BUDGET FOOD TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRAVELING | FRUGAL FIT MOM

[@amandam5201]

As an adult, I really appreciate all the trips my parents planned. We visited a lot of places compared to other kids I knew. We were from a small town and most did not get outside of the state. Experiences are more memorable than any present I’ve ever received. By saving money, you able to provide awesome experiences and memories for your family!

[@cookshackcuisinista]

We were the same in that we were from a small Northern mining town with a population of 3500 and we traveled to the east coast several times by car which was about to 21 hour one-way expedition. My dad always had a couple of camp stoves and a cooler in the car and in those days you could pull up to a picnic area and have a nice meal. It gave us a chance to run around and play while the meal was being prepared. We generally stayed in cabins at night and that too allowed us to cook our meals. Great memories on a budget! Most of my classmates never traveled anywhere. It helped to have a dad who hailed from the maritimes has he longed to go " home" every once in a while

[@thejourney1369]

Same here! We camped all up and down the eastern US. We rarely ate out. Sometimes we’d leave early and Dad had a place in the back of the Jeep for me and my sister to sleep. Then when it was time for us to get up, he’d pull into a rest area, get out the Coleman stove and fix breakfast. For lunch, we’d often pull into a parking lot and have a sandwich in the camper. Then at nite there would be a wonderful meal that he or Mom had prepared. Wonderful memories!

[@Krissoard]

I'm so jealous of your family dynamic. It's so good to see you making good memories with your kids. My teen would rather push me off the mountain than hike it with me! You are blessed!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Those teenage years can be hard, hang in there!

[@mollyb8136]

I would have pushed my mum off a mountain when I was a teenager, and now I'd move them for her. My relationship changed massively once I moved out of home. It allowed me to make my own path and my own decisions. It takes time and space but you got this

[@alethiablanchard]

I ordered the Green Chef with your discount code, food looks good, getting the Keto meals. Thank you

[@abimol3802]

In south africa, we pack what is called 'padkos', literally 'road food'. Little meatballs, small sandwiches, boiled eggs, snack tomatoes etc. That saves a lot on long road trips!

[@aquarium985]

To me, eating the local food is a big part of the fun of traveling.

[@jujube2407]

To me I love that...but not all places have "local food" or one meal and you get a little of everything in one sitting and share and thats check mark done...

[@LB-vl3qn]

Ordinarily, I would agree with you, however, I doubt there's enough of a difference between the food in Idaho and that in Arizona to be so meaningful that it would make sense to splurge on dinners out. Maybe lunch out at a place that's not part of a chain, but only if they have truly spectacular food. But then, some people like to hike, others like to eat. It's your vacay; do what you enjoy. ~ Lisa

[@deborahdonson2635]

My parents always packed a cooler & groceries for our trips. Made it much simpler and cheaper. Last year both my sister and her husband were extremely ill so I traveled to their home and had multiple extra large meal kits delivered. I'd fix the dinners and then immediately make freezer meals. Everyday, I managed to freeze 4 meals and give them something fresh and tasty. It made so much easier to do this for them and they had a month of meals frozen by the time I left. Yay meal kits!😀

[@dancieteague6854]

We have learn to travel cheap. We as a family get a airbnb. With 3 or 4 family we each family paid 63 for 3 nights and 4 days. Enough room for everybody. We were right on the water. Had 2 firepite.outside. roasting hotdogs 2 nights. Swings. The person left foot for 2 meals and snack basket and case of water plus fresh eggs from her chickens so overall it was great. You can go on vacation just have to watch were you stay and how you plan to eat. Instant pot and crocket pot was our main tools. Great video.

[@mandapanda1652]

Super important to add: If you're in a regular hotel, double check if you can use a crock pot/instant pot. Most don't allow it because of fire codes.

[@shabbyshopper]

Yep - THIS^^ Most don’t allow it & can set off the fire alarms.

[@charlievalencia5401]

It had a cook top so I’m assuming it would be okay

[@mandapanda1652]

@@charlievalencia5401 right. Which is why I said if you're in a regular hotel. Regular hotel rooms do not have kitchettes and using a crock pot or instant pot is against fire code.

