Car Trip Kitchen Bin

[@quilterdunndunn8101]

Another reason is many of us prefer our own cooking. We know what's in it and how clean it is.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That would be us! Yes!

[@debbienielsen368]

When my husband stilled worked, we were on a trip to Washington, DC and we always carried a box of food with us ( and still do). Two days before we were to head home they had a blizzard! Two to three feet of snow fell. The hotel we were staying in ran out of food and could not get the delivery trucks into the city. We had packed a small crockpot, coffee pot and two electric skillets. We had cereal for my small daughter, dried beans and paper plates and utensils needed. We went to a little store right outside the hotel and bought eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes. So we cooked our meals and fed the four of us and several others that had been with us at meeting that we were attending. The hotel never complained and we were careful cooking and cleaned up our room everyday. Back in 1996 they didn’t have all the restrictions that they do now. It was an adventure back then and I’m glad we were prepared. After two days, the roads were cleared enough so we could leave and head home to Arkansas. I still pack a food box when we travel because you never know what will happen. Thank you, Pam and Jim for all your hard work in helping us prepare for an uncertain future.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great story!! Thanks for sharing and how wise you were to be so prepared!

[@ksavage8851]

You forgot the chocolate. Never leave home without the chocolate 😂

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL! Absolutely!

[@ronfila866]

Our car food bin is shorter and wider but at the bottom is a cutting board. I can use if we are at a rest area with a picnic table etc. Instead of paper towels I have a package of water wipes that are 99% water. Useful to wipe hands and surfaces. I also have a knife just for the bin that has a slide-on cover. Marie

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks, Marie. Great ideas.

[@lisapop5219]

My husband was career military and we had to live in motels quite a bit. The last time we were in 4 motels for a total of 30 days while waiting for our home. There's a reason why it was 4 but that's a long story. We were coming from overseas so we didn't have our own food and equipment. There's no way that we could have afforded 3 meals for 2 adults and 2 teenagers in restaurants for a month. The person who said that if you can afford a motel you can afford restaurants is just silly

[@donnamerritt9634]

Yes. I so remember those days...😊

[@PeeWeeNut5utube]

We had the reverse. We lived in a hotel for 90 days when we moved to Germany. We didn't have kids. So, we were low on the list for on or off base housing. No microwave, either. I didn't think I'd ever want to eat another sandwich!

[@lisapop5219]

@@PeeWeeNut5utube even worse! We were lucky in that aspect. My husband was originally sent unaccompanied and we were approved for accompanied a few months later. He had time to get everything ready for us on that end while I did everything on my end. The kids did feel a little left out of staying in the hotel experience. The base had one so all of the families stayed there and friendships were formed. Our apartment building didn't have many kids their age so they had to meet kids at vbs and church until school started.

[@PeeWeeNut5utube]

That was great for you all.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you all for sharing these stories! I enjoyed reading them and imagining what it must have been like for you.

[@jenniferkelly8728]

Pam, here's a suggestion though it looks like you're stellar to me. I also have a portable oven for my car but a different brand than yours. When we need to warm something up we use the aluminum containers from the Dollar Tree. They come in a variety of different sizes and I think are primarily used for taking a dish to someone's house, etc. Some come with a plastic lid. They are a little flimsy so I tend to double them up, but they're cheap and work like a charm. No need to wash them as I believe they're meant to be disposable. Of course, they can not be microwaved but they are an alternative to doing dishes. I have never tried warming soup up in them. Also in the event you should need measuring cups or spoons, I have collapsible ones that don't take up any room. I do bring dishwashing liquid but instead of bringing a small bottle, I put ours in a plastic travel-size container. One thing I always keep in our box is a metal serving spoon for stirring and a steak knife in the event we need to cut something. You'd be surprised how many times we end up using them.

[@byronspade1633]

Yes the 12 volt RoadPro oven. Looks like a black lunch box. I love mine. I work road construction for an asphalt paving company. I take my own food, even raw, put it in a small aluminum bread pan,I cover it with aluminum foil, put a small amount of water in it, close the lid and plug it in. I made raw meatballs, cut up cabbage, sweet corn and small whole potatoes and the spices. All totally raw. In an hour I had hot cooked food. While my buddies ate cold ham and cheese sandwiches for their lunch.

