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20 Hot & Cold Lunch Ideas for Sports Tournaments

Meal ideas for packing lunches for baseball, softball, soccer and other sports tournaments..

HOT FOOD 

• Chili Dogs – pack the chili in one container and hot dogs in another. Bring buns and condiments (I stock up on packets of mustard and ketchup at fast food joints so I can just bring those).
• Franks & Beans
• Tavern Sandwiches – just bring some buns and you’re all set!
• Chili – Serve with corn chips and shredded cheese.
• Meatball Subs – bring a zip-top bag of mozzarella and some buns then assemble the subs at eatin’ time.
• Easy Chicken & Rice Soup
• Sloppy Joes – Cook up the meat mixture in the morning and bring buns!
• Walking Tacos – Open an individual-size bag of corn chips, tortilla chips or Doritos, spoon hot taco meat into the bag over the chips then top with cheese. Stick a plastic fork in there and you’re ready to eat!
• White Trash Sliders – Serve the cheesy, meaty filling on sliders!
• Italian Sausage Dogs - pack the cooked sausages in marinara sauce one container then sauteed peppers and onions in another. 
• Roll-Ups – Instead of traditional sandwiches, I like to make an assortment of tortilla roll-ups then cut them into small servings so you can sample a few different kinds. My favorites to make are Turkey Bacon Ranch (spread ranch dip on tortilla then top with shredded cheese, turkey slices and bacon) and what I call “Deli Roll-Ups” (mayo, favorite deli meat and cheese, and spinach leaves).
• Chicken Salad Sliders – I make an assortment of chicken salads (actually easy to use one batch to make three different kinds – check out my recipe for Chicken Salad Three Ways) then make small sliders so you can sample a few different kinds.
• Frito Corn Salad
• Chicken Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad
• Tuna Noodle Salad
• Ham Salad – Bring a bowl of this then serve with crackers or sandwich bread.
• Egg Salad Sandwiches – I like to make mine on good ol’ white bread then cut them into triangles.
• Pimento Cheese Sandwiches – same as with the egg salad
• “Subosaurus” – I make one gigantic sub sandwich on a loaf of Italian bread then wrap it up tight. When I have time I like to pack a dish of sliced tomatoes and onions with Italian dressing to add to the sub when it's time to eat (if you add them before you pack it, the sub will get soggy).When it’s time to eat, I slice it into individual serving sizes.
• Loaded Pimento Cheese – Serve with crackers or celery sticks.
• Seafood Salad – I like to make sandwiches with pita bread or serve with crackers.
• Fruit - I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a container of assorted ice-cold fruit for the players. We don’t let our kids eat a lot of junk between games so they’ll often just focus on the fruit and have a tad of the above (the rest is eaten mostly by the parents). The favorites seem to be watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes and strawberries.
• Pizza Pasta Salad
• Picnic Pasta Salad

5 comments:

I absolutely love your site and receiving my emails. Keep up the good work and have a great day. Jacquie

We are grandparents of baseball players! Love your recipes. I run out of ideas. We have it a little easier with hot food because we have a small RV we take for games. Great for cooking, taking naps, and getting out of the sun!

I want to be your ball park mom friend! All the time I've spent all ballparks and I've never thought of this! Such great ideas!

I want to be your ball park mom friend! All the time I've spent all ballparks and I've never thought of this! Such great ideas! tỉ lệ cược bóng đá

These are great ideas. We also make hogie dip. Basically u take ham, turkey, salami, onions, tomatos, orgeano, salt, pepper, and mayo, cut everything into small pieces and get a thing of bread from the deli.

Hi there! While I’m not able to respond to every comment, I try hard to answer any questions that haven’t been addressed in the post, recipe or in other comments. I can tell you now 1) I have no idea if you can substitute Minute Rice or brown rice in my recipes because I’ve never used them and 2) If I know how to convert a recipe to a Crock Pot version, I will make a note about it (otherwise, I don’t know). And though I may not respond to them all, I do read each and every comment and I LOVE to hear from you guys! Thanks, y’all! - Mandy

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100+ Lunch Ideas For Field Trips (+No Cooler Options)

By The Busy Budgeter | Leave a comment | This post may contain affiliate links

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If you need lunch ideas for school field trips then you’ve probably been told you need to send in a brown bag lunch that doesn’t need to be refrigerated in a paper bag or you’re just not used to making kid’s school lunches. either way… This list is a lifesaver.  I categorized all of our easy lunch ideas for field trips in one spot below…

Field Trip Lunch Type # 1: Fully Disposable Lunches That Do Not Require Disposable Ice Packs: 

These are often called “Brown Bag Lunches” because they’re just paper lunch bags filled with items that can all be thrown out. You aren’t supposed to use any reusable containers. The idea is that the kids eat their lunch and the entire bag is thrown right into the trash. Nothing is taken back home. 

I know these are frustrating, especially for kids who are picky eaters. But as a field trip volunteer- I can tell you they’re necessary. Our school’s field trips usually involve the teacher, me, and 17 kids.

Lugging a large box of 17 paper bags to the picnic tables at the aquarium is hard but necessary. The teacher can stay with the kids and I can grab the box of lunches and bring it to the table where they’ll eat. But if they were each in a lunch box with an ice pack, those 17 lunches would take up 4 boxes of the same size and it would be impossible to manage while also carting around our own stuff, managing the kids, bathroom trips, and trying to teach.  

So these are a pain, but important. 

I mportant note: Often the school will provide an option where they’ll pack a brown bag lunch for your child for a cost. Check with your kid’s teacher if you’re not sure. 

Room Temperature Disposable “Brown Bag” Lunch Ideas: 

Choose a few items from this list…

Disposable Lunch Ideas For Field Trips: 

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches (Or almond butter if your school has a “no peanut butter rule” due to severe food allergies.
• Nutella Sandwiches.
• Frozen uncrustables (they’ll thaw in the bag by lunchtime).
• Beef jerky.
• Tuna pouches.
• Chicken salad kits or tuna salad kits.
• Protein bar.
• Bagel or mini bagel.
• Black beans.
• Breadsticks.
• Hawaiian rolls.
• Apple chips.
• Fruit- like apples, clementines (only if they can peel them themselves!), grapes, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, bananas, etc. 
• Veggies- like baby carrots, grape tomatoes, sugar snap peas, celery, and cucumber slices.
• Shelf stable ranch cups. (Hidden valley makes my favorite one- they’ll be in the salad dressing aisle). 
• Gogurt Yogurt (freeze the tubes the night before and they’ll thaw by lunch) (Technically this isn’t totally safe … but most of the moms in my school do this). 
• Nuts (check to make sure your school allows peanuts). 
• Dried fruits like pineapple. 
• Granola bar.
• Sealed fruit cup.
• Juice boxes.
• Shelf stable milk (make sure they like drinking it at room temperature). 
• Popcorn (We use our popcorn machine to make popcorn every day) . 
• Muffins. 
• Little bites mini muffins. 
• Candy. 
• Chocolate. 
• Disposable water bottle.
• Technically some hard cheeses don’t require refridgereration… but if your 2nd grader is munching on a parmesan block at lunch… they’re clearly more sophisticated than I am.  

Usually, when you have these requirements for lunch- they don’t want you to pack their own reusable water bottles. They want you to come in with a disposable water bottle clearly labeled with their name (bonus points if you initial the cap too). That way after lunchtime, they can take the entire bag and water bottle and dump everything in the trash and not have to organize or cart anything back to school at the end of the trip. 

Hint: If you keep a box of uncrustables, a box of Gogurts, and a few bottles of water (open the seal to let some of the water out first to leave room for the water to expand) then you’ll never be caught unprepared for a field trip.

Love this list? You should see the list of cheap and easy meal ideas that we use to meal plan literally every week. Get that for free here.

Field Trip Lunch Type #2: Cold Lunch Ideas: 

If you can have a cooler pack in your lunch box- you can add any of the following along with an ice pack (if you need ice packs- you can get them for about $1 at Walmart or you can get the adorable unicorn ice packs above with 5 stars over 12k reviews on Amazon here) :

Cold Lunch Ideas: 

• Bagel and cream cheese.
• Bagel and butter.
• Deli meat sandwiches- BLT, Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef. 
• Chicken or tuna salad sandwich.
• Cheese sticks.  
• Greek yogurt.
• Cheese roll-ups (these work so well with tortillas and you can add deli meat or pepperoni). 
• Cheese sandwiches- grilling it and eating it cold is also apparently a thing that moms (who are not me) do. 
• Hummus for veggies.
• Hard-boiled eggs. 
• Cubed chicken. 
• Cold pizza. 

Field Trip Lunch Type #3: Thermos Hot Lunch Ideas:

Don’t forget that if you’re allowed to pack an actual lunch box- then you can also pack hot lunch items in a Thermos. I mostly do this when we have leftovers (because seriously… who has time to make mac n cheese in the morning for your kids’ lunch)… but you can buy one of these thermoses , fill it with boiling water, and put the top on. Let it sit for several minutes. Then fill it with hot food. The food will stay warm in the Thermos for 6 hours.

You can buy a Thermos at Walmart, Target, or they have off-brand but much cuter options on Amazon like this one (pictured above) with the computer kitten, which is leakproof, heat rated, has a folding spoon that fits in the lid, and has an overall 5-star rating. 

Fun fact: You can stick your Thermos in your cold lunch cooler bag along with other cold food like yogurt or cheese sticks because it’s double insulated. 

Thermos Hot Lunch Ideas: 

• Macaroni and cheese.
• Leftover chicken, steak, pork, or chicken wings. 
• Chicken nuggets (I microwave them with a paper towel following package directions and pack them like this all the time.)
• Spaghetti and meatballs. 
• Broccoli cheddar soup. 
• Buttered pasta.
• Pizza rolls.
• Bagel bites.
• Mashed potatoes with toppings.
• French toast sticks.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Taco meat, pulled pork, or chicken (add a bun or tortillas).
• Pork fried rice.
• Chicken casseroles. 
• Any leftovers that need to be warm. 

Field Trip Lunch Type #4: Healthy school lunch ideas:

If you’re looking for only healthy school lunch ideas, then pack lunches “bento box style”. That means that you pack a serving of several whole foods together in one container ( these bento boxes (pictured above) are the ones we use- they have separate compartments for everything including dips or dressing ). That might look like a container filled with a hard-boiled egg, apple slices, cubed chicken, carrots, and blueberries in one container. This makes clean-up easier because it’s just one container and cuts down on the plastic bag waste and fewer dishes to wash than using multiple reusable containers. 

Healthy School Lunch Ideas: 

Just choose one item from the following categories to stick into a bento box: 

Protein: 

• Cheese stick.
• Hard-boiled egg.
• Nuts. 
• Almond butter or peanut butter. 
• Chicken breast cubes.

Raw Vegetables: 

• Broccoli. 
• Cauliflower.
• Carrots. 
• Grape tomatoes.
• Clementines.
• Blueberries.
• Pomegranate seeds.

Whole grains: 

• Whole grain pretzels.
• Whole grain crackers.
• Whole grain pasta. 
• Pita bread. 

Love this list? You should see the list of cheap and easy meal ideas we use to meal plan literally every week. Get that for free here.

Other things you should know for field trip lunches: 

Don’t forget a water bottle for the field trip!

It makes life a million times easier and saves us lots of water fountain trips. If it’s a “disposable lunch only” then they need a water bottle that can be thrown out at the end of the field trip. If they can bring a lunchbox, then you can bring a reusable water bottle.

