With summer comes the call of the open road. Whether you’re planning to motor out of town for a weekend getaway or log serious miles on a cross-country trek, the last thing you want to worry about is what to eat. If homemade fare is what you love, check out these ideas for road trip-friendly breakfasts, lunches, and snacks that travel well in a backseat cooler. Then buckle up and let the adventure begin!
Breakfasts to enjoy on the road
With a little planning, your dawn departure doesn't have to mean settling for gas-station doughnuts. Veggie-rich egg cups and overnight oats in small jars are just some of the portable breakfasts you can prep the night before for a strong start the following morning, while plenty of other grab-and-go options come together in minutes. Oh, and needless to say: If you're a coffee drinker, be sure to fill your travel mug!
Travel-friendly lunches
Hey, your vehicle isn't the only one in need of fuel here. Midday can be a good time to take a break from driving, stretch your muscles, and recharge. Pull off the road for a mini picnic at an outdoor table, or enjoy your lunch tailgate-style.
Wraps and sandwiches are road trip favorites for a reason: They're super portable and easy to customize with your preferred fillings. Chopped salads are an excellent option, too. Toss together some hearty greens, protein, and a few other tasty ingredients, and pack in a resealable container. For maximum crunch, store dressing in a separate mini container and mix with your salad ingredients just before enjoying. Looking for specific recipes? The following ideas can help you go the distance.
Ideas for car snacks
At WeightWatchers®, we'd never tell you that one fruit or vegetable is better than another—unless we were talking about car messiness. Purely on that point, all produce is not created equal. Carrot sticks are neater than juicy nectarines. A crisp apple won’t drip onto your shorts the way watermelon might. And many drivers love bite-size fruits and veggies such as seedless grapes, cherry tomatoes, and sugar snap peas—more steering, less juggling.
Whole bananas, oranges, and other citrus fruits travel particularly well because they stay fresh for days. Just remember to bring something to hold discarded peels. You might have to wait miles before you come across a proper trash can.
Of course, fresh fruits and veggies aren't your only snacking option. (Please.) The travel-friendly ideas below can help keep you satisfied between pit stops. Happy travels!
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Erin Quinlan is a freelance journalist in New York City.
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