The Spices & Condiments That are Worth Packing

Finding the best spices to pack for travel is usually the last thing on your mind when you’re getting ready for a trip. Both spices and condiments are easy to overlook, but you shouldn’t. They can turn simple foods into completely different meals and give you more options without taking up much space.

The trick is knowing which ones are worth that space. This guide will walk you through the essential seasonings and condiments worth packing for your next vacation.

Why This Earns a Spot in the Car

Suppose you’ve rented a cozy cabin for two in the peak of winter. You’re making chili, and you realize the cabin has only gifted you one or two of the spices you need. Or, your at a community park, grilling hotdogs for the kids, and realize you don’t have ketchup or mustard. You, or someone, is going to have to make a dash to the store, and that stinks.

These are items will take up very little space in the car. And by brining them along, you will avoid last minute runs to the store, as well as the unecessary cost.

What This Saves You

This is where last-minute trips to the store were born. You realize you don’t have chili powder, run to the grocerty store, and before you know it it, that $1 container of chili powder has turned into $10 or $15 worth of things you didn’t plan to buy.

By taking a small amount of spices and condiments you already have at home, you can avoid the extra dash to the store… and the temptation that comes with it!

Spices and Condiments Roadmap

Small containers. Big flavor. More ways to make your travel food work for you.

Rather than bringing your entire spice cabinet, pack seasonings based on the meals you already plan to make.

The Best Spices for Travel

The must-have basics:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Take what you would normally use during a typical week at home.

Seasonings that can change a meal completely:

A few versatile seasonings can turn some basic ingredients into completely different dishes.

• Taco seasoning
• Curry powder
• Paprika
• Chili flakes

Cheap, available anywhere ingredients like eggs, pasta, and potatoes will never get boring because you can change the flavor profile on the daily.

Will Travel Tip

It may sound weird, but a small pill organizer can make an inexpensive travel spice kit.

Fill each compartment with your most-used seasonings, toss it in your bag, and refill it when you get home so it’s all set for next time.

Seasoning Blends Worth Taking

One homemade spice blend can flavor several meals throughout your trip. Mix them before you leave, pack them in a small labeled container, and you’ll have the ingredients for multiple budget-friendly meals without carrying a shelf full of spices.

Taco seasoning

Rotisserie seasoning

Chili seasoning

Greek seasoning

Condiments Worth Packing

Packets are a great option for day trips or anytime convenience matters.

Sandwich favorites:

• Mustard
• Mayo

Takes breakfast to another level:

• Hot sauce
• Honey

Puts the yahoo! in dinner:

• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Hot Sauce

Will Travel Tip

Bring only the condiments you’ll actually use. Refill small leak-proof containers or pack extra condiment packets from home to avoid buying full-size bottles that you’ll only use once during your trip.

Why Smart Travelers Do This

Smart travelers know that one of the secrets to saving money on food is to pack everything they need for the meals they have planned.

A small collection of spices and condiments doesn’t take up a lot of room, avoids last minute runs to the store, and won’t cost you anything extra.

Before You Hit the Road

Before you leave:

• Look at the meals you’ve already planned
• Choose the seasonings that work with those meals
• Refill small containers instead of buying travel-sized bottles
• Pack only the condiments you’ll use

Most importantly, pack what works with your plans. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it really makes.

Try a few for your next trip!