Label everything!

That includes coats, lunch bags, and water bottles. On field trips, everything is usually left on the bus and someone is tasked with grabbing those items later. Trying to figure out whose bag is whose can be chaotic with everyone trying to eat, especially with things like allergens. You can pack lunch in either paper lunch bags or in a ziplock bag and just label them with a pen or a sharpie. For jackets, you can write their names on the tag in sharpie or you can grab a set of these semi-permanent labels that stick to lunch containers and clothing that can be washed without falling off to label everything from your bento boxes, water bottles, to your sweaters and jackets. 

Bonus points for cute lunch notes.

At least for the field trips I’ve volunteered on (K-4th grade), lunch notes from parents seem to be a status symbol that gets noticed. Not that I’m trying to add anything to your already hectic day… just mentioning that if you have the time and want to surprise your elementary school kid, it goes a long way. Here’s some ideas if you’re not sure what to say.

You can actually buy cute printed cards with blank backs to write your notes on now , but post-it notes or even scrap paper have the same effect.

P.S. Love this list? You should see the list of cheap and easy meal ideas that we use to meal plan literally every week. Get that for free here.

If you have any ideas I missed- can you let me know in the comments below so I can add them later?

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The Ultimate Baseball Tournament Packing List (+ Travel Items)

4/23/22 TThis post may contain affiliate links. We receive a small commission at no additional cost to you, and we only recommend products that we have and use in our own homes. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy

What do you need to pack for a day (or a weekend) out at the sports field? Whether you’re packing for a baseball tournament or softball, soccer, lacrosse, football, etc., here’s your list of essentials to pack for tournaments. Never forget everything you need again with my free printable baseball tournament packing list ! 

When my boys played recreation baseball, it was easy to grab the essentials for a game because you don’t need that much for 1-2 hours, right? Just slap on a cap and some sunscreen on everyone and you’re good to go.

But when my boys started playing on competitive travel teams, I suddenly had to learn how to up my game. Big time.

And I made a few (big) mistakes along the way! So, I wanted to help reduce your learning curve by giving you my hard-learned list of must-haves for weekend baseball tournaments.

Tips To Simplify This Baseball Tournament Packing List

If you’re new to the world of competitive sports teams and tournaments, know ahead of time that you’ll probably spend hours at the field each day. Sometimes there’s a break in between games where you can run to a bathroom or grab some food.

Other times, games are back to back and you really can’t leave. And you’ll likely do this both Saturday and Sunday (or multiple days if you’re taking part in a travel tournament).

Planning ahead will be your best friend – keeping some things already packed and ready to go was the BEST thing I do to help reduce prep time and the chance of forgetting things.

Tip 1: Keep Layers And Sunscreen Ready To Go

Once the spring baseball season kicks off, I keep a tote in my vehicle that has clothing essentials such as a hat, sunscreen, winter hat, gloves, blanket, windbreaker, umbrella, and rain poncho.

Tip 2: Keep Some Snacks Packed

And I also make a snack bag filled with non-perishable grab-and-go essentials such as beef jerky, sunflower seeds, nuts, protein bars, licorice, and gum.

With these two bags or totes packed up, all you have to do is keep them in the car (my preference) or by the door and grab them on your way out.

Grab my handy checklist so you never forget an item again!

What To Pack For A Baseball Tournament: 33 Essentials

In an effort to make this list easy to follow, I’m breaking it down into categories.

Health Items On Your Baseball Tournament Packing List

1. sunscreen.

I recommend keeping a bottle of easy-to-apply sunscreen in your child’s bag and another bottle for you and the family.

I was very opposed to the spray sunscreens for a long time…until we started doing weekend tournaments for baseball. Now I’m a HUGE fan!

Having a spray sunscreen is SO much easier to use than rubbing in creams when you’re rushing from one game to another or have dirty hands from being at the fields!

I highly recommend these two:

• Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 50
• Blue Lizard Sport Sunscreen SPF 50 (mineral-based sunscreen)

2. Sun Hat Or Baseball Cap

Baseball players and family members spend so much time out in the sun, and if you’re anything like me that bright light is murder on the eyes and the skin.

Bring along a sun hat to keep the sun off of your entire face. There are many different options from baseball caps to wide brim floppy sun hats. Here are a few of our favorite go-to’s :

• Women’s UV Protection Foldable Mesh Wide Brim Hat (great for ponytails!)
• Rollable UPF 50+ Wide Brim Gardening Hat with Neck Flap (great for rolling up small and protecting the neck!)
• Straw Wide Brim UPF 50 Foldable Roll up Floppy Hat (great for a fun, stylish option!)
• UPF 50+ Wide Brim Roll-up Straw Sun Hat Sun Visor (great for an open, airy, cooler option!)
• Ponytail Hat Baseball Cap (love this for my constant ponytails and messy buns!)

3. Sunglasses

My light blue eyes are super sensitive to bright light anyway, but my optometrist gave me a reminder about how important it is to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. 

Here are some of my favorite options:

• Vintage Big Frame Sun Glasses (for the best coverage and that “diva” look!)
• RIVBOS Polarized UV Protection Sports Sunglasses (I love sports sunglasses!)
• Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

4. Bug Repellant

The heat and humidity of summertime often mean bugs – and lots of them! If you’re anything like me, being a mosquito buffet takes away from the enjoyment of watching your kiddos play ball.

Protect your family (and yourself) with a good repellent. There are many options, but here are my favorites:

• Make your own DIY Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent
• Chemical-Free Bug Soother Spray
• OFF! Deep Woods Bug Spray & Mosquito Repellent

5. First Aid Kit

I’ve seen a lot of injuries on the baseball field over the years. That includes everything from bee stings to cuts and bruises to goose eggs and broken bones.

We’ve been on some teams where the coach or team parent had a first aid kit. And we’ve been on teams where no one had a first aid kit.

After my son got hit by a bad pitch and we didn’t have ice, I started bringing a first aid kit and Ice Paks so that we (and the rest of the team) would always have the essentials on hand.

FYI, it’s come in handy MANY times, and I’ve even used it to help kids playing on nearby fields when their team didn’t have a first aid kit either.

I like this 300 piece kit that comes with a variety of bandages, antibiotic ointment, burn cream, a cold compress, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, and more. I love that it’s big enough to hold additional items if needed. It also has free shipping for Prime members!

I like to fill it up with a few helpful extras:

• Triple antibiotic ointment packets for scrapes and cuts
• Benedryl to help when someone has an allergy attack
• Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray for injuries and bug bites
• Bactine Max Pain Relieving Cleansing Spray to clean wounds
• Wound wraps

6. Instant Cold Pack

Bumps and bruises happen in sports, and it definitely helps to have some instant ice packs handy to keep the swelling down.

I have purchased several sets of these packs – and used them all!

7. Lip Balm

I get chapped lips in the sun and wind, and my kids do too. It took me a while, but I finally remembered to bring chapstick with me. It was life-changing!

8. Hand Sanitizer

Baseball fields aren’t clean places. Some fields have bathrooms and some only have Porta-potties. You just don’t know which fields will have bathrooms, not to mention which ones will have soap in their bathrooms.

A bottle of hand sanitizer is a must-have as part of a baseball tournament packing list.

9. Ibuprofen

I recommend having both kids’ and adult doses of ibuprofen. They come in handy when you least expect it.

10. Insurance Card

I hadn’t thought of this…until my son broke his arm on the baseball field (bad slide into 2nd base). Oh man, was I grateful his insurance card was in my wallet!

And there happened to be a very conveniently-located urgent care a half of a mile away. 😂

If you’re worried about losing the card, just put pictures of them in your phone so you always have them with you!

Food-Related Items For Your Baseball Tournament Packing List

11. extra water.

When you’re likely to be at the field for several hours, have a couple of these extra (insulated) water jugs with you because the sun and heat will make you and your player thirsty!

12. Snacks/Food

You’ll want to pack food. Trust me – cheering for your kids burns some serious calories! Many fields will have a concession stand, but some won’t.

Even if the fields have a concession stand, you’ll probably go broke spending 3x as much for crappy snacks. Pack some snacks and keep everyone satisfied all day.

Here are some of our favs:

• sunflower seeds
• protein bars
• fruit pouch
• fresh fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, watermelon, etc)
• dried fruit
• granola bars
• fruit leather

13. Gum/mints  

I’m a gum addict – it helps me munch a little less, and it gives me fresh breath for socializing.

14. Cooler

And you’ll need something to keep your food from getting hot or melting. That’s where a cooler comes in handy.

Fill a cooler with ice and keep your snacks and drinks cool. I have heard of some fields not allowing coolers, although we’ve never run into that issue.

If coolers aren’t allowed, you can still bring a cooler and leave it in your car. However, if coolers are allowed, then I recommend one of these three:

• Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
• Yeti Hopper Fip 18 (NOTHING keeps things as cool for as long as a Yeti does – and we’ve tried them all!)
• Coleman Portable Roller Cooler
• YETI soft coolers (use as a bag or wear as a backpack!)

If your family spends a lot of time at baseball tournaments, or you like to go camping or fishing, consider getting a (wheeled) Yeti cooler . Yes, they’re expensive, but they seriously last forever and keep things cold for days . No joke!

If you spend your weekends at baseball tournaments, get one. You’ll thank me.

Savings Pro Tip: Sign up for Rakuten before making your purchase. You’ll get a $30 bonus for signing up through my exclusive link and making your first purchase – PLUS, you’ll get cash back on your purchase from YETI (and all your online shopping)!

15. Cash

Concessions, parking fees, and entry fees (if you have them) usually ONLY take cash. Take some cash with you to avoid the hassle of finding an ATM.

Clothing Items For Your Baseball Tournament Packing List

A day at the baseball fields can present several clothing challenges. Here are some things you’ll want to have on hand to be prepared – and comfortable.

16. Jacket, Blanket, And Warm Pants

Even if it’s 80+ degrees when you leave for the tournament early in the morning, please take a jacket with you! Learn from my mistakes – I thought so many times “it’s hot, I’ll be fine!”

And I wasn’t. As soon as the sun set, I was freezing. And that doesn’t even count the days where rain or cold wind moved in.

I recommend having a few things, including:

• Fancywing Outdoor Waterproof Fleece Blanket (great for wrapping up to stay warm and keep the wind out)
• Ultimate Sports Wrap – Hooded Stadium Blanket with Zippers (for something a little more heavy-duty)
• Extreme Weather Hooded Blanket by Mambe (to keep you warm on those miserably cold days – you’ll be SO grateful for this!!)

It took me a couple of seasons to figure out the best jackets to take with me (I loved my long puffer jacket ). And in the early season when it can be REALLY chilly, I wear ski pants because they’re warm and great windbreakers!

17. Winter Hat And Gloves

We have been to MANY tournaments where the weather changed drastically over the course of the day or the weekend. It might be hot early in the day and then a cold wind brings in cold temperatures or rain.

We’ve sat through games in the rain AND the snow.

The ONLY way I got through those games was because I had the warm layers I mentioned above and a winter hat and warm gloves.

18. Fresh Clothes

Have layers handy for the weather turning colder, and a change of clothes handy for hot days when you’re tired of being sweaty. If your child is on a competitive team, BOTH will come in handy!

Seating And Weather Protection Items For Your Baseball Tournament Packing List

This section includes chairs and other items that will make watching the game more comfortable.

