6 Tips to Save Money From Food When Traveling

Gastronomic fun goes hand-in-hand with travels.

Food usually takes a huge part on our travel expenses. And this is not necessarily because foods are expensive. Most of the time, we spend higher than we have planned due to lack of knowledge how to explore the culinary scene, the cost-effective way. There are also instances when we are just too afraid to try foreign dishes.

But how about let us put it this way. You did not go abroad only to indulge in burgers, fries and steaks that are ubiquitous in your hometown. And you also do not have to go beyond your budget for food during travels.

Here are few tips how you can feed your tummy without starving your pocket.

Stock up on drinking water.

Some of us have issues drinking tap water. And there are areas where drinking tap water isn’t advisable.

To avoid inconveniences and unnecessary spending, purchase gallons of purified drinking water on a local supermarket or grocery. It is a lot cheaper and convenient. Add to that a reusable water container that you can refill every time you are to go out and about.

Get off the beaten path.

Costs easily pile up when it comes to food.

Explore further even when meals served already seem cheap as compared to the average meal price in your hometown. The rule of thumb to eating more for less is to not dine on the first establishment you find. Eating in restaurants or bakeries within residential areas, just a walking distance from tourist-heavy areas, is a lot cheaper.

What’s even more thrilling when you go off the beaten path is indulging on what you can really claim as authentic local dishes. Locals prepare the entrees by themselves, so it is as though you have already joined a household in enjoying traditionally-cooked meals.

Choose accommodation with free meals.

While it is a must to try out local dishes, it is also beneficial that you reserve a breather.

It would help that you book accommodation bundled with free meals particularly if you are looking into a long trip. It is free and again convenient, as you do not have to scout for and prepare meals yourself.

Extensive research is crucial here though. Information on company websites are not always reliable, so read more reviews from forums, and travel resource sites.

Indulge on street food.

Street food is part of the dining culture anywhere in the world, although we typically hear a lot about it from Asian countries.

These treats come cheap and are more varied than those served in restaurants. Another good thing about navigating the street food scene is that you get the opportunity to interact with locals who themselves are frequent customers.

Don’t buy on impulse.

Saving on food when traveling comes with great discipline. Just because you have the money to spend for an entree does not mean you should order a serving.

Impulse buying is the number one enemy of the frugal traveler. If you are interested in trying a dish but are concerned how it will fare on your taste buds, invite your peers to divide costs with you. This way, you would not have to be disappointed or overwhelmed if the serving size is too big, or it turns out the taste is not that satisfying as you have heard.

Prepare your own

Here is an alternative to sticking to your budget that is most applicable to the health-conscious or those with sensitive stomach.

Shop at the grocery or market for ingredients, and then prepare your own meal. Pack meals to bring as you tour around.

By making and packing your own meals, you not only control your expenses. You also manage your time as you avoid falling in long queues when dining out.

Nettie Gray can manage traveling alone abroad and staying up late writing essays as long as there is good food to keep her company.