As many of you know, and if you just take a quick browse through this site or our Instagram feed you’ll see, my family and I are big fans of road trips. We love not only discovering new destinations but we truly do our best to make the most out of the journey as well.
When it comes to being on the road with littles there are a few tips we’ve learned over the years that make your trip enjoyable for the whole fam.
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Road Trip Tips and Easy Snacks on the Go for your Family
1. Plan snacks.
While you will of course be stopping for meals, it’s always a good idea to have snacks on hand for those in between times. It helps to avoid any hangry breakdowns. One of our favorite nibbles for the road, no matter how long or how short our trip may be, is to make our very own (healthier) version of the Chicago classic Garrett’s Popcorn mix. If you’ve been there, you know it’s SO GOOD. But you guys I’m telling you, this one is SO GOOD too!!
We take a big bag of Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Cheddar Cheese Popcorn and Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn and mix it all up in one big bowl! At 70 calories a cup provides the conscience-soothing snacking, especially because there’s just real, simple ingredients… including real cheddar.
I make little bags of the deliciously salty and sweet kettle and cheddar popcorn mix for each person. When in small confined spaces for long periods of time, sometimes it’s best to not add in the task of sharing. Giving everyone their own bag keeps things calm and even. It’s a nice light snack and the mix of kettle corn and cheddar gives you that little treat of savory and sweet.
2. Plan Stops.
I know you want to get where you are going but planning stops along the way will make your journey much more enjoyable. Getting out and stretching your legs might not seem necessary, but not only is it good for your bodies, it’s good for everyone’s peace of mind. Chris and I like to look for parks and trails that we may be crossing while on the road. Giving our little ones time to run out some pent-up energy has always been the right choice for us. We’ve also researched places through the Yelp app, little food trucks or ice cream parlors that we may pass that will bring that little something “extra” to our time on the road.
3. Plan Entertainment.
Our family is quite fond of music and dance, so we like to create road trip playlists and have our own little house party sessions as we drive. There are games that can be played along with music, such as playing a song and pausing it and having the kids finish the line, or freeze, they do their best dance moves until you pause the music and then they have to freeze. These are just some of our faves, but there are so many others out there that you can try with your crew. On top of our car games, we encourage each kid to bring a book to read and a toy to play with. We also usually have a movie or two on hand for them to watch.
4. Plan Comfort.
If you are going to be on the road for awhile, be sure to pack all of your littles’ pjs in a separate bag than your luggage, or at least easy to access. Have each of them bring a pillow, favorite blanket and stuffed animal (if they have one that they sleep with). Sleeping in a car isn’t always fun or easy but having just a few comforts from home can at least make it better.
Candy says
You all are certainly having fun making snacks for your trip. Everyone always eats twice as much while traveling. Good have choices
Karen says
I love Boom Chicka Pop. I eat it all the time. It’s so good, and I have zero guilt about eating it.
Melissa Chapman says
I love a good popcorn and that sweet and salty sounds and looks so good. I always take my dogs on road trips so snacks and dog treats get us through it most of the time.
Cherri Megasko says
Boom Chicka Pop is one of my favorite snacks! And I agree – it’s a great snack to take along on a road trip
Denay DeGuzman says
I love Boom Chicka Pop! It’s perfect for movie nights, home snacking, parties and road trips!
Catalina says
Planning snacks for a trip is the most important part especially when you have kids. I love every kind of snacks.
Natalie says
Ahh I love Boom Chicka Pop! I’ve only had some a handful of times but remember them being so tasty. Love that they are vegan too!
Jeanette says
Those are perfect snacks! Easy to put together and they are not too bad for you! I always try to have snacks when we travel anywhere. These looks like they would be delicious.
Heather says
I saw that they have a peppermint version of this popcorn but I can’t find it anywhere! I’ve been wanting to try it.
Terri Beavers says
Snacks and stops are a must when I travel with the grandkids, lol. I can’t believe I haven’t tried this product before. My go to snacks are usually just healthy finger foods.
Kim Croisant says
Great snacks and fun snacks all rolled up in one. Yes, we have bought these before and love them.
Lynndee says
We love to go on road trips and bringing snacks are definitely important while on the road. We love protein bars. Those look good too.
Marysa says
We love Boom Chicka Pop! I will say that Kettle Corn is not my thing, but I’ve been getting their other popcorn and packing it in the kid’s lunches, too.
Jeanine says
Great tips! I’ve never had boom chicka pop before but would love to give it a try. What a delicious sounding snack!
Tim B says
Popcorn is such a great treat! It is one of my family’s favorite snacks. Hadn’t heard of this brand before so will have to keep an eye out for it to give BOOMCHICKAPOP a try. Both these flavors seem like they’d be delicious to eat!
Shannon Gurnee says
I’ve heard of this brand before and would love to try it sometime. I bet my kids would love it.
Swathi says
Chickpea pop sounds delicious I need to check it out. as I am now looking for healthy version of popcorn for kids.
Renee says
Hi Annie,
I really like your blog and the snacks looks yummy, now I want to eat popcorn and chocolate and you know all the nice stuff! 🙂
Happy new year!
xo
Renee
Bryana says
My sister totally loves snacks and whenever I tell her that it looks too good, but she likes it!