19. Stadium Chair Or Fold-up Chair

I don’t know about you, but I get uncomfortable pretty quickly when I’m sitting on something hard like bleachers. And when I get uncomfortable, I get grumpy.

It’s important to be prepared to hang out and watch your kiddos playing ball all day! This Ventura Reclining Stadium Seat will change your life.

I love that it folds flat and has convenient backpack straps for carrying. It has armrests for ultimate comfort, plus it comes in multiple colors so you. can match your team or find a color you love.

And at the beginning of the season when it’s still cold outside, you’ll want a heated stadium chair – trust me. Once the tooshie gets cold, watching baseball outside for hours is miserable.

When it gets warm outside, I prefer using a camping chair to sitting on the bleachers. I think they’re more comfortable and I can set up my sunshade canopy over it much easier.

20. Canopy or Umbrella

You may not need/want this on cool days, but it’s crucial for hot days, or rainy days! Keep cool and dry under an easy-to-put-up canopy . They are AWESOME because they literally pop up in about 5 minutes.

And if you have extra space, share with another family! I always did – we would sometimes have 4-5 families underneath. And they were always willing to help me set up and take down the canopy!

Plus, you can set it over chairs, over bleachers, off to the side, or in the outfield and move it between games, if needed, to save you from the heat.

Consider one with a single wall  which helps when the sun is low in the morning or late afternoon (I always wanted one of these because tilting the canopy to block the sun just doesn’t work) and on windy days.

If you happen to live in a windy area, I recommend a set of canopy weights to put down on the feet so your canopy doesn’t blow away on very windy days. I’ve seen it happen, and the canopy was ruined. 😔

If you prefer to hang out on the bleachers while you watch, this  clamp-on umbrella holder  is a must-have item for tournaments!

Electronics

Electronics may not be at the top of your list of things to bring to the ball field but think about taking pictures.

21. Smartphone/Camera

You’re definitely going to want to take pictures (and videos!) of your kiddo, so make sure to bring a camera with plenty of memory. You can invest in a great  Canon Rebel  that will take incredible game pictures.

I love to use my Canon for stills because the quality is still better than my smartphone images. However, when it comes to videos, I reach for my smartphone.

22. Extra Chargers

When you’re stuck at the field all day, a dead phone battery isn’t just a possibility, it’s a likelihood. And trust me, it’s NOT ideal on so many levels!

That’s why I LOVE this  SunJack Solar Charger  which can be charged outside at the game in all that sunshine you’ll likely be facing. It’s the size of a tablet and is waterproof, shock-proof, dust-proof, and drop-proof!

Plus. I always carry a  small portable charger  or two for my kids who aren’t playing. They’ll play games with other kids at the field for a long time, but at some point, they get worn out and want to have some device time.

23. Entertainment For Younger Siblings

Tournaments don’t just last 2 or 3 or 4 hours. I have spent weekends at the fields where we have been there for 13+ hours. That’s ALL day!

I always start out letting my kids play with other kids until they reach their limit. Then it’s time for some device time so they don’t have a melt down!

Keeping Cool & Toiletry Items For Your Baseball Tournament Packing List

24. cooling towels.

Those hot, sweltering days can be miserable – not only for you, but also for your player standing out on the field in the sun. The day I found out about these cooling towels was LIFE CHANGING.

Keep several wet rags in a baggie in your cooler. A nice, cold  hand towel  will make a HUGE difference for kids and parents alike. We have shared our towels with other players countless times – and helped a few recover from heat-related problems in the process.

25. Water Bottle Or Mister

I have literally left a game before and gone to the store to find water bottles because it was so hot and the kids were so miserable (and playing and EXTRA long game). Bring along a couple of large spray bottles so everyone can spray themselves down and cool off when they need it most.

OR bring along a mister ! They feel SO good on those hot days!

26. Roll Of Toilet Paper

This might sound a little weird, but I can’t tell you how many times it’s come in handy. From dealing with bloody noses to snotty noses to having some backup for the nasty portapotties that don’t have toilet paper.

Keep a roll with you. It’s WORTH it.

Make Carting All Your Stuff Easier

27. a large tote.

It may seem like an obvious thing to bring, but I have actually forgotten to take a baseball bag to tournaments. And I REGRETTED it. 

A nice large tote  can hold your keys, wallet, hats, sunglasses, snacks, extra clothes, chargers, extra water, etc. Plus, much more! This one is one I love because it has several pockets, a keychain clip, and plenty of room!

I also love this mesh bag because any dirt that gets into the bag (and ball fields have PLENTY of dirt), falls right out!

28. Portable Wagon 

I spent 2 (I think) seasons without a wagon, and when I finally got a  collapsible wagon , the difference was night and day. It carries all your stuff (I would put my canopy, tote bag, and more inside) and can hold a young whining sibling too!

Essential Traveling Items For Your Baseball Tournament Packing List

Traveling to another town or state involves bringing a few additional items.

29. Extra Uniforms

Bring along a pair or two of extra Youth Baseball Pants and jerseys. If you are staying in a hotel, pants will occasionally get a rip so it’s a good idea to have extras.

30. Laundry Detergent

If you’ll be gone longer than overnight, bring along your Fels Naptha  and Sponge to get out the stains and smells of your athlete’s pants so they show up looking clean and fresh to their next games!

Here’s how to get white baseball pants clean .

These are super portable so you can wash your child’s pants in the sink or bathtub and hang them up to dry overnight.

31. Clothes Hangers

You may need to air dry uniforms, and I haven’t found hotel hangers to be up to the task. Bring along a couple of hangers so you’re always prepared.

32. Slippers or Flip-Flops

A pair of waterproof slippers are perfect for hotel travel because the floors may not be clean, the kids will likely want to go to the pool, and they can do triple-duty as shoes your kiddo can slip on to get a break from their cleats.

33. Swimsuit

If you’re staying in a hotel, chances are good that there’s a swimming pool. And if your kids are anything like mine, they can’t resist going for a swim (as a team!) in their downtime!

Make Sure To Always Have These Baseball Tournament Packing List Essentials On Hand

When packing for a baseball tournament or any other kind, make sure to include these essentials in your bag!

Are there items I missed? If so, include them in the comments below.

Pro Mom Tip: IF you forget something, be gentle with yourself because there’s so much to remember (thus, the need for the wagon!). The good news is that you CAN buy most of what you need (we just don’t want to take time to go to a store or spend money we don’t need to spend!).

You got this! Play ball!

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41 No-Cook Meals for Your Next Travel Adventure

We’ve challenged ourselves to come up with the easiest dishes to prepare on a trip. You’ll love these no-cook meals for traveling!

Let’s be real … nobody wants to cook on their vacation. However, it isn’t economical to eat out every meal, and if you are off the grid camping, then you can’t anyway. Luckily, there are lots of great no-cook meals for traveling out there! They might take a bit of preparation beforehand, and you’ll definitely need a cooler or refrigerator of some sort, but it can be done! 

While the options for minimal-cook or prepare-before-hand meals are endless, we are going to challenge ourselves today. For this guide, we will only use only recipes that you need absolutely no heat source for, once you’re on the road.  That’s not to say, you couldn’t modify some of them to make even better meals cooked over a campfire or stove—like s’mores! 

App-Guided Travel Adventures

While you’re traveling, don’t forget to download our app and search for nearby scavenger hunts ! Each adventure is designed to help you get to know new places and learn fun facts. Search through hundreds of tours , pub crawls , art walks, and ghost hunts and find one perfect for you!

No-Cook Breakfast Meals for Traveling

​Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? It certainly is if you plan on taking a long hike or spending the day in one of the blazing hot national parks of the Western United States. While packaged doughnuts are totally an option, let’s what else we can find!

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious way to start the day. All you need is something to keep them cold. There are a million ways to make overnight oats.  Most recipes call for milk of some sort, your favorite nut butter, and then embellishments. For a banana bread flavor, try oats, almond butter, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix, and allow to sit in the refrigerator or cooler overnight. You want your mixture to be fluid and runny, as the oats will absorb the milk overnight. Add cut bananas in the morning and enjoy! Many people choose to add flax seeds, yogurt, or chia seeds for extra protein. There’s no wrong way to do it, whatever ingredients you have on hand will do!

2. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Chilled peanut butter balls are not only an amazing-tasting snack but they’re also packed with protein and all the sugar you need for a long hike. You can make them before you leave the house, and just throw them in the cooler. Five easy ingredients of chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, peanut butter or other nut butter, honey, and oats are all it takes for this perfect camping trip power breakfast.

3. British Bean Bites

Sounds weird to Americans, but the brits eat cold beans and bread for breakfast all the time. Open a can of baked beans and served atop crunchy french or focaccia bread! The British version would be more akin to Showboat Pork and Beans than saucy baked beans. They’re usually in a thin, tomato sauce, not a sweet, thick BBQ sauce. 

4. Yogurt Parfaits

Low-sugar yogurt is packed with healthy protein. Add a little granola and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. We love this one because the ingredients are available at pretty much any grocery store and can be used for other quick meals as well. A large can of rolled oats and a big tub of original Greek yogurt should be on everyone’s packing list for a road trip or camping trip. 

5. Boiled Eggs

This is the one cheater on the list. You’ll have to cook them before you leave, but boiled eggs are valuable to have around. You can at them on their own, or use them in several of the recipes on our list. Boil a batch of 12 before you leave the house, and they will keep for a few days in the cooler. Eggs will keep you full for a while, have healthy protein, and pack easily. Just peel and eat! Plus, you can use them for several of the other recipes on our list.

6. Bagels and Cream Cheese

Don’t know about you, but there’s nothing much better than an “everything bagel.” Pack a brick of cream cheese or goat cheese in your cooler, and you are good to go. You can top with blueberries for some extra anti-oxidants, or sprinkle with un-salted sunflower seeds for a little extra belly-filling protein. 

7. Banana and Peanut Butter

It’s simple, but it’s effective. Just beware with this one if you are sensitive to sugars. Bananas are a high sugar item, so you might consider pairing them with organic nut butter with no extra sugar added. Add a glass of your favorite milk, and you are good to go!

Better yet …

8. Banana Cereal

Nope, we don’t mean put bananas on your cereal, we mean make banana cereal. This was grandma’s specialty. We loved it, and your kids will love it, assuming they like bananas. Cut up the banana in thin slices, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and douse in milk. Eat up!

9. Avocado toast

There’s nothing you can’t do with the superfood avocado. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it will show up everywhere on this list. It’s easy to pack, easy to find in most stores, and works to eat by itself, as a garnish, or as a spread or dip. It truly is a superfood. Since you likely won’t have a toaster, and it’s not as good on untoasted bread, consider grabbing some English muffins from the store. Mash your avocado a bit, making it soft. Spread over your muffin. Shred some of your boiled egg over the top and add a few diced tomatoes or spicy salsa … breakfast of champs!

10. Muffins

One of our favorite road trip treats is Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chocolate Chip muffins. There is just something about them that screams wreckless vacation abandon! 

11. Chia Pudding

Like overnight oats, chia pudding can be made beforehand and kept in the refrigerator. A good chia pudding base only needs 3 ingredients: Chia seeds, milk, and something sweet. For a little extra flair, combine chia seeds, your favorite milk, pureed strawberries, or another berry, and a bit of yogurt. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and the chia seeds will suck up all the liquid, expand, and turn into a kind of gelatinous pudding. Top with almonds and coconut shreds or cacao nibs for the perfect treat! Add a bit of honey if you need some sweetness. 