[@goldengoddess115]

Good to see you guys enjoying each other’s time together. Hope your New Year is filled with peace love and prosperity!

[@cookshackcuisinista]

When on vacation, quite a few people feel that they have to live up and keep up to the Joneses and then are horrified as to how much they spent on food that is boring, unhealthy, full of salt, etc. You are creating memories with your family and the ones who won't be frugal with meals and such will likely not be the ones traveling because if you can't " travel in style ", you can't go anywhere is their mindset. I have had some of my best vacations while doing the majority of my eating in my hotel room like yourself. Way to go Christine and family!

[@monicanolan1738]

Haley is Christine's twin. The hand motions. The voice inflection. I love it! Shoes. For tennis 😂😂

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Very common for "sneakers" or "gym shoes" to also be referred to as "tennis shoes" (my neck of the woods always referred to them this way). I think she was really trying to stress she literally meant shoes for tennis and not just "tennis shoes." 🤣She's definitely adorable, smart, and has a great personality. Just like her momma.

[@monicanolan1738]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 I call them tennis shoes as well. The pause between. Shoes. For tennis. Completes the joke for me 😂

[@EmeryShae]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 in Canada we call them runners. I giggle when I hear someone say sneakers. Are you all sneaking around 🤣 and tennis shoes is funny too.

[@DiWriter]

We took a family road trip this summer - NYC (home) to Asheville, NC and back through Kentucky, Ohio and Western, PA. We stayed in a combination of motels, and Airbnb. We opted for one meal out a day and brought a cooler with us everywhere, for picnics. It was a great trip - and I'm sure one day my kids will agree!

[@johnsanders1978]

I appreciate all of your tips. However, we prefer to save money all year on regular groceries so that when we go on vacations we can afford to splurge. We can have the nice steak dinners, the drinks, the fancy breakfast. For us, food is part of the experience. Thanks for all you do!

[@careyblignaut2165]

Food is definitely part of the fun! 🤩

[@jlw7189]

Yes, for sure! We kind of do a hybrid of this on a road trip. Bring a cooler for breakfasts and some lunches and snacks and booze, etc., then go out for dinner. I feel breakfast is a big waste of money!

[@wheatie83]

@@jlw7189 that's the best way to do it splurge on dinner. When we were kids that's what my parents did we ate breakfast and lunch from whatever we had but we splurged on dinner.

[@shabbyshopper]

Since most hotel rooms don’t allow IP or crock pots we travel with ‘snack meals’ - like a charcuterie board on the go: meats, cheeses, dips, crackers, nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruits & fresh veggies. Easy to package, a cooler, a knife & cutting board, and some cleaning wipes if really without fridge/sink.

[@danidawes8411]

We kind of do something in the middle. We think eating out is part of the experience and a great way to experience the area. So we tend to eat breakfast & lunch in our room or packed and dinners out. Usually the morning we leave we enjoy breakfast before we leave. We tend to rent rooms that have a kitchen/ette for this reason . Love the tips and ideas !!!!

[@brandicollins658]

I feel like as a foodie….I like to enjoy local cuisine….that said, I like it to be affordable. I like to enjoy one meal out a day….could be breakfast, lunch or dinner.

[@debimorsette1685]

So nice to live vicariously thru your family vacations! I’m 68 yo and have poor balance but I still try to get my 8,000 steps in daily. Keep these videos coming. I love your frugal menus. Happy New Year! 🥰🥰

[@vlmellody51]

Me too!

[@mollyb8136]

Dang sis, that's an amazing achievement!

[@aprilmariewaldrop]

Looks like lots of family fun! We just got back from a family trip ourselves and I packed a cooler full of easy foods; cubed cheese, pepperoni & crackers, grilled chicken wraps, cut fruit etc with drinks for our 9+ hour car drive and that helped lots! Made little snack bags with pretzels, chocolate chips, almond slices and sandwiches for our hikes to throw in our backpacks 🙃

[@vickylin5126]

So nice to have family trips. Cherish the time while you can!