[@schnder1]

There are also many reasons that people need to stay in hotels and can not afford to eat out. We had to travel every week to be there for family that was in the hospital. We took time off work each week to travel 6 hours one way to stay nearby. There were many families that were doing the same. This meant preparing meals in our room in between hospital visits. I was keenly aware of not wanting staff to clean up after us or anyone smelling food cooking. I did find a kettle for boiling water helpful in our case. We also took our trash to throw away.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much for your supportive comment. I certainly agree with what you said.

[@kymschoeff2858]

Go back to the dollar store and get a dishpan-it will fit in the bottom of your kitchen bin. Easier to handle than the big bin. Also-put in at least two dish towels so you always have a dry one.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good idea! Thanks.

[@sandramcguire8015]

You seem to have a good list, yet the one thing I would want to include is a hot pad so I could retrieve hot foods form either the little car oven or microwave. It wouldn’t need to be a really thick one - just one to protect you from the hot item.

[@Psych911]

Pam, I would leave the bento boxes at home and bring some disposable meal prep containers instead - like those clear plastic takeout containers. That way, you can heat soup in the car oven and simply dispose of the containers afterwards. A stack of 10 or 20 of those containers will take up about the same space as the bento boxes.

[@darlenegamble3409]

This is a better idea than mine!

[@trailgrazers3690]

I just worry about that thin plastic and the heat. Someone else suggested small foil pans. In any case, I like the idea of leaving the Bentgo containers at home and finding an alternative!

[@melissareynolds1903]

I know this is an older video but wanted to let you know that I enjoy your content. You remind me so much of my mother in law who was also a red headed retired teacher. We recently lost her to Alzheimer's and miss her so.

[@shielasouthern6857]

You have some great ideas. I never thought of taking a bottle of Steramine, but I will now. I may use an old pop top soap or travel shampoo dispenser because spray bottles notoriously leak on me. We take a collapsible dishpan which takes very little space and we also take an electric tea kettle. They have small travel sizes and can even come with a DC power that can be used with the Bluetti. Don’t forget to include hot pads and 1 extra dish towel. You never know what can happen. Put your plates in a gallon ziplock bag to keep them clean and free of debris that can end up in the bin. Some else also recommended a small cutting board and sharp knife. We have a knife that comes with a cover for the blade. Include a small pair of scissors. They are handy if you need to cup open a package of something. Include extra ziplock badges of various sizes to put open snack and things n and bag clips for. Hips and the like so they stay closed. These are all things we do for hotel stays because some locations the restaurant prices are so outrageous and we want those funds for other things. Oh, and we always have a case of water with us. You never know how good the water will be in a hotel room.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

Some even charge if you open the water in the room. I was once charged $5 for a 16 oz. bottle of Dasanti water. Not much better was the $2.50 for a bottle from the vending machine. I'm glad I was only there for 1 night . And, yes, I tried the tap water and it was awful. I don't drink brown water no matter how "safe" it is deemed.😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great ideas! Thanks.

[@maryanngregorek8865]

Great idea bringing the steramine along! At your prompting, I became a believer years ago. How about packing another spray bottle, a drop or two of Dawn, hot water from the bathroom faucet and a quick spray of the dishware after the wipedown, then no need to wet and clean the bin. A quick rinse of the dishware, and you're done. I'd also pack a second or third kitchen towel and use dishrags instead of sponges, more sanitary. I ditched the sponges years ago for that reason.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I agree. I have not owned a sponge for years!

[@janpiper3068]

Use foil bread pans for cooking in your little 12 volt oven and toss them when your done

[@trailgrazers3690]

I just ordered some on Amazon!!! Thanks.

[@robins5880]

I take 2 regular mugs, 2 sets of regular silverware and 2 regular plates, a collapsible dishpan, sponge, soap and wash them in the tub. Drain screens are helpful to catch any scraps.

[@MadameButterfly1]

I have been doing this for over 35 years from traveling with our 5 children to present visiting our grandchildren. My box is larger than yours but you seem to have your bases covered. I always have a food/meal tote, a utility tote and a clothing tote. I carry a bag or basket with us and just remove the items from the car and replace as needed.

