The Best Snacks to Bring on a Alhambra Charter Bus Ride

Whether you’re planning a field trip to the San Gabriel Mission, a weekend winery tour out in Temecula, or shuttling your wedding guests from LAX, snacks are an absolute must for any long charter bus ride! While you can always build pit stops into your itinerary to grab a bite to eat, roadside restaurants sometimes don’t offer the selection you need—especially if you’re traveling with folks who have dietary restrictions, get carsick easily, or are on a budget.

To help you plan a smooth and comfortable trip, we’ve put together our favorite snacks to take on a bus trip. You can board with all the supplies you need to make your Alhambra charter bus rental experience as positive as possible!

What makes for a good bus trip snack?

We understand that everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to on-the-road foods. That being said, in our experience, we think the best snacks for a bus trip are:

• Easily portable. This may seem like a no-brainer for a group on the move. But by “portable,” we mean foods that are self-contained/can easily be stored away and can be consumed without utensils are ideal snacks for a charter bus trip. Consider packing your favorite single-serving and handheld snacks like granola bars and small fruits. Avoid having to deal with storing any leftover food once you’ve had your fill by grabbing snacks that can be stashed away in your carry-on bag or the overhead parcel rack without the risk of spilling everywhere.
• Light on the stomach. Studies show that a little over half of modern travelers report having felt carsick at some point in their lives. And even if you don’t consider yourself prone to feeling queasy in a moving vehicle, it never hurts to opt for foods that can help prevent motion sickness while on a bus.
  Avoid foods that are greasy or acidic, as they take longer to digest. When in doubt, opt for a variation of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) with simple ingredients and not too much flavor. The goal is to eat something light and easy to digest, so as to not upset your stomach while you’re on the road.
• Proteins over carbs. Sure, carb-based snacks like potato chips are tasty, can fill you up quickly, and can even give you a short burst of energy—but those calories are empty, and they’ll leave your stomach feeling empty after an hour or so. Instead, protein-based foods like nuts, jerky, and trail mix are good snacks for bus trips because they are filling and will give you the energy you need to take on the events or occasions that await you at your destination.

Great Snacks for Bus Trip with Kids

If you’re traveling with younger passengers—say, for a field trip or a little league sporting event—you’ll want to ensure they stay comfortable and preoccupied between stops. So let them pop a DVD into the onboard entertainment system, recline in a comfy plush seat, and enjoy these kid-favorite snacks for a bus trip:

• Dried fruits. Kids love sugar, and fruit can be a healthy way to curb those cravings! Fresh fruit can easily make for sticky hands and a messy seat, so opt for dried fruit to minimize the need for wet wipes or trips to the onboard restroom’s sink to wash up.
• Squeeze-pouch foods. There are plenty of portable kid snacks on the market that come in squeeze pouches with a nozzle—from applesauce to yogurt to pudding. Not only are these foods easy to store in a backpack or carry-on bag, but they also offer relatively mess-free ways for kids of all ages to enjoy their favorite snacks.
• Juice box. Especially if you have a long day of walking through museums of physical activity on the itinerary, your little passengers will need to stay hydrated. Juice boxes are easy to store and offer a tastier alternative to water when it comes to quenching their thirst.

Best Snacks for Bus Trip with Adults

Are you hitting the road for a corporate retreat? Or maybe you’re planning a private wine-tasting tour for your friends? If you’re traveling with adults, you have a wider range of snack options than you would with kids. Just keep in mind that some snack foods may require refrigeration or an ice pack to stay fresh during your trip.

