Why I Travel for Food And So Should You

Written By: Laura Lynch

Travel Tips

Updated On: December 27, 2022

Culinary travel has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years and I’ve jumped wholeheartedly on the bandwagon. Have you?

I’ve always loved food. At home, I do the things that every foodie does. I cook elaborate five-course meals for our friends, I watch Top Chef and dream of another life in which I might have become a chef, and I regularly attend food and wine festivals.

However, it wasn’t until about five years ago that I took my eating habit on the road. Until then, I had no idea the limitless benefits I would gain from traveling for food. I can assure you, now that this very important lesson has been learned, no matter where our adventures take us, food is a central part of the trip.

Table of Contents

Why Travel for Food

As I said, it was about five years ago – coincidentally around the time my husband and I started traveling together – when I finally combined my love for travel and food. We were becoming interested in wine tourism and we’d heard good things about the Stellenbosch region of South Africa.

1. Food Travel Awakens the Senses

You’re wondering how food can be powerful, right? It’s simple. Eating utilizes all five senses. Not only do we taste our food, we also touch it, smell it, devour it with our eyes and listen to it sizzle in the pan. We’re in a heightened state of being whenever we interact with food, so it stands to reason that intentionally experiencing food while you’re traveling will increase the intensity of the memories you build.

2. Food Takes you Back to Your Travels

Have you ever noticed how even the faint aroma of something you ate on a vacation instantly takes you back to the moment you experienced it. Tasting an Argentinian Malbec transports me to a tasting room in Mendoza. The smell of galangal and lime instantly brings to mind the Thai cooking class we took in Chiang Mai.

Even the sight of choclo (really large corn) gets me excited for the intense flavors of Peruvian food. Just ask my husband – “big corn”, as I call it, elicits an unreasonable amount of excitement from me.

3. Food is Powerful

You see, food is powerful. It has the ability to shape your journey and define your memories. Food is also an essential part of life and community. It’s what makes us who we are as a people.

Without it there is no authentic travel experience. It’s the times we congregate around a dinner table with newly formed friends, get invited to lunch with a local family or take time for a picnic in a vineyard that we remember the most.

Not necessarily because of the food itself – although if it’s good that’s an added bonus – but because those are the moments when the best memories are made.

4. Good Food is Worth It

I read a lot of blog posts and travel articles about how to save money on food while traveling and how to avoid street food so as not to get sick. It makes me sad to think of all the amazing things I would have missed out on in a country if I had taken that advice.

I seriously question whether you can experience the real, authentic side of a culture without experiencing the food. After all, what is Thailand without a plate of Pad Thai, China without Dim Sum, Canada without poutine, Mexico without street tacos?

I’m exaggerating a little, but you get the point.

5. Food Becomes a Part of Travel, Even When You Least Expect It

We do still take trips that have no immediately apparent food focus – like to Turkey – where we went because we wanted to check out Istanbul and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia . But even those trips ended up expanding our global palette and introducing us to things we would never have experienced without the power of food.

We went on one of our favorite food tours in Istanbul , and even did some wine tasting in ancient wine caves in Cappadocia.

6. All Food is Amazing

Indulging in Michelin-starred restaurants, veering off the beaten path to where they make the best-fried noodles, immersing yourself in an authentic cooking school in Tuscany, or even accepting a dare to eat a deep-fried cricket from a market in Cambodia – these are the things vibrant memories are made of. And if you don’t seek out food, you’ll miss out on an entire aspect of the journey.

Ever since that first trip to South Africa, we have been intentionally choosing destinations based on our desire to find new culinary hotspots. We choose destinations to expand our knowledge and appreciation for not only the history and architecture of a country but the food that the culture was built on. Doing so has had a great impact on our travels.

7. Wineries

While researching the area, we found that many of the wineries also had world-class restaurants and it became clear that we would be missing half the experience if we didn’t explore the burgeoning food scene. So we made reservations at top restaurants with wine-pairing menus, and experienced foods we’d never tried before, like wild game and ostrich.

We learned about popular grape varietals like Pinotage – the pillar of South Africa wine – and how today’s modern cuisine in South Africa developed with the influence of many different cultures. I came away from that trip with a new-found appreciation for the power of food.

South African Food

As is the case with many countries around the world, South African cuisine is a conglomeration of many different subcultures. If we only went to South Africa to see elephants (which are pretty fantastic – don’t get me wrong), we wouldn’t have learned so much about the vast and dynamic culture of the country through the food. Sure, we could have opened a textbook and read of the history that brought all of these cultures together, but then we wouldn’t have experienced it firsthand and taken home all of those priceless memories.

Food Makes Travel Better

Now that I’ve sufficiently plied you with drool-worthy photos of food from around the world, can’t we agree that intentionally adding food to your travels will greatly enrich your experience?

If you’re a foodie like me, just knowing that we aren’t limited to the restaurants and gourmet food markets of our own cities is reason enough for me to get excited about traveling. There’s a world full of incredible foods beckoning to be eaten and they are just a plane ride or road trip away.

And if you’re not a foodie — well, you still have to eat, right? So why not eat a little, learn a little and take home the leftovers?

What is your favorite food travel memory? Do you have a favorite country you like to travel to specifically for the food?

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About Laura Lynch

Laura Lynch is the creator and writer of the travel blog, Savored Journeys , which is an exploration of food and wine around the world. She's an avid world traveler, having been to 44 countries, and lover of great food and wine. Connect with Laura on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and Instagram .

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21 thoughts on “Why I Travel for Food And So Should You”

How wonderful that you mention how food adds to your traveling. I have never tried Greek food but I love a lot of flavor in my food and want to try it this week. I will find a traditional Greek restaurant close by to try.

Very Nice Article I love to travel and taste the all kind of food

Yes so true me also. I travel not only for food but yes , its the agenda. food of the area really represents the culture of the area.

Hey there, it’s a pleasure to meet with you. I also travel around the world and really like to taste different countries special dishes during my travel.

I love to travel and yes, one of the reason is that for food. I can see some turkish food here. I have wish to visit turkey to taste some of best turkish kabab!

I am just back from a trip to Rajasthan in India and to be honest this was my first trip focusing on food. This articles captures my emotions on so many levels and every single word of this is true. I would definitely make it a point to create more food based itineraries for myself in the future!

Gastrotours are so unique due to the diversity of the food types you will encounter in each place. The variety of food is as huge as there are people on this planet. Your food pictures above look very sumptuous and tasty. Great photography too.

nice article thanks for sharing.. visit http://bubblegumtours.com

Love this! I don’t know whether I do this with almost as much aim as you do however I don’t think you can truly encounter a spot without encountering the nourishment. Much obliged for sharing.

Nice article. Loved it. We are gourmets and first thing we do when we land at a place is to ask where the best restaurant in town and what is the local speciality! We love to travel to eat!

Yes i do like it.

To me food has always been a good reason to travel. Apart from the delicacy, food also talks hundred words about the culture and lifestyle of a destination. So food is a very important part of travel and destination experience. Thanks for this post

Food really is one of the authentic experiences for travelers. I would definitely recommend St. Lucian and Caribbean cuisine with its European, Indian, African and Amerindian influences. Fresh seafood and delicious meats are prepared with culinary flair. Great food is available for all budgets from small roadside diners to fine dining establishments.

Food has always been a part of my travel experiences. I sometimes joke that I am going to eat my way around this city or that country. I always like to mingle with the locals and experience their culture. That would include their foods. I enjoy many types of food and find traveling as a great way to experience them. Sometimes, I remember a place that I visited by the food that I had there. Paris is one of my favorites for enjoying good food. They appreciate it when you enjoy and compliment them for their food. I particularly have a favorite place there which only serves souffles. I go there every time that I am visiting Paris.

Great photos! Many of my travel memories go hand in hand with the food experiences I’ve had! It’s so hard to choose a favorite experience… But one that comes to mind is a dinner in Barcelona. We were renting an apartment and the owner sent his mother-in-law over to cook a traditional Spanish meal for us. Not just the amazing food (I’m talking sneaking-to-the-fridge-in-the-middle-of-the-night amazing!), but the whole experience of watching her prepare and trying to communicate in our broken spanish/english conversation about the ingredients she used was an incredible experience and is an unforgettable memory!

Food has never been the reason for my travels but I hardly miss out tasting the traditional food of the country or city I visit… who doesn’t love tasting a new food!!

I have an insane love for Korean dishes! My father was stationed in South Korea back in the 80s and while there learned how to make bulgogi (korean bbq). So every time I eat that dish it reminds me of him. In my mind’s eye, I can see him in the kitchen, preparing it and my siblings and I salivating because it would fill the house with the delicious smells of things to come. Yummy! My dream is to one day visit South Korea and get in as many foodie experiences as I possibly can.

I LOVE THIS! I PREACH THIS! When I first got to Cambodia I was with a group of people and one of the guys in the group refused to eat from street vendors and refused to eat anything other than fried rice because he didn’t know what was in stuff. I was always the one poking around the alleys trying to find the REALLY good spots to eat. You know the kind.

I also travel with Celiac Disease and allergies to eggs and nuts. Even if I didn’t care about food I would still have to care about the food that I’m putting into my mouth. I’ve chosen to embrace it and now love to find out about cooking processes, ingredients and the stories behind dishes.

Thailand is tummy soul mate. I dream about the curries, the glass noodle salads, the mango sticky rice! If I’m flying anywhere in the same hemisphere as Thailand I always book a week somewhere delectable. Thanks for the words!

Great advice. Food is such an important part of any culture, that traveling for food is a great idea. I try to do a food walking tour or a cooking class whenever I get the chance to on my travels.

Love this! I don’t know if I do this with nearly as much intent as you do but I don’t think you can really experience a place without experiencing the food. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for including my post on your site, Dave & Deb. I’m excited to share my love for food and travel with your readers. I agree wholeheartedly that Spain is at the forefront of food tourism. They have such incredible food and wine.

XYUandBEYOND

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Yes, I am one of many food travelers, there I admit my obsession and my secret is now out in the world. I can’t pass by a farmer’s market without dropping in. A food truck is my happy place, and I can’t resist trying new food. Food and travel or culinary travel is our idea of heaven and we wish we could do more of it. Travel and food go hand in hand and most travel writers I know are obsessed with trying new foods and even weird food that no one else will try.

Food travel exploring markets all over the world

Travelling for food is a key theme on many travel websites and most travellers are foodies on the hunt for new international food favourites.  

A favourite saying is “I travel for food” and compiling lists of their favourite world foods keeps many travellers drooling at the thought of trying something new. This post is a collaborative effort from those travelling for food and they share their stories of food and travel around the world.

What is food travel and food tourism?

Food tourism and culinary tourism are buzzwords these days and growing segments of tourism. The World Food Tourism Organization says this: “Food tourism is the act of travelling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.”

New food experiences enrich any travel experience – trying unique local dishes creates memories that live with you forever.

  • What is Agritourism?

Agritourism experiences are where you get to stay and be part of local agricultural movements such as wine growing, cheese making, learning about local agriculture and working on farms or food growing small ventures.

Visiting farms and farmers’ markets and buying locally – these kinds of food tourism experiences help to connect us to the land where the food comes from and supports the local community.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

I have wonderful memories of all the foods I have tried whilst travelling. From elotes, the Street Food of the Yucatan , a full Irish breakfast, Doolin crab on the Wild Atlantic Way tapas in Andalucia the list could go on forever. There are so many international foods that I haven’t yet tried in their home countries and some intriguing foods that I never would have suspected would be so good.

27 Food travel favourites

Ceviche: peru, ireland: boxty, canada: poutine, cyprus: dolmades, thailand: laab, spain: tostada con aceite y tomate, england: toad in the hole, thailand: northern sausages, turkey: çılbır, switzerland: fondue, finland: a burger, iceland: black rye bread, japan: ramen, turkey: islak burger  , indonesia: nasi goreng, cuba: ropa vieja, rome italy: cacio e pepe, somalia: cambuulo, malaysia: laksa, antigua & barbuda: fungee, australia: anzac biscuits, hong kong: chau dau foo, south america: patacones, malaysia: nyonya laksa  , france: crepes and galettes of brittany.

If you want to discover Peruvian culture through food, there is no better Peruvian cuisine to try than the Peruvian ceviche. Peruvian ceviche encompasses different aspects of Peruvian culture and geography.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Peruvian ceviche is a dish made primarily with raw fish and Peruvian lime. The dish is served with sweet potatoes (camote in Spanish) and choclo, or Peruvian corn. The ceviche uses ingredients from all different regions of Peru: fresh fatty fish from the Pacific Ocean, Peruvian limes filling choclo grown in the Peruvian Andes, and camote, one of the 4000+ varieties of potatoes grown in Peru.

My personal favourite is Boxty. A simple Irish pancake of a sort boxty is a dish that has been around in Ireland for hundreds of years. It has many names including, boxty, farls, poundies, potato pancakes, and fadge and is often confused with potato bread but it is simply not the same.

Traditional Irish potato pancakes Boxty with sour cream

Boxty is made with freshly grated potatoes soaked to remove some of the starch or with leftover mash. Flour, water and salt are added with no leavening agents and then the resulting dough is flattened into a round and cooked on the griddle a sort of flatbread . These rounds are then cut into 4’s and served with a full Irish breakfast. The boxty soaks up the flavours of the bacon, sausage and beans and is perfect for mopping up your egg yolks.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Since I am a true foodie at heart I decided I wanted to hear from my fellow travel bloggers about their food favourites that they had encountered around the world. Some of them found deep food contentment in dishes at home and others tried things new to them and as a result, have added them to their food favourites.

I have to say it isn’t my favourite Canadian food, I’m just not sure about cheese and gravy. Anyways, poutine is served all over Canada but it originated in Quebec. The hand-cut fries need to be perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside the cheese curds have to be squeaky very squeaky and the beef gravy must be rich, thick and tasty.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

I think that poutine would be considered the National Dish of Canada. Created in the 1950s in Quebec it has become a firm favourite right across the country. There are not many Canadian Food dishes that you can also find stretching from Hong Kong to Europe, but poutine is there.

Dolmades also called Koupepia , are grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice seasoned with mint, onions and spices. I have to say here that literally, the most amazing Dolmades or as Irene called them, our lovely next-door neighbour in Cyprus made Koupepia. Irene couldn’t speak English and we couldn’t speak Greek but one day she arrived at the house with a plate piled high with dolmades that she was making for a celebration. I have never tasted such divine little treats. I have no idea how she made them but they will remain in my memory forever.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Move over Pad Thai. We have no idea why people are so obsessed with you when there is so much more incredible Thai food around. Trying to narrow it down to one is nearly impossible, but high up there in our list of amazing Thai food is laab. We had only tried Thai food once before we moved to Thailand in 2006, and looking back, it wasn’t at all authentic. Trying it in Bangkok when we first arrived was mind-blowing. What flavours! What range of food.

traveling for food, Laab

We first tried laab in Luang Prabang in Laos, in a traditional restaurant on the main street. The dish is usually made with pork or chicken mince, mixed with dried rice powder to give it a crunch, fish sauce, lime juice, thinly sliced shallots and fresh herbs, usually mint. It’s served with a selection of fresh vegetables including cabbage, cucumber and baby aubergines. It also often comes with sticky rice. It’s so simple yet so delicious.