[@lindaburnside3832]

I planned ahead to cook dinner in the hotel room last time I traveled with my family. I brought pre-seasoned pork tenderloins, sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar/cinnamon mixture, bbq sauce (the boys have to have this condiment with just about everything), salt and pepper. I also carry a stack of paper plates, plasticware, solo cups, etc. Super easy. Cooked the sweet potatoes in the microwave. I had dinner ready in half an hour from when we checked in, and it was delicious.

[@FrugalFitMom]

That is a great idea!

[@stacyfausett5436]

❤️ THIS! We do very similar trips. We love to hike, I bring my Instant Pot and we eat in and relax after a day of outdoor activity. We rents Airbnb’s mostly because we have a large family. But we love to save money by eating in but really prefer it. Eating out is so expensive and usually disappointing. Less decisions to make on where to eat when you can hang out together and prepare a meal too! Amazing family memories made on these trips! Our older children really talk a lot about our trips and always say their jealous when we head out with our younger three on trips like next week skiing. So great job and great ideas & tips!!

[@robynw6307]

Love how fit and active you guys are as a family. If I did even one (1/2? 1/4?) of those hikes I'd be laid up in pain for the rest of the trip.

[@annek1226]

What an amazing family you and your husband have created! It never ceases to amaze me every time I watch you interact together! Take a bow, you have done an outstanding job! This is exactly what it should be all about! 💓💕💓💕

[@rachelcrossen8136]

When my kids wore the hell out of there clothes it just reminded me to be grateful they were active. You don’t wear out much sitting on the couch

[@FrugalFitMom]

That's true!

[@SpoonMe]

Thanks Frugal Fit Fam!!!! We appreciate you sharing your experiences with us!

[@annasemak8240]

Great getaway. Longtime camping fantastic. From tents to Rv's. I find that all the meals on trips are prepared at home and frozen so when you get back from that days adventure it's just heat and eat. So healthy and filling.

[@DebbiHobbs]

I lived in Phoenix for 30 years and never hiked any of those cool places your family went to. We lived on the far west side of the valley, our hiking mountain was always the White Tanks. Short hike to get to the waterfall (when it is running.) Desert picnics were so much fun. Hope you soaked in all that sun and enjoyed those cold nights.

[@reginasears6287]

All year long we save our coins until vacation time. Once we cash the coins in, that money becomes our airport or road-trip money. We use that money for snacks at gas stations or snack/food inside the airport. Once the money is gone it’s gone. Just a fun way not to go over budget while traveling.

[@rebeccabaca5546]

You could even make burritos and freeze and heat up in microwave and serve with chips and salad. So many easy things! Way better than wasting money on fast food or going to a sit down and getting crap service. Save the money for experienced!!! Or swing by chick fil a for a bunch of sandwiches and serve with crisps and drinks from home.

[@angelahawkins8069]

You keep me inspired to be present in my life daily. I love how you have all these great adventures with your family and make it economical by prepping meals to bring. Doing things with family, that special bonding times...PRICELESS 💕. Thank you for always inspiring! God Bless!

[@maidenArts]

Just a tip the bibigo instant rice is really great if you want delicious white sticky rice like from a rice cooker. Sometimes I need to make a quick meal and too tired to make a ton of rice, especially if it’s just myself. It is like perfectly steamed rice! Highly recommend! And honestly not just this brand. Any of the Korean instant 90sec rice is really delicious. Great for traveling too if your hotel only has a microwave.

[@valeried2941]

Super tips!! Your children will remember these times with you always!!!

[@cindyfuller6394]

I love this vlog. I did a similar plan on a road trip so Ca. Was myself, a girl friend & 2 grown boys. Made the chilli @ home. Took a reusable pan (shout out to pamper chef). Just reheated it with a couple hot dogs, also brought from home. Buns had to purchase cause we forgot them. Did similar with taco meat, just reheat put into taco shells & top with topping that I chopped at home. The boys were thrilled. Yummy. Easy.

