Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandma’s House We Go - Again! Even using those convenience foods, it is usually cheaper than buying food for the whole family at a fast food place. With so many convenience foods available, it isn’t hard to pack a lunch for the road.Make sure you use it while the car is running so you don’t drain the battery. It works well for instant coffee, oatmeal and hot chocolate. If you can, buy the gadget that you plug into the lighter plug in your car to heat water.

We washed it down with an icy cold Pepsi and nothing tasted better. I still fondly remember the trips when we stopped and bought a bag of chips, a loaf of bread and a package of bologna and cheese.

If money is tight, you don’t have to have elaborate meals.

Make sure just about everything is disposable. Don’t forget the plastic knives, forks and spoons along with napkins and a paring knife.

Be sure to bring those extra ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper packets you get from fast food places.

When finished eating, each person can put his empty wrappers in his own box for easy clean up. This is really handy if you have to eat while driving.

If you have room, box each family member’s meal in his own box like the box lunches they give out at activities.

This is especially true on trips, so bring plenty of snacks and a pillow for everyone.

Kids usually whine and fuss for one of two reasons.

Don’t forget the water! - Both for drinking and cleaning up. Be sure to freeze all your drinks to help keep your other foods cool in place of ice.

You can also have juice or iced tea in bottles and coffee in a thermos for coffee drinkers.

Drinks – Of course pop works great, but I like to freeze bottles of lemonade.

Cookies, brownies, quick breads and muffins – These are the best desserts.

Clean and bag carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, cauliflower or other vegetables.

Fruits and veggies – Apples, Oranges (already peeled) and firmer fruits.

Baked beans – Baked beans also keep great in a thermos.

Slice or cut cheeses into cubes before you leave.

Chips, crackers and cheeses – Buy chips in the cans.

Potato salad or pasta salad – Keep them in a small cooler.

To me, these are so much easier than sandwiches and everyone loves them. They will be perfectly cooked when ready to eat.

Hot dogs – As with the little sausages, put the hot dogs in a thermos and cover with boiling water.

Chicken or slices of ham – Fried chicken is always a good picnic stand by.

If you put lettuce or tomato on your sandwiches, bag them separately and put them on just before you are ready to eat. If you have spare packets of jelly from eating out, use those or buy jelly in the tube, too. You won’t have to deal with messy knives and it’s smaller than a jar. Pay just a few more pennies and get the peanut butter in the tube. Good old peanut butter is great for the kids. It makes them a little more special and they don’t crush as easily. Use hoagie buns instead of regular sandwich bread.

Sandwiches – Sandwiches are always great for road trips.

Put on the lid and by the time you are ready to eat them, the water will have heated them through.

Little smokie sausages (the pre-cooked kind) – These can be eaten out of the package but if you like them hot, place them in a small thermos and pour very hot to boiling water over them.My mom thought it was neat because she didn’t have to bring extra bowls and could toss the boxes. Individual boxes of cereal with milk – When I was young, I always thought that it was so neat to be able to cut the sides of the boxes open and use the cereal box for a bowl.Bagels with cream cheese and jam – Mix the jam and cream cheese together and place them in a small container before you leave.I’m not sure why, but kids seem to love individually packaged things and it makes everything more fun. Donuts or honey buns – If you think it will be easier for you, buy them individually packaged.Muffins, banana or apple bread – Don’t forget the butter or cream cheese.Our Favorite Christian Resources – Bible Translations, Christian Speakers And More!.

Best snacks for long drives