12. Just be gross, you’re on vacation

When all else fails, Poptarts are tasty. It’s not ideal on the health front, but there is no shame in having some easy, premade stuff on your vacation. While you certainly don’t want to eat 5 Little Debbies a day (well, you might want to, but you probably shouldn’t) it never hurts to have one. There’s nothing better to celebrate conquering that beast of a hike than a Cosmic Brownie. You earned it. If you are absolutely against big-brand packaged foods and all their harmful grossness, there are some stellar organic options out there for granola bars, breakfast bars, and even brownies. 

No-Cook Lunchtime Meals for Traveling

Lunch on a trip needs to be quick, easy, and filling. If you are traveling alone, that’s super easy, but if you need to please a whole picky family, we don’t envy you. That job is much harder. Good luck to you! Hopefully, you’ll find something below that your clan will enjoy. 

13. Charcuterie board

You’ll be the fanciest road-trippers at the RV park with this one. Cold cuts, salami, fresh cucumbers, cubed cheese, an assortment of nuts, grapes, and some tomato slices, and you have a lunch that not only fuels your body but looks super pretty! We love charcuterie boards because they’re easy to feed a lot of people with, and littles can come by and pick up a healthy bite as they play. It can be stuck in the fridge and pulled out later too, so it just works great. 

14. Egg Salad Sandwiches

You still have those boiled eggs right? Turn them into yummy egg salad and slap it on a sandwich. Pair with some potato chips, and get back on the trail!

15. Good Old Peanut Butter and Jelly

Hey, don’t knock it. It’s an American classic, and it is tasty whether you are 3 or 93. 

16. Tuna salad

Tuna salad is another protein-packed option that is easy to carry on the road. Buy some packets or cans, or better yet fresh tuna if you live somewhere you can get it. Add your favorite fixings. This tuna salad recipe with red onion, dijon mustard, and celery is super tasty! Serve with crackers or as a sandwich. It doesn’t get much easier. Tuna is handy to have around, as you can also add it to pre-bought pasta salads for a little extra protein or make tuna-stuffed avocados for dinner (later). 

17. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Chicken Caesar wraps are one of the best backpacking recipes. Whether you choose to grab a rotisserie chicken at the store before you leave or go with canned chicken, either way, it makes for a delicious meal. This chicken Caesar recipe with whole wheat tortillas , parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes is simple and yummy! 

18. Crab Salad

The grainy mustard and sharp cheddar in this creamy crab salad recipe make it extra delicious! However, like tuna or chicken salad, you can pretty much throw everything but the kitchen sink in a crab salad or put nothing but mayo, and it will be just fine in a pinch. Plop it in a pita bread pocket, and pair it with some fresh veggies, and you have the perfect lunch.

19. Berry Salad

Add a little extra beauty to your boring salad with some colorful berries.  Romaine lettuce topped with strawberries, blueberries, shaved almonds, and feta cheese or goat cheese is a quick, healthy camper lunch. Throw on your favorite dressing, we love this Brianna’s blueberry balsamic vinaigrette . 

20. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Pimento cheese is one of those things that we rarely eat unless we are traveling. Grab a tub at the store and use it on sandwiches, crackers, or as a spread for fresh veggies. It also makes a good addition to veggie tortilla wraps, lettuce wraps, or pinwheels.

21. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Here’s where those ten cans of shredded chicken you bought are going to come in handy. Chicken salad can be very plain or really fancy. We love this cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe ! For a healthier option, omit the bread and serve as a lettuce wrap!

22. Smoked Salmon Stacks

A few packets of pre-cooked salmon are also nice to have around for fish tacos, to throw on your salad for a little extra filler, or to make this tasty lunch treat. This flatbread salmon stack is an easy option that requires just a bit of meal prep, so you might want to start the night before. If that is too much work, just load up some Ritz crackers with a bit of salmon, a slice of avocado, and a dash of salt and pepper for a quick and easy lunch. 

No-Cook Dinnertime Meals for Traveling

Dinner is probably the hardest category on the list, at least for Americans. We tend to save our largest meal for the end of the day, and we generally want something warm. So, a completely no-cook dinner is out of the normal for many of us (though sandwich or cereal night is certainly not unheard of in our house)! 

23. Greek Salad

A traditional Greek salad is not only healthy and tasty, but goodness it is pretty. While recipes vary all over the Mediterranean and the Balkans, they generally consist of fresh diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and sometimes bell peppers, red onions, and cucumbers. You can make it any way you want, with whatever you have. Toss in a little olive oil or vinaigrette and a pinch of salt. Magnifique!

24. Stuffed Avocados

This is one of our favorite no-cook camping meals. Split an avocado, and remove the pit. Fill the center with a plop of your favorite meat salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or paprika. You can use any of the meat you have, salmon, chicken, tuna. Use the leftover tuna salad from yesterday’s lunch. Another option is to make taco-stuffed avocados . All you need is a taco-seasoning packet to add to the meat and veg you already have on hand!

25. Crab Ceviche

Ceviche is a cold seafood dish, popular all over Central America. It is traditionally made with fresh fish, lime juice, peppers, red onion, and whatever else you have on hand at the time! You can use any of the packaged or prebought fish you have to create “ camping ceviche .” For a side dish, whip up some 7-layer dip and tortilla chips for a complete no-cook dinner!

26. Veggie Gyros

These vegetable gyros feature our favorite item-avocadoes, plus chickpeas and yummy tzatziki spread. Chickpeas are packed with protein and all these veggies will get you to your daily allotment of vitamins and fiber. For the meat lovers in the group, you can easily add chicken you have on hand! 

27. Mexican 3-bean salad with guacamole

… Oh, sorry! Just dreaming about this Mexican 3-bean salad ! It might be a favorite meal idea on this list. Hiking and exploring make you hungry, and all the beans in this baby give you the fiber you need for a good night’s sleep! Pair it with fresh guacamole for the ultimate easy camping meal.  

28. Layered Taco Salad

Take some of that chicken you brought and mix in some taco seasoning. In a large bowl, layer it with cheese, beans, lettuce, and crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos. Alternate your layers of each until the bowl is full. Let everyone choose their own toppings of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. 

Mexican food is the easiest no-cook dinner to make. Layer nachos with shredded canned meat, beans, and all the veggies and toppings you like! If you can warm your meat and beans, that’s great, but it is just as good cold!

Snack Ideas or Side Dishes

You’ll likely be more active on your vacation than you are in normal daily life. It seems most of us need a vacation from our vacation by the time we get home. So, you are going to need more fuel than usual. Plus, if you have kids in tow, then snacks are a primary food group (maybe the only food group)! Make sure you have some good ones on board!

30. Veggies and Hummus

Nothing super inventive here, but it’s easy and effective. Plus, you might get your picky ones to eat a carrot or bell pepper stick if it is slathered in yummy hummus or guacamole. You could make a big batch of homemade hummus before your trip, or make it easy on yourself and buy some tasty flavors at the store.

31. Trail Mix

No surprise here, trail mix is a great idea to have on hand. It fits easily in the backpack for long hikes. You can throw the bag at a kid in the backseat when needed, and it is filled with tummy-filling protein. Make your own trail mix , or snag a giant premade bag from Amazon before your trip!

32. Fresh-Fruit Salad

Nothing screams summer like a bowl of fresh fruit. This fruit salad with citrus dressing is delightful and is the perfect anecdote for that summer heat! You might even convince your kids to eat something healthy today. 

33. Beef Jerky

Beef jerky just belongs in a backpack. They go hand in hand. 

34. Pesto Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a classic party appetizer, but they also make a great one-bite snack. We love these pinwheels , but there are many great ones out there, so use what you have on hand! It does take a little bit of meal prep time as they need to sit in the refrigerator or cooler for several hours to set up. 

35. Deli Rolls

Don’t know about you, but to us, there isn’t anything better than a slice of your favorite cheese, rolled up inside of a piece of deli meat. Admit it, you have done it. You can make it fancy with a hummus spread or olive-decorated toothpick! It’s quick, easy, filling, and budget-friendly. We love it!

No-Cook Snacks for Traveling

36. s’mores.

Okay, so the best s’mores require a little smoking on a campfire, but technically you can make them with uncooked marshmallows. They’re still super tasty!

37. To-Go Banana Pudding

The banana version is the best, but you can try this treat with any premade pudding cup of your liking. Crush a bag of Vanilla wafers. Add it to your pudding cup. Slice up a banana for garnish and plop a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Yummm.

38. No-Bake Lemon Tarts

Lemon pudding snack packs can easily be turned into a tart. Line a small bowl, or just make a pile of finely crushed Graham crackers. Slather on a healthy slab of cold lemon pudding, and top with your favorite whipped topping. Sprinkle on nuts or coconut shavings to taste!

39. Cottage Cheese and Dried Fruit

This one won’t please everyone, but if you love it, you love it! Cottage cheese has healthy fat and is a good source of protein. It will keep you full, and if you top it with some sweet dried pineapple, it’s pretty tasty!

40. Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Topping

Strawberries topped with a little sugar take on a totally different flavor! If you don’t use granulated sugar, honey works just as well. Slice them up, add your honey or sugar, and allow them to sit in a cold environment for at least 4 hours. If you want a lush dessert, stock up on some pre-made angel food cakes or make one at home before your trip. The decadent strawberry mixture on top of some food cake with whipped topping is a fantastic dessert any day of the week!

41. Fruit Pizza

Pizza! Create this delectable treat with granola, nut butter, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. Combine together to make a delicious crust. You can add honey if you use unsweetened nut butter. Press into a pie pan or dish, or just press flat on parchment paper. Let chill in the refrigerator or ice chest for at least an hour. Cover in yogurt or softened cream cheese, then sprinkle with your favorite fresh fruits, cacao nibs, or drizzle with chocolate syrup!

Other Staples To Keep On Hand

If you tried to make everything on this list, your entire camper would be full of food and ingredients. Instead, try to group your choices by recipes that use and reuse a smaller number of ingredients. Remember you can always repurpose your leftovers from day 1 lunch for day 2 dinner. Get creative. With this sample shopping list, you’ll be able to create several dishes.

• Canned or packed meats: tuna, salmon, and chicken
• Canned beans of several varieties
• Boiled eggs
• Lots of fresh fruit and veggies
• A tub of your favorite “crumbled” cheese – Feta or goat.
• A jar of nut butter
• A large bag of mixed nuts and seeds
• Your favorite multi-purpose bread
• Mayonnaise and brown mustard
• Granola or oats
• Olive oil and lemon juice or a vinaigrette dressing
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Closing Thoughts

Just because you don’t want to cook doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a king on your vacation. With a little forethought, some smart shopping, and perhaps a small amount of meal planning before you leave, you can ensure that you have everything you need to whip up fast, easy meals on the go. 

What are your go-to camping or travel meals? Let us know in the comments!

Going on a long hike? Here are a few more “ Healthy Travel Snack Ideas To Keep Your Belly Full. ” 

If you want an epic camping adventure this summer, check out our list of the “ 20 Best National Parks In The USA .”

Frequently Asked Questions

No one wants to cook on vacation. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals are not only filling but healthy too. While camping, try stuffed avocados, crab salad, or camping ceviche.

Travel food should be easy, and the ingredients versatile. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals can be made with bread, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And don’t knock canned ingredients!

It’s always best to seek travel advice from experts ! For starters, download travel apps to save on fares and an adventure app for fun. Also, plan some no-cook meals to fuel up between adventures.

