese kuchikamizake (sake) is fermented with saliva. If you aren't used to the local diet, you may not want to drink these.</p> <p>On the other hand, plenty of people drink these with no problem. National Geographic reports that in some areas, these fermented beverages are safer than tap water. Research the local area, ingredients, and potential risks before you indulge. </p>

Some Drinks Contain Spit

Depending on where you travel, some drinks are made with saliva. For instance, an indigenous beverage in Brazil called chicha includes saliva. Japanese kuchikamizake (sake) is fermented with saliva. If you aren't used to the local diet, you may not want to drink these.

On the other hand, plenty of people drink these with no problem. National Geographic reports that in some areas, these fermented beverages are safer than tap water. Research the local area, ingredients, and potential risks before you indulge.

<p>Unless you're an expert at gathering mushrooms, don't do it. Mushrooms vary from region to region. While you're traveling, you may not be familiar with the wild mushroom varieties. According to Poison Control, poisonous mushrooms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, hallucinations, and even coma.</p> <p>Some mushrooms can cause longterm effects. Certain species contain the poison <i>Amanita virosa</i>, although they can be mistaken for edible mushrooms. Stick to vegetables that you know are safe and only purchase them from trusted sources. Don't gather them yourself.</p>

Unless You're An Expert, Don't Gather Wild Mushrooms

Unless you're an expert at gathering mushrooms, don't do it. Mushrooms vary from region to region. While you're traveling, you may not be familiar with the wild mushroom varieties. According to Poison Control, poisonous mushrooms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, hallucinations, and even coma.

Some mushrooms can cause longterm effects. Certain species contain the poison Amanita virosa , although they can be mistaken for edible mushrooms. Stick to vegetables that you know are safe and only purchase them from trusted sources. Don't gather them yourself.

<p>Not eating maggots seems like common sense. But in the Mediterranean, it's a delicacy. Casu marzu is fermented with maggots and cheese flies. It is considered the "world's most dangerous cheese" and is outlawed in several countries.</p> <p>What's the risk? According to the European Food Safety Authority, casu marzu is intended to be eaten while the maggots are alive. If you don't chew them, they can burrow into your intestines. Plus, live maggots can leap up to six feet into the air. That's why casu marzu is found on the black market.</p>

Maggot-Filled Cheese, Or Casu Marzu, Should Be Avoided

Not eating maggots seems like common sense. But in the Mediterranean, it's a delicacy. Casu marzu is fermented with maggots and cheese flies. It is considered the "world's most dangerous cheese" and is outlawed in several countries.

What's the risk? According to the European Food Safety Authority, casu marzu is intended to be eaten while the maggots are alive. If you don't chew them, they can burrow into your intestines. Plus, live maggots can leap up to six feet into the air. That's why casu marzu is found on the black market.

<p>You can safely eat at a buffet while traveling. However, you may want to go in with a strategy. According to food science professor Randy Worobo, buffet foods risk entering the "danger zone" between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, if foods are kept lukewarm, they may harbor dangerous bacteria.</p> <p>Avoid foods that sit in room temperature for a long time. Cooked meals should be hot, not warm. If the buffet is busy, then the food is more likely to be fresh. Ignore anything that looks wilted or could be unwashed.</p>

The Safe Way To Navigate Buffets

You can safely eat at a buffet while traveling. However, you may want to go in with a strategy. According to food science professor Randy Worobo, buffet foods risk entering the "danger zone" between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, if foods are kept lukewarm, they may harbor dangerous bacteria.

Avoid foods that sit in room temperature for a long time. Cooked meals should be hot, not warm. If the buffet is busy, then the food is more likely to be fresh. Ignore anything that looks wilted or could be unwashed.

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Tasting Germany: A look at some must-try foods, from Berlin to Bavaria

Bratwurst, bauernwurst and sauerkraut are just a few popular menu items in deutschland.

Kyle Schmidbauer

The Floating Chair makes a restaurant in Germany feel like an amusement park

Eatrenalin is a 17,222-square-foot restaurant.

One of the first things tourists look forward to most when traveling abroad is a country's food – and this rings particularly true in Germany.

