A Bountiful Love: Foods to Pack for Hotel Stay (2024)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

When we go out of town for several days and need a hotel to stay in, we make sure that the hotel we book has a microwave and mini fridge. It is even nicer if we score a hotel with a designated dining area. We pack the majority of our snacks and meals- to-go for a variety of reasons such as:

1. It is frugal. It saves us a lot of money, especially if you have kids who love snacking while on a road trip.

2. It saves us time. We do not have to go around town not knowing where to eat and where to park. We can have more time exploring and having fun.

3. It is healthier. If you are trying to watch what you eat, packing your own food lets you pack meals suited to your food choices.

For breakfast ideas, I got some Bagels and cream cheese (not in the picture above) and Toaster Tarts. I know Toaster Tarts (like Pop Tarts) are not the best healthy option but I think it is okay if you rarely have them for breakfast (or snack). I also bought a dozen eggs that I hard-boiled not only for breakfast but also for a quick protein snack.

For snack ideas: I got some seaweed packs, string cheeses, two packs of tuna and crackers, cashews, two different kinds of trail mixes, peanut butter toast crackers, granola bars, and fruits.

I also baked a small tray of brownies for dessert. I already have the brownie mix on hand. So I suggest that if you have some baking mixes in your pantry, use them up. It will save you money from buying expensive sweet treats while traveling. Speaking of using what you already have, I try to empty out our fridge before leaving for a vacation. So there are food items that will not be included in my Aldi haul

For meals:

For lunch, I prepared brats with buns and served them with brownies for dessert. You will see that I have those small packets of condiments. When possible, I do not throw away those extra packets of condiments from restaurants. Sometimes, when we grab hotdogs from Sam's Club, I grab a few extra condiment packets, it is perfect for when you always pack food while traveling, You will also notice that I made one different packed lunch, That is for me as I am trying to eat more healthy. I made myself a protein wrap with spinach and deli turkey. My sides were cucumber slices and grape tomatoes.

Sausage, Veggies, and rice bowls. We had this for dinner inside our hotel room. All I had to do is to microwave the sausage, veggies, and rice pouches. If you have those soy sauce packets or hot sauce packets, they will add more flavor to your bowls.

Here's another hotel room dinner idea that only uses a microwave. Macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and broccoli. Yes, the package dinner may not be the healthiest option but hey I made sure they get a side of veggies as well.

I made sandwiches for one lunch and only ate out in a restaurant once. I also packed my electric kettle and French press so I can make my own coffee. I just don't like the taste of the coffee inside the hotel room and it is not enough for me and my husband. Don't forget your travel coffee cup, so you do not have to spend money on Starbucks every day. Don't forget to bring drinking water too!