Last month I had the unique opportunity to attend a conference on affiliate travel programs as a part of my full-time job. While I am so fortunate to have the ability to travel, being out of my typical routine often leaves me feeling a bit off.
Travel is a fairly frequent part of my work life, so I’ve really had to learn what snacks serve me in order to feel my best and perform well professionally. Below are some of my favorites. With a little bit of foresight, you can prepare and bring these healthy snacks with you. If you aren’t able to do so, I’ve also included some great store-bought brands.
I hope this list gives you some new ideas and inspires you to take care of yourself on your next trip!
1. Apple Slices & Nut Butter
Simple enough! Nourishing and filling. You can purchase single serve nut butters now; however, be careful of the quality of nut butter you’re purchasing. When in doubt, check the ingredient list. The only ingredient in your nut butter should be nuts. If you can’t find a single-serve option that isn’t full of additives, you can purchase tiny glass containers and portion out some natural nut butter prior to your travels. If you’re flying, be sure to follow TSA liquid limits.
Prepare prior to travel: Slice an apple & pack your own natural nut butter in a small glass container.
If you’re in a pinch: Purchase single-serve nut butter cups or find a Starbucks or convenience shop in the airport. They often have this as a grab and go option!
2. Cheese & Crackers
Another oldie but goodie. Rather than the low-quality, pre-sliced cheese and bland crackers you often find in launchables, I like to purchase quality cheese in blocks at the grocery and slice and package my own prior to travel. As far as quality crackers go, I love all the Simple Mills options, but particularly the Rosemary & Olive Oil crackers. They have a very short ingredient list, are gluten-free if you have an allergy or intolerance, and they don’t compromise on flavor! If you aren’t able to purchase and prep prior, Starbucks basically has “adult lunchables” in the form of pre-packaged cheese & cracker boxes. They often come with fruit and/or hard-boiled eggs.
Prepare prior to travel: Purchase your favorite cheese & crackers at the grocery store. Pre-slice your cheese and portion into baggies.
If you’re in a pinch: Find an airport Starbucks or convenience store. They typically have pre-packaged cheese and cracker boxes.
3. Veggies & Hummus
Dipping veggies in delicious, high-quality hummus is one of my favorite ways to get some raw veggies in. My favorites are carrots, broccoli, and radishes, but I also often throw cucumbers, peppers and celery into the mix as well!
Prepare prior to travel: I love to make my own garlic hummus with chickpeas when I have time! Then I portion out some hummus, slice some veggies and pack in a glass container.
If you’re in a pinch: If you’re on the go, again, airport convenience stores or Starbucks often have veggies and hummus in the snack fridge. If you’re road tripping, opt for stopping at a grocery store for some pre-packaged veggies and hummus over the drive through at a fast food restaurant.
4. Trail Mix
Another travel staple as a kid was trail mix. I love experimenting with flavor combos by making my own, but there are also tons of delish pre-packaged options at the store.
Prepare prior to travel: If you really enjoy trail mix, I suggest buying bulk bags of nuts, seeds and dried fruit at the grocery store. This will save you tons of money in the long run, because trail mix is expensive! Another pro to this method is the flexibility to change up the ingredients in your trail mix AND you get the freedom to only add the ingredients you like! No more picking out the raisins.
If you’re in a pinch: Whether you’re flying or road tripping, there are a plethora of options for pre-packaged trail mixes. They come in individual serving sizes or family size. Just be careful of added sugars and oils or super high sodium content!
5. Energy Bites
Think granola bars, but tastier and healthier! I love to pop a few energy bites when I’m looking for a sweet treat in the afternoon. Try my Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Bites if you have 10 minutes to prep the day before you travel.
6. Bomb Bars
Okay if you know me at all you know I can’t stop talking about how much I love adding Blender Bombs into my smoothies. But did you know the company also makes snack bars?! I prefer to opt for whole foods over packaged foods when possible, but these bars have a short and clean ingredient list for when you need to grab and go. My favorite flavor is the java chip, but I also love the cacao sea salt, blueberry & goji and peanut butter cookie dough bars.
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Let’s talk about proteinnnn. The reason you may be needing to snack all the time is that you aren’t getting an adequate amount of protein. Enter the hard-boiled egg. This is an easy and healthy way to get protein on the go. Be sure to boil, peel and throw into a baggie before you travel.
Prepare prior to travel: Super simple – just boil and peel the eggs ahead of time.
If you’re in a pinch: If you don’t have time to make your own hard boiled eggs before your trip, I have seen them in snack packs at Starbucks and Pret a Manger.
8. Granola
If you have time before your trip, make a batch of my Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola. It’s super delicious, if I do say so myself, and the higher nut to oat volume is a good source of protein and healthy fat to keep you full longer. If you don’t have time to make your own, a great store-bought brand is Purely Elizabeth. The blueberry hemp flavor is my favorite!
Prepare prior to travel: My Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola
If you’re in a pinch: Purely Elizabeth granola
9. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a super easy grab and go breakfast! Prep them the night before in 5 minutes and have a ready-to-eat meal when you’re on the move the morning of travel. Be mindful that TSA may view overnight oats as liquid, so this may be a better option for road trips or purchase once you arrive at your designation.
Prepare prior to travel: Try my Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats or Cacao Coconut Overnight Oats recipes! They can be prepped for the week in mason jars.
If you’re in a pinch: If you’re on the road and can’t make your own overnight oats, I really love the brand Mush for convenience and minimal, clean ingredients.
10. Chia Pudding
Much like overnight oats, chia pudding can be a great healthy breakfast or snack option easily prepared beforehand. Chia seeds are also a great source of fiber and omega 3s, helpful for keeping your tummy happy and for keeping things moving while traveling, if you know what I mean!
Prepare prior to travel: Try my super simple Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding to prep before travel.
If you’re in a pinch: A lot of local coffee shops have amazing chia pudding in their refrigerator. Look around next time you’re traveling!
11. Dark Chocolate, Obviously!
I love any Hu Kitchen chocolate bar (please sponsor me!), but my favorite is the Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate. It tastes like Nutella, but a much healthier-for-you version with no refined sugar! They’re also gluten free, vegan, organic, fair-trade, and non-GMO.
Travel is super fun, but it can also be so stressful on our bodies. Nourishing with clean ingredients can make for more energy, happier digestive systems, and overall better moods! I hope you found some ideas here for your next trip. Whether it’s prepping one of my simple, healthy recipes before your trip, or grabbing a new healthier option on the go, I wish you save, healthy travels!