Perhaps this is unsurprising.

A large amount of the country's press comes from the world-famous Oktoberfest, a Bavarian celebration once dedicated to the wedding of King Ludwig I that's since become an international phenomenon where German beer and cooking take center-stage.

GERMANY TRAVEL GUIDE: DISCOVER THE RICH CULTURE OF DEUTSCHLAND

Here's a look at just a few of Germany's culinary must-haves when visiting the country.

Bratwurst grilled

Bratwurst is among the most popular and prolific German sausages out there. (Photo by Daniel Karmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Traditional German sausages

No guide to German cuisine would be complete without a dive into its most famous culinary export: its diverse array of sausages.

The most popular among them by far is bratwurst, a link sausage generally made from pork, veal or beef. 

While bratwurst can easily be found in restaurants and pubs across the country, Nuremberg is often dubbed the delicacy's home – historical documentation shows it's been served in the Franconian city since at least 1313.

Other common sausage varieties include bauernwurst, a stronger, spicier cousin of bratwurst; and knockwurst, a primarily pork- and veal-based sausage flavored with garlic that originated in Schleswig-Holstein, a state in Germany's far north.

Meanwhile, Weiβwurst – which literally translates to "white sausage," and is made from minced veal and back bacon – is a common staple in Bavaria, a state in southern Germany known for its distinct Alpine character and bustling Oktoberfest scene .

Weißwurst, white sausage

Popular in Bavaria, Weißwurst, or "white sausage," is made from veal and back bacon. (Photo by: Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Rouladen is an all-encompassing label that describes several similar dishes that originate from different parts of Europe. 

However, Rinderrouladen is the version most Germans are referring to when using the term.

TAMALES ARE HOT TODAY, YET SAVORY WRAPS ARE AS OLD AS CIVILIZATION

Rinderrouladen is typically made up of long, thin strips of meat (generally beef) rolled up with bacon, onion, pickles and mustard, and is generally served alongside potato dumplings or pickled red cabbage.

Another quintessential German culinary staple is sauerkraut, which is cabbage cut or shredded very thin, salted, and fermented for up to six weeks. 

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It's known for its distinct, sour flavor, which earns it its namesake. Sauerkraut literally translates to "sour cabbage."

While many consider sauerkraut to be virtually synonymous with German cooking, its origins actually are not German at all. 

Sauerkraut in a container

Sauerkraut, a common German side dish, is made from shredded, fermented cabbage. (iStock)

Various accounts suggest that the fermenting or pickling of cabbage can be dated back to Ancient China, when the Great Wall was still being constructed. 

Others, meanwhile, trace it back to similar practices by the Romans.

Schweinshaxe

Another big hit in Bavaria, Schweinshaxe – known locally as Schweinshaxn – is a roasted ham hock, or pork knuckle. Like Rouladen, Bavarians typically serve it alongside potato dumplings and red cabbage. 

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Typically roasted for about three hours after spending days marinating, or even weeks, Schweinshaxe takes a notoriously long time to prepare. 

A related dish, Eisbein, which employs the use of ham hock that's pickled, rather than roasted, is popular in other regions of Germany, particularly around Berlin.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Kyle Schmidbauer is a Production Assistant at Fox News Digital. As a graduate of Montclair State University in New Jersey with a background in digital media and SEO, Kyle joined Fox News in late 2022. In addition to publishing news wires with a focus on the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S ., he has written on domestic and international politics , elections, business and crime.

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A millennial Lyft driver who used the gig to explore all 50 states explains his strategies for maximizing earnings and tips

  • Kreskin J. Torres, a Lyft driver, has traveled across all 50 states, documenting his dining experiences.
  • Torres is working on a book, an app called Rideshare Foodies, and is organizing a national potluck.
  • He said gig driving is just temporary and has helped him achieve his larger goals.

Insider Today

Kreskin J. Torres, 35, has eaten his way through all 50 states — including Alaska and Hawaii. His ticket to doing so? Driving for Uber and Lyft .

The Army veteran and Baltimore native has documented his dining on his blog Rideshare Foodie . After seven years, he's learned the most profitable times of day to drive, the best locations to find riders in each city and the optimal strategies for maximizing tips .

