Budgeting eating tips
The budget for food can be one of the most expensive parts of
any vacation, and many travelers underestimate how much they
will spend on food while traveling and end up busting their
budget as a result. There are a number of ways to keep the food
budget under control while still enjoying delicious, satisfying
and healthy meals.
For many people, good food is a large part of the travel
experience, and sampling the local cuisine should be a goal of
every traveler to a foreign location. Saving money on food does
not mean skimping or missing out on the special food that makes
many regions of the United States, Europe, Asia and other
destinations so special.
It is important to eat a healthy and hearty breakfast every day
while traveling. Many hotels include a daily breakfast in their
room rate, and if this is available it is important to take
advantage of the perk. Starting each morning with a healthy
breakfast will give you the energy you need for walking around
and seeing the sights, and it will help deter you from splurging
on expensive and unhealthy snacks before it is time for lunch.
Lunch can be a very important meal when traveling, and it is the
best time to get the most value from some of the finest
restaurants in your destination city. While lunches in the
working world are often rushed affairs eaten quickly, or even in
the car on the way back to work, vacation lunches can be long,
restful, relaxing and delicious. If there is an expensive
restaurant you've been itching to splurge at, why not head there
for lunch instead of dinner? You get the same great food, often
at a significantly lower price.
One great way to sample the local cuisine and save money at the
same time is to eat where the local people do. Ask the staff at
your hotel for recommendations of restaurants they eat at.
Restaurants with a large concentration of locals are usually
high quality and low priced destinations.
Eating dinner or lunch in ethnic neighborhoods is another way to
sample the local cuisine and culture while saving lots of money.
Sampling the food in the local Chinatown, Korea town, Little
Italy, Little Saigon or similar neighborhood is a great way to
meet local people and enjoy some great food.
For a quick pick me up or snack, try packing a few granola bars,
a bag of trail mix or a few pieces of fruit in your backpack or
purse before you head out for the day. These items can be bought
inexpensively at local markets or grocery stores.
A quick trip to the local grocery store for supplies can be a
great way to save money while traveling. For instance, many
travelers will spend a half hour at the local grocery store,
stocking up on bottled water, cereal and other low cost foods.
Keeping those foods and water on hand in the hotel room is a
great way to save money on eating.
Having your own picnic is another great way to both have a great
time and save money on food while traveling. Try packing a
picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular views as you hike to your
favorite spot in the mountains. Or pack a romantic dinner for
two and head for the local outdoor concert. Picnics are great,
and very memorable ways to enhance any vacation experience.