21 Easy Meals to Make on Vacation

If you’ve ever searched the internet for easy meals to make on vacation, you’ve probably noticed that most of the ideas aren’t actually that easy—especially when you’re working with limited kitchen equipment and trying not to buy a cart full of ingredients you’ll only use once.

That’s exactly what I found, so I decided to put together my own list of go-to vacation meals.

Our family takes several trips each year, and we’ve found a good balance—cooking most of our meals in our vacation rental and then treating ourselves to a few meals out at the best local restaurants.

But here’s the thing: when I’m on vacation, the last thing I want to do is spend hours cooking. These meals are quick, simple, and don’t require a long list of ingredients.

Best of all, they’re real meals we actually make on our trips—tested and loved by our family of six.

Quick Tips for Making Meals Easy on Vacation

• Keep ingredients simple and versatile. Choose items you can use across multiple meals (like tortillas, shredded chicken, or a bag of salad mix).
• Use minimal kitchen tools. Stick to recipes that need just one pot, a baking sheet, or even no cooking at all.
• Prep ahead when possible. Freezing taco meat, pulled pork, or pasta sauce at home makes dinnertime a breeze.
• Double up recipes for another quick meal. Cook extra taco meat, chicken, or pasta sauce and use it for an easy second meal later in the trip. It’s less work for you and guarantees you’ll have a backup dinner on busy days.
• Plan a flexible menu. Write out meals ahead, but leave room for switching nights around depending on your energy level.
• Mix in a few takeout nights. This keeps everyone excited and gives you a true break.
• Place a grocery pickup order before you leave. Schedule a Walmart (or local store) pickup near your destination for the day you arrive. That way, you’ll skip wandering an unfamiliar store and have everything ready to grab on the way to your rental.

Before we get too far, go ahead and snag our free, printable vacation meal planner below! This planner includes vacation meal ideas, snack ideas, a meal planning template and more. ⬇️

21 Easy Meals for Your Vacation Rental

1. Taco Night

Why it Works

Taco night is a crowd favorite because it’s fast, customizable, and works for all ages. Everyone builds their own, so picky eaters are happy and adventurous eaters can pile on the toppings. Prepping taco meat at home makes it even easier.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 10 small tortillas (flour or corn)
• Shredded lettuce
• Shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sour cream
• Guacamole or sliced avocado

How To

Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned, then drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and ⅓ cup water. Let it simmer until thickened. Warm tortillas on stovetop. Set out toppings so everyone can build their own tacos. Serve with chips and salsa for a complete meal.

2. Spaghetti Night

Why it Works

Spaghetti is simple, hearty, and budget-friendly. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting after a long day of travel or exploring.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• Optional: ½ lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 bagged salad mix
• 1 loaf garlic bread

How To

Boil spaghetti noodles until al dente, then drain and toss with warm marinara. For extra flavor, brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet, drain, and stir it into the sauce. Bake garlic bread and toss the salad. Leftovers heat well for lunch the next day.

3. Snack-Style Meal

Why it Works

It’s perfect for low-energy nights. This “snacky dinner” feels fun and keeps cleanup minimal. It’s also great for lunches when you’re out exploring.

Ingredients

• Crackers or pita chips
• Cheese cubes or slices
• Deli meats (ham, turkey, pepperoni, salami)
• Fresh fruit (grapes, apple slices, strawberries)
• Veggies (carrot sticks, cucumbers, bell peppers)
• Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
• Hummus or ranch dip

How To

Arrange everything charcuterie-style on a platter or cutting board and let kids graze and choose what they like. It’s also fun to add in extras like popcorn or pretzels to mix it up.

4. Build-Your-Own Sandwiches or Wraps

Why it Works

Zero cooking required! Everyone gets exactly what they want, and sandwiches are portable if you’re heading out for the day.

Ingredients

• Sliced bread or wraps
• Deli meats (turkey, ham, roast beef)
• Sliced cheese
• Lettuce or spinach
• Tomato slices
• Mustard, mayo, or hummus

How To

Lay out all the fixings and let everyone take turns building their own. Wraps are great for taking to the beach, pool, or on a hike.

5. Pizza Night

Why it Works

Pizza night is both an activity and a meal! Kids love creating their own mini pizzas, and its saves money not ordering out.

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crusts, naan bread, or flatbreads
• Pizza sauce or marinara
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni, sausage, or veggies

How To

Spread sauce on crusts, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings. Bake at 400°F until bubbly. Serve with a side salad.

6. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

Why it Works

One pan and minimal dishes. 🙌🏻 This is a complete meal baked all at once.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• ½ cup Italian dressing

How To

Toss chicken and veggies with Italian dressing. Distribute on a sheet pan and bake at 375°F until chicken reaches 165°F and veggies are tender (about 25 minutes).

7. Sloppy Joes

Why it Works

Kid-approved comfort food that’s freezer-friendly if prepped ahead.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can sloppy joe sauce (or ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard)
• 6 hamburger buns
• Side: pasta salad or chips

How To

Brown ground beef, drain, then stir in sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes. Spoon onto buns and serve with simple sides.

8. Burrito Bowls

Why it Works

Healthy and customizable — everyone can pick their own toppings.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 jar salsa
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can black beans
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime

How To

Cook chicken with salsa in a slow cooker (or bring prepped chicken). Serve over rice with toppings. Leftovers make great wraps the next day.

9. Grocery Store Pre-Mades

Why it Works

Sometimes you just don’t want to cook. Stores like Costco or Whole Foods have budget-friendly prepared meals.

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken
• Bagged salad kit
• Fresh bread or rolls
• Store-prepped sides

How To

Pick up meals on the way back to your rental. Pair a rotisserie chicken with salad and rolls for a balanced dinner in minutes.

10. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Why it Works

So hearty and perfect for feeding a group. Pulled pork stretches into multiple meals.

Ingredients

• 2–3 lb pork shoulder
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce
• 6–8 buns
• Sides: coleslaw or baked beans

How To

Slow-cook pork shoulder with BBQ sauce for 8 hours, shred, and freeze if prepping ahead. Reheat and serve on buns with coleslaw.

11. Hot Dogs or Chili Dogs

Why it Works

Cheap, fast, and always a hit with kids.

Ingredients

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Optional: canned chili
• Shredded cheese, onions, ketchup, mustard

How To

Grill or boil hot dogs, then serve with buns and toppings. For adults, upgrade with chili and cheese.

12. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Why it Works

Just three ingredients and so quick. Great for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 Caesar salad kit
• 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or tenders)
• 6 tortillas

How To

Toss salad kit with chicken, then wrap in tortillas. Slice in half for easy serving.

13. Grilled Burgers

Why it Works

Perfect if your rental has a grill. Feels like summer vacation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• Burger buns
• Cheese slices
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments

How To

Form patties, grill until 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey. Serve with chips or fruit.

14. Breakfast-for-Dinner

Why it Works

Budget-friendly and kids think it’s fun.

Ingredients

• Pancake mix
• Eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Fruit (bananas, berries)

How To

Make pancakes and scrambled eggs, cook bacon or sausage, and serve with fruit. Easy, filling, and fast.

15. Quesadillas

Why it Works

Great for using leftovers and quick to make.

Ingredients

• Tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Leftover chicken or veggies

How To

First, fill tortillas with cheese and protein and then fold in half. Next cook it in a skillet until golden. Serve with salsa or sour cream.

16. Salad Bar

Why it Works

Minimal to no cooking, and kids can enjoy the toppings separately if they don’t like salad. Plus, it’s a healthy option that will keep you feeling your best when away from home.

Ingredients

• Salad mix
• Salad dressing
• Protein: hard boiled eggs, ham or chicken
• Toppings: shredded cheese, chopped raw veggies, green onion, croutons

How To

Set out ingredients and let everyone assemble their own salad. Leftovers could be used in a wrap the following day.

17. Chicken Stir Fry

Why it Works

Quick, healthy, and all-in-one meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 bag frozen stir-fry veggies
• 1 bottle teriyaki sauce
• 2 cups cooked rice

How To

Cook chicken in a skillet, add veggies, then stir in sauce. Serve over rice.

18. Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Why it Works

Cheap and customizable — everyone makes their own creation.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• Toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, broccoli, leftover chili

How To

Bake potatoes at 400°F for around 45–60 minutes. When potatoes are soft, split and fill with toppings.

19. Chili Night

Why it Works

Hearty, budget-friendly, and makes plenty for leftovers. A family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 2 cans beans (kidney or black)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 packet chili seasoning

How To

Brown meat, and then add beans, tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.

20. Rotisserie Chicken Remix

Why it Works

One chicken = multiple meals. Buy once, eat twice.

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken
• Salad mix, tortillas, or pasta

How To

Serve chicken with salad the first night. Use leftovers for chicken quesadillas, wraps, or pasta the next day.

21. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Why it Works

Comforting, easy, and inexpensive. Perfect for rainy vacation days.

Ingredients

• Bread slices
• Butter
• Sliced cheese
• 1 can tomato soup

How To

Butter the bread, add cheese, and cook in a skillet until golden. Heat soup on the stove. Dip and enjoy!

Simple Breakfast Ideas for Vacation

Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you’re eager to get out the door and start your day. These simple ideas keep mornings low-stress while still filling everyone up:

• Overnight oats – Prep in jars the night before with milk, oats, and toppings like fruit or nut butter.
• Bagels or English muffins – Pair with cream cheese, peanut butter, or even eggs for a quick meal.
• Yogurt parfaits – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a no-cook option.
• Scrambled eggs & toast – Fast, filling, and easy in any kitchen.
• Cereal & fruit – Sometimes the simplest choice is the best, especially with kids.
• Smoothies – Use frozen fruit, yogurt, and juice for a refreshing start (if your rental has a blender).
• Pancakes and bacon – Choose a “just add water” pancake mix for a minimal ingredient breakfast.

Easy Travel Snacks

Snacks can save the day on vacation, especially with kids in tow! Having a few easy, portable options saves money and keeps everyone happy between meals. Here are some go-to ideas:

• String cheese and crackers – Protein + carbs = quick energy.
• Apples with peanut butter packets – No knife needed, just slice and dip.
• Granola bars or protein bars – Perfect for hiking or long travel days.
• Hummus cups with pretzels or carrots – A little healthier and mess-free.
• Beef sticks – A family favorite and a must-have for hiking
• Trail mix (pre-portioned into bags) – Keeps hunger away and packs well in backpacks.
• Yogurt tubes or cups – Kids love them, and they’re easy for breakfast on the go.
• Popcorn bags (microwave or ready-made) – A light option for movie nights.
• Fresh fruit like bananas, grapes, or clementines – No prep required and always refreshing.
• Rice cakes with nut butter – A crunchy, filling snack.
• Veggie straws or pretzels – Great to portion into cups for car rides.
• Use a snackle box – We use this travel snack hack on nearly every trip!

Meal Planning for Your Next Trip

Cooking on vacation doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a little planning, some simple ingredients, and this list of go-to meals, you’ll save money, keep mealtime stress-free, and have more time and energy for making memories with your family.

Whether you’re whipping up tacos, tossing together a snack-style dinner, or grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, these ideas are designed to keep things easy and fun.