We were delighted to discover when we returned to Thailand, that laab is a popular dish there too, due to the link between north-eastern Thailand and Laos. Since then we eat it both in Thailand and when we go to Thai restaurants abroad. We’ve even learned to cook it in Chiang Mai so we can make it at home.

Thai laab foodie favourites

So next time you go to a Thai restaurant, give the pad thai a miss and try laab. by WhatKateandKrisDid  

Andalucian cuisine calls for a very light breakfast. A tostada is simply a toasted bun or pitufo that has been drizzled with olive oil, the bun is then topped with pureed fresh tomato and if you want you can add queso (cheese) or Jamon (ham). You can order a media which is a half order or a full order. The pitufo is an oblong-shaped thin crusty roll that is around 7-8 inches in length.

traditional Andalusian breakfast tostada con tomate

Toad in the Hole : Warning contains no toads and no holes unless you count the deep ditch in your pan of Yorkshire pudding that the sausages nestle in. I know I complained about battered sausages above but Yorkshire pudding is not mere batter. Yorkshires are cooked in hot fat and roast juices and rise on the edges like a heavenly pillow. Served with good gravy, mash and cabbage my family’s favourite English dinner – say no more.

toad in the hole great British foods Yorkshire pudding with sausages

Thai cuisine is divided into many regions like that in Italy and France and the flavours of the Northern part of the country differ greatly from the South. Sausages are commonplace in Thai cuisine and various regions’ seasons, marinate and stuff them differently. I tried these Northern sausages in Chiang Mei, a typical street food.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

These strings of sausages that look like cartoon illustrations of intestines are called Sai Ua in Thai, common street food in Northern Thailand. The name itself comes from the Thai words  sai  (intestine) and from  ua  (to stuff). Tied together by string and served on leaves, the fillings of these sausages were pork and glass noodles with a delicious complex marinate grilled over charcoal. They are both savoury and tart, with hints of fish sauce and lime juice.

I was told by my Thai friends that there are many variations of stuffings mostly pork and chicken. Seasoning range from aromatic Thai herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and curry paste to the pork and glass noodles I had, always cooked over a charcoal grill streetside.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

They are served on their own as a snack or appetiser or sometimes with sticky rice. from Juliana Loh of Chicken Scrawlings

As I’m sure many of us agree, the travel experience is never complete without culinary indulgences. One thing I always find interesting, besides local food, of course, is trying my favourite types of cuisine in different cities and countries. One of the countries that I hunt down when it comes to food is Turkey. (Partially because I can never get enough of fresh yoghurt and paprika!)

a dish of Çılbır food travel

While I have a few favourite Turkish restaurants around the world, one quickly got bumped because of one dish: Çılbır (pronounced almost like “chill-bor”). This is essentially made of poached eggs placed on a bed of classic, soft, plain yoghurt with melted butter. It is then enhanced with various spices, paprika being a prominent one.

On the side, you get freshly baked bread to dip in the bowl of dairy deliciousness. This was love at first bite, just the kind of flavour I like for breakfast, which typically includes dairy and spices. While it sounds like a fairly simple dish to make, the combination of flavours left me wanting more. For bonus points, I mentioned it to one of my Turkish friends and apparently by doing so reminded him of his mother’s cooking, so I’ll take that as a sign of Çılbır being a dish worth trying out during my future hunts of Turkish restaurants. by Maydi Diaz of flyinggalleon

There’s a childish pleasure in eating Fondue; gooey hot melted cheese, the option to dip various condiments in it, and then that cheesy taste which if done right will leave just a subtle hint of wine as an aftertaste.

Swiss fondue I travel for food

The first time I had Fondue was on a cold, snowy, gloomy winter afternoon in a small restaurant somewhere in the Swiss Alps. Even though my love for cheese has no bounds I didn’t like it much, primarily because of the excessive wine content in it.

Over the years I’ve had Fondue at various places around the world, but it wasn’t till last summer when I had it once again, in Switzerland, at the home of a friend, that I appreciated the very nuances of this devilishly tasty Swiss offering.

The perfect texture and consistency so it sticks to whatever it is that you dip into it, the right temperature – not too hot or cold – and of course, the taste – more cheesy than winey – and the charm of Fondue is a dish that brings together friends and family for you just cannot have it on your own, makes this one of my favourite food experiences ever.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Oh! And before I go, a word of caution; it is advised to either drink something warm or bubbly after consuming Fondue for at least a couple of hours afterwards to avoid it solidifying in your stomach. So remember no cold water with Fondue! by Raghav Modi at tickereatsworld 

Oh well! If I think of an actual best food experience, there is one thing that definitely stands out. There have been so many awesome places and different food I tried during my trips. But surprisingly, the best one happened to be a small food truck owned by a Venezuelan guy in Helsinki, Finland.

Norwegian burgers my fave world food

I was returning from a trip, which I have spent together with a couple of vegetarians. I needed the nastiest burger I could find, when I saw the food truck. I have found out that Venezuelans don’t have any problem with putting all kinds of meat in one burger. In this bad boy, there is beef, chicken, chorizo sausage, bacon, and eggs. After almost two weeks of the vegetarian diet, this was the best thing I have ever tasted!

Later, I talked to the owner. He told that his beef patties are made from minced meat with his special spices and garlic. For chicken, there is a real chicken breast marinated with spices. And there is a lot of stuff added: tomatoes, fried onions, small fries, cabbage and melted cheese. It is XXf***gXL size and is the only food sold at late-night Helsinki, that can make a big man like me full!

PS: it may not look large for the US but here in Nordic countries, this burger really stands out. by Alexander EngineeronTour

Iceland is known for its waterfalls, impressive landscapes and hot springs. When we visited the island in February, the lava fields and the enchanted atmosphere blew our minds. But there was something else that I loved: BREAD!

After I got this juicy black bread in several restaurants as a side dish, I was speechless. I made my boyfriend Chris stop at the next supermarket to fill up our snacks with Icelandic Rúgbrauð and ate it all the way around Iceland.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

The Icelandic Rúgbrauð is dark, crustless rye bread with a slightly sweet taste. And since Iceland is full of hot springs due to its geothermal activity, Icelanders use the ground to bake their delicious bread. We had the chance to experience this baking method in person, so here is what they did:

First, the dough is safely packed into a closed pod. After digging a small hole into the steaming ground, they put the pod into the ground and covered it with mud. As the ground temperature is only around 100° Celsius / 212° Fahrenheit, the baking process takes about 24 hours. The mild temperature is the reason why the bread will turn out crustless, which is good for me, as I don’t really like crust.

If you have the chance to taste warm Icelandic Rúgbrauð next time you are in Iceland, do so with some fresh salmon or salted butter, which I liked the best. And don’t forget to stock up on Rúgbrauð before heading back home – as the bread is made in the geothermal active ground, you probably won’t have the chance to bake one yourself.

As I have eaten all of mine, I definitely need to visit Iceland again soon. It’s truly magical! by Isa ofPenguinsandElephants  

The Japanese love their ramen. Not the $0.25 instant ramen you get in any supermarket. I am talking about real ramen! Never had real ramen before? Picture fresh-cooked noodles , rich, savoury broth, the perfect amount of spice, and if you want, a few slices of pork and a half-cooked egg.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

After 7 weeks in Japan, I can say I found my absolute favourite ramen place. It’s the ramen at Ichiran. 

Ichiran is a popular ramen chain that specializes in Tonkotsu ramen, which is a pork-based broth. It is not a fancy restaurant as orders are made at a ticket machine and your seating is a chair in a little booth with little dividers. No joke.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

But in the end, it’s all about the food, right? And the ramen is utterly delicious. What makes Ichiran so special is that you get to customize the ramen to be exactly how you like it. Want a richer broth or softer noodles, no problem. Want it mild or spicy, extra garlic or green onions – go for it. They make their own flour-based noodles and their own signature red spicy which adds a special flavour to the broth (the recipe has been a top secret since the ’60s).

How do I customize my Ichiran ramen? I like a rich, creamy broth, firm noodles, extra red sauce and spring onions. The final product is highly addictive and totally warms you from the inside. Ramen I could have every single day and never get tired of. Ramen I don’t mind waiting in line for an hour for. By Wiebke Siemering MissAbroad

When you go to Istanbul it’s a logical step to try some of the delicious food bore up by the Ottoman Empire. That’s what I did – and many other tourists will do. After trying a different kind of Kebab, Börek and Pide my Turkish friend suggested eating some “wet hamburgers”. “Yes sure, let’s eat some…. What?”

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Never have I heard of something like this to eat before. Still surprised we went to the Taksim Square where they sell the “Islak Burger”. The place is called Kızılkayalar and is surprisingly famous in Turkey. Now it was too late to run away – the pressure was on me. One burger only costs two Turkish lire, so I even bought three of them. To be honest the burger made an awful first impression: A wet bun and something that looked like meat. One bite later my opinion had changed drastically.

Yes, the bun is wet! However, it is delicious with its garlic-tomato sauce. I would love to tell you why exactly I liked it, but I can’t. You can imagine that you try a burger that looks disgusting and is wet – and in the end, you still like it. It’s kind of like Istanbul itself: magic.

Admittedly the “Islak Burger” is fast food and not a gourmet dish. Yet this is what it’s made for. Most natives of Istanbul love to eat some wet burgers after going to a party as it is open 24/7 and offers a great taste for a cheap price. If you visit Istanbul you definitely have to try it out. by Michael of mscgerber 

Eat as the locals eat, and you’ll never spend more than a couple of dollars per feed. While in Yogyakarta, the creative heartland of Java, we were on a major money-saving mission. We stayed in a homestay about 15 minutes from the centre of Jogja. There wasn’t much around aside from a little family-run food cart at the end of the street. The set-up was humble; a wooden cart with a small worktop for preparation and a giant wok set atop an open flame. A small pink, plastic fan kept the fire alive. The food stall offered a small menu – all in Indonesian.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

On our first visit, we ordered the most popular Indonesian dish of Nasi Goreng – fried rice. Watching Agus whip up two delicious meals in less than ten minutes was mesmerising. Throwing together eggs, rice, soy sauce and a few secret ingredients, he made meal after meal as hungry locals arrived to place their orders.

The rice was soft and salty and fulfilling. Agus and his wife sprinkled each dish with fried onions and a side salad, adding texture and a coolness to the meal. We ate in Mas Agus night after night after night. At less than $3 for two hearty and delicious meals, you just can’t go wrong – especially when it’s combined with an awesome yet humble display of culinary prowess. by  Shannon and Adam ourtasteoftravel

Ropa Vieja in Spanish means old clothes and it is one of the  national dishes  of Cuba . It is made from a flank steak that is cooked to tenderness and then shredded and mixed with a sauce. The sauce contains onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and other spices that are cooked in olive oil with the broth used to cook the meat, allowing the mixture to thicken together. The meat is shredded, added to the sauce, and simmered slowly at a low temperature prior to serving.

Ropa Vieja is traditionally served with white rice and sweet plantains and of course black beans.

Ropa Vieja a favourite Cuban dish

The Italians are masters at turning simple ingredients into delectable dishes, dishes unencumbered by elaborate sauces or dizzying arrays of spices – a fact that also makes them more accessible to average cooks like me.  One of our favourite dishes in Rome is a modest one with humble origins:  Cacio e Pepe is an ancient Roman dish first prepared and eaten by shepherds in the Apennine Mountains.  For all of its simplicity – and it consists solely of cheese, pasta, water, and black pepper – it represents the very best of uncomplicated Italian fare.

What to eat in Rome traditional Cacio e pepe a simple plate of spaghetti with pepper and cheese

Cambuulo or ambulo as it is known in Somalia is a dish made from azuki beans which are mixed with sugar and butter or oil. It is quite similar to Koshari an Egyptian dish but without the macaroni. The dish requires the azuki beans to be well cooked and mixed in with white boiled rice. This is then served with oil and or butter and a sprinkling of sugar.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Ghana: Waakye

Waakye is a rice and bean dish that is very popular as street food in Ghana . It is usually served for breakfast or lunch with a typical Ghanaian spicy pepper sauce. It can be a meal in itself or it can be eaten with boiled eggs and/or with a stew of fish, chicken, beef, or vegetables.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Out of all the countries, we’ve travelled to (over 30), our favourite cuisine has to come from Malaysia. The South-East Asian nation not only has some of the tastiest dishes in the world but also offers them at an incredibly low cost. On the streets of Malaysia, you can eat for as little as $1 a meal!

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Our favourite Malaysian dish is Laksa, a spicy (sometimes) coconut milk soup dish which consists of rice noodles or rice vermicelli with chicken, prawn or fish. It has a curry-like flavour but with a soup consistency. The soup is rich, fragrant and a bit spicy, and loaded with all the essential classic Laksa toppings such as boiled egg, bean sprouts, chilli and coriander. One eatery even threw in some pineapple for some added sweetness but that’s not the usual thing to do.

You can find Laksa pretty much anywhere in Malaysia from street stalls and shopping mall food courts to proper restaurants. The best place to try Laksa is in Malaysia’s foodie capital, Penang Island. The number of dishes originating from this region of Malaysia is overwhelming and the streets of George Town old town are filled with food stalls serving Laksa and many other local treats. Visiting George Town on Penang Island is a real highlight of a trip to Malaysia. By Shelley from  Finding Beyond

The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda fungee is served with the same consistency as mashed potatoes.  Fungee is usually served for breakfast, with an accompaniment of saltfish, which is usually stewed.  Fish was, in years gone by, salt to aid in preservation with a lack of refrigeration technology.  This method still happens today and salted fish is available in many Antiguan food stores.  The salt is soaked out of the fish prior to it being added to the dish.  It’s a savoury and rather interesting start to the day.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Anzac biscuits are so much more than a cookie – they are a stark reminder of the country’s past. During World War 1 the wives and mothers of soldiers used to make these biscuits for their men to see them off to war with. For the soldiers, they were a taste of home. The cookies are made up of rolled oats, sugar, golden syrup, flour, butter, desiccated coconut, bicarbonate of soda, and water, which means they keep for a long time. You’ll find that they are popularly eaten on ANZAC day on April 25 th . A day to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) members who fought in World War 1.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Take a stroll down Burrows Street, a narrow lane in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, and you will encounter a small unobtrusive stand selling an array of Cantonese snacks. What makes this stand unique is that it is one of the last places in Hong Kong to sell Chau Dau Foo or ‘smelly’ bean curd which is a fried, fermented, bean curd that has a strong, slightly pungent smell and it is absolutely delicious. Its deep-fried, crunchy outer shell surrounds an almost impossibly moist centre.

