Road Trip Food Tips

AUGUST 6, 2024  /  KELLI NAPOTNIK  / 

Road Trip Food Tips
For our family, going away on vacation often means we are driving several hours to reach our destination. I love preparing ready-to-eat foods we can all enjoy in the car to minimize how often we need to stop. Everyone agrees that we'd rather get to where we're going sooner than later!
Here are four simple tips that have worked for me when preparing food for our time in the car:
  • Pack meals or snacks that require minimal effort. Prepare simple sandwiches, meat sticks, cheese sticks, or even homemade granola bars.
  • Driving can be uneventful! Having something to eat that's a treat boosts everyone's morale! At home, I usually make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so when we travel, I might splurge and make deli sandwiches or wraps instead. Or bring bags of cut up apples with individual peanut butter containers for dipping (and toss in a few M&M's for color)
  • Choose food that doesn't create excess trash in the car. One simple tip I've learned for packing sandwiches is to use the bag the bread came in! That way, there is only one bag to throw away and I can pass everyone their sandwiches as needed.
  • The night before your trip, make water bottles with plenty of ice to have at each person's seat in the car.
Even after a meal, the kids are usually ready for a snack a few hours later. I like to make granola bars in advance. They can be kept in one bag and are lower cost than store-bought varieties.
This granola bar recipe is tasty, simple, fun, and kids (and adults alike!) will gobble them up! Pro tip: If you are worried about sticky fingers in the car, keep wipes handy for easy clean up!

Road Trip Food Tips

Healthy & Easy Trail Mix Granola Bars (From EzeBreezy Life Simplified)
  • 3 Tbsp honey or agave syrup
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup soft brown sugar, packed
  • 7 Tbsp rolled oats
  • 1 cup Multi-grain Cheerios (or cereal of your choosing)
  • 3 Tbsp peanuts
  • 3 Tbsp raisins
  • 3 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 4 Tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
  • Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8x8-inch dish with parchment paper and lightly grease. Set to the side.
  • Put butter and honey in a microwave safe bowl and cover. Cook until melted (about 45-60 seconds). Set aside to cool.
  • Place remaining dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir to mix.
  • Slowly add the cooled butter mixture, constantly stirring to coat your dry mixture.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared 8x8-inch dish and press down firmly.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is slightly firm to the touch.
  • Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely.
  • Once completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut into eight bars. Store in an airtight container.
Whether you are driving to visit family or planning a fun vacation away, thinking ahead to prepare simple on-the-go food options is a great way to make traveling easier. I'm always grateful I took the extra step when we're on the road and ready to be at our destination. Do you have any travel tips or favorite make ahead goodies you'd like to share? We'd love to hear!
For the PlayGroup Granola Bar recipe pictured at the top of this post, click here!

Road Trip Food Tips

#1: Check out this adorable 'Thinking of You' Ribbon from Amazon that Nadia used to package up scones she took to a friend!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the product link!
#2: This Beef and Broccoli recipe from Natasha's Kitchen is a delicious option when taking someone. It comes together quickly and tastes amazing!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#3: There's nothing quite like Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches! These are perfect to take to a potluck, and leftovers can be stored in the freezer for weeks!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#4: When taking bread to someone, dress it up with a fun bread loaf wrapper! Sometimes, it's the small details that make things a little more special.
#5: Pasta is a tried and true meal to take. Here are some classic favorites and all new dishes to try from Pinterest!

Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:


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Adina & Maureen
Adina & Maureen

Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.

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