Best Road Trip Snacks

Whether you’re planning a short road trip, like one from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs, or an epic one all the way along the Oregon Coast, you know that you’re going to need plenty of snacks for you and your crew to keep the hanger away. 

It can be tempting to pack the same foods that you like to Netflix and chill or to plan to stop at the first fast food drive through you come across when hunger strikes. Neither of which are great ideas – greasy, processed chips can be messy while a deep-fried anything can make you struggle to keep your eyes open.

Read on to learn how packing the right snacks can turn your road trip into a veritable feast.

Things to Consider While Choosing Snacks for Your Road Trip

When you start planning your road trip ‘menu’, think about choosing foods with different flavours and textures to keep things interesting. Think about whether they will need to be packed into a cooler and if your vehicle has the space for it. You also want your snacks to be:

• Easy to Eat

It’s hard enough to eat in a moving vehicle and even more so when you are driving. Forget about foods that need a knife and fork and choose snacks that can be easily popped into your mouth as you drive. 

• Easy to Make

Unless you want to spend days cooking up a storm for your forthcoming road trip, you want to have snacks that are easy to make. 

Check out these Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Bites and you’ll see what we mean.

• Healthy

Your body needs the right nutrients to stay alert and focused as you gobble up those kilometres. Sugary and fried foods can make you feel sluggish and make you feel like taking a nap instead of keeping your eyes on the road. Healthy doesn’t mean boring though – pack some hummus and use it to dip baby carrots or celery sticks in. 

• Non-Messy

There’s nothing more annoying than getting crumbs all over yourself and your car. While nuts and seeds are great energizing snacks – avoid messy ones like pistachios. Opt for something like these Spicy Roasted Almonds that are easy to make, eat, and keeps things interesting. 

• Filling

While snacking on little bits and bobs can keep the monotony away on a long drive, don’t forget to pack a delicious and filling meal too. Make an assortment of your favourite sandwiches, or a light pasta salad and plan a picnic luncheon at a scenic spot. It’ll give you some time to stretch your legs and take in some views. Baguettes are the perfect breads for your sandwiches as they don’t get soggy easily.  Try this refreshing Apple, Brie, and Dijon Sandwich (or slap on some turkey slices) and thank us later!

Meals as You Go

If it’s the journey that matters more than the destination and you’re actually looking forward to a few leisurely stops, then consider doing some research beforehand. You’ll find farmers markets are great places to stock up on some fresh produce or look for quaint farm to fork restaurants that dish up mouth-watering meals.

Stay Hydrated

Keep yourself hydrated all through the trip. It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re sitting in one place. Keep reminding yourself to take small sips of water every so often. It’ll help you stay focused on the road and keep you fuller for longer too. 

Snacking Gear

Take your road trip snacks seriously. Making sure you have the right gear for your snacks can make the experience even more enjoyable. 

• A soft-sided cooler can help keep your food fresher for longer without taking too much room. 
• Resealable bags can be reused and help with portion control.
• An insulated water bottle makes sure you remain hydrated.
• Keep wet wipes accessible to wipe sticky fingers.
• A small sealable container to use for trash so your car stays clean.

Ascent Car Rentals

Ascent Car Rentals can take some of the planning off your hands with our guided tours to popular tourist destinations. Alternatively, choose from a vehicle for your road trip from our fleet of large and compact vehicles. It includes luxury SUVs, Kia Rios, and Passenger Vans so that your entire party can travel together comfortably to create unforgettable memories.

If you are interested in learning more about our customizable services visit our downtown Vancouver location or get in touch with us to book the perfect car for your upcoming trip.