Affordable Family Meals You Can Make on Vacation (Even in a Tiny Kitchen!)

Jess Barrera
Aug 25
10 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Part of the fun while traveling can be trying local restaurants—but eating out for every meal can quickly drain your budget (and your energy). Between long waits, picky eaters, and surprise menu prices, it’s easy for dining out to take over your vacation.

That’s why we love balancing restaurant meals with simple, easy vacation meals we can make right in our rental kitchen, hotel kitchenette, or camper! With a little family meal planning for travel, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also enjoy homey, affordable dishes that make vacation life feel a little smoother.

Affordable Family Meals You Can Make on Vacation

By planning meals that share ingredients, you’ll shop once, stretch groceries across multiple dishes, and cut down on food waste. And if you pack a few favorite dry food staples from home, you’ll spend less time searching store aisles and more time making memories with your family during vacation!

Printable Vacation Meal Ideas & Grocery List

Before we dive into the details, click here for my printable vacation meal plan + grocery list—a handy guide to make shopping and cooking on vacation even easier!

What to Pack From Home

One of my favorite tips is to pack a few lightweight pantry staples. Not only does this save money, it also means you won’t be hunting for your family’s favorite brands in an unfamiliar grocery store.

Here are some of my personal go-to items:

Pre-portioned oatmeal (since I prefer to shop organic brands, such as this one, and organic can be challenging to find while traveling!)
Our kids’ preferred granola bars for hikes or long car rides
Small container of seasonings or a spice kit (shop spice kits here)
A baggie of natural rainbow sprinkles (since my son loves sprinkles on his yogurt)
Collapsible food containers for leftovers or snacks so we can take food with us while sight-seeing (these work great)
A collapsible cooler for road trips or day adventures (find one here)

These simple items make our vacation meals smoother and help avoid wasting food.

How Many Meals to Plan for Your Trip

When we first started cooking on vacation, we used to buy everything at once and end up with too much food—or too many repeats of the same meal. Now, we plan just enough so we get variety without wasting groceries.

Here's the number of meals we recommend to plan based on the length of your trip (although you may want to consider how often you'll splurge on eating out at restaurants too):

3–5 day trip: Pick 3–4 breakfasts and 5–7 lunch/dinner meals.
7-day trip: Pick 4–5 breakfasts and 8–10 lunch/dinner meals.
10-day trip: Pick 4–5 breakfasts and 12–14 lunch/dinner meals.

Tip: Use leftover dinners for lunch the next day or repurpose into meals like wraps or loaded baked potatoes—it’s a time-saver and prevents waste. This approach helps keep grocery shopping simple.

10 Easy Breakfast Ideas

We’ve noticed that breakfast is often one of the most expensive meals to eat out. In fact, for our family, the cost of a single restaurant breakfast bill for the whole family can equal an entire week’s worth of breakfast groceries.

That’s why we like to keep mornings simple and budget-friendly by making breakfast at our rental or hotel. These ideas are quick, flexible, and use ingredients you’ll also see pop up again in lunches, dinners, and snacks—so nothing goes to waste!

Pancakes with Fruit – Use a bagged pancake mix for convenience, and add milk and eggs. Serve with fresh fruit, which doubles as snacks later in the day. Leftovers can be eaten cold or reheated.
Eggs & Sausage – Scramble, fry, or boil eggs and serve with sausage. Extra sausage can be used later in breakfast burritos, pasta, or wraps.
Breakfast Burritos or Quesadillas – Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and leftover veggies or meat. Burritos are great for grab-and-go breakfasts, while quesadillas pan-fry into a warm, handheld meal.
Breakfast Bagels – Top bagels with cream cheese, eggs, avocado, or nut butter. Bagels also work well for DIY pizzas later in the week. Be sure to pack everything bagel seasoning!
Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola, nuts, or fruit. Perfect for breakfast or a grab-and-go snack.
Oatmeal Bowls – Cook oatmeal and top with fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips. Its easy to mix up every morning. (My kids love oatmeal with just salt and butter!)
Avocado Toast – Mash avocado on bread, bagels, or English muffins and season with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon. Add an egg, tomato, or smoked salmon for extra protein.
Smoothie Bowls – Blend frozen fruit with yogurt or milk, pour into a bowl, and top with granola, seeds, or fresh fruit. Leftovers can be frozen for a cool treat later.
French Toast – Dip bread in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet. Serve with fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Extra slices can be reheated in the toaster the next morning.
Mini Frittatas or Egg Muffins – Whisk eggs with veggies, cheese, or leftover meats, and bake in muffin tins. Make a batch ahead for easy breakfasts throughout your trip.

