15 Creative Ways to Cut Food Costs While Traveling
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Do you spend too much on food when traveling? According to travel advisor Nomadic Matt, food is 25 percent of your budget, so reducing these travel meal costs can save you a lot of money. There are many ways to take advantage of incredible dining experiences without killing your budget, and it requires thoughtful planning and a little creativity.
We’ve collected 15 practical, resourceful ways to save money on food when eating while you’re on the go.
Shop at Local Markets
There is no better treasure trove of fresh, affordable ingredients than in the local markets. You’ll not only get to buy unique regional produce, but you’ll avoid paying premium prices in restaurants of tourist hubs. A classic example would be Southeast Asia, where you can purchase fresh fruit from convenience stores or cafes at a fraction of the price. Getting into the markets is a way to know the local culture.
Stay in Accommodations with Kitchens!
Booking accommodations with in-room kitchens can dramatically reduce food expenses. Preparing your meals can also help you control your bills and enjoy a home-cooked experience. Hostelworld reveals that cooking meals can save you up to 70% compared to eating out thrice daily. Basic kitchen amenities are available at hostels, Airbnb rentals, and extended-stay hotels.
Opt for Street Food
Street food is a delicious and economical option that introduces authentic local flavors. According to a World Street Food Congress report, eating at street food carts is half the price of eating in sit-down restaurants. This is also because of the constant flow of locals, who act as a good gauge of quality and safety.
Find Free Breakfast Deals
Besides this, many hotels and hostels provide complimentary breakfast during your stay. This perk should be taken advantage of and filled up before exploring. Some chains, such as Holiday Inn Express and Hampton by Hilton, will offer hot breakfast options to save on your first meal of the day.
Carry Snacks for On-the-Go
Also, having your snacks means you don’t have to spend money on overpriced food at tourist traps and airports. Items like trail mix, granola bars, and fruit are easy snacks to pack and handy for quietening hunger pangs between meals. The USDA Economic Research Service says pre-buying snacks during travel can reduce impulse food spending by as much as 40%.
Use Food Delivery Apps
There are promotions or rewards if you order from apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Deliveroo for the first time or have special promotional codes. If you take advantage of these deals, you don’t have to sacrifice food quality to save on meals. They also include restaurants offering combo meals at budget prices or free delivery options.
Choose Shared Plates or Tapas
Do you have travel companions to dine with? Selecting restaurants with family-style or tapas-type menus for sharing plates boosts your budget. Shared plates allow you to try various flavors without ordering too much.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water purchases can quickly add up while you are traveling. Take along a reusable water bottle and refill it in airports, hotels, or public fountains. Many destinations have clean, filtrated water refill stations to offer eco-conscious travelers who want to save money and waste as little plastic as possible.
Stick to Local Eateries
Food in areas with high traffic is often pricy compared to tourist areas. Travel experts, including Rick Steves, advise looking a few streets later from fundamental famous points of interest to discover neighborhood spots of interest where you can eat economical food without compromising on flavor or honesty.
Take Advantage of Happy Hours and Lunch Specials
Some restaurants offer happy hours or lunchtime discounts to attract customers. At these times, eating out is a great way to get the same dishes as dinner for a fraction of the price. Fixed-price lunch menus are standard fare at many European restaurants, and especially in Spain and Italy, they are a fantastic deal.
Pack a Portable Meal Kit
When preparing meals quickly, a portable meal kit with compact utensils, Tupperware, and a compact cutting board will make your task much more manageable. This can be especially helpful when you buy ingredients at a market but don’t have access to a full kitchen.
Search for Food Tours with Tastings
Opting for local food tours allows you to experience various tastings as part of the package. You dont have to buy the entire meal plan. With this package, you enjoy the region’s traditional cuisine and daily meals on a budget.
Leverage Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs from fast food chains and coffee shops with loyalty programs can provide travelers with various discounts, free items, or even special vouchers. Starbucks Rewards allows you to earn free drink credits in more than one country, and McDonald’s app users get exclusive meal deals.
Take Advantage of Grocery Store Meals
Many grocery stores also have pre-prepared meals or salad bars, offering fresh, cheap meal options. For instance, in Europe, chains like Tesco and Carrefour offer meal deals (a sandwich, snack, and drink, for example) for just a few euros.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Restaurants can quickly drive meal costs through the roof with the power of alcohol. Decide to abstain from alcohol or sip at home before heading out for dinner. Based on a ValuePenguin report, the Consumerist reports that a traveler can knock the cost of dining by as much as 30 percent by cutting alcohol.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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