Road Trip Food Packing: A Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Must-Have Essentials when traveling with food to save money, maintain a specific diet, or manage a chronic illness, but some must-haves to cope with motion sickness.
As an avid road trip enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate the art of traveling with food. Whether you’re looking to save money and minimize pit stops or catering to specific dietary needs due to food allergies, restrictive diets, or chronic illnesses, packing your own road trip food can be a game-changer. Over the last two summers, my husband and I embarked on unforgettable adventures, cruising from South Carolina to Nevada, exploring the vibrant cities of Las Vegas and Reno, all while being self-sufficient with our meals. By diligently preparing our road trip food essentials, we not only stayed true to my strict gluten-free diet but also managed to avoid unnecessary food expenses along the way.
With my trusty 2022 Hyundai Ioniq packed to the brim, we set out on a journey where buying minimal food and no drinks on the road became our norm. Each night, we’d check into hotels that provided ice machines and refrigerators in the room, ensuring our perishable items remained fresh throughout our trip. Being gluten-free, we made sure to pack sandwich materials, snacks, bottled water, and a can of Sprite, creating a well-rounded and satisfying menu for our travels.
Throughout our two years of road trip adventures, we made it a point to resist the temptation of roadside eateries and fast-food chains, saving our appetites for indulging in the local delicacies and unique flavors we encountered along the way. The only exceptions were when we found ourselves in large cities that sometimes offered dedicated gluten-free restaurants. On such occasions, we allowed ourselves a well-deserved treat and relished the flavors of a special takeout or delivery meal to our hotel room.
One of the joys of road tripping is discovering the hidden gems and regional flavors that each stop has to offer. Along the way, we loved making pit stops at regional grocery store chains, where we’d swiftly run in to stock up on fresh bread and sandwich meat. Buying in small quantities allowed us to always have the freshest and most delicious ingredients for our meals, enhancing our road trip experience and delighting our taste buds with each bite.
Now, I want to share with you the seven must-have items that have become the backbone of our road trip food packing strategy. These essentials have not only made our journeys more convenient and cost-effective but have also empowered us to savor our travels with the peace of mind that we’re taking care of our dietary needs on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your first adventure, these road trip food packing essentials are sure to elevate your travel experience. So, let’s dive in and discover the essential items that will keep you well-fed and energized on your next road trip, plus some of our favorite items to manage my severe motion sickness.
- Strong, Soft-Sided Cooler (I got this one)
The Insulated Cooler Thermal Tote is the ideal companion for road trips. Its soft-sided design saves precious space, while the thermal insulation keeps food and drinks fresh throughout the journey. With easy accessibility for both driver and passenger, it ensures a hassle-free snacking experience on the road. Many times while I was driving, my husband would grab this entire cooler bag of food and put it is his lap, take out all the ingredients for sandwiches, make lunch and put it back, all from the passenger seat. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, this versatile cooler is a must-have for a convenient and enjoyable trip.
2. Ice Bags (I purchased the medium and large sized options)
These Reusable Ice Bags are the ultimate game-changer for any travel enthusiast. These versatile ice bags ensure your food stays cold all day long, making them perfect companions for road trips and outdoor adventures. Thanks to their collapsible design and high-quality materials, they are incredibly easy to use and carry. During our recent road trip, we utilized both sizes of these ice bags, placing a small and large bag in each of our soft-sided cooler bags. The result was astonishing – we didn’t have to worry about our perishables going bad, even in scorching temperatures. Each night at the hotel and again in the morning before setting off, we simply changed out the ice bags, and they worked like a charm.
3. Collapsible Bin – be sure to order a strong one from a reputable brand, like this one from CleverMade
The CleverMade Collapsible Fabric Laundry Basket is the ultimate companion for a well-organized and stress-free road trip. This versatile basket is a lifesaver when it comes to packing and keeping your essentials in order. With its spacious interior, it accommodates everything from paper towels to silverware, hand sanitizer, tissues, and snacks. The collapsible feature makes it incredibly convenient to carry in and out of hotel rooms each night, and it doubles as a catch-all to maintain a tidy car throughout the long journey. Its durable and high-quality fabric ensures it can handle the rigors of travel while keeping your belongings secure. Say goodbye to the frustration of digging through bags to find what you need – the CleverMade Collapsible Fabric Laundry Basket will be your reliable ally in keeping all your road trip necessities neatly organized and easily accessible at all times.
4. Travel Blanket – I like this compact one with case from Brookstone
The Brookstone Travel Blanket is the ultimate travel companion that checks all the boxes for a comfortable and hassle-free journey. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or any other kind of travel adventure, this blanket is a must-have item that takes up very little room. Its compact design comes with a convenient packing case, making it easy to carry and store in the car. One of its standout features is its versatility – it’s perfect for keeping you warm during those chilly trips when you need to keep the air conditioning on blast to prevent car sickness. With the Brookstone Travel Blanket, you can stay cozy and comfortable without sacrificing the relief of air conditioning. Say goodbye to shivering in the car and hello to a delightful travel experience with this must-have blanket by your side.
5. Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Bands – I recommend buying (2) two-packs
The Sea-Band Wristbands are an absolute game-changer for anyone prone to car or motion sickness on road trips. These wristbands are perfect for preventing and reducing the severity of nausea during travel. As a seasoned traveler, I can’t imagine a road trip without them. I simply put one on each arm and wear them throughout the entire day of travel. The acupressure technology they employ works wonders in soothing discomfort and ensuring a smooth journey. I’ve become so reliant on them that I always keep extra Sea-Bands in my purses and glovebox, ensuring I’m never without one, especially during trips lasting over an hour. Say goodbye to motion sickness woes and hello to a comfortable and nausea-free travel experience with the Sea-Band Wristbands by your side.
6. LMNT Electrolyte Packets – these come everywhere with me
LMNT Electrolyte packets quickly became my go-to choice for staying hydrated during road trips, and for good reason. This remarkable powder is not only sugar, carb, and gluten-free, but it also offers a delicious range of fruit flavors to choose from. While it may be a tad saltier than other options on the market, I find that once you get used to it, the taste becomes surprisingly enjoyable. My personal favorites are Citrus Salt and Watermelon Salt, though I’m more than happy to use any of the fruit-flavored varieties while on the road. If the saltiness ever becomes a concern, you can simply add more water to adjust the flavor to your liking. With this electrolyte powder by your side, you can maintain optimal hydration and keep yourself refreshed throughout your entire journey, making it an essential addition to any road trip adventure.
7. A variety of OTC medicine – this pre-packed one saved me a lot of time
The CruisePaks Cruise Essentials First Aid Kit with Medicine Packets has been an absolute lifesaver for my travel adventures. It not only saved me valuable time, but it also provided immense peace of mind knowing that I had all the necessary medications in convenient individual packets. Instead of having to craft my own first aid kit or purchase large quantities of medicine, this comprehensive kit came ready-made with everything I needed for those “just in case” moments during my trips. The neatly organized and compact design allowed me to easily slip it into my bag, ensuring I was always prepared for any unexpected health concerns while on the go. With CruisePaks First Aid Kit, I no longer worry about carrying bulky containers of medications, making it an essential companion for hassle-free and worry-free travel experiences.