I am going to my company’s National Conference. I am DRIVING with 3 other women to cut down the cost. Airline tickets are super expensive and there are no non-stop flights. Driving was the answer for us.
This made me think about (of course) traveling food. When I am scheduled to be in the car for an extended period of time, I always pack something to eat. With 16 hours in the car, I need to pack several meals.
Why do I pack meals? If I don’t, I’ll be stopping at a fast food restaurant. Not a good option. Not good in the taste department and definitely not good in the health department. Also, I need to pack items that are easy to eat in the car while driving or while a passenger.
Here are some of the items I routinely pack:
- Sandwiches
These are always an excellent choice while on the road. My favorite is peanut butter. Easy to transport and does not need to be in a cooler. It’s always my first choice for just me. But, my husband HATES the smell of peanut butter and cannot have it in the car with him. When he is going to be in the car with me, I opt for something like: roast beef, chicken salad, tuna salad, ham and cheese, etc.
- Chicken
I know this sounds weird, but I love to pack oven fried chicken when going on a road trip. It’s easy to eat. If you cook the drumsticks only, it’s really a one hand meal. I put them in a zipper type bag or reusable container with an ice pack and we are good.
- Calzones
Really a deluxe sandwich, the calzones are a great picnic or on the road food choice. I normally make linguica and cheese; roast beef, onions and peppers with cheese and the old standby…ham and swiss.
- Salads
Salads are another great choice, if you’re not going to be driving while eating. If you are going to stop or switch drivers, salads can be a great choice for picnics and road food. I love salads with some type of meat: Jerk Chicken Salad, Caesar Chicken Salad, Chef’s Salad or any salad with beans and chicken. I have also made pasta salads with veggies and meats for many of our road trips. Great tip: put the dressing in the bottom of the bowl and make the salad on top. Once you are ready to eat, just mix. The lettuce does not get soggy.
That’s the type of “road” food I pack. Now it’s your turn. What do you pack for picnics or on road trips?