10 Easy & Best Travel Snacks for Long Trips and Journeys in India

Why Choosing the Right Travel Snacks Matters

Having snacks readily available can save you time and money while exploring a new destination. You won't have to search for food when you're hungry, especially in places where certain cuisines may not be readily available. In case of food-related issues like an upset stomach or difficulty finding vegetarian or vegan options, having the right travel snacks can serve as a backup plan to keep you nourished. 

What Makes a Good Travel Snack? 

While many people travel for their studies, some travel for work, and others to explore different parts of the world, food is also important. Yes, indeed, the idea of seeing new places, experiencing new lifestyles, and exploring food is very exciting. But what if some foods don’t suit your taste palate? So, better to be safe than sorry and carry some tasty snacks along.  Also, during long flights or layovers, having travel snacks can be a lifesaver when airport food options are limited or expensive. Isn’t it amazing?

10 Easy-to-Carry Snacks for Road Trips & Long Journeys

So, if you or any of your family members are travelling anytime soon, here are 10 travel-friendly snacks that should be in your bag:

1. Chakli: Chakli is a spiral-shaped, deep-fried snack traditionally made from rice flour and spices. They have a wonderful crunch and come in different spice levels. 
2. Aloo Bhujia: Aloo bhujia is a crispy and spicy potato snack enjoyed worldwide. It's available in various brands and can be a spicy addition to your snack collection while travelling. 
3. Roasted Sweet Potato Bites: Roasting sweet potato bites is always a healthy option. It enhances their natural sweetness without added sugars or oil, making them a nutritious snack.
4. Mixed Spiced Nuts: It is very crunchy and satisfying, with a balance of cinnamon and a subtle kick of cayenne. You can mix it with as many nuts, plain or spicy, as you like.  
5. Veggie Chips: Veggie chips are crunchy and flavourful, making them a great alternative to traditional potato chips or other unhealthy snack options.  
6. Granola Bars: A granola bar is one of the wholesome snacks made with the goodness of rolled oats, brown sugar, water and loads of nuts and luscious raisins. They are overloaded with myriad flavours and essential nutrients,  
7. Chivda: Chivda, also known as namkeen or mixture, is a popular tea-time snack that consists of a blend of crispy fried ingredients. It typically includes flattened rice (poha), peanuts, roasted lentils, and various spices.
8. Multigrain Thepla Chips: Transform the traditional thepla, a Gujarati flatbread, into wholesome chips by using a blend of multigrain flours. 
9. Dry Fruit Barfi: Dry fruit barfi presents a wholesome combination of almonds, walnuts, dates, and figs. This confection is a delicious treat and a concentrated source of energy and fibre.
10. Kamal Kakdi Chips: Kamal kakdi can be steamed, deep-fried, braised or stir-fried. It can also be used to make chips, which go well with garlic chutney.
11. Best Travel Snacks for Families with Kids

Move away from pre-packaged foods packed with sodium and other preservatives by whipping up these easy travel snacks for your kids when you’re travelling,and they feel hungry.

Best Snacks by Travel Type

Hydration Tips to Pair with Travel Snacks

When travelling, other than water, you need ideas on how you hydrate and keep your stomach full. Here are some hydration tips to pair with your travel snacks:

1. Carrying a reusable water bottle making it easy to re-fill whenever possible
2. If carrying fruits, consume those with a higher water content 
3. If the snacks are salty, do not forget to drink more water than usual
4. Limit sugar-based drinks since that makes you more thirsty 
5. Have a bottle or pack of electrolytes to drink in small batches since it replenishes energy
6. Drink water before starting your journey to maintain a perfect hydration balance

Travel Snack Planner by Journey Duration (2, 5, 10+ Hours)

Some journeys are longer than others while some are just a few hours away. Either way, having a plan or idea on what you will consume within those hours can be a huge help and ease your hunger too:

1. 2 Hours: Pack light snacks such as bananas, apples, cucumbers, granola bars, protein bars, water and some chips, makhana, chaklis.
2. 5 Hours: A good combination includes sandwiches or wraps, cheese cubes, fresh fruit, trail mix, crackers, and a small sweet treat like homemade cookies.
3. 10+Hours: Pack protein bars, mixed nuts, dried fruits, roasted chickpeas, peanut butter sandwiches, whole-grain crackers, and dark chocolate. Bring refillable water bottles and plan for at least one substantial snack every 3–4 hours.

