[chel]

My family is taking a trip soon and the cheaper we eat the more fun things we can do!
Please share tips and suggestions!

It will be 2 adults, 1 teen and one child. Half vegetarians! We'd like to be somewhat healthy.
We will have an ice chest, small fridge (? about freezer section), microwave, and a 1qt hotpot http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...R2Q1ERS8M0J2LH.

In the past we've done

popcorn
pudding cups
tune fish in those little cups
boil-a-bag rice with broc and cheese (can't find it any more)
ramen
microwave/stovetop pasta/rice mixes
hotcocoa
granola bars
bag salad mixes
salsa
chips
veggie hotdogs
luncheon meat (fake)
cheese sticks
mac & cheese

 

[root*children]

What are your accomodations?
Camping vs. hotel, etc. can make all the difference!

 

[kerilynn]

yogurt cups
raisins
bananas
no salt added canned veggies in the microwave

:
if you can make room for milk in the fridge, then cereal
crackers
pb&j sandwiches

 

[Satori]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chel In the past we've done popcorn pudding cups tune fish in those little cups boil-a-bag rice with broc and cheese (can't find it any more) ramen microwave/stovetop pasta/rice mixes hotcocoa granola bars bag salad mixes salsa chips veggie hotdogs luncheon meat (fake) cheese sticks mac & cheese

How do I put this without sounding insulting... what are you, teenagers?!

We take our own food every where and have been gone up to 10 days at a time. Depending on where we go changes what we bring. If I will have access to either a fridge or be able to get ice on a daily basis and have a microwave I bring what we normally eat but pre cooked so were basically just eating left overs. If I won't have access to a fridge and microwave but will have an ice chest then I bring picnic type foods like potato salad, fried chicken, sandwiches (lots and lots of sandwiches already made up, just leave the condiments and tomatoes off until the last minute to keep the bread from getting soggy) various salads, cheese and ham sticks with crackers make good snacks. Just because your going on vacation is no reason to throw out good nutrition!

I know if we don't eat well we feel like crap and then our "vacation" is ruined.

 

[chel]

we'll be in a cheap motel for 7 days and often won't come back for an entire day and won't be able to have a cooler during the day, so I need some stuff that doesn't have to be kept cool and could be carried in a medium purse (so potato salad and chicken wouldn't work)

Plus when I do cook either in a microwave (probably a very tiny one, or the hotpot) I won't be able to make large batches. I've done this before and I can't even make a full meal for everyone, let alone make something like pasta to have enough for leftovers!

 

[Satori]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chel we'll be in a cheap motel for 7 days and often won't come back for an entire day and won't be able to have a cooler during the day, so I need some stuff that doesn't have to be kept cool and could be carried in a medium purse (so potato salad and chicken wouldn't work) Plus when I do cook either in a microwave (probably a very tiny one, or the hotpot) I won't be able to make large batches. I've done this before and I can't even make a full meal for everyone, let alone make something like pasta to have enough for leftovers!

Well if you have a hotplate you can boil water for pasta but I always cook everything before we leave so I just have to reheat it but for pasta we usually make it into a cold pasta salad

I take a soft sided cooler with us when we go out. If we can get to the car easy I leave it in the car, if its to far we take the next meal with us and go back to the car later to get the next meal or just take a bigger cooler with us (I use the stroller to carry the bag while I carry the baby in the Ergo). Eating out is usually NOT an option and neither is fast food for us so we have no choice. Its just a matter of what your willing to do.

 

[root*children]

Do you have your hotel already booked? We always book through a discounter (orbitz, hotdeals, travelocity, etc.) and make sure to get a room with a kitchen. These are at several hotel chains - they are aimed at extended stays. But Homestead, Extended Stay America are ones that come to mind. It costs a little more than a regular hotel, but MUCH less than if we would have to eat out for all meals.

We have oatmeal or cereal for breakfast, along with fresh fruit and juice.

Lunch is sandwiches, PB&J usually - this is only because usually on trips we are not in the hotel room at lunch time!

Dinner is pasta, burritos, falafel (from the mix), etc. all with fresh veggies.

 

[root*children]

We just had this last night and it was really yummy, and would be GREAT for travelling!
http://hillbillyhousewife.com/tacori...exicanTVP&rice

I used TVP, but it would be just as good with a can of beans - both you can take with you, involving no refrigeration. It's also a 1-pot meal, and you can totally do the prep-work before you leave home