The sweet sauce generously poured on top is made from a mixture of soy and hoisin. There is a meme that it’s incredibly smelly and sadly many avoid trying it for this reason. In reality, the smell is minimal (certainly not as strong durian) and is never so strong that locals don’t want to eat it.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

The first time I tried Chau Dau Foo I purchased it from a street vendor in Victoria Park (Hong Kong Island’s large urban park in Causeway Bay). Families with small children were strolling past and I watched as many of them held their noses and exclaimed at the smells emanating from the cart. Never one to not try something because of how it looks or smells, I approached the cart curiously and ordered. What I received was a savoury, crunchy, moist piece of happiness on a stick. By Mary at thelifelongadventures

India: Vada Pav

Vada pav, also known as Wada pao, is a delicious Indian street food made of fried potato dumplings sandwiched between two soft buttered bread/bun slices. It is best eaten with a green chutney made of coriander, chillies, lime juice and garlic, a dry coconut garlic chutney and fried green chilli.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

Patacones, also known as tostones, tachinos, or Fritos Verdes – we just call them delicious – are green plantains that have been peeled, sliced, squashed, and twice-fried in vegetable oil. Long considered a staple food in many Latin American countries, patacones can be compared to french fries.

If you eat food in South America, Central America, or the Caribbean, sooner or later you will eat patacones. They’re affordable, easy to make, and, most importantly, tasty! It’s no wonder they can accompany almost any dish: fish, pork, beef, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free.

tostados, patacones international foods

To make patacones, you first must buy the correct plantains. Whether you visit the supermarket or the outdoor market, you want to be on the lookout for green plantains, not yellow ones. I made the mistake of trying to make patacones from yellow plantains and it was a disaster. Yellow plantains are much riper than their green counterparts and thus sweeter, making them wonderful for baking and other sweet treats. To make patacones, you need starchy, green plantains.

Got your green plantains? Good. Use a paring knife to slice shallow slits along the ridges. This allows for easier peeling since plantains don’t peel as easily as your average banana. In a pan of your choosing, pour about an inch (roughly 26mm) of oil and heat it up.

Once the plantains are peeled, slice them in 1 inch (roughly, 26mm) thick slices. Fry them in the oil for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden. Once they’re golden, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Keep the oil in the pan hot.

Using wax paper and a solid base, flatten the golden disks with the bottom of a firm glass to about ¼ inch. Once they’re all flattened, place them back in the hot oil until both sides are golden brown (2 minutes or so). Season with salt and serve immediately. Lime wedges on the side add a nice taste. by Scott and Hayley of InternationalHotDish   

I hate to sound overly enthusiastic but this bowl of Nyonya Laksa is literally bursting with flavours. The creamy and rich coconut milk blends with the distinct taste of red curry paste, the citrus punch of lemongrass, plus a little bit of spicy kick, and your taste buds enjoy a glorious feast.

I discovered Nyonya Laksa during a long layover at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The humidity I subjected myself to while exploring the popular Jungle Boardwalk made me really hungry and I was craving a hot bowl of Asian noodle soup. It so happened that Old Malaya Kopitiam was situated at the mezzanine right next to the boardwalk so I went there to peruse the menu. The curry and coconut description for the Nyonya Laksa was all it took for me to order a bowl of this Malaysian dish and it didn’t disappoint.

Nyonya Laksa I travel for food

It turns out that Nyonya Laksa is a dish that transcends a very interesting history of a marital union between two regions.

History has it that during the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor of China betrothed her daughter to the Sultan of Malacca as a form of strategic ties between the two regions. The couple settled in the Malayan Peninsula and eventually, the royal entourage wed the locals and formed the first permanent settlement and the first generation of mixed Chinese-Malay race. During the settlement, the Nyonyas developed their unique cuisine which combines Chinese traditional cooking and local Malay ingredients.

Nyonya Laksa is the signature dish of the Nyonyas or the female descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malayan archipelago between the 15th and 17th centuries. by Noel of   tenthousandstrangers

Here in Brittany crêpes are sweet super thin pancakes made from all-purpose flour and mostly served with traditional things like lemon and sugar, fruits and cream or with the perennial French favourite Nutella. Hubs of course adds Maple Syrup to his ( Canadian naturally ) but I do like the lemon and sugar option.

Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

So there you have it from Laksa two ways to Swiss fondue travelling for food is a great way to see the world. If you are a foodie at heart you may like these posts. Interested in more foodie travel favourites?

What are some of your favourite foods from around the world? Where will your food travels around the world take you?

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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32 thoughts on “Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world”

A truly wonderful list and thank you for letting me a part of it. I’m a real foodie at heart and love to read and find out about local specialties and this is extremely helpful.

Loved reading about everyone’s favorite dishes! Thank you so much for the opportunity to collaborate. Great compilation!

Great article and list! And thanks for having me with the Islak Burger from Istanbul. Next weekend I will be there again so I definitely look forward to try Çılbır!

It was also funny to read how a foreigner likes fondue – because I am Swiss 😀

I’m curious about the Islak burger. I also am not a fan of less glamorous food but I’ve also had a lot of unpleasant-looking but delicious dishes.

And thanks for including mine in this collaborative post.

What a delicious post! I have tried some of these but still need to keep going. Glad the patacones (we call them tostones in Puerto Rico) were included. We have them with mojo de ajo or mayo ketchup.

Food is such an integral part of travel for us, so it was hugely interesting to see so many others have the same obsession! Laksa is also one of our faves, so much so that there’s a little shop that sells it at Klia2 and we head there regardless of time of day if we’re there! Thank you for sharing so much deliciousness with us!

What a great post. So informative and mouth watering! I knew places within Asia had some awesome dishes but wow so many of my favourites make me need to travel there now.

Thanks for the travel inspo!

I am so hungry after reading this post! I love checking out the local food when I travel, I’m planning a trip to Japan next year so will definitely keep an eye out for Ichiran!

I absolutely LOVED the food in Malaysia out of all the countries that I’ve traveled with.

These look delicious!! In particular the Malaysian dishes. I hear such good things about Malay & Singaporean foods! Hopefully I can try some soon. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

I *so* wish I hadn’t discovered this post after dinner – my tummy is grumbling again, my mouth drooling, I’m not going to be able to go to bed without a snack (alas, nothing I can concoct in my kitchen will compare to anything on this list!). I’m also really grateful that there are a few gluten-free options (and dishes that are easily modified to GF) here! It’s one of the big bugbears of my life that food is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE parts of travelling (second only to sampling new drinks and bars), and yet I’m so limited by my crappy genetics and defective digestive system (coeliac). Luckily, with the laab, Çılbır, laksa, and several others, I’ve got plenty of options here. Thank you for sharing!

I notice the same thing when travelling but at least gluten free options are more readily available, hmmm I feel another post coming on about that for traveling folks. Got any ideas?

It’s so rare you see Helsinki on a food list!! Thanks for including us 🙂 another great burger place here is Naughty Brgr….absolutly amazing!

I may have to do another post like this as I have had quite a few people asking about Baltic foods and my friends are huge fans of Swedish food. Interested in sending in a piece?

I am such a non-foodie! Although I love good food I really have problems trying exotic food. I think it’s great what you do and try everything!

I remember the first time I had Nasi Goreng in Malaysia. Oh, what an explosion of flavours, how delicious that dish was! It was my last day in KL and I regret not having it earlier in my trip.

What a fabulous list! I’d count laksa among my faves too; as a coeliac it’s reliably safe for me to eat. That’s my excuse for eating way too much of it anyway. I’m really looking forward to getting my dose of plantains when we eventually make it to South America.

These all look SO delicious! Especially the Nyonya Laksa and Ramen as it’s chilly here in Ontario now! One of the best things about travelling is being able to try so many delicacies.

I love boxty too, although I don’t eat it that often. The last time I had it was two years ago at the Galway Food Festival, there was a trailer selling boxty with different toppings. I had the Indian boxty and it was just delicious. The black rye bread from Iceland looks delicious!

I think it must be an Irish thing, I am obsessed with all the lovely breads and I can’t pass up a fry up but only with boxty it’s a childhood thing I think, we always had it on special occasions.

You’ve got me drooling! I love that you’ve put together a list comprising of such diverse dishes – clever thinking. I can literally taste the fondue, the ramen and the laksa. I particularly like that each dish has a memory attached to it, that too by such a distinct bunch of bloggers. Supriya

This is a special list and all those photos look delicious! Can’t wait to try Chau Dau Foo in Hong Kong, when traveling there in February. Thank you for including me, Faith!

Great, now I want to eat all the things. All of these dishes look fantastic. I think the Black Rye Bread from Iceland is so unique. I remember trying some the last time I was there. It still boggles my mind that it is cooked in the ground. Also, ramen from Japan. YUMMMM!

Ohhh so much good food! I think tasting the local food is a must when traveling! The best food I think is found in Singapore or Malaysia because they have a mix culture of everything and we can really taste that in the cuisine!

Mmmmm! Looking at all these photos of food is making me hungry. I love the full breakfast with eggs and mushrooms. The Thai sausages look interesting as well.

This is a great article, but made me hungry! Loved the idea of getting travel bloggers to collaborate with this post. You were able to obtain a lot of different foods from all over the world. For me I have to say, chocolate- from anywhere!

I noticed there is a lot of Asian food on here! haha. I’m not that big of a fan of Asian food. I do love cheese fondue but I get so full very quick with that dish. I had no idea about the drinking part after. Good to know for next time!

Great post! I’m definitely one of the foodies out there. So far my favorites have been Italy, Greece and Japan what comes to travel and eating. Big cities like San Francisco or New York are also great for food since you can find every cuisine from there.

You had me at the mention of Fondue in Swiss Alps! Being a foodie myself I cannot resist myself from rushing to the kitchen right now. Sad that I cannot find anything lol. I’d love to try Malayasian and Thai cuisines for sure !

We are totally on the same vibe! I travel first for food then experiences which involve more food!

Love your photos and sharing your experiences!

Absolutely love these types of post where there are multiple opinions and choices!! Food is one of the most important parts of travel for me! Planning to go to Malaysia next year and glad to see it has made this list twice. YUM!

Hey!! Thanks ,its very informative.Totally love these sorts of post where there are different suppositions and decisions!! Food is quite possibly the main pieces of movement for me!

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Road Trip Food List: Easy to Pack Meals & Snacks

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

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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How to Plan a Food Trip

Close your eyes. Think about your favourite city or place to visit. Now, imagine a food you love passionately. I’m sure you smiled! That’s it, eating and travelling are things that really move us. Well, that is what Food Travel means. Is there a better thing than to combine these two passions in a culinary trip?

What is Food Travel

Food Travel means moving around with the aim of exploring a destination gastronomic offer . Exploring the pleasures of the table has always been associated with moments of leisure, but on a gastronomic trip, the culinary experience is no longer just a complement but the main motivation in choosing a destination and in the way of exploring it .

In general, it means travelling to do food tourism , which we define as follows:

Food tourism is composed of activities that provide experiences of consumption and appreciation of food and beverages, presented in such a way that value the history, the culture and the environment of a particular region. by Food’n Road

Why Food Travel?

What we want to highlight is that, in practice, when we combine travel with gastronomy, there is a whole set of experiences and learnings about the history, traditions, environment and local culture that go beyond taste. Realizing this is life-changing!

visit to the golden temple kitchen in Amritsar to make Indian food is also food travel

Food and Travel, an experience we never forget

On a trip, we want to have different experiences from our daily lives. These experiences become remarkable when you feel connected with them. That’s exactly how food plays its role.

The bond with food is a universal language, after all, no matter where you came from, food is certainly part of your history. That is why every travel memory always comes with a flavour .

meal in restaurant with traditional food in Cambodia is considered Food Travel as a culinary trip

The experience is for everyone

It is a mistake to think that this type of trip is only for those who like to (and can) eat in renowned restaurants, or visit expensive wineries. The food tourism industry is creative and aware of the interests of travellers.

Best of all, it is a democratic and flexible way of travelling. Nowadays, you can easily explore a gastronomic culture in different ways: in the countryside or in the city, individually or in groups, with luxury, with adventure. There is a broad range of options for all budgets and tastes.

We should not fail to mention that technology has also helped a lot of people who are looking for food experiences during a trip. Today, you can easily find online restaurant reviews, menu translation, independent guides, local dining platforms, and more.

For example, how about including a cooking class on your next trip? In addition to having fun while learning traditional dishes, you can cook these dishes when you return home, and remember the trip while sharing the experience with friends and family.

Want more ideas? Check out the list below with some examples of what to do on a culinary trip .

Activities in Food Tourism:

  • Take a street food tour;
  • Tasting of local dishes and beverages;
  • Follow regional product routes (e.g. travel on wine or coffee routes);
  • Eat at traditional restaurants;
  • Share meals with local people;
  • Participate in culinary events and festivals;
  • Visit local markets;
  • Learn about the production of food by visiting farms and artisan producers;
  • Participate in cooking classes;
  • Visit exhibitions that explain the history of local cuisine;
  • Culinary expeditions with chefs and specialists.

If you want to understand each of these activities in detail, we have written another article that explains the main activities of food tourism .

participate in a cooking class during a culinary trip is considered part of Food Travel

How to Food Travel

You can choose between an immersive food trip, where the entire itinerary is centred on the culinary experiences of the destination, or just include some food tourism activities to complement your itinerary .

But, regardless of your travel style, there is a secret to unlock the full potential of food tourism: Curiosity!

Try to understand not only what people eat, but why they eat in one way or another, what are the local ingredients, what is the story behind the food they prepare. Ask, interact, taste and smile.

How to Plan a Culinary Trip

You can plan a culinary trip independently or through agencies. And whatever your choice is, Food’n Road will help you .

To begin with, get inspired by our Food and Travel blog and explore food destinations with guides and content from each country.

After choosing the destination of your next trip, we suggest two paths :

If you want to plan your itinerary independently, visit our marketplace to find and book experiences , we handpick the best food tourism activities and tours from around the world .

Now, if you want a true gastronomic journey adapted to your taste, we suggest our Food Travel Design service to make a completely customized itinerary for you .

It makes a difference to go beyond the plate

On a culinary trip, you end up learning a lot about the local culture and the best, directly with the residents, exchanging information, trying new flavours and having fun.

During our travels, something that always strikes us is to notice the similarities between the cuisine of distant countries and how the same ingredients are used in such different ways.