[@trailgrazers3690]

So organized! Thanks for sharing.

[@MadameButterfly1]

@@trailgrazers3690 hard earned experience. Your videos enhance that!

[@rosa.athome]

Exactly this. Not everything is about money. I have food allergies and Crohn's disease with an ileostomy. I have to cook almost everything I eat. There are few "safe" restaurants I can go to. I usually take sandwiches or prepped food that just needs heating. One day I hope to get a freeze dryer. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much for your comment. Well said!

[@patzumach3425]

I have crohns too. I hope you get your freeze dryer. I love mine! I use pressure canned food too

[@rosa.athome]

@@patzumach3425 thank you !! I was always afraid of pressure canning but after watching several videos, I think I will get one this year

[@shirleycarter9810]

I always take a plastic tablecloth just in case we need it. We have used it on picnic tables as well as in the hotel.

[@trailgrazers3690]

We do travel with one of those as well but it is in a different bin. Thank you.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

I also carry a 2nd tablecloth (or beach towel) for the picnic table benches...they can give surprise splinters!

[@decormiamour]

Amazon has a portable collapsible electric kettle by T-magitic that’s perfect for coffee and oatmeal. Saves a lot of space.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I will look into that! Thank you. Come to think of it, we have one in our trailer! I just might take it along.

[@bebopandbecca3096]

Pack drain screens for times when you need to pour down the sink. They catch anything that shouldn't go down. Usually, they come in packs of two that fit both sizes of standard drains. If there is a protruding plug in the sink you can place them upside down over the plug and they will still catch scraps. I have them for my kitchen and bathroom sinks. Bluettis have pass-through charging so you could run your 12v oven with the Bluetti while the Bluetti is charging on an outlet in the hotel. That way you wouldn't deplete your power station. It's not going to be any sort of significant draw on the hotel's power. Same with a small 12v cooler, run it on the Bluetti. For that matter, instead of plugging in the oven to the cigarette lighter in the car, plug in the Bluetti to the lighter and the 12v oven to the Bluetti while you're driving (and the cooler too, if using). That way you keep the Bluetti charged while the oven's cooking. Just remember to unplug the Bluetti when the car's off.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes to everything you said! Thanks.

[@kimbowyer7453]

Zippy bags are good to have bc you can put your scrubby pad in it if it’s not dry when you leave. I see you have those packed which is good. When we go on vacation I pack a similar box for the beach house. I do take one of my good knives to use if needed.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good idea! Thanks.

[@gingerbrimer8486]

You are so considerate of others. I think what you decide to do is only your business and no others regardless of the reason. If you have eaten out lately you know food is not that good and who knows what has been done to it that you didn’t see. I love the idea of making your own food. Also about washing dishes. You can get collapsible pans now that will fit in tub so no need to wet tub. Yall have a great trip.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much! We appreciate your comment.

[@coleenschlichte677]

I have empathy for you, moving with your kids and being a teacher and broke. I was quite poor as a teacher and single in NC , but it was just me that I had to care for. You are an amazing woman and teacher.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. I am grateful for all those experiences--helped build my character! LOL!

[@RobertReece.]

Always a good day for a Pam & Jim video! Thanks for all you do for the community!

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome!

[@TinyHomeCookingwithSherlei]

It’s no one else’s business why a person cooks food in a hotel room nor do you need to explain your videos are appreciated ! Thank you

[@trailgrazers3690]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@susanwoodcarver]

I have only two suggestions for you… Well, maybe four. One .. if you’re going to wash some dishes in your hotel room, then take a larger roll of paper towels and take the cardboard insert out. They will flatten and be easier to pack. The second thing is go back to dollar tree store and buy the small bucket that has a spout. I love those. This will make it much easier to wash your dishes without taking everything out of your big plastic container, and its spout makes it simple❤ to dump the water out. Third…While you’re at the dollar tree store, go to the travel section and buy one of the small plastic, soft bottles that you would put shampoo in. Dawn dishwashing liquid is very concentrated and you don’t have to bring the whole small bottle. Just fill up one of the small shampoo bottles, and you’ll have more than enough. The forth thing is to ignore the people who say if you can afford a hotel room and you can afford to eat out. That’s not the truth and I feel sorry for them. Best wishes and hugs. I look forward to virtually being with you on your trip.❤❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much for your great suggestions!

