People have given me funny looks when I say we pack travel snacks for an all-inclusive vacation. The term ‘all-inclusive’ should mean everything is included, and it is. However, when at the beach and the nearest snack bar is at the buffet, is it worth packing everything up and traipsing with the kids soaking wet for a snack? Having ‘Hangry’ (anger caused by being hungry) kids isn’t worth it either. We have also taken our bus to the airport only to find out we have a 4 hour wait and the restaurants are closed. So we have learned to be prepared and bring travel snacks.
SassyModernMom Stephanie Holmes had a great article on her blog How to Survive Life in the Suburbs ‘20 Travel Ready Snacks‘, which got me thinking about what we take for snacks when we travel. With kids having over stimulated and tiring days and parents trying to be healthy, we try to bring less processed sugar. The trick is to find things they look forward to eating, rather than 15 ice creams and 20 glasses of soda a day (true story).
Here are a few things we always bring when traveling
Refillable water bottle. We always tell our kids to drink water, especially when flying. After a week in the sun you are probably dehydrated, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Remember to fill it up before leaving the resort and drink it all before you have to go through security.- Nuts. Since my kids are never allowed to take nuts to school and they love this treat. We usually bring almonds or pistachios, but it’s really whatever you prefer. Also, adults may want to pay attention to how many they are eating, you will be surprised when you have finished a huge bag and don’t realize it.
- Fruit gummy candy/snacks. I know they say ‘real fruit juice’ or ‘healthy snack’ on the packaging, but let’s be honest, it’s candy. Let’s also be honest, your kids are going from sitting 5 hours a day in school to swimming, running and playing on a beach 8-10 hours. They can use the candy sugar and will surely burn it off.
- Dried fruit. If you don’t want the candy option, dried fruit may work for your kids and is a great option for adults. We like apricot, mango, apple and banana chips.
- Note: If your really ambitious you can throw some dried fruit with some nuts and raisins to make trail mix.
- Pringles. These are easy to carry in your bag with their self-protected container and you can use the container to bring back any delicate/breakable items it will fit.
- Granola/protein bars. Our kids like MadeGood bars, but for the parents who can’t wait until they next meal, Cliff Bars, Kind Bars, Vega One or Vegan Protein are good options.
- Fruit leather. Thankfully we don’t have to make these from scratch. There are so many brands out there that are healthier than the fruit roll-ups I had as a kid and will make child or adult happy with a fruit sugar burst of energy.
- Chocolate. Something about vacation makes my family crave
the simple pleasure of chocolate. We usually grab a Cadbury Dairy Milk when passing through Duty Free. - Licorice. This is what my friend calls a healthier junk food. But it’s still junk food, even if it does travel so well. And, when desperate for a distraction, you can teach your kids how to use them as straws.
- Applesauce. My kids cannot get enough of these. Even if they have eaten an entire meal they will ask for a fruit squeeze and hey it’s apples, so it’s not too bad.
- Resort Food. If you are like us, we always think we have enough but never do. Keep an eye out at the resort for snacks that will travel well like boxes of cereal, bananas, apples, muffins or cookies. We usually always have a few extra ziploc bags that help with transporting.