For example, have you ever wondered how important the chilli pepper is for Asian cuisine even though it is a native ingredient from the Americas? With each trip, a new discovery!

driving to taste the sugar palm fruit during a culinary trip amid food travels

Food Travel is much more than travelling to eat

We can learn a lot on a trip like this, meet people with different realities from the ones we live in, see other lifestyles, and encourage the preservation of heritage and traditions .

By sharing the table with local people, listening to their stories and talking about typical dishes, you will feel part of the place and will appreciate aspects that were previously unknown. 

On your next trip, try to learn about the destination by exploring the local cuisine and I am sure you will never forget this experience.

Count on Food’n Road to plan your next culinary journey and have a nice trip!

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

  • 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 . 
  • Your own make-ahead meals & road trip food is 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.

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.

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.

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

we travel for food

You can take these easy road trip breakfast ideas to go, or quickly eat hot in the morning. As long as you make ahead and bring in a cooler, or have access to hot water or basic kitchen facilities or a microwave.

Grab tasty breakfast recipes & more food for traveling 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. Less likely to spill in the car if you use a spill-proof refillable cup and snack cup for the littles.

we travel for food

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)

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 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

we travel for food

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

we travel for food

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 you will need a few things:

  • 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

we travel for food

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, and add them right before eating.
  • Pack each ingredient separately . Then everyone can assemble their sandwich how they like, on-the-go.
  • 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. 

We 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 when you need dinner in the car ideas. You can always re-use the lunch or even breakfast ideas, because they are all tasty anytime of day. 

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. Been there, done that, forgetting the stove. Another option is to choose motels, or places to stay that have basic kitchen facilities. 

You can also meal prep ahead of time and put individual meals in separate containers that are easy to reheat and clean up. 

If you are a camping family, what you plan for 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, you’ll need 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 tips to make packing a bit easier:

  • Bread: Bring wraps, pitas and flatbreads – 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 give 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: Having a designated garbage bag for the car, will keep the garbage contained, and your 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, use small stackable Rubbermaid containers to pack your 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.

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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Delectable Destinations

Why Do We Travel for Food?

  • February 18, 2017
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Why We Travel for Food

I was inspired by an article I came across recently by Helen Rosner for afar.com  http://www.afar.com/magazine/why-we-travel-for-the-food to think about what it means to travel for food.

There are a million reasons to travel and there is no reason not to mix those reasons up while traveling. We all do it – combine business with pleasure, or pack in a good mix of culture and the great outdoors. One of the very best ways to heighten any trip is to make sure you eat well and we all know how hard that can be while traveling. It ends up being a lot of fast food if you don’t plan ahead.

I make sure to set my restaurant plans ahead of time, even when I’m traveling somewhere I’ve been a dozen times before. Obviously, these days it is commonplace to eat all different cuisines without ever leaving home, but there really is something special about trying something new in the place it was born.

To help you do the same, here are my Top 5 restaurants to travel for, with a bonus shout-out to one of my favorites.

why-do-we-tavel-for-food-farmers-spaghetti-recipe-mamma-agata-cooking-class-amalfi-coast-italy-delectable-destinations-carol-ketelson

Of course this is on my list. Mamma Agata and Gennaro cook Italian food the way its meant to be cooked – in the family kitchen, with fresh ingredients, and with superb attention to detail. This was where I got my first real taste of eggplant parmigiana and deep-fried zucchini blossoms; let me tell you, after that, there is no turning back! What’s especially exciting about Mamma’s is that it is also a cooking school. Not only to you get to taste, but you can bring a little of it home with you as you practice with your recipes!

why-do-we-tavel-for-food-zeb-restaurant-florence-spaghetti-with-truffles-carol-ketelson-delectable-destinations

We’re still in Italy with this one, but it definitely deserves a spot. At this gem, soup, pasta and meat get center stage as chefs Alberto and Giuseppina take on the most traditional of Tuscan cooking and make it their own. It is comfort food at its finest and the perfect way to cap off a day after wandering around the magnificent city of Florence. Not to mention, Zeb’s location in the San Niccolo neighborhood of the city means you will be treated to stellar views of Florence from the Piazza Michelangelo.

why-do-we-tavel-for-food-al-fornello-da-ricci-ceglie-messapica-puglia

One more for Italy! Down in the heel of the boot is a culinary destination that has no parallel in Italy, and this is the best of the best. Chef Antonella Ricci puts a spin on classic dishes and makes full use of the incredible local products that Puglia is known for.

cocina-contradicion-marbella-spain

4 – Cocina Contradicion, Marbella, Spain  

Spain is at the height of gastronomic prowess, and Dani García is an undisputed master. It really is a fairy tale to walk into his restaurant in Marbella and watch how he translates children’s stories (his main influence) into world-class cuisine inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exurpery’s “The Little Prince”. He uses all the best flavors and the hottest techniques – nitrogen, textures, cold, heat- in his truly inspiring menu. Meats, seafood, vegetables, fruit, oils, and things one can hardly imagine promises the menu is uniquely playful. An exceptional experience to do once in your lifetime.

why-do-we-tavel-for-food-indian-accent-new-delhi-india

In North America we tend to think of Indian food as an acquired taste. Visiting a innovative kitchen, like the one run by Manish Mehrotra at Indian Accent, gave me a whole new view of Indian cuisine. He takes the famous spices and flavors and transforms them into dishes like tandoori bacon prawns with wasabi and stuffed tandoori panneer, not to mention some masterful desserts. Bonus : there’s a location in New York as well!

why-do-we-tavel-for-food-le-club-chasse-et-peche-montreal-quebec

Le Club Chasse et Peche, Montreal, Quebec

I couldn’t put together a list of my favourite places to eat without including one of my favorites. Montreal is well-known for its restaurant scene and deservedly so; Montrealers expect quality and innovation from their chefs. Le Club Chasse et Peche is hands-down one of the best. Traditional French in some respects, the chef at this institution makes all the dishes sing with creativity. It is one of those Montreal restaurants where you can really get a feel for the quality of Quebec products and how they can be transformed into an unforgettable experience.

These are some of the reasons I travel for food.

Carol Ketelson  is the owner and operator of Delectable Destinations LLC. Dedicated to designing and co-ordinating customized small group tours to hand-picked destinations. Each trip is arranged by experienced travel planner, and European culture and culinary arts specialist, Carol Ketelson. Bespoke luxury travel, personally escorted, and intimate first-hand experiences, ensure memorable and inspirational journeys. The tours are ideal for anyone with a passion for travel – discovering local flavors, culturally rich traditions and mesmerizing sights. For over 10 years, Carol’s tours have captured the true essence of some of the most beautiful regions of the world, including the Amalfi Coast , Tuscany , Sicily , Puglia , Spain , Ireland and India . Our business defines the key to experiential travel, while creating memories to last a lifetime.

Delectable Destinations…Delivering your dream trip. For more information & 2017 trips log onto: delectabledestinations.com  

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49 Non-Perishable Road Trip Food Options For Your Next Adventure

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When you’re planning a road trip, one of the biggest expenses is food. And one way to help alleviate the expense is to pack your own non-perishable road trip food. You don’t always want to lug a cooler around or have to rely on accommodations with a refrigerator.

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But what are the best choices? And can you even get healthy road trip snacks? Or choose things the kids will eat?

Well, I’ve compiled a list of 49 non-perishable food choices to pack for your next road trip . I’ve broken them down into categories for you so you can find options that are healthy, kid-friendly, have plenty of protein, or work great as a quick snack on the go.

And if you want a list you can print out and take to the store with you, check out the download near the end of this post!

Want to know some of the best non-perishable road trip food options for your next trip? Here is a list of 49 fantastic choices!

Non-perishable road trip food ideas

Quick & easy non-perishable road trip snacks.

When you’re driving, sometimes it’s easiest to just grab something that’s individually packaged to curb your hunger instead of having to pull over and make a snack or get something from the gas station.

These options can come in single-serving bags that you can throw in the car and have ready to go, or you can also buy the larger boxes and divide up the servings into your own bags for the road. These are great road trip snack ideas for adults and for kids and teens.

1. Crackers

3. Pretzels

we travel for food

4. Snack bars – these are some of my all-time favorite foods to pack for road trips. They are quick and easy and there are so many out there that are healthy.

My ultimate favorite snack bars are Larabar . They are made with simple, healthy ingredients and taste SO good! My favorites are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough , Cashew Cookie , and Mint Chip Brownie .

Made Good is another brand that is healthy and looks delicious that I’d like to try out soon!

5. Quaker rice cakes

6. Popcorn – there are so many great popcorn options out there! I’m a sucker for Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn but you could go for any flavor that you like!

A mom feeds her kids snacks in the car

Non-Perishable Kid-Friendly Options

We all know kids can be picky eaters, but that’s one of the great things about packing your own snacks – you can make sure you have something you know the kids will eat! These non-refrigerated road trip food options are going to be crowd-pleasers for most children.

7. Goldfish – the classic kid snack! You can get the individual bags or divide a larger bag into single servings.

we travel for food

8. Fruit snacks – what kid doesn’t like fruit snacks? If you are looking for a great healthy choice, YumEarth fits the bill.

9. Cereal – another great choice is to divide up some of their favorite cereal and put it into smaller bags for them to munch on.

10. Cookies – again, it’s probably best to have these separated out so they don’t eat an entire box of cookies (yup, it’s me, I’m still that person).

we travel for food

11. Poptarts – these could also be a great option for a quick breakfast on the road.

12. Candy – sometimes a nice treat of their favorite candy can cheer up kids and keep them happy on a rougher day…I mean, it still works for me too!

Non-Perishable food choices High In Protein

We’ve all been there – you have a few more hours until you reach your destination and your stomach is grumbling. Choosing a high-protein road trip snack will curb hunger and keep you fuller longer. These are some great non-perishable road trip food choices for in-between meals that will fill you up.

13. Tuna/chicken/salmon cans or packets – These are one of my top road trip food choices. They are the perfect non-perishable protein option for when you are on the go, but they also work well for making sandwiches or putting on salads. They are incredibly versatile!

The Starkist Tuna Creations packets are easier for eating on the road, but the cans are a good option for camping and when you are sitting down to eat. Just don’t forget to get the ones with the pull tabs so you don’t need a can opener (or make sure to bring a can opener with you) and also have some utensils easily available.

we travel for food

14. Jerky – while a more expensive option than some of the others, there are so many flavors available, and jerky is always an easy and filling choice. You can try different unique kinds too, like Buffalo Bob’s assortment . 

15. Meat sticks – lots of options for these too, such as Wenzel’s Farm Variety Pack Sticks .

16. Pepperoni

17. Protein bars (like Clif, Kind, or Power Crunch)

we travel for food

18. Trail mix – you can make your own or find some good premade kinds. I absolutely love Power Up Trail Mix .

19. Pumpkin seeds – try to find a brand that doesn’t use a ton of salt, like Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Pumpkin Seeds .

20. Nut butter – a good choice to eat with crackers for a more filling snack (almond, peanut, pistachio).

21. Protein powder – mix up some protein powder with water in a shaker cup and you’ve got a filling, healthy drink for the road!

Making pancakes from a mix is a great non-perishable road trip food item that will fill you up

Non-Perishable Meals + Sides

Let’s be real, one of the best parts of road trips is getting to try new foods and eating out at local establishments. But if you’re on a tight budget, you probably will need to watch how much you spend on food, so sometimes you’ll need to make road trip meals for yourself.

After a long day of traveling or exploring, you might just want to come back to your campsite or hotel and make something quick and simple. And if you have some easy road trip meals already on hand, you don’t even need to go to the grocery store!

When we travel, my husband and I always bring some staples along for late nights and when we are too lazy to make anything fancy. Here are some of the best foods for a road trip that you can bring along to help cut costs and that also don’t need a refrigerator.

we travel for food

22. Quaker Instant Oatmeal – you can add dried fruit, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and other items to make this a great hearty breakfast. I like to buy the version in disposable cups so it’s easy to just add hot water or milk.

23. Peanut butter + jelly on a tortilla – tortillas last much longer than regular bread and are a great choice for road trips.

24. Ramen/cup of noodles – always an easy choice!

25. Spaghetti + pasta sauce – we’ve made spaghetti on our camp stoves and it works really well!

26. Canned soup – there are so many canned soup choices, and they are very filling and easy…just warm it up and eat!

we travel for food

27. Kodiak Cakes Flapjack Mix – this is one of our camping staples…just add water to the mix and cook over a fire or a camp stove. We also like to add peanut butter to our pancakes and it’s SO GOOD!

28. Pizza dough mix + pizza sauce + toppings – we almost always make pizza when we camp because it’s easy and most of the ingredients are non-perishable so we can buy them ahead of time.

29. Rice packets – a great easy option for a side.

30. Canned veggies and beans – more simple side options…just warm up and eat!

31. Instant mashed potatoes – you can get these in different flavors as well.

32. Condiment packets & spices – you can pack along a few of these to help flavor your meals and also not have to worry about bringing along a whole bottle of something that you then will need to refrigerate or toss.

33. Olives/pickles – another option for pizza or burger toppings or just to snack on (is that weird? Maybe…but I still like them for snacks).

34. Soy/almond milk cans/boxes – can be used with cereal or to mix with sides that call for milk (these don’t need to be refrigerated until opened).

35. Powdered milk – can also be used as a milk substitute for recipes.

An assortment of healthy snack items, like dried fruit and nuts

Healthy Non-Perishable road trip food

Road trip food is pretty much known for being processed, unhealthy junk which is one of the reasons most of us gain weight on vacation (I’m definitely one of those people).

But there are plenty of healthy snacks and food choices out there that are better than just going through the drive-thru for the fifth time.

If you are looking for some options for non-perishable food for a road trip that is healthy, here are some ideas for you.

we travel for food

36. KIND Granola – mix with a little powdered milk and water for a healthier cereal option. KIND has very little added sugar which makes it a solid choice.

37. Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.) – try to find some with very little or no added sugar, such as Mavuno Harvest .

38. Nuts (cashews, walnuts, pistachios, etc.)

39. Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

we travel for food

40. Dried chickpeas and beans – if you are ambitious you can make these yourself, or you can buy premade ones like these from The Good Bean .

41. Wildmade Fruit Leather

42. Kiwa Veggie Chips – these can be a good alternative to potato chips or crackers.

43. Simple Truth Applesauce – this is a great brand with no added sugar.

44. Salsa – a better chip dip choice than queso or other processed dips.

we travel for food

45. Bare Baked Coconut Chips – oh man, we just discovered these and they are SO GOOD! They are much healthier for you than regular potato chips and they taste like a dessert.

Non-Perishable Drinks

Drinks can get expensive on road trips, so it’s a good idea to bring a few options along with you so you don’t need to constantly grab something at the gas station.