[@frugalcampermama]

It looks like you and your family had a great time! I love AZ! I live in NJ so I feel your pain with the cold weather, although I’m sure it’s colder in Idaho. You’re kids are going to have such great memories of all these amazing adventures you and Dave take them on. I used to try to do the same with my children and to this day (they’re 27 b/g twins) we talk and laugh about it!

[@rosemarydoran9907]

My family frequently vacationed in Arizona growing up. Sadly, it was the last two weeks of July when the plant my mom worked at closed for vacation. But the number one priority of the motel was a swimming pool! I do appreciate the fact that my parents always made time and money for nice family vacations each year. Many happy memories! Thanks for sharing Arizona in Winter with us. Sadly you can't buy tennis shoes for Andrew ahead as it seems he is growing too ok fast as although you may be able to pass them on to the younger boys. Love Haley's shoes with the teal! There are so many more options for lodging so cooking yourself is great. In the '70's there was Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, Best Western and Motel 6. My dad or brother would go get coffee and hot chocolate from the motel restaurant in the morning for us. On the first day put mom would pack a cooler with sandwiches, juice, milk, fruit so we could eat on the road the first day or so. We never thought to shop locally and refill for the 1300 mile Griswold family treck home but that's okay. Mom deserved a break. She always felt like she had to tidy the motel room before we left. I guess she like giving the maids a break too.

[@vonlipi]

My parents took me to unbelievable places for vacations…England, France, Portugal, Rome. Treasure every moments! I wish I could hike with you all!

[@melissacruz1121]

Ahhhhh ARIZONA!!!! I lived out there for 10 years & loved it!!! It was so nice to see the beauty again! 😍

[@elainecarrillo5434]

I love how involved and active u and ur family are together. I enjoy hiking my kids don’t really like it. You’re looking great girl 💪 makes me want to go on a hike it’s been so long. TFS your family trip!

[@hijadeitsmombyjudymarchant9475]

I love Sebino Canyon! I got my double lung transplant in Tucson at University of Arizona! I hiked Sebino with a wheel chair and oxygen with my Dad. I just lost him so its a great memory.

[@leepayk-bann3489]

We used to do things like that when we were kids great holidays

[@lisagilmore6080]

Watching your family brings me so much joy. Thank you for sharing!

[@MyLady22]

On vacation we always end up with way too much food. We try to bring less food or order less food now because vacation is fun and exciting and not everyone has that kind of appetite when on vacation. There’s just too much going on or too much stimulation that no one eats that much.

[@tiffanyrobinson332]

Genius. We tried this the most recent time we went out of town and it was great! But I needed these tips. Thanks!

[@katiedickinson7866]

So glad you got to come to AZ!! Love our state!! It is full of beauty!!

[@nancypickard3456]

Watching your family play Happy Salmon cracked me up!! My daughter received that game for Christmas. We played with 4 of our adult children and our stomachs hurt we were laughing so hard!

[@donnak116]

🤩 wow Gorgeous pics Wonderful memories Your family is picture perfect 👌 Please show the kids more there so wonderful 💕

[@jenniferjones2477]

Very help meal ideas! Thank you! We have to travel and stay in hotels for my daughter to receive medical treatment.. you gave me so many more ideas to do for dinners for my family that’s way better than what I was doing since we’d rather save and not eat out as well! Covid has made things so much more restrictive too for us with these trips.. so very helpful! I always enjoy watching your videos! Thank you.

[@videolinks3776]

How fun and neat!! I'm from Mesa and I've been to that exact same Golfland!! I really enjoyed all the meal ideas in the video!

[@isaacfamily1620]

I live about 20 minutes from the east valley hikes you did. Used to hike Hieroglyphic trail all the time, but never tried the Dome Mountain. There are just so many to choose from! This year we did Piestewa with our kids and friends visiting from out of town!

[@marenwebb9430]

We rented a house in AZ last month and did both Green Chef and Hello Fresh meals. It worked great! I've got several dietary restrictions but I either found meals that worked for me or subbed in ingredients that I could eat. Definitely made it way easier and cheaper than eating out.

