The 4th of July holiday is upon us and many will be hitting the road. A car full of kids and pets can not only try our patience, but somehow make us very hungry!
When driving long distances, the cost of gas can really add up. Another cost that can hit you right in the wallet are snacks. Our family seems to fall into the trap of feeling the need to go inside every convenience store when we get fuel. Somehow, we can’t just walk to the restroom and back out to the car. We all have an intense desire to cruise the snack aisle and leave with some piece of over-sized goodness.
$25 later … we walk out. (That’s the snack cost, not the gas cost mind you!)
After one particularly gruesome trip where our wallet took a huge hit, I decided “no more” €“ we’re tackling this the old fashioned way … with a list.
Everyone in our family has a favorite munchie. For my husband, it’s beef jerky. For me (and my daughter), it’s sweet snacks like Skittles. For my son, it’s salty chips. But, of course, you can’t take a 15 hour trip with just one snack, so we go on from there.
Here’s how it works:
1. Every person has their own individual container that has several snacks – all individually bagged.
2. The bags are labeled – “Going to Vacation” and “Coming Home”. If you eat all your “coming home” treats on the way there, too bad.
3. There is a good variety in each bag. Each person gets their favorite item, plus a good variety of other snacks. Think sweet treats, salty treats, and also fruit. (Nothing that requires a spoon!)
4. Inside each bag is also a travel sized package of wet wipes. (Up to this point, this system will also work for flights!)
5. A cooler will be in the back of the car. Bottled water, capri sun, sodas, whatever you like! If you have a big cooler and lots of ice – throw in some popsicles for a rest stop!
€¦ remember, there’s no cents in paying full price! Buy in bulk and travel smart!
* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.