[@HubbyP-jl5th]

Pam, the challenge for the dirty dishes: I use disposable as I can, and for those dishes that are not, I found that bringing along napkins and wiping them out removes a lot of food and I am able to wait until I return home to throughly wash them. I hope that helps. I bring a specific baggie to put my dirty dishes in.

[@leanne7306]

You can also clean with white vinegar from a spray bottle

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. Yes, I want to minimize the need for washing dishes.

[@corysmama1]

I think you are all set. As far as the hotelier, I completely agree with her. Sadly, I was married to a man who would leave the hotel room a "complete mess" food, towels, shower and sink anything else he could think of. Sadly he was a narcissist, which I did not know at the time. I was so embarrassed having him around. I am gratefully happy to have divorced the non-human. Best of luck on your trip. Thank you for bring us along.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for yhour comment.

[@KitchenFairy61]

I'd add a small electric tea kettle for those times when you don't have a microwave in your room. I always bring my favorite flavor of tea bags. I brew a quart of my husband's coffee and bring his insulated coffee cup. He drinks half and half in his coffee so a quart jar goes in the cooler. Being a canner has it's advantages 😊.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Because of your comment we now are carrying one with us! Thanks!

[@magsstewart5488]

My favorite roadtrip perk is made-by-me sandwiches, especially pb&j. My last roadtrip I made 36 sliders. Sam’s club had a bunch of slider patties reduced, grabbed a bag of their rolls, and made burgers & wrapped them in deli sheets. Left some home for the kid (so he wouldn’t raid my freezers, lol) and packed up the rest.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Fantastic idea!!! Thanks.

[@nancychaffin7826]

My sis and I like to travel in the fall months when it is not so busy, but we have found that many restaurants in smaller towns close in the off season. We have decided we need to do more of our own cooking and these ideas will work great! Looking forward to your winter travel adventures!

[@darlenegamble3409]

Hey Pam, Here is just an idea for using the little heating dish you have. How about getting some crock pot liners for it, cut them to size if needed, heat your food, and then toss the used bag afterwards?

[@pennymccarty8956]

Thanks for this idea! We have a Hot Logic that is smaller than Pam’s electric heating unit and finding a container that will hold enough food without being too big has been a challenge. I love ❤️ this idea!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@MaryWehmeier]

Dollar stores are your friend when making these travel meals. We also picked up a personal sized electric skillet for $20 at Winco.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Wow--great find!

[@jennyerickson8340]

We are also taking off on a road trip, to our winter home. Just getting over COVID, we decided to eat as much as we can taking our own food, due to the fact we are terrified of catching the influenz A that's been spreading around.

[@trailgrazers3690]

So glad you are well enough to travel again. I agree--we avoid crowds as well.

[@staceydoten845]

I love your videos, Pam - great ideas for traveling food prep!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@kathysullivan7623]

I don't think you need any kind of container to wash dishes in, esp not your travel bin. Just put a dab of Dawn on your damp sponge and wipe the dish(es) while holding it in one hand. Then rinse & set on towel to dry. Yes, bring more than one dish towel. Really enjoy your videos & your spirit of adventure.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, that would work as well. Thanks.

[@wreathscraftsbylena]

Maybe crockpot liners would be helpful in some way, since they can withstand heat! Happy Trails!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@laurapaulk-u7s]

Do take another towel, you will always have a dry one and it can also be used as a pot holder if need be. Also a medium sized collapsible bowl works well for a quick wash up of dishes. I shutter to think of you trying to fill or empty your tote as a dishpan. And trying to get it dry to repack seems like it would be more work than I would want to do. A small cutting board and sharp knife could also be very handy to have. Have a wonderful and safe trip. Looking forward to your report of how it went when you get back.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great suggestions! Thanks. I think you are right about the awkwardness of that tote as a dishpan.