Featured Products & Activities

30 Field Trip Lunch Ideas

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Field trips are a great way to learn and explore, but they can also be challenging when packing a lunch. You want something healthy, filling, and easy to transport. I have compiled my favorite field trip lunch ideas that you should try.

Let’s get started

Sandwiches and Wraps

• Classic Turkey and Swiss Sandwich

Turkey and Swiss sandwiches are an amazing lunch. Combining French bread, butter, and roast turkey creates a recipe beyond compare.

Whenever I prepare this delicious turkey and Swiss sandwich recipe, my family loves how delicate/delicious it is. The garnishing of the kosher dill pickle makes the sandwich stand out among other dishes on the plate.

A perfect school field trip lunch for kids. I always love making turkey and Swiss sandwiches for my kids in the morning to make a healthy and nutritious breakfast. These quick and easy-to-make sandwiches are popular because of their buttery bites.

View Full Recipe

• Chicken Caesar Wrap

A light, fresh, and crispy food. Chicken Caesar Salad wraps are so refreshing with big fillings and flavors.

These chicken Caesar wraps are so easy to make because I used a shortcut to make them. That is why I can prepare these wraps from scratch within a few minutes. Nothing better than chicken Caesar wraps. Maybe because I’m too obsessed with carbs.

A perfect field trip lunch recipe with savory flavors. It is a quick recipe to store in the fridge and then quickly from fridge to table within a few minutes. Chicken Caesar wraps are winning in every gathering and category.

• Veggie Hummus Wrap

A perfect grab-and-go lunch idea can be none other than this healthy veggie wrap lunch for the summer holidays. Veggie wrap is versatile because of just a few ingredients, like chicken, hummus, tortillas, and leafy vegetables.

Hummus wrap is vegan and best for packed parties and picnics. The kids like a quick, fresh, healthy veggie wrap the most. This recipe is one of those recipes that I usually love to make for my kids whenever they go on school trips.

Healthy and flavorful hummus veggie wraps are here to save your boring lunch. Serve best with tomato sauce, thinly sliced tomatoes, and green chili.

• Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

I usually prefer to make a light, crispy, and refreshing meal as a lunch. The twist of the lettuce wrap is to pair it with tuna instead of beef or chicken. The inside filling is classy with the buttery texture of celery, mayo, onion, and many more.

A combination of tuna with crunchy and smooth lettuce is the next level thing. Tuna salad lettuce wraps make taste buds happy with the crunchy and savory flavors. The best part is it is super quick and easy.

The mustard and red onion have nice acidity, but the main star is tuna, which makes the dish prominent at the table. I always love serving it with veggie straws, soma potato chips, and even grilled watermelon slushies.

• Bean and Cheese Burritos

These scrummy burritos are similar to chicken wraps. Its appearance must have given you a familiar look. Absolute classic cheese burritos are super easy lunch or potluck dinner recipes that can be ready in a few minutes.

I used to eat them a lot when I was in middle school. It was my favorite due to its cheesy and buttery texture.

Buttery canned pinto beans are perfect in this dish, which enhances the silky and smooth flavors. A golden and irresistible crispy exterior is the bonus point. Serves and tastes best with avocado guacamole and salsa, which will make the recipe stand out in the field trips.

• Southwest Black Bean Wraps

A tasty black bean wrap that is freezer-friendly. It is packed with nutrition. The ingredients include chicken, black beans, roasted red peppers, fat-free sour cream, and blue cheese spread.

A yummy and scrummy meal that people love making in holiday trip lunches. They are similar to the chicken wraps. Add your favorite veggies, whoever you like.

Popping them in the oven for a few minutes will make them a little crunchy outside and melty cheese inside. Tastes heavenly, right?

Each ingredient complements the other and enhances the juicy and savory flavors of the wrap. If you never tried before, try this time and amaze everyone.

The entire crowd will go wild over it and ask you for its recipe. After serving them, I also shared their recipe with my colleagues and friends because they were so amazed by their crunchy and scrummy flavors.

• Mediterranean Chicken Pita Pockets

Family favorite chicken pita recipe, which is absolutely amazing and easy. Its marination gives immense flavor to the one who eats it. These chicken pita pockets are loaded with veggies, hummus, and feta, a perfect appetizer treat.

Using leftover vegetables and chicken is the best thing to stand out in your dish. Assemble the veggies, fill in the pita pocket, and yes, it is ready to serve. Feta and veggies complement each other so well and melt in the mouth with each bite.

Whenever I make chicken pita pockets for my kids, I top them with lemon juice, a perfect savory addition. Kids love it.

• Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Delicious, low-carb lettuce wraps are perfect for the kids. They are topped with carrots, celery, and homemade cheese dressing, which tastes heavenly with each bite.

Loaded with shredded chicken and fresh veggies, the buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a healthy snack for summer field trip parties.

They are not just good; they are great. Bold buffalo chicken flavors with fresh veggies make the weeknight dinner stand out. Flexible keto and gluten-free quality are perfect for diet-conscious people.

It is healthy and colorful but also a low-carb, gluten-free, and keto recipe. Plus point? Contains vitamin C, Iron, and calcium. The friendliest recipe I have ever made.

• Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels

The smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels are the perfect breakfast offer. Restaurants sell pre-sliced smoked salmon and cream cheese, which makes the bagels easy to serve.

This creamy bagel is a perfect kind of treat for the taste buds. Fresh lemonade flavors make it one tasty bite for kids and adults.

Thinly sliced onion and briny capers topping are the perfect addition to the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels. I used to eat them a lot when I was younger; now, I love making them for my kids for their school lunch. Tastes incredible with tomato sauce or mayonnaise sauce.

• Chicken Shawarma Pita Pockets

Healthy, easy, and homemade shawarma pita pockets look and taste incredible. They have a fan following for a reason. The secret is its spices which make the difference between store-bought and homemade shawarma.

Chicken shawarma is one of my all-time favorite Middle Eastern street food. If you are unfamiliar with it, you have missed the big shot. The crunchy veggie filling is so healthy and fresh that it tastes better with yogurt sauce. So simple and so colorful.

They are the perfect appetizers for everyone who loves spicy foods. Homemade Harissa sauce sits perfectly with the chicken shawarma pita pockets. I never regret making them amaze my family, so you must not.

Salads & Bowls

• Greek Pasta Salad

An easy and perfect side dish for lunch potluck . Ripe, juicy tomatoes, tender pasta, feta cheese, and crisp cucumbers make the perfect appetizer. I use olives to garnish the recipe; they taste delightful.

I love salads because they are easy and quick to make. The pasta or salad has all the unique flavors a Greek salad must have. Lemony garlic dressing makes the olives and feta stand up. And if you love Greek salad without pasta, try this Greek Avocado Feta salad .

Do you want a bonus? Unlike other green salads, this Greek pasta salad retains its texture and serves better on a table. It tastes scrummy with grilled or roasted meat, classic Greek burgers, or pizza.

• BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Your next favorite dish will be a Crispy and scrumptious BBQ chicken quinoa bowl that is an alternative to Vegan Quinoa salad , or Quinoa Arugula Salad .

Loaded with savory black beans, crunchy cabbage, tomato, sweet corn, and many other healthy ingredients. This is one of the best summer lunch ideas .

Creamy ranch dressing adds a heavenly taste to the chicken quinoa bowl. Make them in a slow cooker or grill for lunch or picnic parties. My family love grilled chicken quinoa bowl, so I prefer to grill them.

Nothing compares with the tender, juicy and nutritious veggies in a bowl. This scrummy and nutritious delight is worth trying once with Greek chicken salad lettuce cups or mini chicken enchilada cups.

• Mexican Street Corn Salad Cups

Did you know that Mexican street corn salad is considered an adventure in Disney’s California? Yeah, but now you can get them in cups. It is a perfect appetizer and snack for kids and adults, which is Mexican-inspired, actually.

Quick and easy to make within 15 minutes, this can be the best last-minute potluck idea . cool! Right? Mexican street corns hit the same notes as the original treat. Sweet corn mixed with the chili and tangy lime seasoning.

Light, crispy, and crunchy street corn tastes sweet and tangy at the same time. Its flavors always make me go wild over it.

Roasted corn, jalapeno, red onions, sour cream, chili powder, and cotija cheese give an amazing result. A perfect side or a snack meal with bursting flavors. Easy to make and easy to serve with other delicious side dishes.

• Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A fresh Mediterranean couscous salad with lemon herb dressing is the perfect crunchy food for the field trip lunch.

The colorful vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and garbanzo beans are the best few ingredients, making the recipe a perfect appetizer for all healthy food lovers.

A healthy side dish packed with crunch and flavors is so satisfying. The salad strikes the perfect balance of phytonutrients and fiber-rich vegetables, which makes it more appealing.

Lovely nuttiness, little sponges, and citrus soak dressing are the benefits I enjoy in making Mediterranean salad. A wonderful solution when you need a light and quick meal.

• Asian Cold Noodle Salad

Nothing can beat the summer heat more than the Asian cold noodles salad. Cold noodles salad contains cilantro inside and is topped with lime and peanut dressing; refreshing, right? Its fresh, long-standing, and crowd-pleasing flavors make my kids want it more and more.

These American-Chinese takeout-style sesame noodles make the guests love the host’s services. Fresh, crunchy, and different veggies combined with noodles create a spicy, creamy, and addictive food that no one can resist.

I always enjoy this side dish with the accompanying sauce or soup. The best thing about these cold noodles is they are best served at room temperature. It prevents me from heating them again and again.

Bites & Finger Foods

• Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers

Low carb, delicious, and the perfect alternative recipe to a gluten-free spinach pie. Plus! While you do a lot of work, they will serve as a low-carb. That’s an absolute win-win. I usually make them for a week and prepare one with my favorite proteins as a side dish.

Serves best as an appetizer or a snack. Hit top lunch recipes at family events. Greek spinach-inspired filling in peppers fills the mouth with happiness and buttery flavors.

A perfect little bite that serves without a fuss. Its blast flavors are unforgettable; the person who tastes it will never ever be going to forget its crunchiness and deliciousness.

Not only is the recipe an explosion for any cocktail party, but it is also popular in restaurants and events necessitating foods.

• California Sushi Rolls

Similar to Masago Sushi, these Sushi Rolls are also creamy, fresh, and crispy, with a bunch of flavors. Fresh crabmeat, crispy cucumbers, and creamy avocado are the heart ingredients of the recipe.

The affordable and delicious sushi rolls taste incredible due to the healthy and fresh flavors. I always loved sushi, but I get excited when my friend tells me how to make sushi at home. California rolls are popular because of a reason.

My kids love this sushi in school lunch. It comes together quickly, so I make them every morning to please my kids and husband. The sushi rice and cucumber combination is worth trying. Tastes incredible with soy sauce.

Cheese Turkey Pinwheels

Crispy, delicious, and crunchy field trip lunch recipe, which everyone loves. Cheesy and creamy pinwheels are the perfect pleasure for the taste buds. They are quick and easy-to-make snacks or appetizers.

Make them a few moments before the party and enjoy its creamy flavors with friends and family. Finger foods like pinwheels are popular for field trip lunches, which may be why I love ham so much.

Swap the cheeses and meats however you like. they are so fun for the kids Flaky and crowd-pleasing pinwheels are the perfect appetizer. Packed with full creamy and melty cheese.

Endlessly so easy to create and serve with the favorite side dishes like Grilled pineapple, hash brown casserole, or potato salad.

