Traveling doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on food. With thoughtful planning and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy meals without stretching your budget. This guide offers practical tips and easy, affordable options so you can dine well while on the go. Get ready to make the most of your travel experience! The Importance of Meal Prep Meal prepping might sound like a chore, but it can save you a lot of money and stress on your trips. When you prepare meals in advance, you not only save money, but you can also fit your menu to suit what types of food you eat. The day before our trips, I dedicate a little bit of time to prepare snacks and simple meals. For example, I often make a batch of protein balls for our trips. (You can find the recipe here ). I also tend to make salads to put in lunch wraps. Because the wraps can get soggy if you pre-make them, I pack the wraps and salads separately, and make the wraps on the go. We have also opted for wraps that contain protein and veggies. Again, I package the protein and veggies separately from the wraps. Packing Smart: The Soft-Sided Cooler Investing in a soft-sided cooler can be a huge benefit if you are trying to take budget friendly meals on your trip. These lightweight, portable coolers are perfect for storing snacks and simple meals like oatmeal cups, breakfast sandwiches, or lunch wraps. We prefer this cooler: https://amzn.to/3AwVEMd Breakfast of Champions You want to choose items that travel well. For us, we tend to gravitate towards a couple easy, breakfast options: Oatmeal : Quick and simple. Pack individual servings and add hot water, enjoying a warm breakfast wherever you are. You can also opt for prepackaged oatmeal if you prefer. Premade Breakfast Sandwiches : Assemble sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat, wrap them in foil, and keep them cool until meal time. These are easily reheated if you have access to a microwave or oven during your travels. Lunch Like a Pro Lunchtime can be a delightful experience with homemade meal wraps. They're easy to customize and quick to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe for delicious sandwich wraps: Homemade Sandwich Wraps : Ingredients: Tortillas (we like whole wheat, but you can also use white flour tortillas) Your choice of protein (such as turkey, hummus, or grilled chicken) Fresh veggies (like spinach, bell peppers, and cucumbers) A spread (such as mustard, mayo, or a yogurt-based dressing) Instructions: Lay out the tortilla and spread your choice of dressing evenly. Layer your protein and fresh veggies on top. Roll tightly and slice in half. These wraps are not only a tasty way to recharge but can also be made in bulk for days when you're on the move. Pair them with a piece of fruit, like an apple or a banana or sliced veggies, to round out your meal and keep you satisfied. Hydration is Key Staying hydrated is crucial while traveling. Instead of buying bottled drinks, opt for reusable water bottles. They keep you hydrated, reduce waste, and are convenient to refill at rest stops or your accommodations. Flavoring your water can enhance your hydration experience. Adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or fresh mint can make drinking water more enjoyable. This simple change may encourage you to drink more throughout the day, which is key in staying energized. Finding Local Markets When you reach your destination, local grocery stores and farmers' markets are wonderful places to explore. Not only can you stock up on affordable snacks, but you can also discover fresh produce and local specialties. Shopping at these markets can save you up to 50% compared to dine-in restaurants. You may find ready-to-eat options like salads or sandwiches that are both fresh and budget-friendly. Plus, you get to experience local culture through its food. This was definitely one of the best things we did on our trip to Paris! Embrace the Power of Snacks Snacking smartly while traveling can be a game changer. Instead of buying overpriced snacks at convenience stores, pack healthy options you prepare at home. Consider these snack ideas: Veggies and Hummus : Carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and celery with hummus create a tasty, nutritious snack. Fresh fruit : apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries are some of our favorite snacks to pack. Trail Mix : Combine your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for an energy-boosting treat. Protein balls : these are easy to pre-make and take for a snack. They are customizable to suit your preferences. (recipe here ) Having healthy snacks readily available not only saves you money but also helps keep your energy levels up as you explore. Final Thoughts Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on good food. With some preparation, you can enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals while keeping costs low. Whether you pack a soft cooler with healthy breakfast and lunch options, shop at local markets, or stay hydrated with reusable bottles, these tips can enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank. Next time you're ready to hit the road, remember that tasty, homemade meals and snacks are the way to go. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will appreciate it! Happy travels! **please note--this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. **