[@WL0842]

Chinese food containers are stored flat but can be used as plates

[@erinl4406]

If you put your soup in a foodsaver bag then it will be nicely sealed and you could heat it in the oven bag leaving just a bit of trash. Then pour it in your disposable coffee cups if it makes it easier to eat. Happy travels.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@stephaniec5064]

Oh, also, speaking from experience, pack everything in its own ziplock bag. The first year I went traveling, I did not do that and on the way home, because the container wasn't as fully packed as it was at the beginning since we had used some things, everything was covered in dish soap and cleaning solution because they spilled. Two more things, plastic silverware can melt when using it for cooking, so thing about taking a cooking spoon with you. And make sure your bento box is heat resistant. Mine melted in the microwave.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I had that happen in a suitcase once when traveling. Thanks for the reminder!!!

[@gigi4u5]

I would suggest a large heat resistant silicon mat to put hot plates, foil pans, etc. it can also be used in case of drips or spills. They come in various sizes.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks--I have a couple of those.

[@jenniferdanner4944]

I take a lid to a can of coffee for a mini cutting board. Nice to keep in your backpack for lunch is out.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Sounds great! Thanks.

[@pegchandler7892]

LOL. I take Stearmine with me to every hotel/motel. Even if I’m not cooking.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Way to go!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Have 2 small collapsible bins for doing dishes & 2 tea towels.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for sharing.

[@LoLo-hx1od]

Thank you very much for all the useful information. May God bless y'all on all your trips & at home.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you too!

[@marthasundquist5761]

I frequently take food to fix. I don't trust foods in restaurants too much, as i don't know for sure if gluten free on a menu means it was fried in a gluten free fryer, if the work space was throughly clean between say, making a regular pizza and GF pizza...much to be aware of. Most of the time I chose to travel by RV where I have my own kitchen and full control of my food....but at conferences and such, hotels/motels are not keen on having an RV in their parking spaces.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for your comment, Martha!

[@Sonya60andlearning]

Great advice, good food not junk, drive thru. I also follow another great traveling channel. The Avian Mariner. She showcases affordable electric appliances using a solar generator. She travels and sleeps in a beautiful van, and tent. Good information. Looking forward to your videos.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@tessluhplays]

I always carry a small container with packets of sugar and creamer for hubby's coffee that is purchased at gas stations. By the time it is cool enough to taste on the road it may not be to his liking so we can adjust in the car. We also travel with 2 ice chests. a larger one in back of vehicle and a small "daily" one that we can access while maintaining the temperature in the large one. The small ice chests sits on the floor near a basket of "daily" food that does not need to be cold. Also lots of napkins in the glove box!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Really nice organization--thanks for sharing.

[@heart4arts519]

I’ve had two experiences renting a hotel room without a microwave. At one, the microwave was at a store in the lobby, and there were long lines to use it., and I was the one to wipe it out. The other time, the microwave was in a hidden cove not far from the desk or business center, and there were many times when I was the only one using it. It helped to bring a mug with a steam venting lid for hot drinks, soups, leftovers and whole potatoes. Thank you for your informative videos. I greatly appreciate them. God bless you-Annette R. In Ohio.

[@stephaniec5064]

Here are some things I keep in mine but didn't see in yours: Foil, Bottle Brush, and Kitchen Towels. You can fold foil to make oven bags, line dishes to make cleanup easier, we use ours a lot for potatoes. We usually take food strage containers and a soup thermos, which is what the bottle brush is for. And we always bring kitchen towels. You can find 3 packs at the dollar store and we use them to dry any dishes we have to wash. We end up spending a fortune on paper towels if we don't.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great suggestions! Thank you so much.

[@ravenlaughs9757]

Put all the stuff you have in the car oven in a plastic bag so you just lift the stuff out and the unit is ready to use and the stuff that was in it is contained in the bag. We use the thermos when car camping just to have hot soup, coffee, juices. I have three thermoses just for that purpose. Easy to get hot water or just jetboil some. We carry a 7 gl water jug as well as a case of water bottles and a cooler. We Don't eat the same on the road as we do at home, usually it is chips/crackers and dip/humus, celery and peanuts butter,fresh fruit,dried fruit, bread and condiments for making sandwiches. I make like a picnic basket with boiled eggs, fried chicken, lunch meat, jerky sticks and cheese. Finger foods and baby wipes for the hands. I want to see how you tackle your road trips😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for your ideas.