• Pizza Bagel Bites

A perfect, scrummy, and creamy lunch idea for school-going kids. A quick hand-held game as a potluck appetizer . It is ready to amaze the family’s taste with just a few ingredients.

I had always loved the store-bought pizza bagel bites. But believe me, these pizza bagel bites are no compare. These pizza bagel bites are quick snack snacks for the weekend or lunch on trips.

A yummy and crunchy appetizer for those who love bite-sized pizza poppers. A Chewy, salty, and cheesy texture is the perfect combo of the flavors.

Whenever I think about childhood, I miss the bagel bites my mother used to make for us. Pair the recipe with the cream sauce and grilled meat. Your family is surely going to love this combo.

• Fruit Salad Skewers with Yogurt Dip

Fresh, healthy, and colorful salad with many fruits looks eyes pleasure. Creamy honey vanilla yogurt dip is perfect for making the snack healthy. The one thing that never makes anyone get bored is fruits.

Fresh berries, juicy green kiwis, and juicy citrus are my favorites. So, I add them to my fruit salad. I did not regret adding them; it was a perfect combo.

These fruit skewers are the perfect addition to the healthy snacks on the table. Need some colors on top? Add some purple berries or mint leaves on top.

One of the best things is this dish serves best with other delicious dishes on your party table—a taste-friendly salad, which both adults and kids love at any time. Serve with creamy mayo sauce, and enjoy your summer.

• Antipasto Skewers

These antipasto skewers are delicious mini appetizers that you can make in advance. For a picnic party, an event, a field trip, or whatever you are holding, antipasto skewers are perfect to grab and go.

Easy to make and easy to serve. Loved by every single person due to the loaded, healthy, and fresh veggie flavors.

These bold and briny antipasto skewers are totally crowd-pleasing. That is the main reason why I love making them on every trip.

They taste incredible with mozzarella, salami, roasted peppers, and olives. This is a no-cook recipe your entire crowd will love.

• Apple Slices with Almond Butter Dipping Sauce

A fruity and buttery dip gets a delicious caramel flavor from sweet dates. This scrummy and sweet dip is served best with veggies, apples, toast crackers, or anything you like.

The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare. This dip is transforming the sweet and salty snacking experience. Almonds bring a nutty flavor to this healthy snack. Satisfy after-school cravings with this date’s dip with a creamy flavor.

Packed with proteins, means it is perfect for the kids. The dip is light and fluffy in texture. No other sauce has healthier or creamier flavors. I often make it for the kids’ breakfast. Then they can pack leftovers for their school lunches.

Mini Vegetable Frittatas ( Vegan Egg Bites )

Mini vegetable frittatas look like mini cupcakes. Super delicious and yummy with each bite. Cheesy, eggy, and veggie vegetable frittatas are popular because of their heavenly flavors.

The best part about them? They are easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for later—a quick meal plan, which I love making with my favorite veggies.

Whatever veggies you like, add in the filling and enjoy fresh flavors with cheese topping. Rather than baking a large frittata on top of the stove, bake plenty in a muffin tin.

The Italian seasoning adds some extra flavors to its crunchy texture, which enhances the savory frittata flavors. Serve best with tomato, feta white bean salad, and Swiss chard with Garbanzo beans.

• Italian Sub Skewers

Craving an Italian sandwich? Yummy and colorful Italian sub skewers taste best. If you want a simple and quick-to-go appetizer dish for the guests, nothing will beat the savory and fresh flavors of these Italian sub skewers.

Craving an Italian sandwich? Yummy and colorful Italian sub skewers taste best. If you want a simple and quick-to-go appetizer dish for the guests, nothing will beat these Italian sub skewers’ savory and fresh flavors.

The juicy, crunchy, and refreshing combination of different ingredients makes it eye-pleasing. These delicious hoagie skewers are the best Italian sandwiches on the sticks. Flavors of cheese, meat, and sub-style fixings taste unforgettable.

Bold and briny flavors are crowd-pleasing, but the recipe is quick to make. All you need are some fresh vegetables and assemble them in a stick. Your great Italian sub skewers are ready to serve with your other favorite side dishes.

• Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers are a perfect appetizer and also the best recipe you can add to your office lunch recipes for work . They are super easy to make and taste incredible with every bite.

On Easter Potluck , I enjoy this yummy dish while hanging out with family. The tomatoes add incredible beauty and robust flavor to this recipe.

They look cute, right? Assembling them in the toothpicks and drizzling them with the olive oil on top make the recipe look so colorful and bright.

With balsamic vinegar topping, some of them taste different and unique. The sweetness melts in the mouth and makes the Caprese salad skewers a perfect appetizer dish for holidays.

• Turkey and Cranberry Roll-Ups

These turkey and cranberry roll-ups are the perfect appetizer food for everyone. Savory, creamy, and a hint of sweetness flavors are the combinations of the best dish. Tortilla roll-ups are surely the hit recipe for everyone’s events and functions.

Not only are they best for field trips, but you can also enjoy making them at picnics and potluck parties. The color combination looks so appealing. The bonus points? Your kids will demand them every weekend. So, be ready to make this crowd favorite roll-ups and make everyone your fan. Fun to make these roll-ups. Easy, creamy, and cheesy.

Dips/Sauces

• Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berries and Granola

Greek yogurt and parfait with berries and granola are the balanced diets for kids and adults in the morning breakfast.

Parfaits make a scrummy dish to pack whenever you go on field trips, as their fresh and crunchy flavors make everyone’s mornings and afternoons refreshing.

Make it within 2 minutes when you don’t have enough time and enjoy each bite. Yogurt and fruits are the total ingredients that make the dish incredible.

If your kids go to school, make the parfait the night before and pack it for them to enjoy in the morning. This allows them to enjoy its deliciousness at school with friends. Add various fruits – it’s an easy and nutritious snack to help kids stay healthy.

• Mediterranean Hummus Platter with Pita Bread

The arrival of summer brings a lot of lunch ideas—light, refreshing, and flavorful hummus platter. This Mediterranean platter with roasted red pepper hummus, fresh veggies, feta, and olives looks so healthy and appealing that you can never say no to it.

This Mediterranean hummus platter will be your good-to-go recipe whenever you hold an event or go for a field trip. Serve this juicy and savory platter with pita bread. I’m sure you will go crazy for its flavors.

Breads & Pies

• Mini Quiche Assortment

The mini quiche assortment looks like mini cupcakes. There is no better breakfast recipe than these mini bite-sized quiches. Fillings of whipped egg base in the mini muffin tin look so adorable.

Mushrooms, bacon, spinach, and vegetables are the perfect combinations of the flavors. These snacks are the scrummy mini appetizers in field trip lunches. You can also make them at holiday parties to amaze your friends.

Tastes heavenly, with a buttery and flaky texture and tons of flavors. Hundreds of mini quiches will be ready on your kitchen table in just a few minutes.

Prepare to make them before going on the trip with family and enjoy them while hanging out in the mountains.

Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders

I love making a classic Southern breakfast recipe on weekends for my kids. It looks so fun and appealing that no one can resist it after first looking. Super easy and quick to make within a few minutes.

Combining sweet and savory waffles is irresistible, so you’ll want to make them regularly. Crispy waffles with sticky maple syrup taste so sweet and pleasing. You and your family surely will love it, even on the first try.

Easy and fun to make. Total crowd-pleasing recipe, sweet, crispy, savory, and yummy bites. If you love evening snacks, mini chicken and waffle sliders are worth trying.

Other Lunch Recipes You Can Try:

Healthy Hiking Lunch Ideas

Ingredients

• Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
• Vegan Egg Bites

How to Make?

• Choose any one of the lunch recipe
• Gather all the recipe ingredients
• Follow the instructions as per recipe
• Make the recipe, and i hope you've made it the right way.

Dorito Taco Salad

Instant Pot Beef Roast

French Onion Chicken Casserole

Doritos Chicken Casserole

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15 Packable Lunches That Have You Covered, Whatever Your Situation

Eat something you love, even when you’re on the go.

Related To:

Getting used to work at home is no easy feat, especially when it comes to eating lunch. We asked registered dietitians from around the country what they eat for lunch when working from home. Here are 10 healthier work-for-home lunch ideas using easy-to-find ingredients.

Photo by: JuliaMikhaylova; Getty Images

JuliaMikhaylova; Getty Images

Whether you’re packing a meal for the office or filling up your little one’s lunchbox , it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. When you feel like you’re short on ideas (and making the same things over and over again) turn to these recipes. They’re a breeze to make, travel well — and guaranteed to please.

Jeff Mauro makes a Quick and Slow Mediterranean Lentil Soup, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

In an Insulated Food Jar

If you prefer a warm lunch but don’t have access to a microwave try making a big batch of soup or pasta on the weekend. You can reheat a little at home in the morning, tuck it into an insulated food jar and enjoy midday. I love this Mediterranean Lentil Soup (pictured above) because it comes together in the slow-cooker (translation: you barely have to do anything to make it!). Plus, it yields 8-10 servings so you’ve got enough for the whole week — even if you’re prepping lunches for two. Another great option? Italian Wedding Soup with homemade meatballs.

If you’re packing lunch for a little one, this 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese will be your new go-to recipe. It stays nice and creamy and has a classic flavor, making it a kid-friendly fave. Plus, you’ll end up with 6 servings — and only one pot to clean up afterwards!

Or use your insulated food jar to keep lunch cold until it’s time to eat; pack an Easy Pasta Salad that can be customized to whatever veggies you’ve got on hand.

Food Network Kitchen’s Peanut Soba Noodles with Vegetable Salad for Healthy Dishes Every Grown Up Needs to Know, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Tara Donne

In a Bento Box

The beauty of packing your lunch in a bento box is that many styles give you a few individual compartments to work with. You can just as easily pack all the fixings for a hearty, colorful grain bowl as you can a sandwich or a wrap (with some fruits and veggies on the side). If you’re heading into the office, try whipping up a batch of Healthy Peanut Soba Noodles (pictured above). They’re vegetarian, full of protein and perfect straight from the refrigerator. Other great options include this Quinoa and Chicken Bowl (since your bento box will allow you to pack the tortilla chips in a separate compartment, keeping them crunchy) or slices of this Turkey Frittata (for breakfast-all-day vibes).

Sending your kiddo to school with a bento box? They’ll be excited to open it up and find these fun, swirly turkey-and-veggie wraps in one of the compartments!

Food Network Kitchen’s beet and brussel sprout salad as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

In a Mason Jar

There are a lot of things that you can pack up in a mason jar (especially if you have an assortment of lids ) but none quite as eye-catching as a layered salad. I love all the colors (and flavors) in this hearty Beets and Brussels Sprouts Salad-in-a-Jar (pictured above). It’s packed with tender-chewy barley, buttery walnuts and sweet, crunchy pomegranate seeds. Craving something with a little smoky spice instead? This flavorful Southwestern-Inspired Chicken Salad makes the perfect grab-and-go lunch.

Photo by: Armando Rafael

Armando Rafael

In a Lunch Box

With a little bit of planning, there’s almost no limit to what you can pack in your lunchbox — but nothing quite as satisfying as a good, old-fashioned sandwich. Now, just to be clear, I’m not talking about the boring deli-meat-between-two-slices-of-bread version. My idea of a lunch-worthy sandwich is one with next-level flavor like this Caprese Salad Sub Sandwich (pictured above) with salami, ham, fresh basil and thick slices of mozzarella cheese or a hearty Monster Muffaletta that’s loaded with olives and savory Italian meats.