While I always bring along a water bottle and fill that up as I go, sometimes you want something with flavor, so here are a few suggestions.

we travel for food

46. Coffee – the instant stuff might not be any good, but you can make your own favorite coffee over a fire with a camping coffee pot, or anywhere you go with this Aeropress. I lot of hotel rooms and Airbnbs will also have coffee pots you can use.

related: Ways to save money on a road trip

47. Tea – my husband’s the coffee person, but I love my tea. I like to bring some along for the mornings I need a little pick-me-up or to chase away the chill.

48. Water flavors – there are plenty of water flavorings out there, so you are sure to find one you like. Just squeeze a few drops in your water bottle and have something delicious to drink without the added calories.

49. Iced tea/lemonade packets – this is another good option you can add to your water for some flavor and without needing to constantly purchase bottles in the store.

Non-perishable road trip food list

If you’d like a road trip packing list of food you can download and take with you to the store, fill out the form below to download it for free!

Benefits to packing your own road trip food

So why should you pack food along on your next road trip? That’s just more work and one more thing you have to do to prepare for your vacation!

Yes, it might take a little planning and be a little more work, but there are lots of reasons why bringing some of your own food with you when you travel is a great idea.

It saves you money

One of the biggest reasons to pack along food is because it will save you money.

Your vacation money is precious, and if you can use less of it on food so you can spend more of it on activities and other things that matter, you’ll be able to stretch your budget even further.

By taking a little time to plan for some good travel food ideas and grocery shop before you go, you’ll be able to plan your budget better and not blow all your food money by grabbing whatever you can find to eat at every gas station and vending machine to keep the family fed.

Packing non-perishable road trip food will save you a lot of time when you are traveling

It saves you time

We all know that on vacation, time flies and it feels like we never have enough of it.

And while some of the experience of a trip is sitting down and eating a good meal, there are other days when you’d rather be hiking or exploring a museum or zoo and you’d rather not spend several hours finding a place to eat when all you want to do is go and see ALL. THE. THINGS.

On days like that, packing along your own food is a life (and time) saver. Just whip up a couple of make-ahead meals from your food stash and throw in some snacks, and you can take the day to explore and then have nourishment on hand when the stomach growls.

You can eat healthier

Obviously, not all road trip food is healthy. But packing your own allows you to make healthier choices instead of being at the mercy of fast-food restaurants and gas station hot dogs.

Sure, you can definitely find salads and wraps and veggie trays at stores, but it’s not always guaranteed, so knowing you have some healthier items with you allows you to not feel guilty or forced to eat bad food when there isn’t much else to choose.

You have things you know you will eat

If you have picky eaters, there’s no guarantee you are going to find food choices they will like. If you pack along meals you know they will eat, it will save your sanity.

Friends having a picnic

You can Have a picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic? I know I sure do! It’s a great addition to the ultimate road trip experience! When you have all your food with you already, you can have a picnic anytime it strikes your fancy!

Keeps you from getting hangry

My husband will attest that I can get hangry pretty easily. I need to eat something every few hours, and if I don’t I get crabby. And then that makes both of us crabby which can ruin the day if we aren’t careful.

So by having something to eat with us wherever we go, we don’t have to worry about a lack of food ruining an otherwise amazing day.

An assortment of plastic utensils is a good idea to have on your road trip

Non-food items to pack for a road trip

If you’re going to eat on the road while traveling or if you’re camping, you’ll need some additional items to prep and store your food as well as clean up afterward. Here’s a list of things to bring with you.

  • Plastic plates, cups, and cutlery (plastic is nice because you can wash them and reuse them a few times)
  • Paper towels
  • Bamboo/reusable straws (better than paper since you can reuse them)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ziplock/storage bags
  • Plastic tote for storing food (a much easier choice than bags)
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Coffee mugs/thermos
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Sponge, bucket, dish soap

How to keep your food organized on a road trip

So you’ve got your food, you’ve got your non-food items, and now you’re ready to hit the road. But how do you keep everything organized so you can find what you’re looking for? Here are a few road trip tips to keep your car from getting cluttered.

Use plastic containers/totes to organize

I’ll admit I’m guilty of just shoving all my food into Aldi bags, throwing them in the back seat, and calling it good, but every time I’m looking for something, it takes me way longer than it should (not to mention everything ends up spilling everywhere).

So buy a couple of clear plastic containers to put your food in and make it easier on yourself.

The nice thing with these is that you can see what’s in them, you can write on them with dry-erase markers so you know exactly what’s in them, and they stack nicely in the car. So much better than grocery bags.

A reusable water bottle is a great thing to carry on a road trip

Everyone has their own reusable water bottle

Rather than having a bunch of half-drunk plastic water bottles piled up everywhere and nobody knows whose is whose, get everyone their own bottle or mug so there’s no confusion and less trash.

Use small storage bags for individual servings

It’s usually cheaper to buy a larger bag of something than a bunch of smaller bags of the same thing, so to save money, buy that large box of Cheez-Its or popcorn or potato chips or whatever you’d like and divide them up into separate smaller bags.

Not only will you save money, but it makes it easier to divvy up the snacks among the group without passing around the larger bag, and you can also control portions better (because I know it’s not just me that will mindlessly eat that whole sleeve of cookies because it’s just sitting there).

You can even buy reusable silicone ones so you can wash them and use them again instead of throwing away the plastic ones constantly.

Having some cleaning supplies on hand will make the spills and accidents less of a problem and make it quick and easy to clean

Have clean-up items close by and easily available

It’s bound to happen. You’re reaching back for something and you knock over a cup, or one of your kids drops their bag of Goldfish, and then you’ve got a mess to clean up.

Have a separate small box or bag with clean-up supplies (paper towels, wet wipes, sponge, upholstery cleaner, etc.) so when the accidents happen, you can take care of it quickly and move on.

Keep a garbage can/bag in the car

It’s something so simple that will keep your car much cleaner and organized. Designate a plastic bag or get a garbage can for the car and discard your items in there instead of hoarding a pile on the floor of the car until the next stop.

Conclusion: Non-Perishable Food Options For Your Next Road Trip

Purchasing food ahead of time for your next road trip will help save you money and time, and non-perishable items are perfect so you aren’t restricted by having to have a cooler or fridge. And if you’re looking for road trip food on a budget, most of these food items fit the bill!

I hope this list gives you some great choices for your next vacation!

Are there any items that you like to bring along that I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Want to save this for later? Pin it!

Want to know some of the best non-perishable road trip food options for your next trip? Here is a list of 49 fantastic choices!

Stefanie Henne is an experienced road trip travel blogger who specializes in helping others plan their dream vacation, no matter their budget or time restraints. Go here to read more about Stef's story. If you want to send Stef a message, visit her contact page here.

This is so helpful! Not only is it useful for road trips or camping, but it is also good information for anyone that does not have refrigeration, limited, power, etc. (RV’s)

So glad you found it helpful, Linda!

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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.

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we travel for food

Photo by: fstop123/Getty

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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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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!)

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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.

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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 2024-02-28 / 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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Healthy Travel Food: The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Robyn Openshaw - Updated: August 23, 2019 - - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links

Healthy travel food

I’m a busy single mom who does a lot of traveling, with and without my kids. Part of my journey to excellent health was learning habits and recipes that we enjoyed, that happened to also be really nutritious. But another major step was key to my being able to rehab my family’s health many years ago when I got serious about ditching the Standard American Diet. That step was learning how to be prepared with ideas and healthy options away from home.

Packing Healthy Travel Food

In this article:

Finding Out How to Eat Healthy When Traveling

Packing for a healthy road trip.

  • A Healthy Plane Trip Food List

Tips for Finding Healthy Food While Traveling

Plan your food for traveling.

Running kids to sports practices, attending “home” and “away” games for four competitive athletes, playing a traveling, competitive sport myself, and traveling all over the country giving lectures for six years, forced me to get creative about eating healthy travel food while on the road.

In addition to those times away from home, I’ve gone on vacations and humanitarian service missions where I’ve taken my entire family to developing countries for several days or even weeks at a time.

How do I feed myself and my family well when I’m on the go and away from home so often?

I’ve been asked this question countless times, and I’m happy to share my strategies.

Car trips are easier to plan for than plane trips because they are conducive to bringing coolers and a box of ingredients and equipment. You can even pack quarts of green smoothies for your first few days.

And more often, when you drive, you’ll have access to a kitchen where you’re going.

You can eat healthy travel food even on long car trips, like one we took to Disneyland.

Our Disneyland Road Trip Food List

We brought enough food and snacks for two meals per day. (Make sure you book a hotel with a mini-fridge, but if you tell them you need it for medical purposes, they have to provide it.)

Then, I asked Siri for a salad bar or vegan restaurant nearby to make up for the other meals.

Our Disneyland healthy travel food packing, for a family of 6, looked like this:

In the Cooler

  • Bags of baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, raw sweet potato sticks
  • ½ gallon homemade yogurt
  • 2 bags Costco organic mixed greens
  • 1 bag Costco frozen mixed berries
  • a pint of soaked/drained sunflower seeds (to add to granola for breakfast)
  • a quart of alfalfa/radish/clover sprouts (to add to granola for breakfast)
  • BlendTec for a family, Nutribullet for a single person with limited ability to pack (can go in a suitcase easily)
  • Disposable cups, straws, bowls, spoons, and resealable baggies
  • Knife and cutting board for smoothies (I use it even on hotel room tables or vanities)
  • Containers with tight-fitting lids, for smoothies
  • Backpack for taking food to the parks
  • 3 loaves whole-grain bread
  • Organic peanut butter-honey (pre-mixed for sandwiches)
  • A gallon bag of homemade granola (recipe below)
  • 3 boxes rice milk
  • 1 gallon soaked/dehydrated Teriyaki Almonds (recipe below)
  • Tonya’s “For Cryin’ Out Loud Dehydrator Onion Bread” (recipe below)
  • 1 bunch ripe bananas (for green smoothies; also add to yogurt for breakfast)
  • Bags of washed apples, pears, plums, celery sticks
  • Ziploc bags of dried fruit
  • Powdered greens and a shaker cup
  • 5-gallon jug of filtered water

Avoid Processed Food Overloads

Not only did bringing our own healthy travel food to save us a lot of money, but we also didn’t feel horrible and sleep 10 hours a night to recover from a day of trans fats, chemicals, food dyes, and sugar from eating Disneyland food.

Our digestive function didn’t shut down, and we didn’t struggle with blood sugar lows and resulting crabbiness.

Save Money and Eat Healthy

Save Money and Eat Healthy | Healthy Travel Food - The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

You don’t have to spend a boat load of money to eat healthy.

All in all, we may have enjoyed our vacation much more, in addition to saving a boatload of money compared to what we saw others doing.

When you travel, if you don’t think ahead about healthy travel food, you are more likely to be trapped in the worst of the Standard American Diet!

Tip: Try this make-ahead mix to travel with, for a healthy flax muffin-in-a-cup made in your hotel room!

A Healthy Plane Trip Food Packing List

Traveling by plane for an extended trip (especially with children) takes a little different planning.

For example, Europe for 3 weeks was a tricky trip. I want to share how we went and ate well (5-10 raw vegetables/fruits daily) without hassle or excessive expense.

Making Do Without Appliances

We had no green smoothies as a crutch because you don’t go to little European hotels with an appliance, nor will an appliance company cover your warranty if you blow it out with the weird plugs in various countries.

Plus, we had a few flights with strict weight requirements. A turbo blender is just too much weight.

We packed these healthy travel food options in our suitcases to take with us.

The Best Travel Food to Bring with You

1. a good organic powdered greens product..

This saved us, nutritionally, in the absence of green smoothies! I stirred a large spoonful into a glass of water for everyone, morning and night. (If you would like to order from our friends at Organifi , use coupon code ROBYN15 at checkout—you’ll get 15% off your order!)

2. Grape Nuts, Shredded Wheat, Costco Granola, and Rice Dream.

Double bag the rice milk in gallon Ziploc bags; two fit perfectly in one bag. (Keep in mind that you’ll need to put liquids in checked baggage, not your carry-on.)

Remove the Grape Nuts from their boxes (we bought the big Costco ones) and add another layer of protection with a gallon freezer bag. You don’t want these things exploding in your suitcases.

3. Bags of homemade granola  and dry, raw seeds.

Granola and pumpkin or sunflower seeds are lifesavers on long trips.

Along with a box of rice milk, they’re a breakfast that will serve you well for the most important meal of the day, helping you avoid a crappy hotel continental breakfast, which is never, in any country, an option that will give you sustained energy for the day.

Soak the seeds when you get to your destination, pour the water off the next morning, and use the seeds stirred into the baked granola, for living enzymes, the world’s healthiest fats, and powerful nutrition to power through until lunch!

Even restaurant breakfasts (which take time from your touring and are expensive) are pretty much never nutritious. We bought bananas in the market, upon arrival, to add to our cereal.

4. Paper bowls and plastic spoons.

These are great for breakfasts.

5. Snacks like sprouted Teriyaki Almonds.

You can find that recipe alone. Organic plant-based bars and apples also travel well.

6. Frozen smoothies and juice.

Frozen plastic containers of green smoothies or green juice can be double bagged and rolled into pairs of jeans in your suitcase at the last minute. You can even have these in a carry-on and get through security just fine; if it’s frozen, it’s not liquid!

This works when the hotel we’ll be arriving at has a fridge. If it doesn’t, you can get some ice and put green smoothies in the sink, with ice, to keep them cold for a couple of days. This is a bit of a hassle.

7. A large bottle of water in everyone’s checked luggage.

This to tides us over till we’re able to stop and buy gallons of distilled or filtered water, so we don’t end up not drinking enough or drinking fluoridated, chlorinated water from taps or drinking fountains.

Make sure you’re drinking a lot of water when you’re traveling, especially with airline travel, because drinking lots of clean water is even more important than food.

It’s not true that you can’t find something good to eat when you’re traveling. It is, however, true that you have to try a bit harder than when you’re at home.

Just know what you’re looking for. First and foremost, you’re looking for opportunities to get greens and vegetables (priorities #1 and #2) because those are the base of the pyramid, the most important foods, and also the hardest healthy travel food to find when traveling.

So when you can, find them, buy them, and eat them however you have to—even by the handful, plain!

1. Look for Produce Stands and Local Farmers’ Markets

Look for Produce Stands and Local Farmers’ Markets | Healthy Travel Food - The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Getting healthy fruits and veggies at local farmers markets is an amazing way to support the economy and eat well.

You’re enjoying local fruit and vegetables in season, and can be part of your touring the area and experiencing what they grow there!

For example, when we went to Europe, we’d stop at a market and buy some healthy travel food options like this every day for lunch:

  • 6 nectarines
  • 6 large carrots (I never saw baby carrots in Europe)
  • A loaf of whole grain bread (a comedy of communication errors in a bakery in Paris taught me that “complete” is the word in France to describe whole grains)
  • Some local cheeses and mustard and tomatoes for the bread

We’d wash the fruit and carrots, toss all the stuff in a backpack, and stop in a park somewhere to eat each day.