"You just got to work smarter, not harder," Torres said. "From my experience, I've been in every state, so I know how every city works now."

At the same time, he's been able to pursue his foodie passions. Torres is now working on a book called "Taste of the States," his recommendations app called Rideshare Foodies, and planning a series of events to honor dishes from various states and their history.

While driving for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money for people like Torres who have more than one hustle, it can also be a recipe for burnout. Among the dozens of drivers Business Insider has spoken with over the past few months, many are already dreaming of what's next — starting a business or finding new modes of employment .

And that's Torres' main career advice for those considering it. After all, he's not planning to do the job forever, as he hopes to transition away, though it helped him jump-start new paths for his future.

"Do not make this the end all be all," Torres said, noting how Uber and Lyft have threatened to pull out of Minneapolis. "When it started, it was advertised as a gig, a side hustle."

Traveling the country as a gig driver

As a veteran, he said this job has been relatively stress-free and helpful for not feeling lonely, a similar sentiment he's heard from veterans with PTSD.

"I enjoy meeting and connecting with different people and getting to see different places," Torres said.

He decided to spend his next few years on the road using driving to fund his adventures and to meet locals who could point him to the best restaurants and experiences.

"The great thing is you get to learn about different cities and how everything operates," Torres said.

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He moved to San Antonio , though he works mainly around the more-profitable Austin area, and has explored the South and Southeast.

While he doesn't make much money from his blog, he said driving has allowed him to try everything from Navajo tacos in Arizona to biscuits in chocolate gravy in Arkansas to huckleberry swirls in Montana. Driving has led him to some of his favorite restaurants like I693 Red Zone Grill in Jackson, Mississippi; Strawberry's BBQ in Holcomb, Missouri; and Rice & Roll by Xing Xing in Wichita.

Learning the most profitable places and times to drive

Torres noticed he would get more profitable rides driving around suburbs, airports, and sports stadiums, locations coveted by drivers as they get more tips and sometimes elevated fares.

He learned New Year's will always be profitable , though rides slow down around February before picking up in mid-March. It's led him to be more methodical about the types of rides to take, as well as planning when to save more of his earnings and when to splurge a little on food and travel.

"After seven years, I'm a lot more experienced. It depends on the time of the season, so I usually can do a lot more business in college towns," Torres said. "I would visit a city, see what they're known for, a little history behind it."

Torres was making enough to comfortably travel the country, though he's always been careful since he said passengers are sometimes confused by his out-of-state license plate. He also faced a permanent deactivation from Uber last year over a dispute over the color of his car.

He doesn't have a wife or kids, nor does he have an apartment, as he mainly lives out of his car to save money. He acknowledges that growing competition on the road and lower earnings could put a greater dent in savings for people with families or permanent residences.

Torres has transitioned to driving full-time for Lyft , and he typically is online for 12 hours a day but only actively drives five to six hours in between waiting around airports.

He said he's increasingly put himself in his passengers' shoes to determine the best places and times to drive — he likely won't put in the effort to drive during rain, and he's more likely to do later trips around concert venues or bars.

To continue supporting his travels, he said he sometimes does airport rides at 3 or 4 a.m., as well as rides between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the morning rush. He also said being online around noon is fruitful for corporate workers, while 3 p.m. is right when schools let out. He usually tries not to drive around evening rush hours but sometimes resumes later at night.

He also devotes more time to driving between Wednesday and Sunday, when rides are more frequent, whether for "whiskey Wednesdays" or Friday afternoon happy hours. This is also when he can best network with passengers and hear their stories, as he said he occasionally gets to drive famous people.

Torres said drivers should consider this a short-term opportunity while working toward long-term goals. As he eases off the app, he has his eyes set on more international travel in the coming months. He's also investing more time in his food app, a local recommendation tool that functions like a Facebook group in which people ask questions about, for example, the best bartender in the area or where to go for particular dishes. It has launched on Android and set to be released on Apple by the summer.

"The most positivity that you can get out of it, do whatever you can and get the most out of it," Torres said. "The next few months will probably be my last time doing this because I'm focusing on other things, so I always had a plan for the things I was going to do."