[@reesewhitt5495]

Yes, dollar tree aluminum pans for the oven. You can just dispose of them.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea.

[@marystinnett2445]

Can you use a crock pot liner in the dish, then you can just wipe it out and reuse...they are great for less clean up.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@AlohaPrepper]

You could always wash the dish in the sink bit dump the dish water in the toilet. I think wiping it first is a good idea. The not using the hotel power idea seems over the top to me. Obviously, you wouldn't want to overload the circuit but using their power for that little warmer should be no problem. I think that an instant pot would be fine as well, especially if they have a microwave that probably draws more power. As with all things, balance is the key.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Actually, Instant Pots are one appliance that our hotelier stated were not recommended for use in hotel rooms. Microwaves use less power than an Instant Pot.

[@AlohaPrepper]

@@trailgrazers3690 Hmm. I don't think that's entirely correct. I have Instant pots in 3 sizes and checked the wattage. The 8 qt is 1200 - higher than an 1100W microwave but the 6 qt is 1000W and my 3 qt (which would be the "travel size" in this case) is only 700W. I had to look up and find crock pots are much lower wattage but they also need to run much longer so I suppose I'm back to balance. I think that a hotel expecting guests to bring their own power is outrageously over the top, though.

[@heidibuschlen4132]

Have you though maybe trying the Crockpot liners to put in the dish for your car oven dish. That way you could just throw away the whole liner. We would do that for fellowship in our bible study when the church didn’t have a kitchen. They worked out great.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Nice idea. Thank you.

[@TammySchwerzler]

A family member used to be a hotel maid and it was common practice to wipe down the commode, tub, and sink with the same cleanning rags or used towels. Not an appetizing thought when doing meal prep or clean up.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Gag! Wow. Good to know.

[@doreenakers658]

Loved the ideas for your video and my husband and I thought of a couple other things that you might take along with you and that was disposable bowls and smaller paper plates. Microwave ovens that we have encountered were not very big so your large paper plates might not fit. The comment down below about the disposable foil pans from the Dollar Tree was a good idea for your car oven as she said you could throw those away as well but still be able to heat up your food. Enjoy your trips and anxious to see how things went in your hotel rooms.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! Great ideas.

[@conniesowers5125]

We have used the disposable coffee cups to heat and eat soup. When we were camping, we reconstituted freeze dried tomato soup in them. Very easy and clean is a breeze.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@maryschmidt6945]

I remember a road trip from MN to FL in Dec. our family included 2 girls about 4 & 7 years to Disney. We installed a table in our van. We took food to eat. We stayed in a motel and took our cardboard box of food into motel and sat it on the floor. Next morning the food was crawling in bugs. Disgusting!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yikes!!!

[@marystinnett2445]

You could also put in zip lock bag and heat and use a throw away bowl to eat.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea. Thanks.

[@mindymilton8585]

Informative as always! TY

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad you liked it.

[@leanne7306]

Great ideas! We used to travel a lot on a limited budget and we would use the hotel coffee pot(after cleaning it thoroughly) for hot water to pour over ramen noodles or add to soup. We had fun doing this.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

One suggestion that I have is to put any liquids ( the Dawn and Steramine) in sturdy zip lock bags. The last thing you want is cleaning solution in with food or paper items. Also true if you pack things like lotion or shampoo in your suitcase (ask me how I learned this).😊

[@kathykjeldgaard5652]

I would add a jet boil and collapsible coffee filter holder. So nice to be able to make coffee or tea on the road. Also great for rehydrating freeze dried meals at restaurants stops etc. Thanks for great ideas

[@dianelamb5410]

Pam, you are so organized. The only think I would change is the dish you have to wash. I would find disposables. And like you said, you won't know what you are missing until you do it a few times. Can't wait to hear about your trips. We love you and Jim. Have fun!!!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

Have you thought of taking some freeze-dried meals-in-a-jar? All you would need to prepare them would be a pan (stovetop and/or microvave-safe) and hot water.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Absolutely and we have done that. I am experimenting with lots of ways to take food on the trail.

