Easy Vacation Meals

Make it easier to feed your family vacation meals while staying in a rental house, hotel, or Airbnb with these easy ideas. Find options for no-cook meals, assembly-only dishes, and seriously easy options for each meal of the day.

The past few years, every time I’ve traveled with my kids, we’ve stayed in a rental house. I prefer this since we have more space (and better sleep!) and we can save on eating in restaurants by shopping for groceries and eating at the house.

It can often feel overwhelming to plan meals when away from home though, especially when there are kids involved, so these easy vacation meals are here to help. (These toddler meal ideas are super easy, too, and may help in the mix.)

Each of these ideas uses minimal ingredients, is made with ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store, and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

My goal is to help you save a little money on food while traveling, but also avoid making too much work for yourself—it’s your vacation, too, after all!

(You may also like Easy Road Trip Snacks, toddler snacks to take on the go, toddler travel toys, and my favorite Beach Snacks.)

No-Cook (or Low-Cook) Vacation Meals

I like to plan a majority of meals to have minimal cooking, so I usually start with these simple ideas:

• Scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit
• Yogurt and granola
• Cereal and fruit
• Sandwiches
• Burgers and hot dogs and buns
• Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets to quickly cook in the oven
• Boxed mac and cheese
• Buttered noodles
• Hummus, pita bread, and thinly sliced raw vegetables
• Sides such as salad kits, fruit salad, corn on the cob

Vacation Breakfasts

If you’re looking for easy vacation breakfast ideas, these recipes are some of our favorite options.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

In just a few short minutes, you can stir together nutritious pancakes for kids and cook them on the stovetop, on a griddle, or in the oven as a sheet pan pancake. A perfect vacation meal! Add sausage, bacon, ham, or any other side your family likes.

Strawberry Overnight Oats

Make it easy to feed yourself and the kids a healthy breakfast, no matter how busy you are, with this simple make-ahead Strawberry Overnight Oats recipe. You can make this in a big container the vacation rental likely has in the kitchen.

Oatmeal with Fruit

Learn how to cook oatmeal with ANY fruit you have on hand, whether fresh, dried, frozen, or canned. Plus: This recipe is so easy to make and reheat for easy breakfasts, which is a perfect way to ensure you never waste any leftovers you may have.

Breakfast Burritos

These easy burritos are so straightforward to make and are one of my favorite family breakfast options. They’re easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and are great fuel for a day of exploring and play. Add fruit or avocado on the side and use any type of tortillas you like.

Vacation Lunches

Try these easy vacation meals for lunch packed for on the go in a kids lunch box or to enjoy at the vacation house or hotel.

Turkey Wrap

You can serve this wrap cut in half or cut into spirals, depending on what you think your kids might like. And this totally works as an adult meal, too, so be sure to make one for yourself!

Hummus Wrap

Roll up just a few ingredients for satisfying (and really versatile) Vegetarian Hummus Wraps. This no-cook meal is an easy lunch and you can make it in less than 5 minutes!

Pizza Lunchable

I love how putting a few basic ingredients into a bento box instantly turns into a fun lunch for the kids. And that this is both less expensive than store bought and much easier to customize for allergies and preferences.

Banana Sushi

This easy wrap for kids is a little unexpected, but is a seriously great way to use up pantry staples that you might have on hand. There’s nothing fussy about this idea, and it can work as a lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack.

Vacation Snacks

I usually pick up granola bars, cheese sticks, a lot of fresh fruit, popsicles, and crackers at the store to be part of our vacation meals. And then add in simple snack options like these.

Fruit Sticks

My not-so-secret way to serve up all of the fruit that my kids have been ignoring in the fridge. Seriously, this instantly makes fruit more fun, uses up lingering fruit, and simply makes snack time more engaging.

Yogurt Dip

Fruit is delicious on its own, but it can be even more flavorful and filling when you pair it with a dip. This one, which is made with just three simple ingredients, is a favorite because it’s easy to make and pairs well with a range of fruits.

Fruit Salsa

Serve up fresh fruit in a fun new form with this easy Fruit Salsa recipe. It’s great with fish tacos or chips and is a perfect way to introduce littles to salsa.

Vacation Dinners

Try these simple vacation meals for dinner when you want something homemade and satisfying but still easy.

Zucchini Burgers

Here’s a new take on burger night—add some veggies and cheese right into the mix for extra flavor, nutrition, and easy eating.

Best Pasta Salad

This method is my go-to for always nailing the flavor, moisture, and texture elements of an ideal pasta salad.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this fresh and flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick and easy family meal you’ll be able to pull together even on those nights you don’t really feel like cooking. 

Snack Dinner

The next time you just cannot summon the energy to cook a meal…Snack Dinner to the rescue! I love this easy concept because it’s so easy to make one big platter for the whole family to share, or individual plates for each kiddo. 

Chicken in Tomato Sauce

This is an easy way to make chicken for kids since you pop it into the pan and it’s hands-off from there. And it’s super tender, so it’s easy for babies and toddlers to chew.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

It’s such an easy method and you need only two ingredients!

Vacation Desserts

We often go out for ice cream on vacation, but for those times that we want to stay in (and maybe get some sleep!), these are my favorite vacation desserts.

Ice Box Cake

Quick, easy, and no baking required? Yes, please! This easy Ice Box Cake is a delicious dessert to share with the kids—and it’s so darn simple to make.

Ice Pops

They take about 10 minutes to prepare and are so versatile that you can make them with almost any fruit you have. Win!

Chocolate Mousse

This might be my favorite fast dessert ever, especially because I can make it whenever the urge strikes and enjoy it minutes later. 

Best Tips for Success

• Keep your food plan simple. Vacation is just a short period of time, and it’s okay if meals are different than they are at home.
• Try local seafood if you are staying in a place with that option.
• Go for takeout if that simplifies your life even more.
• Try to keep to somewhat of a regular meal schedule so the kids know what to expect.

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