• Charcuterie board. It sounds fancy, but a charcuterie board is essentially just cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and crackers. Store each item in a separate container and break them out when it’s time to snack. Nothing says “adult road trip” like snacking on brie and prosciutto while sipping champagne in a party bus!
• Sandwich wraps. If you need a snack that’s more filling than finger food, consider making sandwich wraps. They’re easy to hold, compact, and less likely to fall apart than a regular sandwich. Fill them with your favorite ingredients, like turkey and cheese or grilled veggies and hummus.
• Fresh fruit and veggies. Cut-up fruit and vegetables are a healthy snack option for adults. Store them in a cooler or insulated bag to keep them fresh. Pair them with individual containers of dip, like peanut butter, ranch dressing, or hummus.

Top 5 Snack Foods for Long Bus Trips

There are endless bus ride snack ideas out there, but here are some of our favorites! These snacks are easy to transport, non-perishable, and generally mess-free. Plus, they’re available in most grocery stores, so you can easily find them in Los Angeles before your trip.

• Granola bars. They’re portable, filling, and come in a variety of flavors. Granola bars are a great source of fiber and protein, which will help keep you full until your next meal.
• Trail mix. A classic road trip snack, trail mix is a blend of nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes chocolate or candy. You can buy it pre-made or create your own mix with your favorite ingredients.
• Popcorn. Air-popped popcorn is low in calories and a good source of whole grains. Buy individual bags or pop your own and store it in a resealable bag. Season it with your favorite spices or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Pretzels. Pretzels are a crunchy, salty snack that won’t leave your fingers greasy. They’re available in various shapes and sizes, including sticks, twists, and nuggets.
• Beef jerky. Jerky is a high-protein snack that doesn’t require refrigeration. It comes in many flavors, such as original, teriyaki, and peppered.

Snacks to Avoid on a Charter Bus

While you’re free to bring whatever snacks you’d like on board, there are a few foods we recommend leaving at home. These snacks can create a mess, have a strong odor, or cause discomfort for other passengers.

• Messy foods. Anything with a lot of sauce, oil, or crumbs can easily spill or stain the bus interior. That includes spaghetti, pizza, fried chicken, nachos, and powdered donuts.
• Strong-smelling foods. Foods with a pungent aroma can linger on the bus and bother sensitive noses. Avoid bringing hard-boiled eggs, tuna salad, blue cheese, kimchi, or anything with garlic.
• Allergy-inducing foods. If you’re traveling with people who have food allergies, it’s best to avoid bringing snacks that contain common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, or shellfish.

Can You Eat On a Charter Bus?

Yes! Unlike public transportation, you’re allowed to eat and drink on a charter bus. In fact, we encourage it! We want you to feel comfortable and satisfied during your entire journey.

Just remember to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly. Most buses have a small waste bin near the front, but it’s a good idea to bring your own trash bag for larger groups. Also, try to choose snacks that won’t create a mess or have a strong smell.

If you’re traveling with kids, remind them not to throw food or wrappers on the floor. And if you plan on drinking alcohol, check your rental agreement first to make sure it’s allowed. Some companies require a refundable deposit or additional fee for alcohol consumption on board.

Can You Drink on a Charter Bus in California?

If you’re planning a party bus trip in California, you might be wondering if you can drink alcohol on board. The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

In California, it’s legal for passengers to consume alcohol in a moving vehicle as long as they’re over 21 years old and the driver is sober. However, individual charter bus companies may have their own policies regarding alcohol. Some allow it with no restrictions, while others require a security deposit or ban it altogether.

Before you start popping bottles, check with your reservation specialist about the company’s alcohol policy. If allowed, bring your own drinks in cans or plastic bottles—glass containers are usually prohibited for safety reasons. Also, drink responsibly and respect other passengers who may not be drinking.

And if you’re renting a party bus for prom or a school event, keep in mind that alcohol is strictly forbidden for underage passengers. The company may even search bags or coolers before allowing students to board.

Book Your Alhambra Charter Bus Rental Today

No matter where your travels take you, Charter Bus Rental Alhambra is here to get you there comfortably and safely. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, help you choose the right bus, and provide instant quotes. Call us today at 626-561-2960 to book your charter bus rental in Alhambra and beyond!