I think you must be flying or you could use my best tip. I always pack from my pantry before we go on vacation. My kids are so picky. Going out to eat isn't a treat for them because they don't like most restaurant food. So I grab any bread, cereal, butter, jelly, milk etc. that we have at home and pack it for the trip. This way, things at home don't spoil and I have a good start for the trip. Otherwise I'd go to the store and buy a duplicate of everything I already have at home.
I agree about finding inexpensive takeout. I dont really cook on vacation. But I will pick up things for my husband and me from local restaurants and put something together in condo for the kids. We will eat out a few times too. I have us eat all breakfasts in our room and I pack snacks and sandwiches for the parks
mostly because we dont like to slow down and we dont love park food.
My basic list is:
Paper towels
Dish and laundry soaps
Zip locks
Cereal
Granola Bars
Fresh Fruit
Fruit cups
Bag snacks (pretzels, chips etc)
Bread
Lunch meat
Jelly
Peanut Butter
Tea, coffee, soda, bottled water, milk
Bagels
Butter
Cream cheese
String cheese
Energy bars
Instant oatmeal
Frozen waffles