Are you a ride-hailing driver who's struggling to pay bills or has had recent success? Have you recently pivoted to a new career from driving? Reach out to  [email protected] .

Watch: How 'Grand Theft Auto' actually works, according to a former car thief

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USA TODAY 10Best

From farmers markets to food halls, where to go for the best epicurean excursions

10Best Editors

April 24, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors April 24, 2024

Whether we're in our own cities or exploring a new region of the country, we often explore with our taste buds. So, we set out to find the best food outlets the United States has to offer across four categories: farmers markets, food halls, public markets, and food tours.

A panel of experts made their nominee selections, then our readers voted for their favorite places to get food — whether it's meant to be enjoyed right then and there or used to prepare an incredible meal at home.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Farmers Market: Worthington Farmers Market in Worthington, Ohio

Readers have crowned Worthington Farmers Market with the winning title of Best Farmers Market for 2024

Nearly 100 vendors from the Columbus area converge for the year-round Worthington Farmers Market that adapts to the seasons. In summer, May through October, farmers and producers of high-quality food and plants, sell al fresco in the Old Worthington Historic District. The rest of the year, the market goes indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place.

Full list of winners: Best Farmers Market »

Best Food Hall: Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mother Road Market wins Best Food Hall for second year in a row

Get your kicks at Oklahoma's first food hall, located right on historic Route 66. In addition to more than 15 vendors serving up everything from sushi to Cajun cuisine to Brazilian fare, the Kitchen 66 Takeover Cafe offers a rotating opportunity for budding food entrepreneurs to strut their stuff.

Full list of winners: Best Food Hall »

Best Food Tour: Columbus Food Adventures in Columbus, Ohio

Enjoy an array of food experiences with Columbus Food Adventures

From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene. Whether you're a meat-lover, brew-hound, taco fiend, or gastronomic globe-trotter, there's a tour to fit your appetite.

Full list of winners: Best Food Tour »

Best Public Market: Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee Public Market offers a number of ways to experience the market, from prepared food to live demonstations

Billed as "a gathering place where great taste is always in season," Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats. Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly.

Full list of winners: Best Public Market »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more of our Readers' Choice Awards.

Travel | Travel: How to spend 6 perfect days in the…

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Travel | travel: how to spend 6 perfect days in the scottish lowlands.

food when travelling

When one dreams of vacationing in Scotland, it’s the Highlands and not the Lowlands that comes to mind. Don’t take our word for it; even the national tourism board touts the Scottish Highlands as “the Scotland of your imagination and the perfect backdrop for your next adventure” on its website. And on National Geographic’s list of “Best of the World” destinations, only the Highlands gets love.

OK, so the Scottish Lowlands isn’t home to the monstrously legendary Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park, a historically rich clan culture or the setting of Mel Gibson’s bloody good film, “Braveheart.”

But while that and more causes Scotland’s southern side to bow to its northern neighbor in terms of tourism, the Scottish Lowlands is no plaid-clad red-headed stepchild in a nation that — fun fact — has the world’s highest percentage of redheads with about 13% of the populace. Speaking of numbers, nearly one out of every four overseas visitors to the northernmost country of the United Kingdom arrives from the U.S., according to VisitScotland ( visitscotland.com ).

So, with that in mind and knowing how much we Yankees love an underdog story, let’s ponder highlights of a perfect six days exploring the Lowlands through an American’s eye — taking roads less traveled while taking in rolling hills, gentle valleys, rugged coastline and quaint towns each more gorgeous than the next.

The W Edinburgh offers amazing views of the capital city. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Breezing through Edinburgh Airport, you shuttle to the city’s newest major hotel. The 244 rooms of the W Edinburgh, the first in Scotland for the upscale brand, are spread across three buildings, and yours is in the 12-story tower that sticks out from the traditional architecture around it. Mixed as the opinions are over the building’s “walnut whip” roof, staying at a hotel topped with a giant chocolate swirl comes in handy when finding your way back after a day of sightseeing by foot. Nestled in the heart of the newly trendy St. James Quarter, the W ( marriott.com ) is within walking distance of every must-see in the city center. Refreshed from down time in your gadget-happy suite, you’re ready to see just how perfectly located your hotel is. (Rates for a standard room start at $371 a night.)

