Pack a Cooler to Avoid Highway Food Markups

The Problem

You stop at highway restaurants and gas stations. Family of 4 spends $40-60 per meal stop.

The Hack

Pack a cooler with: sandwiches, cut fruit, granola bars, cheese sticks, and drinks. Stop at rest areas or parks to eat. Save restaurant stops for dinner only.

Why It Works

Highway food is 50-100% more expensive than grocery prices. A pre-packed cooler costs $15-20 for a day's food vs $50-80 at restaurants. Plus, cooler stops take 15 minutes vs 45 for restaurants.

Pro Tips

• Hard cooler for long trips, soft cooler for day trips
• Freeze water bottles — they keep food cold and become drinking water
• Rest areas and parks have picnic tables
• Save restaurant budget for one nice dinner at your destination