Easy, Healthy Meals for Family Travel at a Vacation Rental

Easy Healthy Meals for Family Travel while staying at a short-term vacation rental is always an obstacle when planning family travel. You’ve likely made the reservations and planned an itinerary, but now you are trying to figure out what your people will eat?!?! This is a perfect list to start making when you are a couple of months out. So, don’t forget to pin this post or save it for reference later!

When planning a family getaway to a beach house, mountain retreat, or road trip, the last thing you want to do is waste precious vacation time stressing over meals. While relying on frozen meals or restaurant takeout is tempting, you can create delicious, healthy meals that are super easy to make right in your Airbnb or VRBO vacation rental. From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with simple (and healthy!) real food ideas perfect for family travel.

Breakfast: A Good Start to Your Day

Breakfast can be a breeze to prepare without a lot of fancy equipment. Many vacation rentals come equipped with basic kitchen supplies like a stovetop, microwave, and sometimes even a blender. Here are some healthy and easy breakfast ideas that will fuel your family for the day’s adventures:

1. Overnight Oats
   Overnight oats are a fantastic option for a no-cook, healthy breakfast. All you need are rolled oats, your favorite milk or yogurt, and toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. Prepare the oats in mason jars or bowls the night before and let them chill in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just grab and go!
2. Smoothie Bowls
   If your rental has a blender, whip up a quick smoothie bowl with fruits like berries, bananas, or mangoes. Add spinach or kale for a veggie boost and top with granola, chia seeds, and nuts. Smoothie bowls are packed with nutrients and customizable based on what’s available in the fridge or local market.
3. Farmer’s Breakfast Frittata
   A frittata is an easy, customizable breakfast you can make with whatever ingredients you have. Start with a base of eggs (or egg whites for a lighter version) and add lean protein like turkey sausage or chicken, or make it meatless with beans or tofu. Then, toss in any vegetables—spinach, peppers, onions, or mushrooms all work great. Cook everything in a skillet, and you have a hearty, one-pan breakfast that will feed the whole family. Or, mix it the night before and bake it in the oven like a breakfast casserole.
4. Avocado Toast with Eggs
   Avocados are easy to find and incredibly versatile. Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast and top with a fried or scrambled egg. Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, or add cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. This meal fills your family with the energy to start the day right.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfaits
   Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries, honey, and granola to create an easy parfait. This delicious breakfast is also packed with protein and probiotics. You can prep it beforehand and enjoy it with minor cleanup in the morning.
6. Last Day Breakfast Hash
   The “Last Day Breakfast Hash” creatively uses leftover ingredients and cleans the fridge before leaving. Start by sautéing diced sweet potatoes or regular potatoes in a pan until they’re crispy. Add any leftover vegetables or proteins from the week—grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even bacon—and cook until everything is heated. Top with fried, poached, or scrambled eggs for a delicious and satisfying meal that turns leftovers into a tasty breakfast.

Lunch: Easy, Healthy Picnic Meals for the Road

Whether heading to the beach, taking a scenic hike, rock climbing, or road-tripping to your next destination, lunch often becomes a picnic-style meal. But it doesn’t have to be a bag of chips and candy bars. I’ll also admit sometimes it makes more sense to eat in for a larger lunch off the grill, then picnic for dinner if you are crabbing, watching the stars or going to take pictures and capture wildlife.

Here are a few easy-to-make, healthy lunch ideas that are perfect for eating on the go:

1. Wraps and Sandwiches
   Pack whole grain wraps or bread with fresh veggies like spinach, cucumber, and bell peppers. Add lean protein like turkey, chicken, or hummus for extra nutrients. Wraps are portable, and you can create a variety of combinations to suit everyone’s tastes. Don’t forget the mustard or avocado for extra flavor. You can wrap one for everyone and label in baggies. Or just take the fixings in a cooler and prep at a picnic bench along the route.
2. Fresh Salad Jars
   Create mason jar salads by layering veggies, grains like quinoa or rice, and proteins (grilled chicken, beans, or chickpeas). Keep the dressing separate so the salad stays fresh until you’re ready to eat. This is a fun, customizable lunch option, and all the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time at your rental.
3. Veggie and Cheese Skewers
   This is a simple lunch idea that requires little prep. Assemble skewers with cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and pickles. These can be made beforehand and are perfect for a grab-and-go meal. Pair with whole-grain crackers or pita chips for a balanced, filling lunch.
4. Tabletop Charcuterie Spread
   A fun and customizable lunch option is a family-style charcuterie spread. Lay out healthy options like sliced turkey or chicken, lean deli meats, cheese, crackers, hummus, nuts, fresh fruit, olives, and veggies. You can place everything in separate bags or containers and set them down the middle of the table or use a large dish to spread it out. Everyone can pick and choose what they want, making it an easy and flexible lunch that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy options like fresh produce and lean proteins into your meal.
5. Chicken Salad or Tuna Salad
   Chicken or tuna salad is a great make-ahead lunch option for travel. For a healthier twist, you can either buy premade salads from the store or make your own with ingredients like Greek yogurt, mustard, and fresh herbs. Carry the salad in a container, and you have a satisfying meal ready for your picnic or lunch break. Serve it with whole-grain crackers or in a wrap, or just scoop it with fresh veggies for a light, protein-packed meal.

