Road Trip Food

[garettdoyle]

Here are a few ways to heat water or keep things warm.

12 Volt Thermos
http://www.target.com/Wagan-12-Volt-Hot-Pot/dp/B000BQKVXO

12 Volt Hotpot

http://www.12volt-travel.com/12-volt-20oz-smart-car-hot-pot-p-1727.html

You buy freeze dried food that folks normally buy for camping and hunting. You can buy this at your local camping store, some Walmarts or order on line. Mountain House is one brand.

Here are some of our family favorites:

-Yogurt
-Cheese
-Crackers
-Summer Sausage
-Hot and cold cereal
-Popcorn (prefer home made)
-Fresh Fruit and Veggies
-Hummas (our store sells individual servings)
-Individual packs of canned fruit, applesauce
-Bagels (you can buy single serving cream cheese at our grocery store)
-Sandwich wraps
-Beef jerky
-Single servings of tuna and crackers. Most stores carry a wide variety of these.
-Lunchables (there are a ton of varieties)
-Hard boiled eggs
-Granola and cereal bars
-Nuts
-Sandwiches
-various individual packaged snacks (chips, pretzels, etc)
-drinks (gatorade, soda, juice, milk) We get the milk that doesn't need refrig in individual servings.

We try to use single serving packages or put items into ziplocks in individual servings. This helps manage the mess, helps with variety and keeps things fresh.

We have a coleman cooler that plugs into the 12V DC adapter. I try and avoid using ice because everything ends up wet and soggy. We pack the dry snacks in a box so they don't get crushed in the car. Don't forget plates, nakpins, plastic ware, etc.

Our motivation is not just to save money but to avoid fast food. I can't eat McD's day after day. I feel much better when I eat "normal" food. We stop at rest areas or local parks. We try and eat outside the car and have a picnic. It gives everyone a chance to burn off some energy and stretch our legs.

 

[JennyG]

Thanks for all the ideas! It seems I was a little too worried...
The trip will be just fine with snacks and stops along the way. 16hrs is not that bad... and will be worth it once we get there!

 

[dfchelbay]

Maybe when you stop for fuel, you can take advantage of places with dollar menus. Maybe you and DH can agree on a budget of like maybe 3 things each. Pack the cooler with your 4 yr. olds food items and your drinks too. Also, many pizza places now have a $5 pizza too. Maybe you and the hubby can split a small pizza. It will give him the hot meal he desires and its good on the old wallet. So, for around $5-$6 you all will eat a meal. It works out to be about the same, money wise, as if you bought food items before the trip and brought them with you.

 

[MouseMadness]

I usually pack small, individual salads in plastic containers (cheap ones that I can throw out). I put in fresh veggies, ham, turkey, cheese, etc. and add dressing when ready to eat. Our family also likes cold fried chicken and pizza, so I will make this up ahead of time (chicken fingers) and pizza, wrap it up, stick it in the cooler, and we are ready to go