The Best Snacks to Bring on a Waukegan Charter Bus Ride

Charter Bus Rental Waukegan makes group travel easy — and that includes eating on the road! When you book a Waukegan charter bus rental with us, you’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks of your choice aboard. Our team is available 24/7 at 224-570-5620 to help you book the perfect ride for your group. Whether you need a school trip bus rental, a wedding shuttle bus, or anything in between, we have the right options for every group. But what are the best snacks to bring along for your journey? We’ve got some ideas for you below!

The best snacks to bring for your Waukegan 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.

Long bus ride snacks for adults

Organizing a charter bus trip for adults—such as a company outing or a wedding party transfer? Your group will likely appreciate more mature flavors and adult beverages to pair with their snacks. Here are a few of our favorite grown-up snacks for a bus trip:

Crudites or veggie chips

If you’d rather avoid fresh produce and the mess that can come with it (think juicy tomatoes and sticky citrus), opt for a veggie chip medley instead! Many brands offer single-serving bags of air-dried carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, okra, and taro root. They pack the same satisfying crunch as potato chips, but with less grease, more nutrients, and a slightly sweet taste—perfect for snacking alongside a glass of white wine or a Bloody Mary.

Cheese

Bringing a cheese board onto your bus rental might be a bit excessive, but there are plenty of cheeses out there that come pre-packaged and ready to travel. String cheese, Babybel wheels, Laughing Cow wedges, and cubes of cheddar or gouda are all delicious, high-protein snacks with minimal mess. Pair with crackers or pretzel chips, and you’ll have a satisfying snack that won’t weigh you down. If you’re planning on bringing a cooler for your beer or seltzers anyway, we highly recommend throwing in a few of these cheese varieties for the ride!

Salty snacks

Chips aren’t the healthiest snack, but when paired with a protein source, they can be a crunchy treat to indulge in every now and then. For variety, try pita chips, tortilla chips, or pretzels. Or, if you’re looking for a healthier option, go for popcorn, which is a whole grain and lower in fat. Pair your salty snacks with hummus, guacamole, salsa, or tzatziki dip for extra flavor.

More snack ideas for your next bus trip

Jerky

Whether you prefer beef, turkey, pork, chicken, or even vegan jerkies, these protein-packed snacks are great for long road trips. They’re non-perishable, come in resealable bags, and don’t require refrigeration. Plus, they’re chewy, flavorful, and sure to keep hunger at bay.

Granola bars

Granola bars are classic snacks for a reason! They’re easy to pack, come in endless varieties, and provide a quick boost of energy. Look for options with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for extra protein and fiber. Or, if you have a sweet tooth, opt for chocolate-covered or yogurt-dipped bars.

Trail mix

Trail mix is one of the most customizable snacks out there. You can buy pre-made mixes or create your own with your favorite ingredients. Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and pretzels for a sweet and salty blend. Just be mindful of any allergies in your group before digging in.

Drinks

Don’t forget to stay hydrated on your bus trip! Pack plenty of water bottles for your group, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors or in the sun. Other drink options include iced tea, lemonade, sports drinks, and sparkling water. If you’re traveling with adults and have permission to bring alcohol on board, consider packing a cooler with beer, wine, or canned cocktails. Just remember to drink responsibly and follow any rules set by your bus company.

Things to Avoid Bringing on Your Bus Trip

While we encourage you to bring snacks and drinks that your group will enjoy, there are a few things you should avoid bringing on your bus trip. Here’s what to leave at home:

Messy foods

Anything that can easily spill, drip, or stain is best left off the bus. This includes foods with sauces, dressings, or dips that aren’t securely packaged. Save the spaghetti, curry, and soup for another time.

Strong-smelling foods

Foods with strong odors can quickly fill up a small space like a bus and make other passengers uncomfortable. Avoid bringing fish, hard-boiled eggs, garlic-heavy dishes, or anything else with a pungent smell.

Allergens

If you know someone in your group has a severe allergy, do your best to avoid bringing that allergen on board. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and dairy. Check with your group ahead of time and label snacks clearly if needed.

Alcohol (if not allowed)

Some bus companies have strict policies against alcohol on board, while others allow it with advance notice. Always check with your representative before bringing beer, wine, or liquor onto the bus. If alcohol is permitted, drink responsibly and clean up after yourself.

Plan the perfect bus trip with Charter Bus Rental Waukegan

Ready to hit the road with your favorite snacks in tow? Charter Bus Rental Waukegan is here to help you plan the perfect bus trip from start to finish. Our team is available 24/7 at 224-570-5620 to answer your questions and provide a free quote for your transportation needs. Whether you’re booking a field trip bus rental, a wedding shuttle, or a private bus for a family vacation, we’ll make sure your ride is smooth, comfortable, and well-stocked with snacks. Call today to get started!