The Ultimate Guide to Travel Snacks: What to Pack for Your Journey

Over the summer holidays my son and I had days out and a trip to Butlins which I drove too. Ensuring we have plenty of snacks especially with children is very important.

Travelling can be a lot of fun, but it can also make you tired and grumpy. One of the most important things to bring on your trip is the right snacks. Whether you're in a car, on a plane, or riding a train, having yummy and healthy snacks can make everything better. In this guide, we'll talk about the best travel snacks, how to pick them, and some tips for packing them.

Travelling with snacks

Travelling with snacks is important as it can keep us energised during long journeys, snacks help maintain your energy levels and provide the necessary nutrients to keep you feeling your best.

For my son and I having snacks that are convenient and cost effective are a must. Having snacks readily available means you won't have to rely on often expensive and unhealthy food options at airports, petrol/gas stations, or train stations. Bringing your own snacks can save you money as the food in stations are typically inflated. If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, you can ensure you have options that meet your needs.

Choosing the right snacks

Picking the correct snacks is important when travelling, especially with children in tow, as a single Mum I have learned to ensure the snacks I take are portable, have good shelf stability, great nutritional value, are non messy and of course allergy friendly.

Choose snacks that are easy to carry and don’t take up much space in your bag to not only travel with but also to have in your bag if you are at a theme park or somewhere else. Think compact and lightweight.

Also opt for snacks that don’t require refrigeration. This ensures they stay fresh and safe to eat throughout your journey. Look for snacks that provide a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. This balance will help keep you and your children full and energised.

It is important to select snacks that are easy to eat without making a mess, especially in cars. I have often found food under a car seat when cleaning. Avoid foods that are sticky, greasy, or prone to spilling. Finally, consider any allergens you and the people you are travelling with have and opt for snacks that are less likely to cause any uncomfortable issues for fellow travellers.

30 snacks to take on a journey that are child friendly

Fruit Pouches (pureed fruits in squeezable pouches, easy to pick up at most supermarkets)

Apple Slices (with or without peanut or any other nut butter)

String Cheese

Mini Muffins (bought or homemade)

Animal Crackers

Fruit Cups (packed in juice)

Veggie Chips

Mini Pretzels

Rice Krispies Treats

Mini Pancakes (easy to hold and eat)

Popcorn (lightly salted or plain)

Granola Bars (specifically kid-friendly brands)

Frozen Grapes (they stay cool and are fun to eat)

Mini Bagels (with cheese or peanut butter)

Baby Carrots

Banana Chips

Fruit Roll-Ups or Fruit Leathers

Trail Mix (with chocolate pieces for a treat)

Mini Rice Cakes

Mini Yogurt-Covered Raisins or cranberries

Apple Chips

Snap Peas

Edamame

Mini Donuts (baked, not fried)

Cucumber Slices

Pomegranate Seeds

Mini Croissants

Sliced Bell Peppers

Grapes (cut in half for younger kids)

Fruit Kebabs (small fruit pieces on toothpicks)

Homemade vs Store bought

Store-bought snacks are convenient; however, if you want to have even healthier snacks on your journey and you have the time to make some healthy snacks, it will give you and your family much healthier options and keep them full for longer. You can even freeze some for when you come back. If you make your own snacks, you know the ingredients that go into the food. You can make them to the taste of your family as well as keep in mind any allergies your family may have. However, with homemade snacks, they will not last the journey back; store-bought snacks will.

Here are 13 different homemade snack ideas you can make for a road trip or just for a family fun day out.

Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade Fruit Leather

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Homemade Trail Mix (with your child's favourite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chocolate)

Homemade Mini Muffins (blueberry, chocolate chip, banana nut)

Homemade Popcorn (lightly seasoned)

Homemade Energy Bites (oats, honey, peanut butter, chocolate chips)

Homemade Cheese Crackers

Homemade Apple Chips (baked with cinnamon)

Homemade Veggie Chips (kale, beet, sweet potato)

Homemade Mini Pancakes (with fruit or chocolate chips)

Homemade Oatmeal Cookies (with raisins or chocolate chips)

Homemade Fruit and Nut Bars

Best way to store your travel snacks

How we store travel snacks will help keep from spillages and keep the snacks fresh. Using zip lock bags is always a good idea, and they are also easy to open for kids too. Other tips for your travel snacks are to ensure you have small portions to not overeat. Plus, if you have children, you can ensure that each portion is even to stop any sibling squabbles. I also find putting labels on each bag will also help you find yours or your children's favourite snack quickly.

As previously mentioned, zip lock bags are a great way to store your snacks, but other ways to keep snacks fresh is to have snack containers, which will stop your snacks from getting squished. If you are taking snacks that need to be kept cool, you can put them in cooler bags, which will not only keep your snacks cool and fresh but will be great for longer journeys.

Travelling can be an exciting adventure, especially when you have the perfect snacks to keep everyone happy and energised. With the right planning, you can avoid the pitfalls of expensive and unhealthy food options while ensuring that your family enjoys nutritious and tasty treats. By choosing easy-to-carry, non-messy snacks and using practical storage solutions like zip-lock bags and cooler bags, you can make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Whether you opt for store-bought convenience or homemade goodness, having a variety of snacks on hand will cater to everyone's tastes and dietary needs. Pack up those delicious snacks, label them for easy access, and get ready to make wonderful memories on your travels. I hope this has helped, and I would love to know what your favourite snacks to take when travelling are.

Until next time,

Rachel x

Written by: Rachel Cole