Long trips can be exhausting with tendencies of not being able to stop for full meals. Be prepared by bringing healthy snacks or meals that travel well. Store-bought or homemade – it does not really matter when it helps to keep you going.
The best healthy snacks for road trips and plane travels are those that do not spoil quickly, are not messy to eat, and do not need preheating. In addition, you should choose meals that have good nutritional value to give you the energy you need for a long trip.
Here are some healthy snacks and meals that you can easily bring on travel.
1. Nuts
Roasted nuts are good to bring as snacks for long travels, because why not? These protein- and fiber-packed bits are delicious to munch on while waiting for long hours. Also, because they are dry, they remain fresh for long periods when stored properly.
Bring mixed nuts for variety, and then pack them in a small container or a sealed plastic pouch. There are also flavored nuts that you can buy in supermarkets, such as Blue Diamond Almonds. It comes in different intriguing flavors like salt and vinegar and Habanero BBQ.
2. Homemade Sandwiches
If possible, bring sandwiches on long drives. They are undoubtedly heavier meals than nuts and berries, which will satisfy you for longer. Also, you can make homemade sandwiches with your choice of filling. Adding tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles will boost both the flavor and the nutritional value.
You can go for simple ham or egg sandwiches or level up a bit with some healthy sandwich recipes from sites like Beginner Food.
3. Cupcakes
Home-made and store-bought cupcakes are great as snacks for both land and air trips. They will be a sure hit when you are traveling with kids, too.
Also, cupcakes contain vitamins and minerals. They contain milk and eggs, which are good sources of protein, calcium, and iron. The carbs in cupcakes provide energy to sustain the long, tiring journey.
4. Berries and Cherries
Boost the immune system when you travel by bringing berries or cherries for snacks. Cherries are high in antioxidants, while berries are a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as potassium, magnesium, and iron.
You can bring fresh cherries and berries or grab a ready-to-eat pouch from the store, such as Welch’s Fruit Snacks. This chewy snack is great for plane travels, too, as it helps ease the feeling of having clogged ears during a takeoff.
5. Granola
Combine rolled oats, puffed rice, nuts, and cereals with honey or other types of sweetener and you get granola. Besides that it is a delicious sweet treat, granola is loaded with nutrients. It is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamin A and iron.
Adding mini marshmallows, dried berries, or another topping in your granola will give it a flavor boost. When you choose granola for snacks to bring on your next trip, you have several ways to enjoy all of its goodness. Granola bars, mixed trail, and homemade granola treats are just some of them.
6. Fruits
Fruits are also good snacks to bring on travel because they are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, fruits contain fluids that help hydrate the body.
Long trips can be stressful and sometimes, hunger triggers anxiety. Eating fresh fruits, especially citrusy like oranges, while you travel will ensure a steady supply of vitamins and minerals, which help combat stress and anxiety.
7. Cookies
Homemade cookies are usually better than store-bought for snacks or meals that travel well. Making your own cookies allows you to modify the ingredients, flavor, and nutritional value, too. Pre-packed cookies are good alternatives, though. Just slide them in your bag and go.
The amount of nutrition in every serving of cookies varies by the ingredients used in them. In general, they contain protein, calcium, and iron.
8. Veggies
Vegetables ensure balanced hydration when on a long trip as they contain water. Like fruits, too, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Paired with your favorite dressing, sliced carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers will make a crunchy and delicious on-the-go snack.
Pack veggie sticks in a small container and get vitamins ACE, potassium, magnesium, and even antioxidants with every bite.
9. Crackers
Even before, crackers are already a life-saver. They are quick hunger relievers helping you make it until the time for a heavy meal. Cheese, multi-grain, sugar-coated, and graham are only some of the variants out in the market today.
The nutrients in crackers are different depending on your variant. Multi-grain crackers contain more vitamins and minerals and are rich in fiber, while cheese crackers are generous in protein. However, you should know that some crackers lack these health benefits such as saltine crackers.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt packed in serving sizes is also a good choice if you are thinking of what to bring on backpacking adventures or road trips. Simply opt for store-bought if traveling by plane since you are only allowed to bring no more than 100ml. Choose your yogurt based on flavor, fat content, and cultures. Non-fat yogurt contains less than 1 percent of milk fat.
Greek yogurts are in demand choices because they are thicker and creamier with twice as much protein as traditional variants. Greek-style yogurts also have two times protein content but used stabilizers to achieve a thick texture.
Tips for Choosing Travel Snacks or Meals
While there are many other snacks or meals that you can bring for a trip, you have to consider these things when choosing.
- Avoid snacks that have a strong smell such as hard-boiled eggs. Remember that you will be seated along with other passengers. Strong smelling foods can be nauseous for others.
- Choose snacks that go well with the climate. For example, avoid bringing chocolates or chocolate-coated treats in warm weather as they melt.
- Do not bring foods that are crumbly and messy to eat. You know how difficult cleaning crumbs in tight spaces could get.
- Avoid any foods that spoil quickly. Usually, the drier the food, the better it is for long trips.
- Foods that need preheating is not an option for travel snacks.
- Remember that airports have restrictions when it comes to traveling with liquids and gels. This goes for food, too. It is wisest to just bring dry snacks.
Snacks Packing Tips
It shouldn’t be difficult to pack store-bought goodies as you can easily slide them in your bag and you are ready to leave. For homemade snacks, a bit of effort is needed in packing to ensure their quality remains the same even after hours of traveling.
- Clean hands and containers are a must: Before preparation, make sure to clean your hands as well as the containers or food bags that you will be using. The common causes of food spoilage include bacteria, molds, and enzymes. So before anything else, make sure the containers to use are clean and dry. The lids should be tight, too. The same goes if you are using sealed snack bags.
- Pack snacks in one pouch: Use a container or a pouch to pack all your snacks inside if possible. Simply avoid the hassle of searching your bag for a small pack of biscuits when you do so.
- Include other travel essentials: Water is very important to avoid dehydration as you travel. Napkins or wet tissue should also be included in your packing, especially if you have kids with you. You would not want to eat with dirty hands so bring a sanitizer, too. It’s also a good idea to come prepared with essential medicines you could need on your trip. You can have these already packed and delivered to you even if you order them two days before the trip. Visit https://www.90daymeds.com/ to eliminate the hassle from this part of preparing for your trips.
Conclusion
You will never run out of options when it comes to ideal snacks to bring on a trip. You are a step ahead though with healthy snacks or meals that travel well. Fruits, veggies, nuts, and even cupcakes are ideal snacks for trips with a good nutritional value which do not spoil quickly.