We all know that a road trip is an exciting adventure that comes with new destinations to explore, breathtaking landscapes to witness, and memories to create. However, when planning your journey, you have to keep in mind that eating well can be costly. From expensive restaurants to overpriced stores, traveling on a budget isn’t easy.

If you plan properly, it is entirely possible to eat well on the road without breaking the bank. Whether you’re tight on a budget or simply want to save your money for the journey itself, there are plenty of affordable and delicious meal options you can prepare or pick up along the way. Here is a list of 12 meals to fuel your road trip adventures!

1. Wraps and Burritos

Wraps and burritos are easy to make, versatile, filling, and don’t need expensive ingredients. You can fill them with beans, rice, veggies, or different kinds of meats, depending on what’s on hand. Tortillas are cheap, and you can make more to last you for several days on the road. A good tip is to add beans as a protein source because they are affordable and nutritious.

Cost estimate: $3 to $4 per wrap or burrito.

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

You can’t go wrong with this all-time favorite classic. A peanut butter sandwich is not only easy to make, but it’s also really inexpensive. Bread, peanut butter, and jelly are all cheap, and they have a long shelf life. They also provide a good balance between fat, carbs, and protein that will keep you satisfied for longer.

Whole grain or multigrain bread adds nutritional value, and you should also buy larger jars of peanut butter and jelly because they are cheaper this way.

Cost estimate: around $2 per sandwich.

3. Granola and Yogurt

Granola and yogurt can be a good choice when you want to eat your breakfast or your snack on the go. Granola is really affordable, and if you combine it with yogurt, it makes for a nutritious meal that will keep you full for hours. You can choose to buy single-serving yogurt cups so that everything will be convenient and fresh. Additionally, you can add fresh or dried fruits for nutrients and flavor.

Cost estimate: $1.50 to $3 per serving

4. Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Another lightweight, versatile, and cheap protein source is tuna. Combine it with mayo or mustard and spread it on bread for a sandwich. You get a meal that’s affordable, quick, filling, and easy to make. You can buy canned tuna because it lasts for a longer time, making it ideal for road trips.

Some other ideas are to add some relish, onions, or hard-boiled eggs for more flavor. You can also use veggies like tomatoes or lettuce to give your sandwich some crunch.

Cost estimate: $3 to $4 per sandwich.

5. Pasta Salad

Another great idea from our meals list is the pasta salad. It is an excellent option for a make-ahead, cold meal that you can cook in advance. Boil the pasta, then mix it with ingredients like veggies, olives, cheese, and whatever dressing you like. It’s cheap, easy to make, and can last for several days in a cooler.

Instead of normal pasta, you can use whole wheat or other types of healthy pasta, and you can also add tuna, chicken, or beans to have more protein in your meal.

Cost estimate: $3 to $5 per serving.

6. Egg Salad Sandwiches

Egg salad sandwiches are one of the meals that are easy to make and are also budget-friendly. You just need eggs, mayo, mustard, and some bread, and there you have an amazing meal for the road. Eggs are one of the easiest to find and most inexpensive sources of protein, and they can make a filling meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.

For additional flavor, add different kinds of spices, like paprika, onions, or pickles. Hard boil the eggs in advance and keep them in a cooler until you are ready to make the sandwich filling.

Cost estimate: $2 to $3 per sandwich.

7. Bagels with Cream Cheese or Peanut Butter

Bagels are cheap, filling, and convenient on the go, which makes them an ideal choice for road trip meals. You can top them with cream cheese or peanut butter, or make a bagel sandwich by adding deli meats and cheese. This meal is affordable, quick to make, and doesn’t require a lot of effort.

You can buy bagels in bulk and store them in a cooler to keep them fresh. You can also add fruits like bananas or berries for extra flavor.

Cost estimate: $1 to $2 per bagel.

8. Quesadillas

Quesadillas is another one of the meals that is affordable and easy to make. All you need is tortillas, cheese, and the fillings that you like, such as beans, rice, chicken, or veggies. Heat them up in a pan, and you will get a really tasty and nutritious meal. They are easy to make, and the ingredients are really cheap.

If you choose to add beans or rice, you will make the meal more filling without increasing the cost by a lot. Another idea is to buy shredded cheese, which is often cheaper in bulk.

Cost estimate: $2 to $4 per quesadilla.

9. Canned Soup

Canned soup can be a great meal option when you need something warm and comforting. Many varieties come with all the nutrients you need, and most cans are affordable. Plus, they are one of the meals that are easy to heat up in a portable camp stove or even over a campfire; that’s, of course, if you have the right equipment.

For the best price, you should look for store-brand soups.You can even add your own seasonings of choice for extra flavor. Pair with crackers or even bread for a complete meal.

Cost estimate: $1 to $2 per can.

10. Instant Noodles

Instant noodles is one of the meals that is cheap, convenient, and perfect for road trips. Whether you like traditional ramen or some other kind of noodles, these packaged meals are light, compact, and easy to prepare by just adding hot water on top. You can make it more flavorful if you add extra veggies, boiled eggs, or some leftover meat.

When you travel through remote areas, you can easily use a thermos of hot water to cook the noodles. You can buy ramen or different kinds of noodles in bulk so you’ll get them for cheaper.

Cost estimate: $0.50 to $1 per packet.

11. Frozen Breakfast Burritos

A lot of convenience stores sell frozen breakfast burritos that are quick and easy to heat up in the morning. They usually come with scrambled eggs, cheese, and some type of meat and vegetables that are wrapped in a tortilla. You can add whatever filings or toppings that you like. This is another one of the meals that is cheap, easy to store, and provides a nutritious breakfast when you are on a road trip.

Buy these in bulk, and also look for sales or store brands to get the best value. For extra flavor, add whatever sauce you like, but we recommend salsa or hot sauce for a little kick.

Cost estimate: $1 to $2 per burrito.

12. Salads with Canned Chicken

If you want something that is light but still filling, salads with canned chicken are an excellent option. You can use pre-washed greens and then add a can of chicken. Top with your favorite dressing. For a more nutritious meal, you can also use nuts, cheese, dried fruits, or seeds.
To keep your salad fresh for longer, we recommend you pack the dressing in a separate container and add it on top of the salad when you are ready to eat.

To reduce costs, buy your greens, nuts, and seeds in bulk. Make your own dressing by mixing different kinds of oil with vinegar or other sauces.

Cost estimate: $4 to $5 per to servings.

To reduce costs even more, you can pack your delicious meals in a reusable Tupperware set!

You can also learn to shop smarter by checking out this article: Shop at Five Below! These 6 Items Are Always Cheaper