Several resources are available that help consumers save money on transportation, lodging, and activities when planning for their next travel adventure. However, little information and resources are available for consumers related to saving money on meals, snacks, and drinks while traveling. Research estimates that people spend 25% of their travel budgets on food. Interestingly, effective strategies for reducing food costs while traveling may also result in more balanced and nutritious food and beverage choices.

To fill this educational gap regarding nutritious and budget-friendly vacation meals and snacks, the Carlisle County Extension Office hosted the one-time program Making the Most of Meals while Traveling as an installment of the Purchase Area Extension Homemaker "Lifelong Learning Series". Extension developed this program to educate consumers about the benefits of planning for food and meals while traveling, to provide useful strategies to increase affordability and nutrition of meals, and to develop skills to meal plan for family trips. Twenty-two Extension Homemaker Lesson Leaders participated in the workshop, resulting in the distribution of the lesson to hundreds of Extension Homemaker members throughout the Purchase Area.

Of those who participated and were surveyed, 83% and 91% indicated they could identify strategies for making more nutritious and affordable meals and snacks, respectively. 85% stated they increased their level of understanding regarding the benefits of planning meals and snacks in advance of travel. Further, 91% expressed the intention to weigh dine-in versus dine-out options when planning their next day trip or vacation, while 94% expressed the intention to plan meals in advance while preparing and planning for their next day trip or vacation.

From a Marshall County Extension Homemaker Facebook post, "Naomi Dawson had the Hardin lesson today on Eating While Traveling. She divided group into four areas. Each was assigned a place to travel-- beach, mountain, country, city. Each was with different family units. We were to plan our foods for 2 days. Each was a little different because of area. Panama City, Gatlinburg, Chicago on train, A Pumpkin patch. Lots of good ideas and interaction. Excellent. Job well done!"