The Best Snacks to Bring on a Alameda Charter Bus Ride

Snacks are an absolute must-have for a long charter bus ride! While you can always build pit stops into your itinerary to grab a bite to eat, roadside restaurants sometimes don't offer the selection you need—especially if you're traveling with folks who have dietary restrictions, get carsick easily, or are on a budget.

Here's a quick guide to our favorite snacks to take on a bus trip, so you can board with all the supplies you need to make your bus rental experience as positive as possible!

What makes for a good bus trip snack?

We understand that everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to on-the-road foods. That being said, in our experience, we think the best snacks for a bus trip are:

Easily portable

This may seem like a no-brainer for a group on the move. But by ‘portable,’ we mean foods that are self-contained/can easily be stored away and can be consumed without utensils are ideal snacks for a charter bus trip. Consider packing your favorite single-serving and handheld snacks like granola bars and small fruits. Avoid having to deal with storing any leftover food once you've had your fill by grabbing snacks that can be stashed away in your carry-on bag or the overhead parcel rack without the risk of spilling everywhere.

Light on the stomach

Studies show that a little over half of modern travelers report having felt carsick at some point in their lives. And even if you don't consider yourself prone to feeling queasy in a moving vehicle, it never hurts to opt for foods that can help prevent motion sickness while on a bus.

Avoid foods that are greasy or acidic, as they take longer to digest. When in doubt, opt for a variation of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) with simple ingredients and not too much flavor. The goal is to eat something light and easy to digest, so as to not upset your stomach while you're on the road.

Proteins over carbs

Sure, carb-based snacks like potato chips are tasty, can fill you up quickly, and can even give you a short burst of energy—but those calories are empty, and they'll leave your stomach feeling empty after an hour or so. Instead, protein-based foods like nuts, jerky, and trail mix are good snacks for bus trips because they are filling and will give you the energy you need to take on the events or occasions that await you at your destination.

Great Snacks for Bus Trip with Kids

If you're traveling with younger passengers—say, for a field trip or a little league sporting event—you'll want to ensure they stay comfortable and preoccupied between stops. So let them pop a DVD into the onboard entertainment system, recline in a comfy plush seat, and enjoy these kid-favorite snacks for a bus trip:

Dried fruits

Kids love sugar, and fruit can be a healthy way to curb those cravings! Fresh fruit can easily make for sticky hands and a messy seat, so opt for dried fruit to minimize the need for wet wipes or trips to the onboard restroom's sink to wash up.

Squeeze-pouch foods

There are plenty of portable kid snacks on the market that come in squeeze pouches with a nozzle—from applesauce to yogurt to pudding. Not only are these foods easy to store in a backpack or carry-on bag, but they also offer relatively mess-free ways for kids of all ages to enjoy their favorite snacks.

Juice box

Especially if you have a long day of walking through museums of physical activity on the itinerary, your little passengers will need to stay hydrated. Juice boxes are easy to store and offer a tastier alternative to water when it comes to quenching their thirst.

Charter Bus Snacks for Adults

Adults have more discerning tastes than your average school-aged traveler. If you're organizing corporate transportation for a company retreat, a wedding shuttle service for your guests, or any other travel occasion with adults, your snack options open up to include more flavors, textures, and cuisines. Here are some adult-friendly snacks for a bus trip:

Granola bars

Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, granola bars are a great on-the-go snack for grown-ups. They can fill you up quickly and are packed with healthy ingredients like oats, dried fruit, and nuts. Just be sure to pack enough for your return trip—granola bars are a fan favorite among adults and kids alike!

Trail mix

Similar to granola bars, trail mix offers a solid source of protein and fiber for adults on the go. There are dozens of flavor varieties and ingredient combinations to choose from—or you could create your own homemade blend to cater to your fellow passengers' preferences. For example, throw in some chocolate candies for a sweet tooth fix, or add extra pumpkin seeds and almonds for a salty treat.

Jerky

Protein-packed, portable, and tasty, jerky is a classic bus trip snack for adults. Opt for beef jerky, turkey jerky, or even vegan jerky made of mushrooms. You can find a wide variety of flavors at most grocery stores, and they usually come in resealable bags—perfect for stashing away leftovers to snack on later in the trip.

Pack Your Favorite Snacks and Hit the Road!

Now that you know what snacks to bring on a bus trip, it's time to book your ride! We hope this blog post helped you decide which snacks to bring on your next bus trip. If you haven't booked a bus yet, call 341-234-3890 to speak with a reservation specialist about renting a bus for your upcoming trip. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way!