Dinner: Simple, Real Meals for Vacation Rentals

After a fun-filled day of activities, you’ll likely want a relaxing dinner at your vacation rental. While it’s easy to default to pizza or frozen meals, many simple and healthy dinner options require minimal effort but pack a big flavor punch.

1. One-Pan Dinners
   A one-pan dinner is your best friend when cooking in a vacation rental. Try roasted chicken with veggies like potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Toss everything with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven. Cleanup is a breeze, and you get a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Turkey Sausage links with veggies also make a hearty meal. Remember, if it’s summer, you can use the grill to make many of the same meals and keep the heat outside. 
2. Stir-Fry
   Stir-fries are quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. Use a variety of colorful veggies, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Add lean protein like chicken or tofu and stir-fry in a little soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. You can cook the chicken in the crockpot while you are out during the day. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a filling, nutritious meal. It’s a great way to incorporate many veggies and proteins into one dish.
3. Sheet Pan Fish Tacos
   If you’re by the beach, why not try some fresh fish tacos? Simply bake fish fillets (like tilapia or cod) on a sheet pan with olive oil and seasoning. Once cooked, break them into pieces and serve them in corn tortillas with a quick slaw of shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro. This simple, flavorful meal is perfect after a day of outdoor activities.
4. Veggie Pasta
   Pasta is always a family favorite, and it’s so easy to make healthier. Choose whole-grain pasta and load it up with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Top with a simple marinara sauce, and for added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or beans. You can even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Grill Night
   Grill night is a fantastic way to enjoy easy, healthy meals while keeping things simple. Marinate your veggies and protein (chicken, tofu, or steak) in the fridge earlier in the day, and when you’re ready to eat, just throw everything on the grill. Pair your grilled proteins and veggies with rice (or cauliflower rice for a lighter option), or enjoy the grilled goods independently. It’s a great way to spend less time cooking and more time relaxing with the family.
6. Grilled Fish or Seafood Night
   If you’re at the beach, take advantage of access to fresh fish and seafood for a light, flavorful dinner. Grill fish fillets like mahi-mahi, swordfish, or shrimp on the grill, and serve with a refreshing fruit salsa made from mango, pineapple, or watermelon, mixed with cilantro, lime, and a little chili for a touch of spice. Pair the fish with grilled veggies like zucchini bell peppers or a summer succotash of corn, tomatoes, and green beans for a balanced meal that perfectly matches the vacation vibe.
7. Taco Night
   Don’t complicate it. If they love tacos or fajitas at home, they will love them at the beach. Find a way to cook or marinate your meat while you play all day, and make it easy to prep when you return to your vacation rental. Taco meat can cook in a crockpot with canned diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Or, marinate chicken strips or flank steak with Italian dressing, steak seasoning, and green chilies if you can handle it! Grill the meat with some vegetables, open the salsa, and warm the tortillas. Serve with Chips and cheese dip, and keep it crazy simple!

Snack Ideas for the Road

Healthy snacks are a must when you’re on the road. Instead of reaching for sugary granola bars or chips, pack some nutritious options that everyone will enjoy:

1. Trail Mix
   Mix nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips for a sweet and salty snack. This snack is great for road trips and easy to carry in a bag. If you include chocolate, put it in the top of the cooler if you walk away from your car. 
2. Fruit and Nut Butter
   Apple or banana slices with almond or peanut butter make a filling, nutrient-packed snack. Precut fruit into a bento box or baggie so it’s easy to grab and eat. 
3. Homemade Energy Bites
   Make a batch of no-bake energy bites using oats, honey, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking on the go.
4. Hummus and Veggies
   If you need a quick snack or lunch, pack a container of hummus and various fresh veggies, such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can also pack some pita bread to dip in. This snack is healthy, easy to prepare, and perfect for family picnics.

Vacation meals don’t have to be complicated or rely on frozen food to be healthy and tasty. With some planning, you can prepare meals in your Airbnb or VRBO rental that are delicious, nutritious, and perfect for your family’s summer or spring break trip. From quick breakfasts to easy picnic lunches and satisfying dinners, these meal ideas will help you maximize your getaway without sacrificing time or health. So, pack your favorite ingredients, fire up the stove (or not), and enjoy some simple, real-food meals with your loved ones!