Hoofing it to Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, offers a lesson in 3,000 years of history at the site of ghastly battles dating back to the Iron Age. You could spend an entire day here, but an afternoon date with some bottles of booze have you leaving the castle for a quick visit to the nearby National Museum of Scotland and its countless artifacts.

The Scotch Whisky Experience flaunts a world-record collection. (Photo by David Dickstein)

A time check of 3:30 p.m. has you scurrying to the Scotch Whisky Experience ( scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk ) for a pre-purchased tour that explains how single-malt Scotch whisky is made, but, oddly, not in the setting of a working distillery. It’s a trade-off because what you do get being in a purpose-built facility is the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, a breathtaking visual for the core audience, and a store with a whopping 450 types of the signature stuff. Nearly as impressive is that the prices are actually fair, but you know when to say when with your purchase of potent potables. Plus, there’s more walking to do and those bottles are heavy.

food when travelling

Window shopping along famous Princes Street leads to a short hike up Calton Hill for stunning sunset views. Being a Harry Potter fan, you check off Victoria Street, J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley, and other sights around town believed to be connected to the global sensation.

Meandering in the direction of the W, you pop into one of many intriguing restaurants for dinner. It’s a quick one as the jet lag you’ve been fighting since seeing the “Welcome to Scotland” sign at baggage claim is finally winning.

A traditional Scottish breakfast at the W Edinburgh includes haggis and black pudding. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Of course, you order the “Scottish Breakfast” at the W’s Sushisamba restaurant, which by night serves up a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors. Your cardiac-challenging platter comes with haggis, Lorne sausage, grilled back bacon, fried eggs and black pudding, which you know as blood pudding. You also are aware that haggis is banned in the States as the USDA frowns upon ingesting stomach fluids from slaughtered livestock. Despite sheep lungs being a key ingredient in haggis, you give it a nibble and realize that this Scottish staple isn’t half baaaad.

Abbotsford is the former estate of novelist Sir Walter Scott. (Photo by David Dickstein)

After check-out, you walk with your luggage to busy Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. A comfortable, hour-long ride on the Borders Railway terminates at Tweedbank, and you take the public bus to Abbotsford ( scottsabbotsford.com ), former home of 19th century novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. The estate is so extraordinary, you add “Ivanhoe” and “Rob Roy” to your reading list.

Relying on mostly taxis and hired drivers for the rest of the trip — the countless roundabouts, alone, make driving on the left side not worth the risk — you transfer to Schloss Roxburghe ( schlosshotel-roxburghe.com ) for two fairy-tale-like nights at this luxury countryside escape in the heart of scenic Scottish Borders. A tasty welcome with champagne and canapes is followed by a stroll around the historic property. On the sprawling resort surrounded by rolling hills and flowing rivers are 130 units (52 of them cottages), a championship golf course and other sporty activities, a Finnish-inspired spa, and nooks aplenty to enjoy libations made with the handmade gin created from botanicals sourced on the estate.

Schloss Roxburghe is a luxury country escape in the Scottish Borders. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Wisely deciding to spend the day here, just as the Duke of Roxburghe often did in a past life of the picture-perfect property once owned by him, you book fishing, archery, croquet and clay shooting with the resort’s country sports manager. A few minutes later you pinch yourself in disbelief you’re staying where someone actually has the title of country sports manager.

A full day of activities and therapeutic R&R has you hungry for a night topped with “Scottish bistronomy” at the new, on-site Charlie’s. From the venison and pigeon to the scallops and ham hocks, the restaurant’s estate-to-plate approach pleases the senses.

Breathtaking are the grounds of historic Glenapp Castle. (Photo by David Dickstein)

A yummy buffet breakfast at Charlie’s coupled with an early checkout and on-time hired driver, found on VisitScotland’s website, make for a great start to what promises to be a long, but great day. Appropriately, the first stop is The Great Tapestry of Scotland ( greattapestryofscotland.com ) in the Borders town of Galashiels. On permanent display here since 2021 is the story of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture as told through 160 linen panels hand-stitched by over 1,000 nimble-fingered volunteers.