Looking for something a little lighter and brighter, try a Lemon Roasted Chicken Salad Wrap , fruit-and-nut-filled Waldorf Chicken Wraps or a vegetarian Chickpea Salad Sandwich .

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Patricia Chuey

Food and Nutrition Expert | Recipe Developer

Well-Fueled Tournament Travel: Not for Wimps

February 3, 2016 By Patricia Chuey

After getting many ‘thumbs up’ when I post pictures of our hotel-rooms-turned-kitchens for sports tournaments (visualize cooler, mini fridge, microwave and a counter made from the ironing board), I figured a list of travel snack ideas might be a helpful thing to share too. Although I’m speaking from the context of hockey and lacrosse tournaments for kids, many of these ideas also work well for business travel or summer road trips to spare relying on expensive and/or low quality food from gas stations, convenience stores or airplanes.  When traveling by car and you have room for a cooler, even a small one, the sky’s the limit for the healthy snacks you can bring. Inquire ahead of time about the availability of a fridge in your hotel room. No Fridge Plan B: bring plastic bags and keep your cooler cold with ice from the hotel.

• All vegetables : pre-wash, cut up and transport in zip bags or containers – carrots, snap peas, cauliflower, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, pepper strips, cucumber slices, radishes…Small containers of dip are nice too. If you don’t have time to make hummus or something homemade, mixing plain Greek yogurt with fresh herbs or even a little salad dressing like Ranch or cucumber works well. Also in the vegetable snack category are made-in-advance edamame, baked potato wedges or salad rolls – all taste just fine served cold.
• All fruit : pre-wash apples, grapes, strawberries…even consider pre-peeling and packing orange segments. Bananas and blueberries are great sport foods! Also in the fruit category: small containers of pineapple chunks or applesauce and dried fruit. Individual 100% real juice in normal-sized, non-humongous portions is a great way for active kids to stay hydrated and get some nutrients.
• Hard boiled eggs – assuming you have a cooler, boil the eggs at home, peel off the shells and transport in a sealed container (handy for quick hotel room breakfasts too) 6g protein, 14 essential nutrients and only 70 calories per egg!
• Nuts and seeds like almonds, peanuts, trail mix, mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts, for example. (Always respect any allergy issues on the team)
• Smoothies. Pack a small, portable blender and a few cups. In this case, I’m not talking about a heavy duty VitaMix. Department stores (or online) sell single serving, lightweight blenders for around $20. Once in the hotel room, you can blend together fruit and 100% juice or milk for various flavours of smoothies. Our favourite for easy transport is banana, nut butter and milk (or chocolate milk). We feel better when our hotel room neighbours are teammates so we aren’t waking up random people with our blending.
• Grainy crackers, mini bagels or toast with nut butter or cheese
• Quality cereal and milk (look for cereals with <8 g sugar and >4 g fibre). Instant oatmeal packets plus milk – cut sugar by mixing with plain oats – make a great snack or quick breakfast option too once in the hotel.
• Pita bread with hummus or tzatziki dip
• Homemade sandwiches, wraps or quesadilla triangles. Alternatively, bring a package of tortillas and fixings to assemble in the room.
• Milk or chocolate milk, cheese cubes, cottage cheese and/or yogurt
• Chunks of cooked chicken, turkey or ham
• Pre-made mini pancakes, French toast fingers or rolled up crepes sprinkled with a little cinnamon
• Homemade or decent quality muffins, cookies, granola bars and kid-friendly   (not from an adult body-building gym) energy bars
• Microwave popcorn (if a microwave will be available). If the microwave or a full stove and oven are available, pack along potatoes to bake (great sports food), eggs to scramble and much more!
• Water bottles

Because it’s always the 80-20 approach around here, you’ll  find a few small treats in our luggage too…most likely a bag of chips, pretzels or even a little chocolate or candy. It’s only offered over and above, rarely in place of, the items listed above. Keep it real, normal and free of adult diet hang ups folks!

The keenest sports parents I’ve met, and who have inspired me, are SO incredibly skilled at tournament food packing. They bring along a bin with lightweight plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, napkins and even plastic wrap or bags for leftovers, dish soap and tea towels. They also bring a small toaster and their slow cooker for heating frozen homemade meals like spaghetti, chili, stir-fries, pulled pork and more!  (Recipe for regular and vegan pulled pork)  If you run out of time to cook in advance, bringing cans of baked beans, chili, tuna, salmon or quality soup can help out too. Don’t forget the can opener. Tournaments can be costly endeavours for sure!

Google ahead of time to find out what’s near your hotel if you need to pick up anything extra from the grocery store. If you’ll be dining out the whole time, consider a little advanced research to know what the nearby options are. When the game is over and the kids are hungry (possibly “hangry” depending on fatigue and game outcome), getting food into them soon makes a big difference in mood, muscle fuel and recovery especially if heading back into competitive action in just a couple hours. Investigate the cost of having a pasta, burger or taco buffet set up for a team meal in the hotel versus a meal out at a restaurant. In some cases, this can offer a time and cost-saving benefit.

It’s NEVER just about the food. Training, adequate rest, genetics, natural talent, passion, fun, great coaching and much more factor in along with the love and support of parents.

Keeping growing kids well fueled for the high energy demands of tournaments is not for wimps! I applaud the many families out there who put in a tremendous effort many times throughout the season. It’s as much work as packing for a weekend of camping.

Keep up the awesome work!

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• They say we need to “Eat More Plants” - March 25, 2019
• Make It a Meal Salad - January 18, 2019
• Eating Healthier May Not Be the Answer - January 3, 2019

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Travel baseball: what to pack in your cooler...tips & ideas.

This blog is very informative the stuff you provide I really enjoyed reading. baseball player bags

Great ideas! Packing my cooler tonight 😆

Wipes!! I always have them at the games. Quick for hand washing, face washing, etc or how many times have you gone to the bathroom and there was no toilet paper? Fruit is also great to take. Apples, oranges, grapes

Thank you for sharing this information know how to clean a moldy cooler

Amazing blog about baseball coaches!! thanks for sharing it, if you looking for the best baseball coach then ISA provides the best coaching programs throughout the world. We have ex-pro coaches for pitching, catching, infield, outfield & best travel baseball

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25 Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meal Ideas they’ll love!

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.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

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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!!

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.

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

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:

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

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 2024-05-02 / 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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35+ Yummy Road Trip Lunch Ideas

Every time my family goes on a trip, I set aside time to specifically plan our food for the road. Lunches on the road are a challenge, especially on long trips. You need something interesting, healthy, and delicious to keep everyone happy. Sandwiches get old so here are road trip lunch ideas you can’t pass up.

While it may be easy to just eat sandwiches on the road or order any fast food that you pass by, it gets old and unhealthy. There is a good feeling and satisfaction in knowing that you will be serving healthy and affordable lunches to your family.

Plus, anytime we are able to stop, the kids want to get out and run. No one wants to sit at a restaurant and mind their manners after hours in the car!

Even more of my best tips: 17 Tips for a Road Trip with Toddlers (By a Mom of 6)

We have prepared some yummy lunch ideas for your road trip that your family will surely love! Aside from making it yourself, which ensures hygienic preparation, you get to save more money. If you are on a tight budget and still want to explore places, then you could still enjoy the fun of roaming around with these recipes.

What Makes Good Road Trip Lunches?

Sometimes, it’s easy to just prepare what your family wants to eat, or just drive through the nearest fast food you pass by. However, I believe that planning everything, including food for a family trip does wonders.

Not only can I ensure that we are eating healthy, but we also save time from endless thinking and deciding about what to eat.

So let’s take a look at what road trip food should be.

• Road trip food should be easy to pack.
• Lunches should be easy to prepare or ready to eat.
• Anything in the car shouldn’t be messy when you eat it.
• Road trip food shouldn’t contain food that easily spoils.

35 Yummy Road Trip Lunch Ideas

So the destination is set! Are you ready to prepare your food? Remember we must opt for something light and easy to pack no-cook meals, and requires less clean up. Here is the list you can choose from to help you start ahead.

1. Classic Tuna Salad

This popular salad is one of the best as you can spread it on crackers, toss it with pasta, and may even be wrapped in lettuce and still taste great. Making these sandwiches requires putting this tuna salad in an airtight jar and inside the cooler. Bring some bread to match with it and voila! Your lunch is ready. 

2. Salad in a Jar

It is a fantastic idea to have salad straight from the jar as we travel. Everything you need to make this light lunch is some mixed greens, veggies, and a dash of dressing. Keep it fresh inside the cooler. To prevent soggy veggies, put the sauce first at the jar’s bottom, followed by the veggies. Shake it up upon eating.

3. Pasta Salad

Give this salad a good mix and toss around the pasta with salami, parmesan cheese, and fresh veggies. Add it as a side dish to sandwiches or wraps, or simply eat it as it is. Put it in the cooler to keep it cold.  Italian dressing can also be mixed with the classic meatless pasta salad to add flavor. 

4. Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sandwich

With this ham and cheese slider recipe, you can take a regular ham sandwich to the next level. Add more flavor by putting in a special sauce and Hawaiian rolls.  Cover in plastic wrap or foil after cooking and store them in a cooler. If you don’t like ham, any deli meat will suffice.

Pro Tip: prepare sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them. The ingredients will stay fresher (and safer)

5. Bowl Meals

You can be more creative with this make-ahead, flexible, and convenient meal to go. Besides that, bowl meals are nutritious, which is good to keep everybody up during travel. Have any starchy food as the base, mix it up with protein and vegetables, and sauce. It helps you save more and satisfies your taste too. 

6. Veggie Frittata

Frittatas are no longer reserved only for breakfast. It is simple to make, and you just need to mix the eggs with veggies and flavor. Eat it cold or hot, and the taste stays the same. A basic five-ingredient vegetable frittata is both inexpensive and vegetarian. If you are a meat lover, add in some diced ham.

7. Chicken Salad Sandwich

A chicken salad sandwich is an excellent meal for long road trips. Prepare this in the car just before lunch, and it’s easy to assemble! Keep all the ingredients inside a reusable bag and bring a can opener and a plate for the prepping. Put the chicken on the bread, top with tossed veggies, and spread your favorite condiments. 

8. Chicken Tortilla with Caesar Dressing

This chicken tortilla is a classic wrap that’s easy to prepare and lasts a day and a half inside a cooler. Grab some pre-cooked chicken strips if you don’t have time to cook, but the meal must be prepared ahead of time. Follow this pattern: Lay out the tortilla – put in avocado, tomatoes, chicken strips, parmesan cheese, and kale. Finally, spread Caesar dressing to boost the flavor. 

9. Avocado-Mozzarella Sandwich

It is a simple yet flavorful sandwich that your family will enjoy on the trip. Toast the bread first before leaving and wrap it in foil. Mix smashed avocado on bread, mozzarella cheese, pesto or basil, and tomato. Dash some salt and pepper before spreading on the bread. Enjoy your Mozzacado sandwich!

10. Banana Peanut Butter Wrap

A twist on the old PB&J! Peanut butter lunches could even be more flavorful by adding bananas for extra sweetness and granola for the crunch. Families and kids love peanut butter sandwiches. You’ll enjoy the ride with this make-ahead yummy wrap.

11. Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These muffins can fill your stomach for the day-long road trip. They’re easy-to-carry, mess-free, and taste as good a few days later. The combination of pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon with streusel makes it oozing with flavor and enough sweetness. It’s healthy too! 