[@marygallagher3428]

You might want to include a larger spoon for stirring and serving the food you'll be heating up.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good idea! Thanks.

[@lifewithlisaa337]

They sell portable microwaves.. You can use a heat pad to actually cook/heat..as well as Heating pads.. Heating pads to reheat do work, I've used a heating pad in the past myself (great for proofing and for keeping dishes warm). Safe travels! ❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

Interesting...I didn't know that.

[@joannebradley287]

Wash any dishes in the shower or tub while you shower and not the sink. Don't set the dish down in the sink...eeew. Bring Clorox wipes for all surfaces. Wipe EVERYTHING down immediately upon entering the room. Remote control, light switches, door handles, chair arms, microwave, coffemaker, etc... Don't walk barefoot ANYWHERE!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tips!

[@MrandMrsBurns]

Great video

[@KimberlyGiroux]

I always keep baby wipes and plastiic bags and toilet paper in my car.Never know when need for car sickness,sticky fingers,spills etc.Also paper towels

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, we do that as well, but in a separate bin.

[@DeeDeeDIY]

I'd say a small cutting board and sharp knife mightt be useful for fresh fruit or vegetables. We had crackers, salami and cheese at a rest stop a couple of times for lunch. Both things were useful also for cutting up apples. Get a knife with a sheath. I failed to take trashbags into the hotel and we ordered pizza for supper one night - wexwere so tired that night. We had three rooms for 5 adults and 2 kids. I needed a large bag to gather the pizza boxes and paper plates in. I did ask housekeeping for one and they thanked me. A pot holder might be good. I like the crockpot liners as an idea. Might work. I assume you'll be taking drinking water?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great ideas! Yes, we take drinking water. Thank you.

[@lillypatience]

I love these types of videos! So I recently found parchment paper for rectangular air fryers. They fit perfectly into my 6 cup rectangular pyrex, which fits into my mini hot logic. Clean up couldn’t be easier. Since it’s just me, I just eat out of the Pyrex. Plus, now there are food grade wipes you can use when you can’t do dishes. I have those too but haven’t used them.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I will look for those wipes! Great idea! Thank you.

[@lillypatience]

@@trailgrazers3690 excellent! i’d be interested to know if you can purchase the Purell Sanitizing Wipes. For whatever reason, Amazon says it can’t be shipped to my address. The bottle says it is food grade compliant.

[@shortcake1463]

Wow! Good ideas and the way you've prepped!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@bkberggren46]

A possible addition might be a small collapsible dishpan for cleaning up and spare the hotel sinks. Love your videos.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

You could vacuum seal any food that needed to be heated up and then heat some water in a pan and warm the food up in the bags. For example, freeze the soup flat to easily fit in your bin (put in zip lock bag to keep everything dry). It should be thawed by the time you get to the hotel.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Good point!

[@byronspade1633]

I mix salt,garlic powder, and pepper and put it in a single small plastic bottle with a screw on lid. Any small clean container will work. Thus 3 spices, 1 container.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Nice! Thanks.

[@Thisisit120]

I would take a ziplock bag and use it to hold a wet rag to use for various reasons. You can rinse it out and put it wet back in the baggie.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@goingawayguide]

In the travel bag/oven, you can use disposable pans if you don't want to wash dishes....but you can also wash dishes in the tub instead of the sink, since the sink is really small in the bathroom.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I am ditching those containers for foil pans and the suggestion of several people who suggested that.

[@kburke3849]

A serving spoon might come in handy.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Agree! Thanks

[@dianerossetti3245]

Re dishes in the hotel room, a lot of desert youtubers use a spray bottle with vinegar and water to wash dishes and i would livecto hear your comments. After scraping or wiping with paper towel, spray with your mixture (and maybe a bit of steramine) and dry with a clean paper towel.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I plan to wipe first, then spray with Steramine and wipe dry. Steramine is a restaurant sanitizer used on dishes. pots, and counters. It is in our Amazon store.

[@mgrams4203]

Some aluminum foil might be helpful.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes! Thanks.

[@cherylmarshall3463]

Condiments? Small packages of ketchup, mustard or Mayo?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thanks.

