Happy Presidents' Day. If you have the day off, I hope you had a wonderful time recharging.
Apart from travel and accommodation, eating out can significantly increase travel expenses. Given the frequency of my travels, I had to find ways to reduce these costs as they were becoming
unmanageable.
I won't deny that I indulge in food while traveling because experiencing new cuisine is a fundamental part of the journey. One cannot fully immerse in the culture without indulging in it.
But there is a way to be smart about it.
Here are some strategies I
use to save money on food while traveling. What's great about the tips below is that you don't need to apply them all. You can find the combination that suits your lifestyle best.
Let’s dive in!
- Skip breakfast: Unless you're in a culture that has specialty breakfast dishes, consider saving your money and extra calories for other meals instead. I promise,
you won't miss the continental breakfast, which is just fruit and a croissant. Grab that coffee to go! Additionally, eating breakfast can take up valuable time that could be used for sightseeing. This is something to consider, especially since many exhibitions are only open from 9-5.
- Big lunch: While most people save their biggest meal for dinner, I prefer lunch. To save money, I visit the places I really enjoy during
lunchtime. Lunch meals are typically cheaper, the portions are larger, and the places are less crowded. You'd be surprised by the amount of money you can save. This is when I consume most of my food.
- Small dinner: For dinner, I keep it simple. I opt for less extravagant places and order fewer dishes as dinner tends to be pricier. I also frequent less popular spots. You'll be surprised at how much
money you can save with this approach.
- Go to the grocery store: Visiting a grocery store is always on my agenda whenever I travel to a different country. It's fascinating how diverse their offerings can be. Supermarkets are a great way to understand a culture through its food, and they're a cost-effective option too. My usual strategy is to stock up on snacks and desserts. Having snacks on hand throughout the day helps
me avoid buying overpriced food. I enjoy picking up desserts and candies from grocery stores as well, as they offer a variety of options at a good price.
- Eat street food: Street food elicits mixed feelings among people. Some fear trying it due to hygiene concerns. However, street food is inexpensive and offers a cultural experience at a fraction of a restaurant's price. Here are some tips when visiting a street vendor:
If anything makes you uneasy, feel free to leave. Your subconscious may have noticed something before you did, so trust your instincts. Also, opt for busy vendors where locals dine. They typically know the best and worst places to eat. Use your judgment; not all street food is of equal quality.
- Find a grandma: As Americans, it might
feel unfamiliar, but locals often enjoy cooking for visitors. This could be a cultural pride point, as they want you to experience the authentic cuisine of their culture. The best part is, this food is entirely free! If you have a friend who's a good cook, consider visiting them. Don't be surprised if you're greeted with authentic dishes. Remember to bring a token of appreciation with you, such as a gift or a bottle of wine.
- Dine at local spots: What qualifies as a local spot? It's a location often visited by people who may appear different from you. Usually, such establishments do not have an English menu, and it's a bonus if the staff doesn't speak your language. These hidden gems are generally found away from areas heavy with tourists and usually provide higher-quality food at lower costs. Explore these spots for
superior, more affordable meals and a genuine cultural experience.
After implementing these tips, you'll be surprised by the amount of money you can save on your trips. You may never want to revert to your previous habits.
