Whether by plane, train or automobile, vacations can become out-of-this-world expensive if you don’t plan ahead, particularly when it comes to food.
The temptation to grab a snack at every gas station or airport kiosk, or to stop in the nearest fast-food eatery can put a dent in your wallet and an extra pound or two on your waistline.
Don’t wait until you’re hungry to plan your next meal. Start your road trip right by making a food list and packing fun snacks to avoid those tempting stops.
“My husband never leaves for a road trip without a big bag of M&Ms, and I stick with carrot sticks,” says Chattanoogan Cindy Tinker Close.
Her carrot sticks hit both targets: saving money and eating healthy. While M&Ms aren’t exactly healthy, it’s less expensive to buy candy at your local Walmart or another retailer than buying it at a gas station or airport where a big bag of M&Ms can set you back as much as $10. According to Business Insider, snacks and drinks are the most-overpriced items in airports.