[@annsc]

I would add aluminum foil disposable containers, similar to a pot pie style. You can heat up in your little oven and then dispose of the container. Save time and resources by not washing the bento boxes on the road.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Others have suggested foil pans as well and I just ordered some on Amazon! Thank you!

[@Weatherwatcher1978]

The one thing I thought you could add would be is one of those small whisk brooms and dust pans. They have some that would fit it a gallon size ziplock bag. If you would happen to spills some dry ingredients on the floor you could at least clean up most of it easily with a whisk broom and not leave it for the motel to clean up. It makes me cringe when I walk past a motel room that people have left trash and cans all over the room for the motel people to clean up after them.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Yes, my Dad was famous for making sure we always left campsites or picnic sites cleaner than when we found them. The same holds true for hotel rooms!

[@TwistedQuestionMark]

Wet wipes are great for cleaning dishes until you get home.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@usbpphillips]

Just wipe out your containers and wash them. If you think about what goes down a toilet, a few crumbs shouldn't affect the plumbing at all as long as your not dumping grease down the drain.

[@annsc]

What about meals in her car?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I think we will go that route. Thanks.

[@usbpphillips]

@@annsc What about them? We are talking about washing dishes at the hotel.

[@jholcomb9532]

I saw an idea on another channel to use a spray bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide after wiping out the dishes, spray and wipe dry w/paper towel. No soap or water needed.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, the steramine we use will work as well. Thank you.

[@debbiemarks6086]

You go girl love you're hair beautiful

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@LJones-uu4xy]

Enjoy your presentation of so much good information! Thank you! You are very organized. I made a dish cleaning solution of mostly vinegar with very little dish liquid and a little water put in a spray bottle to clean dishes with paper towels when I was on the road quite a bit. I am wondering if the use of parchment paper would help with reducing cleanup.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is an idea! Thanks.

[@darlenegamble3409]

I see you don't use a heating dish in your car oven. I bought one for my son to use at work but it came with a heating dish. Anyways, I still think you might be able to use the crockpot liners in some way, shape, or form. I hope that helps. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! Interesting idea.

[@kandi8640]

I’m sorry people are insensitive. I have had gastric bypass and cannot eat out very often. It makes my stomach sick. So I have cooked in the hotel when needed. I have premixed our eggs and frozen them for travel. I also have precooked and vacuum sealed some meals.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for your comment.

[@troyescarcegasplaylis8778]

Can you use the in room coffee pot to heat water for instant food/drink items or bring a plug in tea pot. Seen people boil hot dogs in coffee pots in hotels.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That makes me cringe! Yes, can bring out own, for sure. Great idea.

[@sandranichols4866]

Does the car oven come with a plug for charging outlet our cars do not have cigarette lighters

[@trailgrazers3690]

No, it does not charge at all. You need a cigarette lighter socket or a power bank like a Bluetti with a 12v socket for it to work.

[@robbiesmith5169]

Add me to the grateful community. Staying in a hotel is done for many reasons, not only because you have expendable money!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Welcome--happy to have you along on our adventures.

[@loriditz162]

Your link to the containers goes to a different item.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. I will check on it. I see the problem. I have two Bentgo links for two different items so you might try the other one!

[@Elizabeth-tg7jo]

Those cups made me flinch :) You and Jim need just 1 each of a collapsible silicone mug/cup. I bought mine at REI.

[@BrattyPatriot]

Pam and Jim are old enough and have done without in life to be able to use the "flinchy" stuff. We'll leave the 1 cup thing to the young whippersnappers out there.

[@Elizabeth-tg7jo]

@@BrattyPatriot Troll

[@BrattyPatriot]

@@Elizabeth-tg7jo nah, I'm a real person who watches this channel all the time. Did you take my comment in a bad way? Don't take things so hard, be flexible.

[@Elizabeth-tg7jo]

@@BrattyPatriot Wow, I won’t interact with this channel anymore. I’m sure Pam and Jim appreciate that.

[@annsc]

She basically needs items she could dispose of and not have to wash so many dishes. If it’s oatmeal, it would be better to dispose of the cup rather than wash out a silicone bowl.