LakelandGear Travel Tips: Eating On The Road

There is nothing worse than working hard to save money for your vacation -- only to see it blown away on food bills and restaurant expenses!  With a family of hungry kids, food can easily be one of the largest travel expenses. To save money, try to stay in places where you can cook (like condos or efficiency units) and bring groceries with you on the trip. If you can't bring groceries from home, purchase them BEFORE you get to your final vacation destination if at all possible. Groceries at ski resorts and beach resorts are often 50-100% more expensive than they are just a few several miles away from the resort.  If you're going to an amusement park, think about taking a picnic lunch with you to save money.

When traveling don't drink pop (soda), water, juice, etc. out of boredom. You are just going to be wasting time when you have to stop at restrooms. Only drink only when THIRSTY!!! Even then, try to limit it.

Children often eat out of boredom on trips.  Don't give them chips, candy bars, licorice, fruit twists, etc. you are just going to be keeping them up all night and/or making them have a upset tummy in the car-not very delightful.

Here is a list of some travel safe snacks:

  • Pretzels
  • Animal Crackers
  • All-Natural Fruit Rolls
  • Raisins
  • Cereal
  • Granola Bars
  • Cheese Sticks

If you are leaving home anywhere from 5:00am - 8:00am don't eat breakfast at home, stop at a fast food restaurant AFTER you have been traveling for about 1 1/2 hours; this stop breaks up the trip a little. If you are still on the road for lunch, EAT in the CAR. This plan saves time. If you are still on the road at about 4:00pm-6:00pm, eat dinner at a fast food restaurant.

Non-Peak times to eat:

  • Breakfast - 5:00am-7:00am
  • Lunch - Don't even stop at a restaurant for lunch-eat in the car
  • Dinner - 4:00-4:45pm

Lunches in the car should be simple, yet filling. Good foods are:

  • PB&J
  • Cheese Sticks
  • Juice
  • Roast Beef Sandwiches
  • Turkey Sandwiches
  • Pretzels
  • Etc.

PS. Make sure and BRING A COOLER!!!

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