1. Quest Crispy Cookies & Cream Protein Bars: These are a lifesaver for a quick breakfast or a post-practice protein boost. They taste like a treat but pack a serious protein punch, perfect for recovery.

2. Quest Protein Cookies (Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip): When that sweet craving hits, these cookies are a guilt-free indulgence. They satisfy her sweet tooth while providing extra protein, which is crucial during tournaments.

3. Quest Protein Chips (Spicy Sweet Chili): Salty and crunchy, these chips are a much healthier alternative to regular chips. The spicy sweet chili flavor adds a little kick, which she loves.

4. Drizzilicious Mini Rice Cakes (Variety Pack): These are great for a light snack between games or when she needs something quick and easy. The variety pack ensures she doesn’t get bored.

5. Animal Crackers: A classic for a reason! These are perfect for when she wants a little something sweet and crunchy without being overly filling. Plus, they’re fun!

6. Alani Energy Drinks: Tournament days can be long and tiring. A little boost of energy is sometimes needed, and Alani drinks are her go-to. We make sure she drinks them responsibly, of course, and not too close to bedtime!

*You can also get Alani in powder form: (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.)

7. Fairlife Core Power Protein Drinks: Another excellent source of protein, especially after a tough match. These drinks are easy to grab and go, making them perfect for busy tournament schedules.

8. Cured Meat or Summer Sausage: A good source of protein and satisfyingly savory. She enjoys having a few slices with cheese or crackers for a filling snack.

9. Cheese: Pairs perfectly with the cured meat or summer sausage, and it’s a great source of calcium. We usually grab a variety of slices or mini Babybel cheeses.

10. Fruit Bowls: Staying hydrated and getting essential vitamins is key. Pre-made fruit bowls are a convenient way to ensure she’s getting her daily dose of fruit. We look for a variety with her favorites like berries, melon, and grapes. (…No…no, um…link for this. Get your fresh fruit at a local market…)

Having these staples on hand in the hotel room makes a huge difference in my daughter’s performance and overall well-being during tournaments. It eliminates the temptation of less healthy options and ensures she’s properly fueled for every game. Plus, it saves us time and money compared to constantly searching for snacks outside the hotel. What are your volleyball star’s favorite travel snacks? Share them in the comments below!

*Honorable Mention:

I love having Kind Bars. If it matters:

What do you think of the list? What would you add? Please comment below so we can get more ideas!

I get made fun of on every trip, but I also get asked to borrow something from my bag on every trip. Whether it’s a volleyball tournament, a work trip, or that rare weekend getaway (you know, the one weekend a year without volleyball), my trusty bag is always with me.

For those curious about my secret stash, here’s what I pack in my Maxpedition small bag:

1. Victorinox SwissCard – Nailcare

This is the Swiss Army knife for carry-on travelers. The star of the show is the TSA-approved glass nail file and the famous Victorinox scissors. It also comes with tweezers (great in a pinch), a pen, a toothpick, four small screwdrivers, and a magnifying glass—perfect for aging eyes. I hesitated for years before buying it, thinking it looked silly. Now? I use it almost daily.

2. Toaks Folding Titanium Spoon

Sometimes, you just need a utensil. Whether I forget to pack one or the delivery driver doesn’t bring plastic utensils with my late-night Kansas City BBQ order, this camping spoon saves the day. It’s lightweight, packs small, and has proven to be surprisingly useful.

3. ChapStick

This Florida boy can’t cross a state line without ChapStick. I stash them everywhere, but this is my always-have-it spot.

4. Bank Line

Go ahead, laugh. But this little bit of camping gear has held hotel curtains shut, fixed a broken backpack, and even doubled as a clothesline. It’s small, strong, and ridiculously handy.

5. Fiskars Travel Sewing Kit

Lost a button? Ripped a seam? This tiny kit has saved the day more times than I can count.

6. Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Pocket Soap

Sometimes, hotel soap just doesn’t cut it. These little sheets dissolve in water and work for hands, dishes, or even laundry in a pinch.

7. Bic Lighter

You never know when you’ll need to light a candle, start a campfire, or perform some emergency MacGyver-style repair that requires heat.

8. Moleskin

The king of blister protection. There might be better options out there now, but I have a stockpile at home, so I’ll upgrade when I run out.

9. Medicine Kit

• Ibuprofen – Because aches and pains happen.
• Imodium – Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without it.
• Antacid – Tournament food can be rough.
• Allergy Relief – New cities, new allergens.
• Band-Aids & Alcohol Pads – Cuts and scrapes are inevitable.

10. Electrolytes

I carry different brands, each with varying sodium levels, depending on the situation. Tournaments can be exhausting, and staying hydrated is key.

This little bag may get its fair share of jokes, but when someone needs something, guess who’s the first person they turn to?

That’s right. “Ask Mike.”

So, what’s in your man purse?

So I have only been a traveling club volleyball for a couple years now, BUT I still may be able to offer some travel tips with a little bit of a spin.  You see, our family camps a lot and you may not believe it, but some camping gear works very well for a hectic tournament weekend when luggage capacity is limited and you want to cram as much as you can into your carry on so you don’t have to risk a lost bag.  In this article I have put together some items that I find really helpful when I am on the road at a tournament.

#1.  The Grayl 16.9oz Ultrapress Purifier. I’m not a fan of drinking hotel water and sometimes there is not a market close to the hotel in order to buy a case of water at every tournament.  The Grayl saves that day by always being there for you.  It will take time to ‘save’ money with a Grayl but the peace of mind I have when I take it more than makes up for it.  Water always tastes the same and always tastes good.  I have the smaller version, but Grayl also makes a larger 24oz purifier if you need more volume for about $10 more.  I find I have to fill up the small version a couple times in order to fill up by daughter’s water bottle.  It works great and I definitely recommend it.

#2.  Essentials bag. – Maxpedition (insert correct size).  I don’t use this particular essentials bag when I go camping, but I have it any other time.  I have used it on every business trip I have gone on, and I have used something in it at every volleyball tournament.  This bag is a great size and fits well into a backpack.  Soon, I will write an article about what I carry in mine so be on the lookout!

#3. Battery Charger and plug.   I know.  Captain Obvious.  Always have a charger.  The smallest  one that will get you thru the weekend.  Anchor chargers always a solid choice.

#4. Cutting Board – A small cutting board you can slip into your luggage is great for the hotel room.  …Unless you are ok with using the hotel room’s table tops….to cut your food on….

You can also find very thin cutting boards, I just prefer the feel of wooden cutting boards.

#5. TSA approved utensils.  Mostly for the TSA compliant butter knife.  PB&J makes a loss better at any age.   

#5a.  Sometimes I just take a Toaks folding Titanium spoon.   Actually, this is usually all you need in the room.

#6.  Toothpaste Tube – Small, convenient, and you can buy new bristles whenever you need.  Just don’t forget to refill the toothpaste before your trip.

#7. Travel Wine Key.  A MUST!  Let’s face it, volleyball is treacherous, thankless grind for parents.  Wine helps.

#8.  Notebook and pen.  – Just something I also have, whether I am at work, on a business trip, or camping.  It has come in handy while at a volleyball tournament more than once.  

#9. Ginger Candy –  I learned this from a stewardess years ago.  She kept a handful with her on flights for anyone that experienced a little too much turbulence.  I tried it, it works, it always goes on any flight.

#10.  Dr. Bronners Soap.   Another ‘camping’ item.  The thing is…it cleans anything.  Hands, hair, or clothes.  You just need a few drops so a small travel bottle lasts a long time.

I hope this was helpful, and have a great season! – Mike