[@ItCameFromAVlog]

I can always use budget tips. We're about to go to Disney next month so these are great ideas for our Airbnb dinners.

[@wheatie83]

Really wish you could do a video on like a beginner's guide to hiking.

[@FrugalFitMom]

Great suggestion!

[@stephhogenson1983]

I used to live in Mesa, now in cold Montana since 2004

[@veronicaphillips1414]

Can you do a video on what your schedule was when you had toddlers? I’m finding it difficult with 2 toddlers. Love your energy

[@micheledeluca2246]

Gorgeous photos at the end of this video of you and your beautiful family. 💕

[@mtherfnprincess]

My family used to make spaghetti in our hotels with the hot plates. That was always a staple. I never thought of traveling with the instant pot but I'll keep it in mind now

[@annetterose8948]

Haley talks and laughs just like you. It's so cute!

[@rebeccaharper7859]

What a wonderful family.You are blessed.Keep being you.You make it alll work.

[@mooglies]

I love your videos Christine! I’m so jealous, your family always seems so happy, and tight knit. Definitely not how my family has ever been. Thank you for sharing your life and family with us!

[@Louise65656]

Snap, not like mine either.

[@cindysullivan1540]

Your family is so lovely and adventurous! The little guy is even able to keep up! Thanks for a great video and Happy New Year!

[@lisaharr1477]

What an amazing trip ! Hiking is my absolute favorite thing to do in the world ! You guys went to some spectacular spots ! Thanks for sharing your trip !

[@kellyashby8388]

Oh wow! You were in my city! Seven Falls is gorgeous.Bet you all were loving the weather. Happy New Year!

[@thejourney1369]

The husband and I are planning a trip to the Outer Banks. We are going to splurge one meal at our favorite seafood place and the rest we will do in the suite. They used to have a stove in the kitchen, but have taken them out. I’m going to prepare some things ahead of time that we can heat in the microwave and shop for the rest when we get down there.

[@dianecelaya1354]

Omg az😁 ! Az has so much to offer, lived here since 2nd grade😁 and still so many places I want to check out and revisit. So glad you guys had fun it's so important to spend time as a family.

[@angelawitherington5579]

Your family is darling! Nice portraits at the end!

[@danamama6766]

The clip of the flipping the running shoe and then it was on her foot was so amazing. I had to keep watching it lol. Wonderful vacation. Happy 2022

[@rethawilson6289]

Great ideas. Out west was our fave vacation. My precious husband 2006. Now today I've got pics and great memories . God's blessings sweet family. I enjoyed the game with boys and Dave.

[@derekp6636]

totally meant to plan ahead and have some menus planned but we will do this next time for sure!

[@gwenroireau6203]

Wow the boys are growing so much!!!!

[@LindaLoquita]

Thank you for being such an inspiration! I love all your videos 😍 I've been struggling for awhile now trying to get to where you are with your beautiful family.

[@FrugalFitMom]

You got this!

[@kimberlypillman2983]

Glad you all had a good vacation.

[@michelleboedeker1799]

Those are great pictures of you guys! Good looking family!!!

[@sandrahunter8661]

"Down in the doodly-doo" 😆. A hiking vacation 👍 - have you ever hiked the Grand Canyon? 🙂✌

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

We bought those same under armor shoes in two different sizes at the outlet. Those shoes wear well too. We did the outlets at our summer vacation. Looks like a great trip and lots of yummy food.

[@traciwhiting2545]

Hailey is your mini-me. She even laughs just like you! 😆

[@GrayZiazanne]

Would love to see a video on what all yal pack for hiking backpack wise. Super light, hydration only?

[@AmandaG]

The meal box kit delivered somewhere was smart. When I'm on vacation I always get so tired of eating out.

[@maryannsscrapdesk9655]

Great ideas for hotel stays! We travel for work and don't always get a kitchenette! Keep up these ideas. Thank you!

