One of my favorite things about going on a road trip is all of the delicious road trip snacks that I can have while I’m in the car! I prefer to stay healthy and try out new snacks every time I go! Here is a line up of my favorite road trip snacks! Enjoy!
Best Road Trip Tips and Hacks
As a frequent traveler, I have learned to get creative to make the most of my time when going on road trips. Also, I learned to avoid cities at 5 pm, check my car before leaving and eating healthy while on the road!
Check Your Vehicle Before Heading Out
At least a week before you leave for a long road trip, take your car to the mechanic to check the fluid levels, brakes, tires. Be sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have jumper cables!
Map Your Trip with Google Maps
Enter your start and final destination, and get an idea of timing. Use Google Maps while you’re driving to get updates about traffic jams, accidents and speed traps. But, don’t be afraid to take a turn to see something that interests you, stop at a local shop or a cafe or spend a night at a hotel if you need to.
Compare Toll and No Toll Routes
On my recent trip to Niagara Falls, it would take us nine hours if we decide to take toll roads the whole way from Chicago. But, that adds $60 round-trip to your weekend getaway. That’s why we decided to use tolls just half of the time (where it would save the most time for the lowest price.) We only used toll roads as we were going through Indiana to save some time and got to our hotel in Buffalo in about ten hours with a couple of gas station stops.
Anticipate Traffic and Plan Ahead (As Much As You Can)
On a road trip, it’s not hard to find yourself in a city at rush hour. You’ll want to plan ahead and you may be able to avoid some traffic by leaving a little later or a little earlier.
See What Fun Things You Can See On Your Route
There is so much to see around the country when you are driving! It might be a scenic overlook, a natural bridge or a quick stop at a National Park that will only take an hour of detour. If you have the time, look for other fun things to do on your road trip. US has so much to offer, see this US bucket list for inspiration. Roadtrippers can also help you find scenic drives on your route.
How to Spend Your Time on a Road Trip?
Going on a road trip is always exciting, but spending 8 hours in a car may not be as fun. Here are my 19 ideas on things to do on a road trip!
Snacks to Bring On Your Next Road Trip
The options at gas stations, convenience stores, and fast food chains along the way leave me feeling unhealthy while on the road. Your body already has low energy since all you’ve been sitting in the car for hours.That’s why I like to pack a good bag of snacks for a road trip! That way, I spend less time and money than stopping at restaurants and gas stations and I eat healthier.
Take These Healthy and Delicious Road Trip Snacks
Get More Protein Instead of Carbs
- Meat Sandwiches
- Protein Bars, Oatmega is my favorite
- Jerky
- String Cheese or Babybels
Pack Fruits and Veggies
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Clementines
- Hummus and Baby Carrots
Opt in for Healthier Snacks
- Harvest Snaps (my guilty pleasure, get lightly salted!)
- Trail Mix
- Chickpea Crisps
- Trail Butter (Coffee and Dark Chocolate flavor is amazing, and 700 calories in each package)
- Almond Butter and Apples
- Sunflower Seeds
- Banana Chips
Sweets and Dessert
- Dark Chocolate
- Cocoa Dusted Almonds
- Applesauce
- Peanut Butter Granola Bites
- Freeze-Dried Fruit
Take Drinks with You
- Water
- Take seltzer water instead of soda
- Coffee (you’re gonna need it)
- Coconut Water
Tips and Tricks for Packing Your Snacks
- Use one of the grocery bags to keep all of your non-refrigerated snacks in, but also take a bag for trash.
- Put your cheese, meat and water in a cooler.
- Don’t forget zip-lock bags, paper towels and hand anti-bacterial wipes. Things tend to get messy in the car!
- For more ideas on packing, use my ultimate packing list for your road trip.
Want to get inspired? Use my US Bucket List and Best US Weekend Getaway Ideas to plan your next road trip!
What are your favorite snacks to take with you when you’re on the road?
August 15, 2019
This is useful information. We do lot of traveling with family and I like to eat healthy food and snacks while on road trips. I do follow most but got some new things that I can add. Thanks for sharing.
Heena
August 15, 2019
I really enjoyed your article. It’s not often I get to read article that grab my attention like yours. Thanks.
October 3, 2019
I enjoyed reading your personalized snack list for roadtrips! I love packing cherries (when they are in season) and almonds on road trips!
You definitely gave me some other ideas, like banana chips and freeze dried pea crisps!
April 22, 2020
I like snacks that aren’t too messy, so they’re easy to grab and go. Whoever invented string cheese was a genius … I wouldn’t eat it at home, but it’s a great little snack for a trip, especially if you’ve got a few savory biscuits and an apple or some grapes to go with it. And maybe a sneaky little single serving of peanut butter – crunchy of course!
April 25, 2020
Great tips! I love road tripping, so these will be useful. I love your list of snacks-I need to remember to bring more healthy snacks, I tend to bring to much junk food!