Healthy Travel Snacks vs Packaged Snacks

When travelling, there are times hunger makes you want to buy everything you see but that is not always healthy. Homemade travel snacks go a long way. Here is a clear distnction why:

Foods to Avoid While Travelling

Yes, there are a few types of food that you shouldn’t carry or make a pit stop to eat because you don’t want to feel nauseated on the rest of the route, do you:

1. Greasy Fast Food:  Stick to well-cooked fresh and warm food and include as many salads as you can to ensure that your digestive system doesn’t bother you. 
2. Carbonated Drinks: While on a road trip with long driving hours, carbonated drinks can cause bloating and digestive discomfort, and you don’t want a stomach ache all along the way. 
3. Takeaway Food: You’d never know when their ingredients were bought, how many preservatives are there, and when they get expire. 
4. Strong-Smelling Foods: Nobody wants to sit for long hours in a closed car with a strong smell of fish or curry. So, try to eat more neutral food like cookies or juices.

What Nutritionists Recommend for Long-Distance Travel

Travelling can often disrupt the usual routine, usually hydration and daily diet habits. But these nutritionist recommendations should help in the long run:

1. Choose High Fibre Foods: Fibre supports digestion and promotes fullness during long journeys. 
2. Try To Pack Whole Foods: Fruits, nuts, and vegetables provide essential nutrients with minimal processing. 
3. Avoid Excess Sugar: Reduces the risk of energy crashes and unnecessary snacking. 
4. Do Not Skip Meals: Going too long without eating can lead to overeating later and low energy. 

Home & Kitchen Appliances That Help Prepare Travel Snacks Easily

Travel Snack Packing Tips

And yet, being cautious about what you eat, where you eat and how that food is prepared is very important to avoid water and foodborne illnesses while on a trip:

1. Use reusable containers
2. Keep snacks easily accessible 
3. Separate sweet and savoury snacks
4. Pack a variety 
5. Include a hydration plan 

Conclusion

Do you struggle with your diet when you’re travelling? It can be hard to find healthy, digestible food options when you’re travelling, especially during summer. Street food, although accessible and cheap, isn’t always an ideal option since it can be too greasy and can also cause digestive stress. Some travel snacks are better than others and can also keep you full for a long time. Nuts, seeds, fruits and dry, nutritious foods are the best options if you’re looking for nutritious, mess-free snack options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are the best snacks for plane travel?

A) The best snacks for plane travel are easy to carry, non-messy, and filling enough to keep hunger at bay between meals, for example:

1. Peanut butter sandwiches
2. Roasted chickpeas
3. Fresh fruits like apples and grapes

2) Which homemade snacks stay fresher for longer travel?

A) Focus on foods with low moisture content and a long shelf life. These snacks can remain fresh for hours or even days without refrigeration:

1. Mathri
2. Dry fruit laddoos
3. Roasted peanuts
4. Murukku
5. Homemade granola bars

3) What are healthy alternatives to packaged snacks for travel?

A) Homemade and minimally processed options can provide better nutrition and longer-lasting energy than many packaged foods, such as:

1. Veggie sticks
2. Boiled eggs
3. Homemade energy balls
4. Cheese cubes

4) Can you prepare healthy travel snacks using an air-fryer?

A) Many air-fried snacks also have a good shelf life when stored properly, so, you can air-fry snacks such as:

1. Sweet potato chips
2. Kale chips
3. Air-fried makhana
4. Zucchini chips
5. Crispy corn
6. Spiced nuts

5) Which kitchen appliance is most helpful while making travel snacks?

A) The most useful appliance depends on the type of snack you prefer but most common and helpful ones are:

1. Air fryer for chips and roasted snacks
2. Food processor for energy balls and trail mixes
3. Oven or OTG for granola bars and cookies

6) Are homemade snacks healthier than store-bought snacks?

A) Homemade snacks allow you to control ingredients, portion sizes, sugar levels, and sodium content. However, some packaged snacks can also be nutritious. But the reason to consume homemade is as follows:

1. Fewer preservatives
2. Better portion control
3. Fresher ingredients

7) What food snacks should you avoid carrying on trips?

A) It's generally best to avoid highly perishable items unless you have access to proper cooling:

1. Ice cream and frozen desserts
2. Raw seafood
3. Heavy cream-based dishes
4. Greasy fast food
5. Strong-smelling foods

8) How can you keep homemade travel snacks fresh and crunchy?

A) Proper storage is the key to maintaining freshness and texture and other tips such as:

1. Use insulated bags for perishables
2. Avoid overpacking containers
3. Keep snacks away from direct sunlight
4. Include paper towels to absorb excess moisture
5. Vacuum-seal snacks for extended freshness