13 Ways to Save Money on Food While Travelling
Travel can be exciting, but food expenses can feed into your budget quicker than a hungry tourist at a buffet. If you’re bound for big city streets or scenic country walks, balancing the hunger and the wallet can always be a teeth-clenching exercise.
Eating well on the go doesn’t have to be expensive or take away your sense of adventure. Here’s a handy guide to saving some money without skimping on deliciousness — from savvy packing tips to clever dining strategies.
Always Stay At Places With Kitchen Access
Booking accommodations with a kitchenette or communal kitchen can be a game changer. You can cook meals in hostels, Airbnb rentals, and some budget hotels. You can enjoy local flavors without restaurant markups by making a quick trip to the local market for fresh ingredients. In reality, travel experts say that by cooking just one meal a day instead of eating out, travelers can save up to 50% on food costs.
Shop At Local Markets
Fresh, affordable produce and ready-to-eat delicacies are a treasure trove in local markets. They are not only economical, they are an immersive experience. When you’re strolling down the street looking for juicy fruits or savory street food, you’ll get a better deal than at the supermarkets or restaurants.
Dine Where The Locals Do
Inflated prices are common at tourist spots, so ask the locals where they eat or search the reviews for smaller, family-run restaurants. Generally, these gems serve authentic dishes at a price that’s a fraction of the real deal. Local eateries are often cheaper for patrons because they source their ingredients cheaper.
Pack Snacks and Meals to Take On The Road
Snacks require a little prep work and go a long way. If you’re packing non-perishable items like granola bars, nuts, or even DIY sandwiches you can avoid pricey airport food or highway pit stops. Plus, there’s nothing like having your favorite comfort food ready when you get hungry unexpectedly.
Take Advantage Of Happy Hours
Happy hour is when many restaurants and bars have discounts on their meals and drinks. To enjoy your food and beverages without splurging, watch out for these deals. Scouting places offering specials in your area is as easy as finding an app.
Skip The Drinks
Ordering a drink can double your dining bill, so it is best to stick to water or one drink to save more cash throughout your trip. It’s usually cheaper to buy a bottle from a local store and enjoy it at your accommodation.
Use Food Delivery Apps Wisely
Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other food delivery apps often provide a discount or promo code for first-time users. Use these deals to get cheaper meals, but be careful of delivery fees that can add up without you noticing. Picking up your order might be cheaper, and you’ll get some exercise.
Carry A Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration shouldn’t be expensive. Reusable water bottles are eco-friendly and save money on bottled water. There are free refill stations in many cities and some restaurants are happy to refill bottles at no charge. The Cool Down reports that using a reusable bottle can save an individual up to $1,300 a year.
Pick Buffets And All You Can Eat Spots Carefully
If you enjoy food and want to try a little of everything buffets are great value. Make sure to come hungry, and don’t overstuff your plate, you don’t want to waste food or have an uncomfortably full belly ruin the day.
Ask For Half Portions Or Order Appetizers
Appetizers are an affordable option if the meals are served in hefty portions; or split a dish with your travel companion. This helps with keeping the cost low and avoiding food waste.
Embrace Street Food
The heart of a destination’s cuisine is often found in its street food at a price your wallet will love. They’re typically served fresh for a fraction of the price of sit-down restaurants. It’s also a great way to mingle with the locals and get a vibe of the place.
Check Discounts Or Meal Plans
If you’re going to a theme park, resort, or cruise you can check out meal plans or dining discounts. These are not always a steal, but these packages can be a money saver if you intend to eat on-site often.
Learn The Art Of Timing
You can save money by timing your meals. Restaurants will often serve cheaper lunch specials which could be more affordable than eating off the dinner menu. It can also mean dining earlier or later, and snagging discounts during off-peak hours.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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