Galena is nestled in northwestern Illinois and is full of rich history. At one time, it was a booming steam boat hub that was actually larger than its counterpart Chicago. It was one of the most important cities in Illinois because of its proximity to the Mississippi river and its lead mines. Galena was also home to several civil war generals including Ulysses S Grant. In 1828, there were over 10,000 residents that called Galena home. The boom ended in the early 1900s with the overall decline in the use of lead. Today 3500 residents call Galena home. We decided to take a weekend trip to Galena after George visited it on his Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycle trip. The city is just over 4 hours from our house, so an easy drive. The drive took us through the driftless area of Wisconsin which is an area worth exploring. We did a quick stop in Viroqua, Wisconsin for coffee and then made our way to Dickeyville to check out the Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines. Our accommodations in Galena were in the heart of the historic downtown. We stayed at the Balendine suites. It was constructed in the 1800s and was formerly a hospital, then apartments, and is now an Airbnb with 8 different units to choose from. Our unit was a suite perfect for a single person or a couple. It featured a kitchenette that was well appointed, a comfy queen bed, and a private bathroom. The best part about it was, once we parked our car, we could walk anywhere we wanted in order to explore historic downtown Galena. This was a great benefit because parking in downtown Galena can be a nightmare. The main street is incredible. It really gives you a taste of what Galena might have been like during the 1850s boom. Blocks of storefronts greet you with an old timey, quaint feeling. However, don't let that fool you. Galena is a hopping tourist town. Several of the shop owners told us October is their busiest month with shoulder to shoulder crowds. Thankfully, we were there the first weekend in November so missed the busy crowds. While this was nice from the perspective of not having to be jostled by crowds of people, it did mean that some attractions were not open. George was looking forward to seeing the 1800s working blacksmith shop which was closed because we were out of season. We could have researched that aspect better, but most likely would have chosen being out of season with fewer people around anyway. Because we were there during the off season we were fortunate enough to have a private tour of the Grant home. This museum is free to the public, although they do accept freewill donations. The house is filled with furniture and decorations original to the house. Walking through the house and grounds gives you a unique idea of what life was like in the 1860s. Including the once a week bath. All six family members used the same bath water, with Dad going first. Galena's historic district is very walkable but he prepared. There are lots of steps! If you have mobility issues, you will want to consider driving your car or getting one of the local transportation services to shuttle you around. Our room was at the top of an old flight of narrow windy stairs, we walked up several flights of stairs to get to the Grant house, and we also took the historic high school light steps to view the incredible houses on Prospect street. It's a real cardio and calf workout! When we travel, we work hard to not eat all our meals out. (Check out budget friendly food ideas here .) That being said, we do like to treat ourselves to a nice meal when we travel. Food choices abound in Galena. You can pretty much find whatever you are looking for from a casual dining experience to a more formal dining experience. For our trip, we chose to have dinner Friday and Saturday in restaurants within walking distance of our hotel. The first night we ate at Market House restaurant, a building that was completed in 1848. The food was delicious and very affordable. Our Saturday meal was eaten at the Embe Eatery. Located less than a block from our hotel, the food was homecooked and very good. And we finished off our meal with warm, homemade bread pudding! Delicious! We would highly recommend a visit to Galena. If you're a history buff, you'll love all that Galena has to offer. If you enjoy good food and shopping, Galena fits the bill. Whether you are looking for an adventure filled getaway spot, or a more low key spot, Galena has a lot to offer! Have you been to Galena? Are you interested? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

The north country trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in America. It runs 4800 miles from Vermont to North Dakota. 220 of those miles run through Northern Wisconsin. That's basically in our backyard, so we decided to do a quick section hike one weekend. We started out by reserving a site at a national forest campground and parking our car there. The goal was to backpack in several miles on the North Country Trail, stay overnight, and then hike back to our car. The hike we did is a 7.5 mile hike starting at Beaver Lake Campground and heading West towards old grade road. This is one of the most difficult and strenuous sections of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin. The hike can be challenging at times due to some elevation changes. Don't let that stop you though. The hike is well worth it. Not only will you get to experience the magic of the Northwoods, there are also several overlooks along this section, as well as an Old Swedish Settlement . If you enjoy history, there is a lot to take in at the Old Swedish Settlement. There are remnants of the settlement scattered throughout the area. This includes the foundation of a barn, the remains of a school, as well as a spring house that still houses a freshwater spring. We did our hike in late September to avoid the insects. This hike can be pretty brutal during the summer months due to swarms of mosquitoes and black flies. Having hiked this several times during warmer months, we knew that a fall trip would be better. The weather was perfect, and we had no issues with bugs. All in all, it was the perfect weather for the hike. A few important notes for those venturing out in the fall. While temperatures were at a pleasant low 70s during the day, it did dip down below freezing at night, so pack accordingly. We both had mummy bags, and stocking caps to help retain heat during the night. It's also important to keep in mind that there is a heavy population of black bears in the Chequamegon so make sure you know how to hang a bear bag. They are gearing up for hibernation during the fall and all food needs to be stored away from camp in a bear hang. If you enjoy backpacking, and only have a limited time, we highly suggest the North Country Trail Segment in the Chequamegon. It's easy to do in a weekend, and there are lots of great things to see. If you don't have enough time to do a full blown backpacking trip, you can always do a day hike into the Swedish settlement. Park along Forest Road 202 (Old Grade Road) east of Drummond. There is a small parking area and the trail is well marked. Happy Hiking!