Leaving the 155 miles of driving to someone else today allows you to make a pitstop at the Moffat Distillery ( moffatdistillery.com ), where an American-born proprietor and her English husband are making a go making wood-fired whisky and gin. Tours and tastings — their blended-malt scotch is a winner — are conducted daily.

The poached turbot served in Glenapp Castle's dining room is exquisite. (Photo by David Dickstein)

After traveling along what motor enthusiasts deem as the most drivable roads in the U.K., passing adorable villages and where ferries to Northern Ireland run back and forth day and night, you come up to the electronically gated entrance of your five-star home for the next two nights. One mile beyond — and one mile off Scotland’s western coast — is Glenapp Castle ( glenappcastle.com ) in the bonny Ayrshire countryside. Built in 1870, this prime example of Scots baronial, an architectural style of 19th-century Gothic Revival, has 17 luxury units (as low as $419 a night) and a 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse that sleeps eight and starts at $4,000 a night. The 36 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, lush woodland and stately structures have hosted dignitaries from Churchill to Eisenhower, and since you’re sleeping like a VIP and got a classy bagpiper welcome, you might as well eat like one, too; dining at Glenapp is an experience fit for royalty.

A farm tour features Scotland's iconic Highland coos. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Leaving the castle for a day of sightseeing had better be worth it, and it is at the very start thanks to the adorable namesake animals at Kitchen Coos & Ewes ( www.kitchencoosandewes.com ). Getting up-close and personal with the iconic Highland coos and their sheepish pals is a treat, as are the traditional homemade breakfast and lunch that come with the more in-depth tours of this working farm. Next on the schedule is a much different tour up the coast in Alloway; Robert Burns Birthplace Museum pays tribute to Scotland’s favorite son, whose poetry and songs are beloved worldwide. That includes one sung every New Year’s Eve, at least in days of auld lang syne. Despite the museum’s name, Burns’ actual birthplace is a tiny room in a cottage located at another site a 10-minute walk away.

Dinner is in nearby Troon, specifically at The Rabbit restaurant inside the new, 89-room Marine Troon ( marineandlawn.com/marinetroon ), a destination hotel that prides itself as “representing the nexus between land and sea, sport and soil, and man and nature.” Burns might have done better, but one thing that can’t be improved is the Old Course of the adjacent Royal Troon Golf Club. Perhaps one day you’ll return to play 18 here, but for now you behold what you can of links that will host the 152nd Open Championship in July, the 10th time the hallowed course will have this honor.

You’ve had fun storming the castle for two exquisite days, and now it’s time to return to reality — but not through Edinburgh this time. On the way to Glasgow Airport, a more hectic, but closer option from the west, the art lover in you prompts a visit to The Burrell Collection ( burrellcollection.com ). This Glascow gem houses more than 9,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years of history, and if it weren’t for a plane to catch, you could see yourself spending more than the two hours already given.

But the Burrell Collection isn’t the only place you didn’t get your fill over these six amazing days in the Scottish Lowlands. With luck and a replenished travel budget, you hope to return, and soon. Or as the old Scottish saying goes, “haste ye back!”

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COMMENTS

  1. Road Trip Food List: Easy To Pack Meals & Snacks

    Fruit. Squeezable applesauce. Hard-boiled eggs. Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla. Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits. Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category "breakfast foods", "brands or cereal", or "types of fruit" while you play a road trip word game.

  2. THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP FOOD LIST: 50 Scrumptious Travel Snacks

    20. Fruit leather. 21. Whole-grain muffins. 22. Bread (pretzel rolls, pita bread) 23. Water (Preferably in a water bottle like a Hydro Flask that will keep your water cold for hours.) *The following are all still healthy snacks for a road trip but will require a cooler.

  3. Food and Drink Considerations When Traveling

    Food Considerations When Traveling. Avoid lukewarm food: Cold food should be served cold, and hot food should be served hot. If you're selecting food from a buffet or salad bar, make sure the hot food is steaming and the cold food is chilled. Germs that cause food poisoning grow quickly when food is in the danger zone, between 40°F and 140°F.