Part of the fun was going in the little local grocery markets to see what they have.

Finds like this make you feel at home in a strange city and add to the sense of discovery and accomplishment in your travels.

Read John Robbins’ The Food Revolution on how European meat/cheese is highly government regulated and not full of antibiotics, steroids, infected pus, and other lovelies like the U.S. products contain. Also, bread is made fresh, without hybridization of the wheat, without preservatives, and Europe does not have the glyphosate (Roundup) issue. So many people with gluten issues do fine with European bread.

2. Know What to Look for in Restaurants, and Try the Local Cuisine

While traveling to Europe (and often stateside), we would eat dinner in a restaurant. I’m certainly not going to take my kids to Italy without letting them try gelato and pizza!

(Of course, the pizza bears no resemblance to what is offered here in the U.S. It is much better for you, and you can get many lovely vegetarian pizzas, one of the most popular varieties being topped with mounds of raw greens.)

Ditto Barcelona, where we enjoyed the paella (vegetarian, of course) and gazpacho.

And France? I did not, myself, try the white bread, but let the kids do it once because my then-husband thought it was somehow important in their “experiencing” France.

And of course, they did fall madly in love with crepes.

(Can you believe I had never tried that hazelnut/chocolate spread, Nutella, in my life, before France? Note to self: avoid at home. Wow, it was yummy on crepes. Do not include this as part of my “eat healthy” tips.)

So, we did indulge, but we always indulged with a big green salad alongside.

After my childhood of severe hypoglycemia, I learned that if one eats refined sugar now and then, it should be done only after a good, healthy, high-fiber meal.

The Europeans have lots of watercress and other lovely greens that we consider exotic here. And amazingly, even without my green smoothies, and despite a few servings of gelato and crepes, I came home the same weight and had lots of energy each day for our adventures.

3. Make a Healthy Fast Food Choice

Stateside, Subway is our standby as “fast food” on trips. Here’s what you do: get the “wheat” bread and order a Veggie Delite.

Tell the teenage employee to put on LOTS of cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and shredded carrots, plus spinach if they have it (skip the iceberg lettuce). For a sauce, we just do brown mustard.

Order a Large Veggie Sandwich | Healthy Travel Food - The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Veggie sandwiches are a great alternative to traditional meat sandwiches.

Then, your sandwich lies there, open, looking a little skimpy.

The “sandwich artist” awaits further orders. Do not, in the interest of being polite, leave with that skimpy sandwich. You say, can I have a bunch more tomatoes? Thanks! And how about a lot more cucumbers?

(Go through the whole vegetable lineup again if necessary. Smile and use all your chatty charisma, so as to not completely annoy the sandwich maker.)

The Perfect Packed Sandwich

When your sandwich is piled high with veggies, they manage to squeeze it shut and package it up for you, and you get a rather nutritious meal, at least compared to most fast food. I recommend the 12-inch to make it filling enough for hiking around on vacation.

4. Look for Healthy Restaurants

Other restaurants we ask Siri to find for us on U.S. trips are Cafe Rio or Bajio’s. We’ll order salads with whole wheat tortillas, no meat, lots of black beans, and extra romaine.

Think what your favorite chains with healthy meal options, then look for them when you’re out of town.

Robyn Travel Picture | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Robyn with her daughter Emma and Dr. Petra Wiechel, on her trip to WY, ID, UT.

If I end up at one of the really lousy Americana chains like Chili’s, Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s, etc., I ask for extra romaine and dressing on the side (so you can use a minimal amount).

Avoid Mexican and Chinese restaurants, because they rarely have anything raw or nutritious on their menu.

5. Look for Juice Bars and Salad Bars.

Greens are your #1 daily priority, and Google makes this easy.

I’ve found a juice bar and had a wheatgrass shot in the Amsterdam airport, and had another giant glass of made-to-order fresh carrot-celery juice in downtown Prague. That’s right, in the Czech Republic! Where a tour guide told us, “Our national vegetable is pork.”

Buy green smoothies or no-fruit green juices, made fresh, with superfood additions. Some Whole Foods Markets have made-to-order juice bars.

In fact, Whole Foods was my go-to when I did my lecture tour for 6 years in 450 cities. In virtually every city we drove to, we’d make the GPS direct us to the nearest Whole Foods and get a giant salad from the salad bar to last lunch and dinner, plus a few healthy snacks and treats. It’s kind of an adventure, and it’s McDonald’s-like in that you know what you will get when you go there. Predictable and better than wandering around town hoping to find some reasonably non-toxic grub.

6. Don’t Buy Into the Idea that There’s Nothing Healthy to Eat in Airports.

In airports, you just have to look a little bit harder for food you won’t regret. I found amazing quinoa/kale salad in the Phoenix airport recently, for instance.

The Denver airport has a restaurant that serves only locally grown food selections. The Atlanta airport has a fresh juice bar. And you can get a green smoothie at Jamba Juice in most airports, though tell them to triple the greens and halve the fruit content.

The point is, look around a bit, and you’ll find something plant-based, something whole, something that gives life rather than spends it. Anywhere in the world.

Here are some photos our readers shared with us, about healthy travel food “finds” on their vacations, plus a few of my own. You really can eat right, while traveling, with a bit of effort!

Atlanta Airport | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

We got this healthy steamed and sautéed potatoes and veggies in a BBQ place in the Atlanta airport.

Phoenix Airport | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Look around after you’ve gone through Security and before you board your plane…Finding a good meal is a better use of time than sitting in the waiting area anyway. Survey what’s available and embrace the challenge of eating well. I found a kale-quinoa salad at a restaurant called La Grande Orange in the Phoenix airport.

Detroit Airport | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

And I found a juice bar inside an otherwise Standard American Diet place called Mediterranean Grill in the Detroit airport, where I get a celery/carrot juice, made fresh to order, anytime I fly through Detroit.

NY Canal Street | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Check out this unassuming little place on one end of New York City’s Canal Street, where Coach Judi and I got a 16 oz. organic, fresh-pressed parsley, cucumber, celery, carrot, and beet juice in two minutes flat. Vibrations high for the rest of the day!

Rocky Point Mexico | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Myra Johnson of Utah took her family to Rocky Point, Mexico on a humanitarian trip and stopped at “Mario’s” for food. Fresh smoothies were the main feature, with spinach, barley, flaxseed, and even asparagus! One of the smoothies Mario makes with his 11 blenders is called “Para El Estrenimianto”—for constipation! Myra took her family again the next day.

Greensmoothie | Healthy Travel Food – The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip

Our webmaster Jason’s wife and little boy enjoyed a green smoothie of peas, cucumbers, broccoli and spinach in a mainstream place you’d never guess would have such a great option.

Indulging While on Vacation

On a trip across the West with friends from Europe, at any of our given restaurant meal, some were having a couple glasses of wine with dinner, or dessert, or coffee after dinner.

All of us are very health-conscious people. My point is, we all indulge, on vacation. If we’re doing some great things, all day, to keep nutrient density high, hopefully, it’s enough to continue enjoying the vacation.

I hope these ideas are useful to you, and the recipes I made before our Disneyland trip are below for your enjoyment! And grab our Healthy Travel Food Packing List, here! It’s free and it’ll make eating healthy on your next road trip or vacation a breeze!

Special Offer! Want more ideas for healthy travel food while on vacation, on a budget, or with little time? Want to know how to get your kids to buy into healthful eating? Get my books How To Eat Right In The Real World and How To Raise Healthy Eaters at 50% off the already discounted set! Enter the coupon code ROADTRIP at checkout!

  • Teriyaki Almonds
  • Candied Almonds
  • Homemade Granola
  • Tonya’s Onion Bread

What’s in your travel food list? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Read next: 8 Foods You Think Are Healthy But They Aren’t!

Photograph of Robyn Openshaw, founder of Green Smoothie Girl

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which allows you to support our mission without costing you extra.

Posted in: Green Smoothies , Lifestyle , Recipes , Relationships , Tools & Products

4 thoughts on “Healthy Travel Food: The Ultimate Packing Lists for Eating Right on a Trip”

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Oh Robyn you didn’t try the French Nutella. Omg it’s better than the American, so I’ve heard. I’m an American living over here in France. I know how hard it is especially when I detox around my family and friends. They just don’t want to understand anything about it. Sad. Next time you come to France??? I hope that we could chat sometime. Love ya. You and all of the GSG team have helped me and so many others. Bless you on making all of this and know that you are growning everywhere. Hugs

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Thank you for your kind words Stephanie!!

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These are very useful tips! I’m going to put them to use once this pandemic is over and we get to travel as freely as we can again. Thank you!

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Can you recommend a pre-made smoothie for travel?

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10 Foods You Can Safely Pack When Traveling Abroad

Some travelers are not fond of airline meals and snacks. It is possible to bring food with you when traveling abroad as long as it passes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards. Please note that taking beverages or food with liquids with you can be tricky since there are rules and regulations for them, and authorities might confiscate them in an airline check.

Also, to avoid conflict during the transit, do not forget to practice sensibility to fellow passengers by considering the smell of the food. Here are the ten foods you can safely pack as you make your way overseas:

Protein Bars and Granola

Protein bars and granola are among the long lists of healthy food you can bring with you on your travel abroad. They are usually made of rice puffs, honey, rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, baked together until golden brown making it dry. Both goods do not require refrigeration, and they last around 6 to 8 months until expiry making them fitting for long-distance trips. 

However, if you are that health-conscious, choose protein and granola bars that do not include lots of sugar and preservatives. Be sure to recognize the healthier ones from those which contain unhealthy additives.

Another healthy option that is safe to travel to is oatmeal. Aside from being a dry good, oatmeal is longer to digest. Therefore it is best when you have long-distance trips to prevent you from getting hungry all the time. It is preferred to bring a pre-packed instant oatmeal bowl with you to eat whenever you want to. 

You need boiling water, and you are good to go. Most of the instant oats need 1 to 5 minutes to cook. Make sure to reseal it properly after opening the pack for your oatmeal to have its 2 to 3 years shelf life.

Spices are allowed on international flights since they are considered dry goods. However, make sure that you store them in an airtight container. Every country has different rules concerning spices; therefore, before taking your herbs with you on a flight, make sure to do research. It is preferable to preserve the original packaging of the spice or label them one by one for safety purposes. Spices can last up long inside your luggage, provided that you keep them at room temperature. 

Chocolate and candy

If you have a sweet tooth to alleviate during the trip, worry not! Chocolates and candies have no limit in airlines. You can take as much as you wish in your carry luggage. In case that they are not in their original package anymore, make sure that they are in a resealable bag or canister with a secured lid.

However, there are exceptions to the rule. Airlines prohibit liquid chocolates like chocolate syrup and chocolate sauce in flights due to the 3-1-1 rule. While chocolate bars, chocolate chips, chocolate truffles, and boxed chocolates are allowed.

If you are thinking of how Spam can pass the airline checks since it is a canned good, here’s why. Did you know that your Spam is now available in 24 individual pack sachets? What’s good about this sachet is that it only contains 2.5 ounces of liquid. Therefore it will pass in the 3.4 ounces restriction in airports. 

Wondering how long does canned food last in the cupboard? Spam has an indefinite shelf-life though the flavor fades over time. It is still safe to eat regardless of how long you keep it. To maintain its flavor, make sure that the bug-out bags are in a temperature not exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It would greatly help if you do some research so you know how to store Spam properly on your international travel. 

Coffee and Tea Bags

Long-distance travels can cause fatigue and exhaustion due to turbulence and prolonged sitting. Coffee can give you a kick of caffeine for energy, while tea, like chamomile, can provide relaxation to your body. Coffee and tea are safe to travel as long as they are in powder and leaf form. Just ask for hot water from the airline crew whenever you want to make one.

Dehydrated meals

Dehydrated meals are not usually that palatable to eat. However, there are also several healthy and tasty ones in the market. You have to find them by reading the labels well to see whether a dehydrated meal contains quality ingredients. It is fit for backpacker travels because it is stored in a compact and sealed container.

You can choose whether your dehydrated meal is for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It usually contains meat, vegetables, grain, and fruits. You can cook your meal using boiling water and by letting it sit for a while.

Dried Goods 

Dried goods can’t go wrong, they are 100% safe during travels, plus they last longer than other moist food since the drying process removes the water, which causes the growth of bacteria. 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. Biscuits and crackers are best for children and adults alike for snacks during the hungry moments inside the plane.

Bringing the whole peanut butter jar may not pass the airport baggage protocols. The good thing about nut butter is that it is available in packets and dehydrated variants. Nut butter like almond butter and peanut butter are high in fat, protein, and calories that will keep you energized during an extensive voyage. 

Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Relish Packets

There is no restriction when it comes to condiments in packets. You are welcome to hold as much as you want! Airport security allows squeezable sachets of ketchup, mayo, mustard, barbecue sauce, and relish. 

Instant Noodles

It is impossible to bring your special ramen noodle on the airplane since it has broth and liquid that much is not allowed on board. Bring your favorite cup of noodles instead to satisfy your craving. Ask for a cup of boiling water from the attendant, pour, wait for 3 minutes to cook, and enjoy your instant noodles. 

It is risky to bring real meat since it might spoil and spread a pungent smell throughout the flight. Jerky can serve as a replacement for meat, but it is dry, making it lightweight and can last longer without refrigeration. You can still enjoy a source of protein regardless of the unavailability of real meat. Jerkies in the market are available in chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey. 

Airports prohibit foods like canned goods and bottle liquids due to the 3-1-1 rule. Liquids, gels, and aerosols containing more than 3.4 ounces of liquid belong to the inadmissible list. Placing them inside carry-on bags is not allowed; instead, they prefer to pack them inside a checked bag and ship them separately to your destination.

In a nutshell, to ensure safety and to avoid food spills and contamination during your flight, you can use airtight containers or consider mylar bags for food storage . It can prevent oxygen and moisture, which are the reason for food spoilage from sipping in. Contaminated or spoiled food can be of great danger to your health, especially when molds start to grow.

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The Food-Focused Travel Newsletter You’ve Always Wanted Has Arrived

Eat Here Next, sent biweekly to your inbox, reveals our top tips on everything from boutique hotels to culinary souvenirs to locals-only restaurants.

By SAVEUR Editors

Published on February 28, 2024

So, you’ve just booked your first trip to Jamaica. You can’t wait to sink your teeth into real-deal beef patties , jerk chicken , and stewed oxtail , but Google is coming up with chains and tourist traps. Same goes for hotels—where are the hidden-gem B&Bs serving homemade breakfasts? Or the resorts where food isn’t just an afterthought? 

Enter Eat Here Next , SAVEUR’s new travel newsletter and your soup-to-nuts resource for tips and recommendations on where to dine, shop, and stay. Think of it as a culinary snapshot you can devour from your couch (or kitchen)—and keep in your back pocket for future adventures. 

