Last fall, I found myself wandering around the DFW airport before boarding a plane for a 13-hour flight. It was mid-morning, and a friend and I thought we had better grab a snack before settling in. With all the restaurant outposts at DFW, how was it that all I could find to buy was a banana?
Yes, there were baked potatoes stuffed with barbecued brisket, slices of cheesy pizza, and Whataburgers, but risking a tummy ache (or worse) on the plane? Not worth it. On the slightly lighter side, there were sandwiches packed in little plastic wedge containers (soggy), crinkly bags of trail mix (why are they all so gigantic?), and pickles packed in squishy bags (just yuck).
So what’s a traveler to do as we look spring break and summer plans straight in the face? The answer: Carefully consider our travel snacks.
I know, anyone who knows me would probably say of course everything comes back to food. Admittedly, yes. But also, doesn’t it?
In order to not get stuck in DFW or the equivalent – or in the car – with nothing but a banana to eat, I asked some resourceful friends for their best travel snacking advice.
Elyse Evans, who has produced thousands of fabulous events through her long career in the event planning world, says, “Well, don’t bring boiled eggs!” Because nobody wants to be the person who opens that, or a tuna sandwich, or a Subway with onions in the confines of a plane.
In the “do bring” category, Elyse cites truffle almonds and trail mix as no-offense, easy-to-eat snacks. She also shares the clever idea of packing a “snackle” box with all manner of dried snacks – fruit, meat, veggies. “Like a charcuterie to go,” she says. Google “snackle box,” and you’ll find that there are actually lots of options for lunchbox-like containers that are divided into small compartments perfect for toting cheese cubes, raisins, blueberries, nuts, or anything else small and snackable. You could even slice a turkey stick into bite-sized pieces and pack them in. A friend who has raised three boys says, “The boys always wanted Lunchables when they were little, but I wouldn’t send them to school with them. So I would get little divided containers from the Container Store and make what felt like their own Lunchables. Great for flying!”
Scentless sandwiches are another option, especially if you cut them into quarters to keep things compact and neat. The same mom of three boys says half the success of a travel sandwich is in the packing: Lay a piece of foil big enough to wrap around a sandwich on the counter, then lay a paper towel on top of that. Make the sandwich directly on top of the paper towel or napkin, and use the foil to wrap up the paper towel and sandwich. You’ll have makeshift insulation for the sandwich to keep it on the chilly side, and you’ll have a napkin to clean up with. When all is said and done, you can wrap the used paper towel and any leftover sandwich in the foil and toss. Sandwich ideas that won’t disturb your neighbors: simple ham and cheese on a croissant; a thin spread of peanut butter with honey on a sturdy whole wheat like Dave’s Killer Bread; cucumber, cream cheese, and dill (don’t forget a sprinkle of salt) on thin white bread; or prosciutto in a lightly buttered, thin baguette.
More easy-to-pack and easy-to-eat ideas: The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame (comes in flavors like Wasabi, Buffalo, Ranch, and more) for a healthy crunch and dose of protein; a couple of Mini Babybel Snack Cheese with some crackers; Ile de France Mini Brie Bites with sliced apples tossed in a little lemon or orange juice; whole dates, pitted, with a teaspoon of almond butter stuffed inside.
Slip some lavender or eucalyptus hand sanitizer into your bag, and maybe a small tube of un- or very lightly-scented hand lotion, and you will be good to go. Without going bananas. Happy traveling!
Dark Chocolate and Apricot Travel Mix
½ cup roasted, salted almonds
½ cup roasted, salted cashews
½ cup chopped dried apricots
½ cup yogurt-covered raisins
4-ounce dark chocolate bar, chopped
M&M Travel Mix
1.69-ounce bag peanut M&Ms (this is the standard convenience store individual package)
½ cup mini pretzels
½ cup Chex cereal
½ cup mini marshmallows
½ cup raisins
Grownup Travel Mix
½ cup roasted, salted almonds
½ cup roasted, salted pepitas
½ cup chopped dried apples
½ cup chopped dried pears
½ cup cacao nibs