  4. 25 delicious travel snacks for road trips and long flights

    Justin's peanut butter is naturally delicious, and each squeeze pack is gluten-free with 7 grams of protein. Each pack weighs 1.15 ounces, which means they're also a solid option for taking ...

  5. 105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

    If travelling with kids, which foods do they already like. They aren't going to magically start liking raw broccoli and raisins on your long trip. Adapt your food for road trips with kids. Road trip meal ideas - Make a list of food ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Make sure they're easy food to travel with.

  6. How to Eat Healthy While You Travel: 9 Nutritionist-Backed Tips

    1. Pack nourishing snacks. You may not have full control over all of your food choices when traveling, but you can prepare for snack time. Registered dietitian Mia Syn, MS, RDN recommends planning ahead and stocking up on nutritious snacks. This way you'll have some smart options on hand when you get hungry.

  7. Road Trip Snacks: The Best Healthy Snacks on the Go

    Low-fat Greek yogurt. Hummus with veggies. Fruit cups made with fresh fruit. Pre-cut veggies. Oatmeal. The prices at the airport can be sky high, though, and you may be on the run to make a ...

  8. 25 Best Travel Snacks For Your Next Trip

    When flying, traveling abroad, or going on a road trip, bring healthy snacks like these bars, yogurts, crackers, fruit, and breakfast ideas. They're great to pack for a long flight or in the car.

  9. 7 Tips: How to Find the Best Food when Travelling

    1) Do your research before you go. 2) Ask a local for a recommendation. 3) Don't be afraid of the menu in a different language. 4) Go to the local market. 5) If there is a queue for food - join it! 6) Research food bloggers online to see their recommendations. 7) Use Google Maps to mark food places to avoid tourist traps.

  10. 34 Healthy Road Trip Foods

    This healthy road trip foods list highlights easy storage, no mess, and quick clean up. These dietitian-approved road trip foods are perfect for kids, teens, and adults. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I am always looking for healthy food options that not only make you feel good but taste good, too! After a recent 14 hour road trip, I've came up with the best healthy road trip tips and ...

  11. How can I eat healthy while traveling? These 8 real-life tips can help

    Food Tripping, Happy Cow (HappyCow.net) and Vegan Finder (vegan-finder.com) can help you find fast-food alternatives and restaurants with plant-based options. You can also use filters on sites like Yelp, Door Dash and Grub Hub to find nutritious meals on the road. 8. Fend off jet-lag and travel fatigue by eating foods associated with better sleep.

  12. How to Eat Healthy While Traveling, According to an RD

    Prioritize Probiotics and Supportive Supplements. Brooking says many people experience digestive issues when traveling. To help prime your microbiome for the adventures to come, consume plenty of probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut leading up to the trip and pack a probiotic supplement (like HUM Nutrition's Gut Instinct ),.

  13. 25 Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meal Ideas they'll love!

    5 easy road trip Breakfast ideas. Greek Yogurt and fresh fruit. Muesli/ cereal. Scrambled eggs in a wrap or on toast (toast is HARD to cook on a gas hob though!) Bacon/ sausage sandwich (bring your own bacon from the UK. Alternatively, look in European supermarkets- but it won't look the same.

  14. The Best Road Trip Food: 101+ Easy Meal & Snack Ideas You'll Love!

    You can bring road trip food whether you are on a family road trip with a cooler, going camping, or traveling in an RV with a kitchen like the Forest River Cedar Creek 38RTH (it has a kitchen with an island!). But no matter how you travel, there are road trip foods and meals for every mode of transportation.

  15. 20+ Healthy Foods to Pack When You Travel

    If you are packing cold foods for a car ride, pack foods directly from the fridge into a cooler, and keep meat and poultry separate from foods that will be eaten raw like fresh fruit. The ...

  16. 40+ No-Cook Meals for Traveling

    5. Boiled Eggs. This is the one cheater on the list. You'll have to cook them before you leave, but boiled eggs are valuable to have around. You can at them on their own, or use them in several of the recipes on our list. Boil a batch of 12 before you leave the house, and they will keep for a few days in the cooler.