Twice a month, starting March 12, we’ll deliver a fresh dispatch to your inbox spotlighting a new destination. One week, we might dive into Dublin with a pub crawl itinerary, boutique hotel review, or soda bread recipe; the next, you could be armchair-traveling with us to Cambodia through a night-market 101 guide, a street-food chef Q&A, or a fish amok how-to.  

Wherever you’re off to next, our global network of intrepid food experts can’t wait to help you cut through the noise with the kinds of recommendations we know you love: down-to-earth, under-the-radar, and—most of all—delicious. 

Sign up here , and you won’t miss a beat.  

–Benjamin Kemper (Senior Editor, Travel) and Team SAVEUR

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Best carry along travel food for vegetarians.

In the good old childhood days, when we made long journeys by train, we carried our food for the whole journey. Yes, the food, fruits, and chai vendors popped up at every station. If there was Agra petha at Agra station, there was Sweet Milk at Bhopal Station, and Mathura Peda at Mathura Junction. Travel food for vegetarians was never a problem.

We used to love observing the size of Bananas going shorter as you move south. Picking up oranges at Nagpur, Jhalmuri at Bengal stations, or eating Dosas at Manmad station are some of my fondest travel memories.

While we did eat outside food, we carried our staple food along with us. In my family, dry potato sabzi and poori were my favorite travel foods. Neatly packed in old cardboard sweet boxes that could be disposed of once used, Poori and aloo sabzi survived easily for 2-3 days depending upon the weather.

Water was always from the public taps in railway stations. Bottled water was yet to become mainstream and food delivery apps were in the realm of science fiction.

Switch to the third decade of the 21 st century, we are flooded with food options while traveling. There are more outlets than we can explore at airports and railway stations. Add to it the food delivery apps that deliver you anything you wish to eat. But, the quality of food is deteriorating so fast that I have again started carrying my own food. I discovered that I am not alone, many people have started doing it again – going back to their childhood ways.

Best Travel Food For Vegetarians

As usual, I asked my Twitter family, what is their favorite food to carry along. Here is a list that came up:

Theplas and Khakharas

Bless the vegetarian Gujjus for inventing these absolutely travel-friendly dishes. I knew Theplas but discovered them as travel food when I was based in Goa. Gujarati ladies in our neighborhood used to sell a pack of 5-6 Theplas with a bite of pickle inside them. It was perfect to pack one such pack per person. Theplas easily last for 4-5 days. Just pull out one, roll it, and eat it. A complete food that requires no paraphernalia.

Thepla - The best travel food

Khakharas are even easier to find now. Every supermarket has them. Earlier, they used to be larger in size, breaking easily. Now, you can find them in small shapes that are easy to consume on the move. They are dry in comparison to Theplas, but if you are a vegetarian traveling to primarily non-vegetarian countries, they are a must-pack in your luggage.

Chundo is a classic pickle to go with both Thepla and Khakhara.

Aalu Puri with Pickle – Travel food for Vegetarians

As I already mentioned, this is an easy-to-make and long-lasting food. Like Theplas, you can just eat them out of the box you carry them in. Fried puris taste as good when they are cold as they do when they come out piping hot from the frying pan.

Bedmi Poori Agra

As a North Indian, my favorite go-to pickle with this combo is Mango.

You can have your own variations of this combo like you can have Gobhi or Peas or Matar added to the sabzi. Ajwain Puri tastes very good. You can have Palak or Pumpkin puri if you have enough time to prepare them before travel.

Paranthas are my current favorites to carry for my travels. Now, these paranthas are slightly different as I want them to be soft enough and last a little longer. So, I make the dough using milk instead of water, and that makes them soft.

Paranthas - the must have food on Punjab Highways

I do not want any complicated packing, so I stuff all the masalas, even the pickle masala inside the Parantha. I avoid usual stuffings like potato or cabbage as they tend to become soggy.

Stuff your favorite stuffing and keep eating paranthas on the go. A complete and fulfilling meal – perfect travel food for vegetarians.

I discovered this wonderful travel food for vegetarians during my Hong Kong visit. As you know, it is a primarily meat-eating region and it is not easy to get vegetarian food. So, I had to carry ample stuff, especially for my dinner as I tend not to step out for that.

So, during most days, I could manage vegetarian pizzas and dumplings, but at night I used to just open a packet of single-serving pack of Upma powder. Add hot water to it and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Upma is ready to eat.

Yes, it is the same Upma that we pay a huge amount for on domestic flights these days.

Some companies like MTR have a single-serve pack that is easy to carry and use. Otherwise, you can simply roast rava at home along with Kadi Patta, Cashews, and spices as you like with a bit of ghee. Pack them in small packets in one box. All you need to have is some hot water and maybe a spoon.

Another healthy and hot meal to eat during travels.

I discovered Sattu on a road trip in Bihar . Sattu is nothing but finely ground-roasted chana. Just add water, salt, sugar, or jaggery as per your choice and you have a fulfilling healthy drink in your hands.

we travel for food

If you have access, you can add lemon juice, finely chopped onions, and fresh green chilies.

Feel free to try your own version of Sattu. It is easy to carry, and a healthy and comfortable drink, especially in summer. Epic Mahabharat also mentions Sattu and Malpua as the two foods that travelers used to carry with them. So, this is an age-old living tradition.

Nuts – Travel food for Vegetarians

For snacking, just carry a box of nuts – almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts. You can add your seeds if you like. Easy to eat and they keep you charged for a long time.

Nuts - the best travel companion food

Remember, many combat professionals carry only nuts with them.

On a road trip, I love to keep my car stuffed with fruits. In India, you can pick them up on the road. The more interior you go, the more local and fresh fruits you get, generally. You don’t need to wash them or cut them to eat, making them travel-friendly.

Bananas are the wonder food that can substitute a meal easily. I remember once we were completely lost during a road trip . All of us were vegetarian and we could not find a single shop selling vegetarian food. Bananas came to our rescue. We simply picked up all the bananas we can and gorged on them.

Tomato, Butter Sandwich

If you do not find any good vegetarian food, just walk into a superstore. Pick up tomatoes, butter, and bread – make your own sandwich. If you find additional items to put in, try them and enjoy.

Vegetable Sandwich - Travel food for Vegetarians

My criteria for including travel foods for vegetarians in this post include:

  • Healthy vegetarian meal
  • Easy to pack and eat, no dripping, flowing kind of items
  • Last for a reasonable amount of time
  • Tasty – you feel happy eating it

Do you have any more ideas for vegetarian food well suited for travelers?

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11 comments.

South Indians carry lemon rice or tamarind rice which are good for two days. We roll idlis in gun powder which are superb during travel. Thick Curd rice made with milk with just a small dollop of dahi is heavenly. Dry Mango pickle and fried pappads go with everything.

theplas cruble though, right?

From wiki: “When made for travel, the flour for theplas is bound into a stiff dough using milk instead of water, and with extra ghee/oil. This is done in order to increase their shelf life.”

Amazing Article! thanks for the information.

How long does a aalu puri last without being non-edible? And would you recommend aalu paratha? I think Satoo would be the best as it contains tons of nutrients.

2-3 days easily if packed properly.

Great article.. Keep posting more

Fantastic recommendations! As a vegetarian traveler, these carry-along food ideas are a game-changer for maintaining a delicious and satisfying journey!

Useful Post

Very nice blog.

Your suggestions for carry-along vegetarian foods are not only practical but also seem delicious and easy to prepare.

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Is ButcherBox Worth It? Our Honest Review of the Meat Subscription Service

We tried the service out for over a month; here's our honest review.

butcherbox review

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.

I tried the service out myself for three months and also sent boxes to a panel of our GH+ testers for real-life feedback on how the service fared for them and their families. Read on for our full honest review of the ButcherBox, including information on pricing and whether or not it's worth the price.

How much does ButcherBox cost?

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Start by choosing from two types of subscription plans: Custom or Curated. Think of the Custom box as an option for personalization — you get to choose exactly which cuts from any type of protein you would like, including everything from beef, chicken and pork to seafood.

It's available in two sizes: Classic size is great for feeding just yourself or a small family and offers 9 to 14 pounds of meat, while the big size box is ideal for mid-size families and large freezers with 18 to 26 pounds of meat.

ButcherBox

But if you'd rather ButcherBox pick your specific cuts, you can opt for the Curated plan and simply just choose which protein categories you want to receive (beef, pork and/or chicken). The Curated boxes are also available in two sizes: Classic size includes 8 to 11 pounds of meat and the big size includes 16 to 22 pounds of meat.

You can choose to have a box sent to you every two weeks, four weeks, six weeks or every other month. You'll also have the opportunity to take advantage of member deals before check-out, which include specialty items like wild-caught sea scallops, St. Louis ribs, fully cooked meatballs and more that only ship once and are available for a limited time.

After you check out, your box will be shipped directly to your doorstep (shipping is free). Cuts arrive frozen for peak freshness and are packaged in a 100% recyclable, insulated box. Once your box comes in, place the meats in the fridge or freezer depending on how soon you plan to use them. ButcherBox's website has a great assortment of recipes, tips and tricks curated by the brand's chefs to help you properly prepare the proteins too.

For custom boxes, the classic size which includes 9 to 14 pounds of meat costs $169, while the big box that includes 18 to 26 pounds of meat costs $306. For curated boxes, the classic size includes 8 to 11 pounds of meat at $146 per box, while the big box offers 16 to 22 pounds of meat and comes in at $269. Shipping is always free.

seared flat iron steak with asparagus from butcherbox

You can't talk about quality in regards to meat without talking about sourcing, and I appreciated that ButcherBox places an emphasis on this. The beef is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, humanely raised, pasture-raised and never given antibiotics or added hormones ever, all important factors I look for as a registered dietitian when purchasing meat. The meat is sourced from both Australia and the U.S.

Their free-range chicken is certified organic, and both the organic chicken and the crate-free pork are humanely raised as well and come from the U.S. and Canada. The wild-caught seafood is sustainably harvested with no artificial coloring or additives either, and the wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon, wild-caught cod, bison and turkey all come from the U.S.

The brand claims to carefully vet all of their suppliers and that they rely on third-party audits from organizations like Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership (GAP). Another thing that really impressed me was ButcherBox's status as a Certified B Corporation. In November 2020, the brand became the largest meat brand to be named a certified B Corp, which means it underwent a rigorous evaluation that verified the social and environmental performance of the company, showcasing their commitment to a focus on animal welfare — this is no small feat.

sassos unboxing a butcherbox delivery in her home

I personally tested ButcherBox out for three months, and we also had a panel of five GH+ testers try out the service for a month each for additional feedback on how the service fared in their homes.

I found ordering on the website very straightforward. It was easy to navigate the platform and I was impressed that the service didn't just offer meat but also seafood, so it saved me trips to both the butcher and fish market. My husband is particular with his meats, so it was nice to have the option of a custom box where he could select exactly what he wanted for his order. But I was able to add some family-friendly items for our toddler like the organic chicken nuggets, and the bone broth was a go-to for myself.

Deliveries were always timely and I received great communication from the brand via email. Even after sitting out all day, the box was still cold and the contents frozen. Testers had similar positive experiences with delivery. "The meat and seafood arrived frozen to my door. This was a great way to get meat in the blazing heat of summer without worrying how to get it home cold," one tester said.

Another person did have an issue with a bag of dry ice, but this did not impact the quality of the food: "They did a great job keeping it cold in the packaging. I will admit that the dry ice bag was ripped and there was dry ice spilled in the box, but that did not affect the food at all. Everything was still frozen when I unpacked it," they said. The biggest struggle for me was trying to fit everything in our tiny freezer, so take note of this when ordering from any meat delivery service since you'll need adequate room for food storage.

Protein Quality

I was honestly very impressed with the quality of the meats — everything is top notch in regards to sourcing standards. You will pay a premium for this, but it can be very hard to find some of these comparable proteins at the grocery store or even at your local butcher. "The quality really stood out to me. Everything was so delicious and their high standards to be humane stands out," one tester said.

The beef was quite delicious and worked with a variety of beef recipes and you can tell it's high quality — it's not just grass-fed but also grass-finished, meaning that it comes from cattle that has eaten nothing but grass and forage for its entire life, resulting in a more nutritious cut that is naturally packed with omega-3 fatty acids and other key vitamins. Even the chicken was juicy and tender, and I loved the option of a slow-growth bird, a much healthier and flavorful chicken that can be hard to find at a standard grocery store. Surprisingly, my family particularly enjoyed the seafood, saying that the salmon, for instance, tasted very fresh and had a beautiful hue to it.

Testers were all impressed by the quality of the meats and the convenience of the service delivering everything right to your door. "The meat was more flavorful than the meat I usually buy in the local grocery store. I absolutely loved the variety that I was sent," one tester commented. "The quality was exceptional. No gristle or unnecessary fat in the steaks, ground beef was not greasy, the bacon was perfectly seasoned and not too salty, the seafood was not sandy or gritty. All of the products were very flavorful," another tester said.

The cancellation process is relatively straightforward. You'll visit your account page and can select to either delay your next delivery or stop the membership altogether. After answering a few questions, the delay or cancellation will be in effect but you must do this before your next billing date.

Yes and no. Technically, ButcherBox is based on a subscription model at its core. And you can choose from a variety of delivery timing intervals so if you don't want to receive a box every month for instance, you can opt for every six weeks or even ever other month. But you can order gift boxes on the website which are a one-time order.

Some of our favorites included the Steak Lover's Box and the Freezer Fillers Favorites Box, but you'll also find seasonal options like their Valentine's Day box. "Anyone that values high-quality meat and seafood would definitely enjoy this service. It would also be a great gift for someone that is hard to buy for," one tester said.

ButcherBox delivers to all 48 contiguous states — they currently do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Canada. When it comes to shipping materials, the brand has sustainability top of mind — the box is 100% recyclable and also made from recycled ingredients. The meats are vacuum packed in sturdy, food-safe and freezer-friendly BPA-free plastic too. As of December 2022, ButcherBox order shipments are carbon neutral as well.

If you don't have a quality butcher or fish market nearby, ButcherBox is definitely worth trying out. The service offers some of the highest quality sourcing for proteins we have seen in this space, and everything is conveniently shipped to your doorstep. We liked the option to either customize your box or receive one that is already curated by the brand, and the fact that they not only offer great meats but also seafood is a huge bonus.

You'll pay a premium for good sourcing, but the quality is undeniable. Just make sure to have ample space in your freezer for the large shipment. All testers said they would use the service again too and truly gave it rave reviews. "I would order it again because of the quality of the meat and because it is healthier than a lot of what is normally sold in the store. I like that it is grass fed, free range, etc.," one person commented.