[@ericasutton4981]

I love how Haley laughs just like you😂

[@Darksidegirl55]

omg your daughter looks like so much fun to hang out with i want a friend like her !!!!!!!

[@marianegrete920]

Happy New Year Mrs.Frugal Fit Mom! May 2022 bring much happiness and to Your Beautiful Mother Too! God Bless from Arlington Texas!

[@pjlacey3990]

Thanks for the great video. Something to check with your boots for snowshoeing. Most snowshoes need a boot with a small rubber rectangular prism on the back at the ankle that the strap can rest on and not slide off. Just check into this please, before you go.

[@tammybaker3737]

Looks so fun! Great memories! Thanks for the food ideas!

[@KarenReep]

I wanna go to Arizona so bad!!! Beautiful trip, thanks for sharing. Hailey needs her own channel one day, she’s great! 😃

[@ashleydunlap5030]

Your daughter is your mini! She is beautiful!! Thank you for all the ideas! I never thought of bringing instant pot and cooking! Or getting meal delivery. So smart!! Also amazing your kids loving hiking snd movement like this. I have an 8 and 3 year old. And when we hike my 8 year old complains ALOT. A lot less fun for this mama.

[@daniellewhite8995]

Just in time!! Planning our first family trip for the spring and I need all the tips and tricks 😅

[@denisebellanich7938]

There is a french bakery in Kanab UT that is just so amazing. Every other restaurant there doesn't believe in salt or something and it's weird. But that bakery was spot on.

[@bernadetteduvall2296]

Love the vlog, the pictures from your family vacation are beautiful.

[@katiedickinson7866]

You were so close to me. Golfland /sunsplash is a staple for kids in the summer here in AZ!! Or next time hit the salt river. They have wild horses out there!!

[@Natalie-xy7zy]

Great trip! Love that you took the fam hiking. As for the Green Chef offer.. I was thinking that if they are giving us $130 off, then how expensive is it? Woah. I don't even spend $130 on groceries unless it's for 2 weeks and it includes toiletries and cleaning products.

[@TikkaMasalaa1]

ah right!!!

[@skyybennett8852]

The $130 off is over the first 5 boxes (5 weeks), not just the first box.

[@lauraharrald5946]

Looks like you had a great vacation! My favorite hike is Hieroglyphics Trail! I take all my visitors there because it suits most levels. Also Golfland! Yay! You also gave me a few new hikes to try!

[@NanLovesFood]

Potatoes are also my love language! 🤣 Was that a Drury Inn? I love their free dinner!

[@andreazimmerman2050]

Great to see you all having lots of fun!!

[@crystalstorms880]

Beautiful views I have never seen 🌵 so huge! That was amazing! Thanks for those ideas. I didn't think about it. Great Job Christine!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@teresamunoz91]

Thanks for posting this! I'm traveling in 2 weeks with my daughter and family and we are def going to be on a budget

[@jlynd5526]

Happy New Year! I’m a new subscriber here, and I wanted to let you know that I LOVE the layout of this video. It was super informative but it was like we were on your vacation with you. Plus, you showed us some beautiful places that I didn’t know were out there. Thanks for sharing!🤗❤️👍🏼

[@FrugalFitMom]

Yay! Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@christinem9935]

Definitely enjoyed the tips mixed with trip footage. I miss traveling so much! Some day :) Loved your hair and earrings at the end. So pretty!

[@okimom2girlz]

Wow, such an awesome vacation you guys took there. It is always great to see how much fun you guys have when out and about. Yay, you came down to my neck of the woods (Tucson). Sorry it was not as warm as it was just a week prior to the holidays but I see you guys enjoyed anyways. Thanks for sharing your family vacation with us! Blessings, Sabrina

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you 🤗

[@kristiherrington2414]

Do you have the All Trails app? And it wouldn't be Christmas without a Grinch quote..."Hello, How are you? I asked you first"? Love it!

[@FrugalFitMom]

I do use AllTrails!

[@lindamason7115]

Your family had an amazing trip!!

[@whybenormal]

Yay! Ty for showing us your tips to cook in the hotel room with the IP!