  17. How to Eat Healthy While Traveling (7 Easy Tips)

    4. Drink Enough Water. Drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water is super important for body function including nutrient transportation, energy levels, and temperature regulation. This is especially true in hot climates. You need to drink a lot if you want to eat healthy while traveling.

  18. How (and When) to Pack Food When Traveling • Her Packing List

    Shopping at local markets allows you to cook while traveling, and it's fun! The most important time you shouldn't pack food is if there are strict quarantine laws around food items from other countries. Australia, New Zealand, and Canada all have laws of this sort, as does the state of Hawaii. You might be told to ditch it all upon arrival.

  19. How to Eat Low Carb When Traveling

    toothbrush case (for bacon) salt & pepper shaker. chilled bento box (for veggies, cheese, dip) chilled salad shaker. chilled yogurt and berries container. When in doubt, pop your container into a large zip-lock plastic bag for extra protection against leaks. 3. Use coffee to keep hunger at bay.

  20. 25 Food For Travelling: Ultimate Guide To Packing Healthy Travel Food

    It is critical to consume vitamin C-rich foods while traveling to avoid becoming ill! 14. Berries. Berries are small (which makes them ideal for traveling) and high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all options. 15. Wheat Flakes Nut Mix.

  21. Quick Guide to Eating Right While Traveling in the U.S

    Keep cold food cold. Place cold food in coolers with frozen gel packs or ice. Stashing it at 40°F or below prevents bacterial growth. Consider packing beverages in one cooler and perishable foods in another since you are likely to grab beverages most often, opening the cooler more frequently. Sliced fruit and veggies, hummus, guacamole and ...

  22. 15 Best Healthy Foods to Carry for Travelling

    Thepla, matthi with achaar, papad, fafda, khakhra, and papdi could help to add a spark to your journey, and are great ideas for food while travelling in a train. 14. Cheese Crackers and Cookies. Homemade cheese crackers are really good and an amazing snack to take for a journey.

  23. 22 Ways to Eat Cheap & Save on Food While Traveling on Vacation

    Tips to Eat Cheap & Save Money on Food While Traveling. Whatever your appetite, you can find ways to shave a few dollars off your vacation food budget at every meal. Implement these cost-effective strategies for saving money on food on your next trip. 1. Look for Accommodations With Kitchen Access. A hotel minifridge doesn't count as a ...

  24. 10 Foods You Can Safely Pack When Traveling Abroad

    Some of these dried goods are pasta, lentils, beans, legumes, biscuits, nuts, and dried fruits . Dried fruits like berries can help ease your jet lags when crossing time zones. And nuts like almonds have higher protein content which can keep you feeling full for a more extended period.

  25. 20 Foods You Should Never Eat While Traveling

    One of the most exciting traveling experiences is trying new food. But many tourists are concerned about food safety. Dan Solis, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director, says that many ...

  26. Seder plate items and the meaning behind the foods

    The foods on a Seder plate are all symbolic. Each one represents a different element or theme of the Passover story. As a result, the foods are for showing off and talking about more than for noshing.

  27. A food guide of German meals that are must-haves on your next visit

    Rich in variety, local flavor, and even history, a hands-on experience with German food is an understandable must on most foodies' travel itineraries.

  28. Lyft Driver Traveled to All 50 States, Launched Food Blog

    Kreskin J. Torres, 35, has eaten his way through all 50 states — including Alaska and Hawaii. His ticket to doing so? Driving for Uber and Lyft. The Army veteran and Baltimore native has ...

  29. Best food halls, farmers markets, and food tours in the US

    Best Food Tour: Columbus Food Adventures in Columbus, Ohio. Enjoy an array of food experiences with Columbus Food Adventures — Photo courtesy of Jeff LaFever. From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene.

  30. Travel: How to spend 6 perfect days in the Scottish Lowlands

    After traveling along what motor enthusiasts deem as the most drivable roads in the U.K., passing adorable villages and where ferries to Northern Ireland run back and forth day and night, you come ...