As a dietitian and working mother, Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos is passionate about putting balanced meals on the table for her and her family. She started eating more meat after her iron levels fell dangerously low during pregnancy with her first daughter. She continues to incorporate high-quality lean cuts into her diet in moderation and looks for meats that are raised responsibly. She loves that meat delivery services like ButcherBox offer both convenience and quality to any home cook.

Headshot of Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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  • Ask Wirecutter

Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Curb My Boyfriend’s Paper Towel Addiction?

A clay sculpture of a sriracha bottle that is spilling fake sriracha all over, in front of a pink background.

Ask Wirecutter, an advice column written by Annemarie Conte, explores the best approaches to buying, using, and maintaining stuff. Email your biggest product-related problems to [email protected] .

Dear Wirecutter,

My boyfriend uses so many paper towels. It just feels unreasonable, and we need a reusable towel situation that we can both stick to. What do you recommend?

Dear B.N., In some homes, there are only two types of towels in the kitchen: paper towels and decorative cloths that say something mildly off-color about wine.

But there are many options between those two extremes. I surveyed folks on both the Wirecutter kitchen team and at NYT Cooking, and some of our staff members empathize with you because they also live with a paper-towel-loving person. Others are the paper-towel-loving person. And many fall in between.

Here are tips to help you find some balance in your kitchen, whether that’s using one select-a-size rectangle per week or regularly unspooling half the roll to mop up 40 ounces of mess from a Stanley tumbler tipping over .

Place the paper towels out of sight

If paper towels are the first thing you reach for, put them away. Storing them in a cabinet or under the sink can help you pause before automatically grabbing them.

we travel for food

Williams Sonoma All Purpose Pantry Towels

The best kitchen towel.

With terry cloth on one side and waffle weave on the other, this towel combines absorbency, utility, and attractiveness.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

we travel for food

Utopia Towels Kitchen Bar Mops

Cheap and absorbent.

These affordable terry cloth towels aren’t cute, but they’ll get the job done, wiping up spills from big to small.

Buy reusable towels and employ them for the right tasks

A cabinet filled with kitchen towels.

Sometimes stashing the paper towels isn’t enough. “I have a paper-towel problem,” senior staff writer Rachel Wharton admits. “If they are there, I will use them up, like within a day. Or an hour.”

She decided to go cold turkey and stop buying them because she could hear them calling to her from behind the cabinet door.

If you’ve decided you can’t have paper towels in the house, the most straightforward alternative is to buy more reusable towels. A lot more. “Get both nicer towels and cheap bar mops since they serve different purposes,” senior editor Marguerite Preston says.

The upfront cost for a package of bar mops or microfiber cloths is about the same as for a multipack of Kirkland Signature Paper Towels. So you’ll amortize the price of your reusable products in just a few months.

Bar mops, such as the Utopia Towels Kitchen Bar Mops , are inexpensive, lower-quality cotton cloths that you can use for messes that stain (like coffee or sriracha sauce).

Some paper-towel teetotalers like Marguerite will use bar mops for bacteria-laden tasks, including patting meat dry (then they toss the dirty cloths straight into a hot wash). Others, like our sustainability editor Katie Okamoto, will reserve a few unbleached paper towels for those kinds of tasks and then toss them in the compost.

Higher-quality kitchen towels, like Williams Sonoma All Purpose Pantry Towels , are nicer to look at. They can be reserved for drying dishes and hands or for wiping up water spills, so they don’t get too grimy too quickly.

Our large-appliance writer has a dark-horse candidate for paper-towel replacement: a microfiber towel, like the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth . “It’s the only washable cloth I’ve ever found that gets close to the amazing absorbency of a paper towel,” she says. “They don’t get hard, they don’t stain, they soak up a lot of liquid, they can be wrung out easily, and they air-dry quickly.”

Rachel says she is aware of the concern about microfibers in the waste stream, so to reduce harm, she gently washes and air-dries these towels.

We’re currently working on a guide to Swedish dishcloths, which people often use as a sponge and paper-towel replacement. They’re made from cellulose fibers, are biodegradable, and can be used and washed hundreds of times before being composted. (We’ll keep you updated on what we find!)

And if your boyfriend is mopping up his messy maw with a paper towel rather than a napkin, don’t worry. We also have a guide to cloth napkins .

And create a space for dirties

I keep a basket in my pantry where I can take messy-towel free throws with about 75% accuracy. My mother used to toss her towels straight down the basement steps and then pick them up on the way to the laundry room. Your bin could be under your sink. Do whatever works for your kitchen, but find a tiny hamper and remind your boyfriend to use it.

Most importantly, get into the groove of having a good laundry routine ; that means go easy on the laundry detergent and absolutely forgo fabric softener. “These things will decrease the absorbency of your towels and drive you absolutely nuts when you try to wipe up big spills,” says Marguerite, who washes her towels on hot with an extra rinse cycle.

I have an entire cabinet shelf near the sink that is well stocked with my towel supply. I can open the cabinet, grab one, use it, and then hang it to dry. And because I have so many towels, there’s always a fresh one when I need it, yet I don’t feel buried in laundry. (Side note: This system can also apply to socks and underwear.)

This article was edited by Jason Chen.

Meet your guide

we travel for food

Annemarie Conte

Deputy Editor

Annemarie Conte is a deputy editor at Wirecutter. She has written and edited for multiple local and national magazines throughout her career. You can follow her on Instagram .

I've worked at Costco for 18 years. Here are 10 things my family of 4 loves to buy there.

  • I'm a Costco employee and mom of two kids who picks up essentials for my family at the warehouse.
  • My children love having Honest Kids juice boxes and Frito-Lay chips in their school lunches.
  • My family's favorite vacation spot is Disneyland, so we take advantage of Costco's travel deals. 

Insider Today

As a Costco employee and a mom , I grab the things my family loves from the store.

Here are 10 items my family likes to buy at Costco .

Prices may vary by location.

The Honest Kids organic juice boxes add excitement to school lunches.

we travel for food

My kids take lunch to school every day, and I always pack them Honest Kids organic juice boxes.

The juice has no artificial sweeteners and contains only 35 calories per serving.

I pick up a 40-count variety pack with flavors including Goodness Grapeness, Berry Berry Good Lemonade, Appley Ever After, and Super Fruit Punch for $13.

Cinemark gift cards are essential for trips to the movies.

we travel for food

My family loves going to the movies on Sundays, so I get Cinemark movie-theater gift cards at Costco.

I use the gift cards for tickets, food, drinks, and merchandise. My Costco sells a pack of two $25 gift cards for $40.

We always look at Costco's travel deals before going on vacation.

we travel for food

I've noticed that many customers aren't aware they can find deals on their favorite vacation spots through Costco Travel . For example, my family has used Costco's vacation packages to go to Disneyland.

The perks for each vacation package vary, but we've gotten discounts on hotels, amusement parks, and car rentals.

I also love that I don't have to worry about paying in full right away, as most packages offer payment plans. Customers can book their vacation online or speak to a live agent over the phone.

The Klipsch Gig XXL party speaker is a karaoke-night necessity.

we travel for food

My family and I love karaoke, so we purchased the Klipsch Gig XXL portable wireless party speaker to ring in the New Year.

The speaker features a wired karaoke microphone and four light modes. The Klipsch party speaker costs $200 at my store.

Kirkland Signature St. Louis ribs are a tasty, easy meal.

we travel for food

When it comes to Costco's prepared meals , our current go-to is the Kirkland Signature seasoned St. Louis ribs.

The delicious, fully cooked pork-back ribs are prepared in the deli and packaged so they're ready to serve. They're seasoned with a light rub and tend to sell out very quickly at my location.

I picked up a pack of ribs for only $14.40.

We get almost all our cakes at Costco.

we travel for food

Whether for a birthday or another celebration, we love getting our cakes from the Costco bakery . Each cake is handmade, and customers can place a custom order by filling out a form at the store.

Customers can choose from various cake, filling, and icing options. The bakery also offers a variety of designs and can write a customized message on the cake.

Cakes are available in either half-sheet or round variations.

In my family, the Gourmia air fryer is a kitchen staple.

we travel for food

The Gourmia air fryer is a staple for both the adults and kids in our family. The device lets my family bake, roast, broil, reheat, and even just keep food warm.

It has optional preheat and turn-food reminders, an auto shut-off function, and dishwasher-safe pieces like the basket and crisper tray.

The air fryer is $50 at my location.

We love looking through Costco's selection of clothing.

we travel for food

Costco offers great deals on clothing like jackets, pajamas, shirts, socks, and jeans.

I've seen a variety of sizes suited for babies, toddlers, teens, and adults. In the past, I've picked up items like Ugg boots and a Danskin pullover .

Customers can also find exclusive deals on select brands online.

The OXO SoftWorks pop containers help keep our snacks fresh.

we travel for food

OXO SoftWorks pop containers, which are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, help our family stay organized.

To open them, all you need to do is push the button on the lid to release the airtight seal. We use them to store food in our pantry and keep our snacks fresh.

An eight-piece OXO container set costs $50 at my store.

My kids are big fans of the Frito-Lay variety pack of chips.

we travel for food

My kids love having chips with their sandwiches for lunch and always want to pick up this Frito-Lay variety pack.

The box contains a 54-count mix of Cheetos, Lay's, Ruffles, Doritos, and Fritos, and costs $19 at my location.

Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one .

we travel for food

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COMMENTS

  1. We TRAVEL for FOOD!

    We TRAVEL for FOOD! Welcome! This is the place where you can post all those food pictures! Post your food pics here! Please, only one post per day, however, you may have...

  2. Travel and Food Guides

    Food is why we travel. We're allergic to touristy food so it's important for us to find the most authentic food experiences on every trip. We have the best food guides on the internet so check them out to learn what local dishes to look for and which restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls to visit in different cities around the world.

  3. Why I Travel For Food and So Should You

    1. Food Travel Awakens the Senses Peruvian Arroz con Mariscos with choclo (big corn) on top You're wondering how food can be powerful, right? It's simple. Eating utilizes all five senses. Not only do we taste our food, we also touch it, smell it, devour it with our eyes and listen to it sizzle in the pan.

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

    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.

  5. Food and Travel: 27 food experiences from around the world

    Fry them in the oil for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden. Once they're golden, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Keep the oil in the pan hot. Using wax paper and a solid base, flatten the golden disks with the bottom of a firm glass to about ¼ inch.

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

    9320 shares 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.

  7. 14 Countries With the Best Food for Insatiable Foodies

    Here are some of the best countries for food, 14 of our favorite food and wine destinations for your culinary wish list! 14 Best Countries for Food. 1. Portugal. With this coastal Mediterranean country having its moment, Portugal deserves the top spot on this list of best food countries in the world!

  8. What Is Food Travel And How To Plan A Culinary Trip

    In general, it means travelling to do food tourism, which we define as follows: Food tourism is composed of activities that provide experiences of consumption and appreciation of food and beverages, presented in such a way that value the history, the culture and the environment of a particular region. by Food'n Road Why Food Travel?

  9. 105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

    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.

  10. Ultimate Guide to Packing Travel Food

    Review airline and TSA food rules if flying. Pack water in a water bottle to keep the kids hydrated. For adults, some easy travel foods or road trip foods can include almonds, Greek yogurt, beef jerky, nut butters in pouches, carrot and celery sticks, dark chocolate, chips, turkey and cheese, and more.

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

    Photo credit: @ dima_sidelnikov | depositphotos.com. If you are wondering what food is good for road trips and what are the best snacks for road trips or need unique road trip food ideas, you have come to the right place!. Before we get to the list of healthy road trip snacks and meals, let's quickly look at why you should bring your own food or make-ahead road trip meals and snacks on your ...

  12. Why Do We Travel for Food?

    3 - Al Fornello da Ricci, Ceglie Messapica, Puglia. One more for Italy! Down in the heel of the boot is a culinary destination that has no parallel in Italy, and this is the best of the best. Chef Antonella Ricci puts a spin on classic dishes and makes full use of the incredible local products that Puglia is known for.

  13. 49 Non-Perishable Road Trip Food Options For Your Next Adventure

    If you are looking for some options for non-perishable food for a road trip that is healthy, here are some ideas for you. 36. KIND Granola - mix with a little powdered milk and water for a healthier cereal option. KIND has very little added sugar which makes it a solid choice. 37.

  14. Food Travel Tips: Planning for a Memorable Culinary Journey

    Food travel, a burgeoning trend among globetrotters, offers an exciting way to delve into a country's rich gastronomic culture. But to fully enjoy this journey, it requires planning and preparation. In this article, I'll share key food travel tips drawn from my experiences, ensuring your epicurean adventures are seamless and memorable.

  15. 20+ Healthy Foods to Pack When You Travel

    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...

  16. 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.

  17. Healthy Travel Food

    1 bag Costco frozen mixed berries a pint of soaked/drained sunflower seeds (to add to granola for breakfast) a quart of alfalfa/radish/clover sprouts (to add to granola for breakfast) In the Box BlendTec for a family, Nutribullet for a single person with limited ability to pack (can go in a suitcase easily)

  18. 12 Things We Pack When We Travel With Food Allergies

    Something to eat with. Photo: Takenaka. Pearl River Chopsticks with Case (about $6 at the time of publication) Takenaka Chopsticks with Case (about $10 at the time of publication) Toaks Titanium ...

  19. 12 Delicious Countries to Visit for Food

    Spain. France. Mexico. USA. 1. Japan. This was a no-brainer. Japan is our favorite country in the world to visit and a big reason for that is the food. They have the most Michelin stars in the world, surpassing even France, which proves that Japanese is one of the best cuisines in the world.

  20. 25 delicious travel snacks for road trips and long flights

    $18 at Amazon Sabra Classic Hummus Snacker With Pretzels Target With both hummus and pretzels included and no cutlery required, this snack is easy to grab and take with you on a road trip or train...

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  22. Road Trip Meal Plan {Healthy Travel Food Ideas}

    1/2 cup Jasmine Rice, cooked. Roasted asparagus (precooked) Salt, mustard, and fat free sour cream for flavor. It was the perfect pre-run meal. Not to mention, low in calorie, high in protein, and packed with nutrients. Dinner was around 225 calories, 28 grams protein, 25 grams carbs, and 1 gram fat.

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  24. Best Carry Along Travel Food For Vegetarians

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  25. ButcherBox Review 2024: We Tested the Meat Subscription Service

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  26. Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

    Per diem rates look-up Allowances for lodging, meal and incidental costs while on official government travel. Mileage reimbursement rates Reimbursement rates for the use of your own vehicle while on official government travel. Technology ... Careers Learn what we have to offer. Per Diem Lookup Search. Buy through us expand menu. Explore buy ...

  27. Plov: Uzbekistan's rice dish with 'sexual power'

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  29. Best Things Costco Employee, Mom Gets for Family of 4

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