12. Chicken Slaw

Toss the veggies and flavors, shredded chicken, season with condiments, and dig into this healthy salad to fill in your stomach. Put some avocado slices and basil to increase the delicious taste.  Make it beforehand, and it still tastes delish for days in the cooler. 

13. Thai Chicken Wraps

This crunchy wrap with a mix of chopped or shredded chicken, curry sauce, carrots, tortillas, and coleslaw this Thai chicken wrap is a winner. It is quick to prepare and can be enjoyed cold or not. Wrap with foil or plastic wrap, and they can be stored in the cooler for days. 

14. Taco Bowl

Prepare this meal before consumption, and you’d have a road trip fiesta dining. It’s a bowl of mixed meat or canned meat, veggies on top of the rice, and some flavorings. Bring a can opener and keep the ingredients in a reusable bag. Just throw them all in a container and ta-dah! Dig in!

15. Hummus Wrap with Sweet Potato, Sausage, and Kale

Hummus wrap is a favorite when it comes to road trips. This meal exudes delicious flavor by combining ingredients such as sausage, sweet potato, kale, and avocado. Put in a moderate amount of hummus inside the tortilla, and taste the yummy texture of this wrap in your mouth! 

16. Chicken Basil and Kale Salad

This salad can be done beforehand or assemble when it’s time for lunch but don’t mix the dressing! Toss the marinated chicken with kale, corn, cheese, peaches, and some walnuts for additional crunch. Another good way of eating this? Wrap it in a tortilla or stuff in pita pockets! 

17. Pizza Pasta Salad

The taste of pizza toppings minus the pizza dough make up this salad. It contains vegetables, meat, pasta, and cheese that will fill your tummies. Keep the pasta in separate containers upon assembling. The best part is when you put on the Italian dressing. It finalizes this lunch meal’s overall taste. 

18. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

With this easy to make roll-ups, your craving is satisfied. You only need five ingredients, including shredded chicken, cream cheese, sauce or hot sauce, green onions, and tortillas. You can be creative by adding additional ingredients like carrots or red pepper. Make it beforehand, put it in the fridge, then pull it out before the trip. 

19. Sushi Salad

This Sushi salad has cooked crab, nori strips, brown rice, avocado or mango, and some veggies. Add vinaigrette to boost flavor and your energy level! Put in separate containers beforehand, and you’re good to go on your road trip. 

20. Tuna Pasta

We also have this tuna pasta that you can prepare in 15 minutes! After cooking, put it in separate containers, cool it in the fridge, and bring it with your trip inside a cooler. It’s still good even if eaten cold. 

21. BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato) Sandwich

The ever classic BLT sandwich keeps you full on the go. It is available in almost every shop on gasoline stations. However, we recommend making your own to ensure clean preparation. Aside from that, you could put your preferred additional ingredients to make it more delectable.

22. Egg Salad and Avocado Sandwiches

Egg sandwiches are good, but with this recipe? You’ll have a twist by adding avocado for extra creaminess, pickled celery, and sunflower seeds for some crunch. You can either make it ahead of time or pack the salad in containers with a splash of lime for freshness. Assemble it with bread on the side.

23. Roast Beef Sandwich 

Add some watercress slaw to this roast beef sandwich to create a difference. The crusty baguettes, mayonnaise, and fresh veggies make up this delicious sandwich. Assemble in the car upon eating or earlier. The baguette’s crustiness prevents the mayo from soaking while you’re traveling. 

24. Egg Salad with Bacon and Sriracha Sandwich

Egg salad is a classic, yet you can spice it up by adding yogurt, bacon, and hot sriracha. The spicy taste of sriracha gives this recipe a twist that will surely keep you eat more. Store the mixture in an airtight container and spread it on the bread when it’s time. 

25. Turkey Wrap with Carrot Salad 

Eating Turkey with Swiss cheese wrap is best partnered with carrot salad to fill our cravings during lunch. It contains Dijon mustard, lemon juice and its rind, mayonnaise, veggies, cheese, and of course, Turkey meat! Truly satisfying!

26. Couscous with the sides of your choice

It is lighter than rice, and you can choose your preferred sides for this starchy food like celery, avocado, and spring onions. Bring along some chicken or vegetable stock with your thermos flasks, pour in a bowl upon eating. Add the couscous and let it sit for 10 minutes, then it’s ready to enjoy! 

27. PB & J Sandwich ( Peanut Butter and Jelly)

It is the all-time favorite lunch of families, especially the kids who love sweets. You can never go wrong with this one in the road trip as everyone enjoys the taste of peanut butter and jelly. Be more creative by adding bananas or strawberries to add some twist. 

28. Pizza Scroll

Who doesn’t love pizza? Of course, almost everybody does! This pizza scroll’s dough is made of Greek yogurt and flour. The rest of the toppings is up to you – the sauce, meat, and cheese. Roll up this make-ahead pizza to form a log and cut to the desired size. Bake, and you’re ready to go!

29. Chicken Wraps with Parmesan Cheese

Give yourself a treat with these delectable chicken wraps. Mixed with Italian spices, basil, marinara sauce, and that melting cheese, you got yourself a perfect meal! After putting the mixture in the tortillas, wrap it up and sear.  After 15 minutes, you have that yummy wrap for your road trip.

30. Deli turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich

It is easy to pack for your road travel. This recipe consists of smoked turkey and cheese on white bread. You can also try other deli meats such as ham, chicken, and beef. Actually, you can mix any condiment that you want, like mustard or different combos.

 31. Bean and Cheese Burrito

It’s a classic meal good enough to make you complete with only a few ingredients to mix. With the combination of cheese, beans, and the tortilla to cover up the flavors, everything is set to have your hearty lunch for the trip.

32. Pita Pockets

With pita pockets, you can choose whatever filling you want to put in. It can be chicken, hummus, some veggies, or the meat of your choice. Just however you like it! Put the ingredients in a reusable bag and assemble them right before consumption.

33.  Bagels and Cream Cheese

The simple bagels with a spread of cream cheese are pretty enough to satisfy hunger. But with additional fillings like bacon and other stuff comes a delicious lunch meal that everyone on the road trip will surely enjoy. 

34. Beef Jerky and Veggies

The superb taste of beef with the mix of vegetables is definitely a knockout. It tastes different and satiates one’s tastebuds. However, it would be best to try making your own than the readily available ones in the market.

35. Mini turkey meatloaves muffins

These mini turkey muffins are stuffed with Italian flavor. They are easy to prepare since they are baked in a muffin pan. Lunches on the go just got a whole lot simpler and more delicious with this meal. The combination of meat and muffin makes this great for a go-to meal. 

Final Thoughts on 35+ Yummy Road Trip Lunch Ideas

We all have our food choices, especially those we want to bring specifically for our road trip. Having a meal plan helps save your time thinking about the proper meal to pack.

Nothing beats lunch prepping on your own. It does not just save money, but it also saves time hopping from one restaurants to another. With many lists of recipes you could find on the web, we hope you found our list of road trip lunch ideas a great help in your planning.

For more resources about planning your trip, do check out our other blogs:

Family Vacation Planner (+Free Printable Template)

15 essential tips for your first rv family camping trip with a toddler.

• RV Packing List for Your Family Camping Trip (Printable Checklist)
• Must have Travel Packing List for a Perfect Family Trip
• 17 Practical Tips for a Road Trip with a Toddler (From a Mom of 6)

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Top 3 MUST-HAVES For Every Travel Baseball/Softball Parent - Travel Tournament Essentials

Uniform? Check. Cleats? Check. Bat Bag? Check.

Okay. On to the other kids. Chairs? Lunch?

There are so many things to consider when prepping for a big weekend tournament, especially when you're traveling to another location and have to consider what you'll eat, where you'll stay, if you have everyone's bags packed, and so on!

We've come up with this list of THREE essentials you need to consider for your travel baseball or softball tournament weekends.

1. Travel Bag

What is a travel bag in this context? A travel bag is a bag that has all of the essentials. Each family is a little different, but here are the contents of our families travel bag:

Travel Bag Necessities

1. Snacks for all the kids

The cost on the road for snacks and drinks etc is ridiculous, especially for a family of 5.

2. First aid kit

If it could happen it will happen. Cuts, bangs, and bruises

3. Sunscreen & after-sun aloe

It isn't abnormal to be on and off a ball field for 12 hours in the summer. Players, parents, little ones, fans that forgot (that was me).

4. Extra swimsuit for each kid

You never know what hotel is going to have a pool, whether it will be open, or packed. Sometimes there are little water parks and sprinkler set ups next to ball fields which can give a hot sibling or a player a nice break from the heat of the day.

5. Extra cell phone chargers with portable rechargeable battery

We definitely don't want the little ones running out of juice for their entertainment.

6. Bluetooth speaker

We all like a little in between game picnic music to keep the players mood, and you know there is always that “dance mom” breakout move that could give great content for your FB page if someone catches it on video.

7. Yard mat or blanket

Something that will roll out and allow little ones to play without being in the grass or mud.

2. GroupMe App

Simple and easy to use to share pics and messages about the game with family and friends in real time.

We recommend only using it for that team or sports in general to keep the clutter out of the text messages.

3. Invest in a GOOD COOLER

The cost is crazy when traveling with other children. You can save a a ton of money if you always have what they will drink and eat on hand!

Check this out:

Away Games in a season - 24 Total Trips - 10 Family Size - 5 Example - Weekend Tournament

As you can see, there is a LOT to be saved just simply by purchasing a nice cooler and getting some groceries ahead of time. Sometimes in the chaos of tournament preparation, it can be easy to slack and just decide to purchase everyone's food at the locations if needed, but you can save a ton of money if you just add a little extra time to your planning!

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

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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 we love. 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

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

• 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 . 
• We find our own make-ahead meals & road trip food tends to be 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. I know you feel me on this one!

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.

I love how 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. Because as a parent anything I can do to make my life easier is golden.

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

We’ve found it’s easy to take these road trip breakfast ideas to go, or quickly eat hot in the morning.

As long as we’ve made them ahead of time, and brought them in our cooler. Or if we have access to hot water or basic kitchen facilities or a microwave.

Grab tasty breakfast 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. We’ve found they’re less likely to spill in the car if you use a spill-proof refillable cup and snack cup for the littles.

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

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 I 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

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

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 we’ve found you will only need a few things to mix and match:

• 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

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. We add them right before eating.
• Pack each ingredient separately . Then everyone can assemble their sandwich how they like, on-the-go. We’ve found this helpful with our pickiest eater.
• 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. 

I 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 I find when you need a few dinner in the car ideas on hand. You can always re-use the lunch or even the travel breakfast ideas , because they are all tasty anytime of day. 

Check out our favourite easy vacation dinner recipes .

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

I’ve also gone the route of meal prepping ahead of time and putting individual meals in separate containers that are easy to reheat and clean up. 

If you are a camping family, what you plan for pre-made 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

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

Meal Planning Tips

When meal planning healthy road trip foods, I think it’s important 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 of my top tips to make packing a bit easier:

• Bread: Bring wraps, pitas and flatbreads – we find 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 we love that they give us 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: We always have a designated garbage bag for the car. It helps to keep the garbage contained, and the 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, we usually use small stackable Rubbermaid containers to pack our 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.

There’s been numerous times my “safety first” approach & extra clothes has saved us on long trips. From puking children, to epic diaper blow outs, and unexpected spills, with kids it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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

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

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

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.

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

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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