School Holidays Tips: Save on Snacks

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I was away on an outstation trip over the weekend which coincided with the school holidays and I noticed that every rest stop was so crowded with people that we had trouble finding parking just to use the washroom. I also noticed that most children there were pestering their parents into buying expensive and unhealthy snacks to eat along the way.

So, check below for some tips on how you; as a parent, can avoid the unhealthy and expensive snack aisles on your road trip!

Pack a Cooler Bag

• Fill up your cooler bag with sugar-free juices and fruits for a cool treat. You can pick up these for a cheaper price in packs of 6 or 8 boxes from the hypermarkets.
• There are lots of savings here as petrol kiosk stores and rest stops tend to sell drinks at more than double the price.

Pack some fruits

• Fruits are a delicious and good snack as they are low in calories and provide fibre. You can buy cheaper fruit before your trip from the market or hypermarkets and be ensured of fresh fruit.
• You can also pack little boxes of raisins or dried fruit which children love. These are also available for much less in the supermarkets.
• The fruit sold at rest areas are not only expensive but may have been laid out so long that all their essential vitamins may already be lost.

Prepare a Bento

• This is a great tip for parents with fussy children or toddlers.
• Pack a colourful bento box snack filled with fruits, sausages and little finger food cut into interesting shapes. It is guaranteed to make the fussiest eater delighted and you can buy the food for so much less at the supermarkets.
• It makes a great snack for the adults as well or even a nice lunch!
• Check out Bento Pet and AllThingsPurple for beautiful bento box ideas.

Bring Water

• Never forget your water bottles.
• Water is always sold at a premium along the way as retailers know that it is something thirsty travellers can’t do without.

These healthy and cost-saving snack ideas will ensure you arrive at your destination with happy and healthy children and more savings for a good lunch or dinner!