It’s Summer Travel Time — Pack Smart, Snack Smarter
When you’re traveling long haul with three kids, snacks are everything.
I prefer not to rely on airport or in-flight meals, so I always pack a variety of healthy, travel-friendly snacks. They keep everyone happy, reduce meltdowns, and make long journeys far more pleasant.
This is my tried-and-true list — perfect for road trips, ferries, trains, and planes.
- Spiced makhana (fox nuts) and nut mix — light, crunchy, and satisfying for grazing during movies or downtime.
- Foods by Ri crackers — a crunchy alternative to bread rolls or airline cookies; pairs well with spreads or tuna.
- Individually packed chia pudding — travels well, makes a simple light meal or snack, and is easy to portion for kids.
- Boiled eggs — a compact source of protein. Bring a little mustard or use on-board condiments, and serve with crackers for a filling combo.
- Fresh fruit and raw vegetables — apples, carrots, and cucumber slices are sturdy, hydrating, and nutritious.
- Trail mix — classic and versatile. I like to include pretzels and a few chocolate pieces as a treat, but simple nuts and dried fruit work great too.
- Dark chocolate rice crackers — a kid-friendly sweet-and-salty option that’s lighter than chocolate bars.
- Skipjack tuna sachets — convenient, protein-rich, and easy to eat with crackers for a satiating snack.
- Hu gems or small chocolate bites — for when you need a little chocolate fix without bulky packaging.
- Simple Mills crackers — a kid-approved crunchy snack that pairs well with spreads or cheese.
- RX nut butter sachets — single-serve nut butters are tidy, tasty, and easy to spread on crackers or fruit.
- Single-serve olives — packets of olives add variety and are a flavorful, portable option.
- Homemade bliss balls or energy bites — easy to make ahead, transport, and offer a healthier sweet bite.
- Electrolyte sachets — travel can be dehydrating; electrolyte powder helps keep everyone hydrated and feeling well.
Hope you find these suggestions useful. Share your favorite travel snacks in the comments — I’d love to hear them!