When hiking, it's always important to have food along for needed energy. Especially if you are doing a long or strenuous hike. We tend to gravitate towards dehydrated fruits and jerky. But another favorite, is peanut butter energy balls. They are simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Not only are they tasty, but they deliver quick energy on the trail. I like to keep a batch of these sealed and in the freezer for easy grab and go the morning of a hike. You can make these with simple ingredients that you most likely have in your pantry right now. Ingredients: 1 cup natural peanut butter (or any other nut butter) slightly melted 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup 2 cups old fashioned oats 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup dried fruits 1/4 cup chocolate chips (mini works best) 2 TBS chia seeds To make: Melt your peanut butter until it's slightly runny. Combine peanut butter, honey, oats, salt and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix well Add in your fruit, chocolate chips, and chia seeds. Mix again. Place your mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes While the mixture is in the fridge, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper Remove mixture from fridge, and form mixture into 1 inch balls. Drop on baking sheet Freeze for 1-2 hours, then place in a bag and vacuum seal This recipe makes 24 1 inch protein balls You can customize this recipe in many different ways. I often use dried cranberries, but you could use raisins, dried currants, mango chunks, cherries, or any other dried fruit you prefer. You can add coconut flakes and cocoa powder for a different taste. I've also made these with the addition of pepitas, or chopped pecans. The sky is the limit. Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think of it!

Are you a beginner hiker looking to hit the trails but don't know where to start? Hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, it's essential to be prepared before you head out on your first adventure. Here are five tips to help you get started on your hiking journey: Start with easy trails: As a beginner, it's important to ease into hiking and not bite off more than you can chew. Choose well-marked and well-maintained trails that are suited for beginners. Look for trails with gentle terrain and shorter distances to build up your endurance gradually. You can acces trail information with All Trails. We recommend checking out All Trails before starting your hike to know the distance and difficulty level of your hike. Wear the right gear: Having the proper gear can make a significant difference in your hiking experience. Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes that provide support and traction. Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as you warm up or cool down. Don't forget essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a backpack with snacks, water, a map, and a first aid kit. Having a quality pair of hiking boots are worth their weight in goal. Krista liked Salomon hiking shoes, while George prefers Merells or Keens. Stay hydrated and fueled: Hiking can be a physically demanding activity, so it's crucial to stay hydrated and well-nourished. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hike. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, dried fruits, or granola bars to keep your energy levels up. Homemade energy bites our one of our go to snacks on the trail. They are nutritious, provide quick energy, and are cheap and easy to make. Leave no trace: When you're out on the trails, be sure to follow the principles of "Leave No Trace." This means packing out all of your trash, staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and avoiding any damage to nature. By treading lightly, you can help preserve the beauty of the outdoors for future generations to enjoy. Hike with a buddy: Hiking with a partner or a group is not only more fun, but it's also safer. Choose someone who is at a similar fitness level as you and share the experience together. Having a hiking buddy also means you can look out for each other, navigate tricky spots, and provide support and motivation along the way. Hiking is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that can bring you closer to nature and boost your physical and mental well-being. By following these five tips for beginners, you can set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable hiking experience. So lace up your hiking shoes, pack your backpack, and hit the trails with confidence!

Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking to gear up for your next camping adventure? Whether you're a novice camper or a seasoned pro, having the right equipment can make all the difference in your outdoor experience. Here are some must-have camping gear essentials that every nature lover should consider packing for their next trip. A durable tent: A reliable tent is a crucial piece of equipment for any camping trip. Look for a tent that is easy to set up, weather-resistant, and offers enough space for you to comfortably rest after a long day of exploring the great outdoors. Our favorite for backpacking is the Nemo Hornet. For good, old tent camping, we like the Eureka Timberline tent. Quality sleeping bag: A good night's sleep is essential for a successful camping trip. Invest in a high-quality sleeping bag that is suitable for the climate you'll be camping in. Whether you prefer a lightweight down sleeping bag for summer camping or a heavy-duty cold-weather sleeping bag for winter trips, choose one that will keep you warm and cozy throughout the night. Mummy bags offer good heat retention and our go to when camping in colder weather. Portable camping stove: Cooking meals over an open fire can be a fun camping experience, but having a portable camping stove can make meal prep much easier and efficient. Look for a compact stove that is easy to transport and can accommodate your cooking needs while in the wilderness. Multi-tool or utility knife: A multi-tool or utility knife can come in handy for various tasks while camping, such as cutting rope, preparing food, or fixing gear. Choose a durable and versatile tool that includes essential features like a knife, screwdriver, scissors, and bottle opener. Lightweight backpack: A comfortable and durable backpack is essential for carrying your gear while hiking to your campsite or exploring the surroundings. Look for a backpack with adjustable straps, multiple compartments, and adequate support to ensure a pleasant hiking experience. Portable water filter or purification tablets: Staying hydrated is crucial while camping, especially in remote locations where clean water sources may be limited. Pack a portable water filter or purification tablets to ensure you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trip. Headlamp or flashlight: A reliable source of light is essential for navigating your campsite at night or exploring trails after sunset. Pack a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries to ensure you have adequate lighting whenever needed. By packing these essential camping gear items, you can set yourself up for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Remember to always check the weather forecast, familiarize yourself with the camping area's rules and regulations, and leave no trace to preserve the natural beauty of the wilderness for future generations to enjoy. For a list of our personal gear preferences, please check out our gear section. Happy exploring!