Food is a strong addiction of mine. So, I, if anyone, understand how nice it is to gorge on holiday. I love all types of food and have a huge appetite. Unfortunately, we’re trying to budget travel and so, food binges have to be controlled (to an extent). Because of this, I have put this list together for you. Now, you can still enjoy food whilst you are travelling and still stick with budget travel.
You will find 11 of the easiest ways you can save money on food below. These can help you transform your travel and make the most of your trips.
1. Ask Locals.
I love to enjoy the real culture and feel of the places I visit, rather than just going to the tourist spots. Therefore, asking locals is an essential habit to get into. Hopefully, they will tell you some secret places that only they know. As well as this, they are usually not going to be eating at expensive tourist spots. This means they should be sending you to places that are affordable, authentic and less busy. I have saved so much money from implementing this.
2. Set Menus.
If you’re trying to travel cheaply, eating out probably isn’t the best choice to be honest. However, we all know it’s nice to dine out once in a while. So, if you are eating out, make sure you opt for set menus or combo meals at restaurants. These often offer better value compared to ordering individual items.
3. All You Can Eat Buffets
For me, this is a fantastic opportunity for value when eating and travelling cheaply. Especially if you have a hearty appetite and enjoy sampling a variety of dishes. To be honest, on the surface it can cost more for a buffet than a traditional eatery. But, what I do in this situation, is eat a very large meal and fill up. This then allows me to skip a whole meal and then makes the day cheaper overall. This makes them a great place for budget-conscious diners.
4. Avoid Eating Out
Although the previous tips have involved eating out. There is always the option to avoid eating out where possible. This can help you make huge savings across a trip. I will usually book accommodation with a kitchen so that I can go to the supermarket and utilise those facilities. When you do this, you save so much money on eating. Also, it can create an activity if you prepare a picnic and find somewhere nice to enjoy a view. Just think about how much money you spend on eating out 2-3 times a day. Now, think about how much you can save if you were to eat breakfast in your apartment and if you made a picnic for your lunch every day.
5. Free Breakfasts
If booking apartments and using these kitchen facilities are not for you, try this. You can also save a lot of money if you are tactful with your hotel accommodation. You should spend some time looking at options and choosing one with free breakfast. This can save you a lot over the whole trip. Although this is technically extra cost, you will often find deals where places are the same price but include breakfast. Also, if you think how much it costs to eat breakfast at cafes, it is often cheaper this way. This is another great way to plan your travel with a budget in mind.
6. Pack Snacks.
It’s simple, just be prepared. So, when you go out for the day, just be sure to pack a bag of snacks and drinks. I save so much money by simply planning a little bit and going to the supermarket. You will waste so much money if you are not prepared and then give in to your impulses. Usually, I pack nuts, fruit and water as a basic list but, as mentioned above, a full packed lunch is even better!
7. Food Festivals.
I always check if there are any local food festivals happening during my visit. This is great for budget travel. Sometimes, you may pay an entry fee but then you can usually sample as much food as you want. Also, some can even be free to go into and you can continue to fill yourself up with cheap food. This can also double up as a great activity and offers a more authentic experience.
8. Avoid Tourists Traps.
I know a lot of people want to go to the restaurant they saw on Instagram. Or, they want to try the fancy cake they saw on tiktok. However, this is not good for you if you’re looking for budget travel. You will always pay a premium just for the novelty of going to that establishment. Also, tourist areas in general are going to charge more because they know they can. On top of this, they are usually busy and not particularly authentic or original.
9. Happy Hour.
You can often find places that offer a happy hour on food and drinks. Simply search on Google for happy hour in the area and you can find cheap food and drinks to enjoy. With some planning and thought about what you’re doing for the day, you can save so much on your food. Also, you will often find that restaurants have lunch deals. So, it can be better to eat out at lunch time and then eat in for dinner.
10. Local Markets
I also love exploring local markets. Firstly, you get a real feel for how the local people live rather than being in a tourist bubble. Secondly, you get to experience the incredible smells and tastes of the local cuisine. Finally, you can find some absolute bargains within the stalls. For budget travel, this choice is an absolute must for snacks and fresh produce to make meals with.
11. Street Food Vendors
Similarly to the local markets, you can find amazing local cuisine at street vendors. Generally, I find that these small street food stalls are much cheaper than other establishments. They also give a much more immersive experience of the local culture.
Conclusion
I want you to enjoy food as much as possible whilst still keeping within the goal of budget travel. I hope you can use these tips and tricks to help you on your next trip. Budget travel does not have to be miserable, if you know how to make the most of your finances.
Which ones of these have you used before and which ones are you going to try next time?