25 Simple Lunch & Dinner Ideas

Here’s where ingredient overlap really shines. Tortillas, potatoes, cheese, veggies, and protein stretch across multiple meals, giving you variety without a huge grocery list.

Grilled Cheese & Soup – Make classic grilled cheese sandwiches and pair them with tomato soup. Add leftover chicken or ham for extra protein, and serve with a side salad if desired.
Tacos – Fill tortillas with beans, cheese, lettuce, and your choice of meat. Add salsa or avocado, and use any leftover fillings for wraps or quesadillas later.
Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry – Sauté chicken with a mix of vegetables and serve over rice or noodles. Leftovers can become lunch wraps or fried rice.
Burgers (Beef, Turkey, or Veggie) – Grill or pan-cook patties and serve with a side salad or roasted potatoes. Extra patties can be used in sandwiches the next day.
DIY Wraps – Use tortillas to wrap cheese, lunch meat, or leftover proteins with fresh veggies. These are portable and perfect for picnics or road trips.
Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes & Veggies – Bake chicken, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables together for minimal cleanup. Leftovers can be turned into stir-fry or wraps.
Chili – Combine beans, tomatoes, and optional ground meat in a hearty chili. Serve over baked potatoes, rice, or with tortilla chips for variety.
Baked Potatoes – Top baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, or leftover chili. Add steamed veggies or leftover proteins for a more filling meal.
Sloppy Joes – Cook ground beef or turkey with sauce and serve on buns. Use any leftover mixture in quesadillas or on top of baked potatoes.
Hot Dogs or Sausages – Serve with potato chips, roasted vegetables, or wrap in tortillas for a quick, easy meal. Grapes or watermelon make for a refreshing side too!
Salad Bar Night – Combine leftover veggies, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and croutons for a customizable salad. Add grilled chicken or tuna for protein.
Soup & Sandwich Night – Pair any leftover bread, cheese, or meats with a simple soup for a quick, repeatable meal.
One-Pot Mac & Cheese – Cook pasta with cheese, milk, and seasonings in one pot. Add broccoli, peas, or leftover sausage or canned tuna for extra protein.
Rice Bowls – Serve cooked rice topped with beans, sautéed or roasted vegetables, and your choice of protein. Leftover rice can be turned into fried rice.
One-Pot Chicken Pasta – Simmer pasta, chicken, and vegetables together in a single pot for a hearty, simple dinner.
Sheet Pan Fajitas – Bake peppers, onions, and chicken together and serve with tortillas. Leftovers can be turned into tacos or quesadillas.
Vegetable Fried Rice – Use leftover rice and vegetables, adding scrambled eggs or cooked meat for a quick, one-pan meal.
Quesadillas – Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, or leftover meats and veggies. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or a simple salad.
Pasta with Alfredo or Spaghetti Sauce – Toss pasta with sauce and add sausage, chicken, or keep vegetarian. Leftovers make a quick lunch.
Pizza Night – Use fresh dough, tortillas, bagels, or English muffins as the base. Top with cheese, leftover proteins, and veggies.
Tuna Sandwiches – Mix canned tuna with a little mayo or yogurt and seasonings. Add lettuce, tomato, or cheese, and serve with chips or fruit.
Tuna Patties – Combine canned tuna with breadcrumbs and an egg, then pan-fry. Serve with rice, salad, or bread, and use leftovers in wraps or sandwiches.
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas & Potato Chips – Mix pasta, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy sauce, topping with crushed potato chips for crunch. Extra casserole makes a convenient lunch the next day.
Korean-Inspired Beef & Veggie Bowls – Sauté thinly sliced beef or ground beef with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve over rice or noodles with shredded carrots, spinach, or cabbage. Top with a fried egg or drizzle with sesame oil. Leftovers work well in tortillas or wraps.
Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls – Combine canned chickpeas with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and serve with pita bread or cooked rice. Leftovers make a refreshing salad for lunch the next day.

5 Easy Vacation Dessert Ideas

A little dessert is not just a fun treat for the kids, but also a small indulgence for parents, making mealtime feel extra special on vacation! These simple desserts use minimal ingredients—many of which you already have on hand from other meals—and can be made quickly.

