Ah, the joy of hitting the open road, exploring new horizons, and indulging in the finest delicacies that gas stations have to offer.
But hold on people, for we are here to rescue you from the clutches of flavorless snacks and culinary mediocrity, not that there is anything wrong with 7 Eleven or WaWa.
I happen to love their boneless wings and meatball hoagie.
But if you are strapped for cash or saving for the destination, here is a list of Road Trip food essentials that will keep your tummy happy for a few hours till your next stop so you can spend your dimes and time on a special restaurant or souvenir shop.
Bring your cooler and pack some ice for your favorite drinks so you can stay well hydrated.
Pack your own meals
Pack Your Own Meals and Snacks: Prepare homemade meals, sandwiches, and snacks before your trip. This allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes while saving money on eating out.
- Empanadas –Empanadas are made by folding dough or pastry around a filling and then baking or frying it until golden and crispy. These are portable and can be eaten anytime breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- PB and J– This classic combination of peanut butter and jelly, typically spread between two slices of bread, remains a popular choice for many individuals of all ages.
Change it up and use other smears like Nutella or a little condensed milk and jam.
- mozzarella sticks or mini baby Bel cheese
- beef jerky
- potato chips
- cereal cups
- apple sauce
- sliced apples
- fruits like blueberries and grapes
- granola
- protein bars
- mixed nuts
- pretzels
- yogurt
- pudding
- chocolates (put it in your cooler)
Shop at grocery stores
Instead of relying solely on restaurants and convenience stores, visit grocery stores along your route. You can buy fresh produce, bread, deli meats, and other affordable items to create your own meals or snacks.
Use coupons and deals
Check online coupon websites, apps, and local flyers for discounts and deals on restaurants or food items.
Many establishments offer special promotions or loyalty programs that can help you save money.
As you stop by the rest stops grab the local paper or free guidebooks. Many of them have free discounts or coupons.
Take advantage of free breakfast
If you’re staying at hotels that offer complimentary breakfast, make sure to take advantage of it. This allows you to start your day with a free meal and saves you from spending extra money on breakfast.
Opt for affordable dining options
During your journey, look for budget-friendly eateries, food trucks, or local diners along the way that offer reasonably priced meals. Go on google maps and search food near me, this shows endless options and if the location is open and menu options are available.
These establishments often provide generous portions at a lower cost compared to more upscale restaurants.
Share meals
Consider sharing meals with your travel companions. Many restaurants serve large portions that can be split between two or more people, reducing the overall cost.
For example, Ikea has reasonable prices for meals. As an adult, I had a kid’s meal for $5 which was their famous Swedish meatball dish with 2 sides (green peas and mashed potatoes). They also sell a vanilla ice cream cone for like $2, if you want dessert after perusing their furniture.
Avoid tourist hotspots
Restaurants located in popular tourist areas tend to be pricier.
Venture away from these areas and explore local neighborhoods where you can find more affordable dining options.
Look for daily specials
If you feel like restaurant food, look for the lunch specials. After the lockdown many places are doing what they can to invite patrons over to keep their business open. Get there early as some may have only a limited supply of food depending on the area and how busy they are.
Many restaurants offer daily specials or discounted menus during certain times of the day. Take advantage of these offers to enjoy good food at a lower price.
Bring Reusable containers
If you have leftovers from a meal, save them in reusable containers. This allows you to enjoy the leftovers as a meal or snack later on, eliminating the need to buy additional food.
Also, when you get 1 gallon water bottles, you can fill your own water bottle multiple times.