Dessert Popcorn – Toss popcorn with a drizzle of melted chocolate, optional nut butter, and sprinkles! You can also add crushed nuts for extra flavor.
Fruit Crumble Cups with Ice Cream – Combine chopped fresh or frozen fruit with a sprinkle of oats and sugar, then bake or microwave in individual cups. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream (or frozen yogurt) for a simple, indulgent treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit – Melt chocolate and dip strawberries, banana slices, or apple wedges. Chill briefly before serving for a sweet, lighter dessert.
Pancake Mix Mug Cake (Vanilla or Chocolate) – Mix 4 tbsp pancake mix, 3 tbsp milk (or water), 1 tbsp oil or melted butter, and optional 1 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup) in a microwave-safe mug. Add berries, chocolate chips, sprinkles or nut butter. Microwave 60–90 seconds until set. 1 tbsp cocoa powder can be added for a chocolate version, or skipped for vanilla.
Peanut Butter Energy Balls – Combine peanut butter, oats, honey (or maple syrup), and a few chocolate chips. Roll into bite-sized balls for a no-bake treat that’s perfect for dessert or a snack.

Snacks to Use Up the Rest

Vacations call for easy, grab-and-go snacks. These ideas make use of leftover ingredients from the meal lists above.

Apple slices with peanut butter
Watermelon cubes
Yogurt cups with sprinkles, fruit, or chocolate chips
Cheese sticks or cubes
Homemade trail mix with nuts and granola
Tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole
Leftover pancakes rolled with nut butter
Popcorn (a lightweight dry staple to pack)
Crackers with cheese or lunch meat
Fruit smoothies (yogurt + fruit)
Hard-boiled eggs
Bagels with cream cheese

Tips for Cooking in a Rental Kitchen

Cooking while you travel doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, your family can enjoy healthy, affordable meals and spend less time worrying about groceries—and more time enjoying the adventure!

Here are my top tips for cooking in a rental kitchen:

Bring a mini spice kit: Pre-measure or pack a small container of your most-used spices (like salt, pepper, garlic powder, cinnamon). It saves money, and you can trust the quality of the spices you packed from home—unlike the mystery jars that might be lingering in a rental kitchen. (Shop spice kits here!)
Condiment and oil packets: Grabbing a few extra packets (mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, soy, and olive oil) means you won’t buy a full jar you’ll have to toss at the end of the week. (Shop condiment packets here!)
Check the kitchen inventory early: As soon as you arrive, look at what’s provided (strainer, baking sheet, can opener, etc.) Adjust your meal plan if something’s missing.
Keep it simple. Lean on one-pot dishes, sheet-pan meals, and hearty sandwiches. Think chili, pasta primavera, sheet-pan fajitas, grilled cheese + tomato soup.
Think multipurpose: Tortillas can be used for wraps, quesadillas, breakfast burritos, or even dessert (with peanut butter and banana). Yogurt works for breakfast, snacks, or as a base for dips.
Shop at local markets: Not only is it fun, but buying just enough fresh produce from a farmer’s market means less waste than buying bulk at a supermarket. Some of our favorite memories are visiting the local markets and browsing the vendors while listening to the local musicians who often hang out around the market!
Portable breakfast plan: Pack oatmeal packets, nut butter, or granola so you don’t have to run out for groceries first thing in the morning.
Bring a collapsible cooler or insulated bag: Perfect for sight seeing during the day or heading to the beach. It's also handy if your rental has a tiny fridge.
Don’t forget storage: Pack a few reusable silicone bags or a roll of foil—leftovers are easier to save and you won’t need to buy a full box.
Tiny cleanup kit. A travel-size dish soap, scrubber, and a couple of dishcloths beat mystery sponges toxic soap every time!

If you're driving to your rental, here are a few extra tips:

Use freezer bags for prep: Chop veggies, pre-marinate meat, or portion snacks before your trip so cooking at the rental is faster and easier.
Bring a sharp knife & cutting board: Rental knives are usually dull, and cutting boards are often flimsy or missing altogether. A good chef’s knife in a protective sheath is a lifesaver. And I feel much better about cutting on a clean wooden cutting board.
Pack your “safe” cookware. When we travel by car, I bring our cast iron skillet and a stainless steel pot. Rental pans are often scratched or have a harmful "nonstick" or Teflon coating. My cast iron skillet and stainless steel pot cover everything from pancakes and eggs to soups and pasta—and they heat evenly and clean up reliably.
Bring dry staples from home. Oats, pasta, rice, tortillas, nut butter, granola bars. You'll spend less time grocery shopping on your trip, dry ingredients travel well, and you'll be more prepared for breakfast and quick meals.

Printable Vacation Meal Ideas & Grocery List

If this list was helpful, make sure to save this post for your next trip or click here for my printable vacation meal plan + grocery list—a handy guide to make shopping and cooking on vacation even easier!