Food expenses can eat into a huge chunk of your budget while traveling. Yet, you do want to try out new cuisines for they are an important part of the whole experience of trying new things when exploring new places. Here are some really easy ways to save money on food while traveling:
1. Research restaurants right
You want to try out new restaurants and cafes while on vacation, but how do you know which ones to choose? A simple rule to follow is to not ask your hotel concierge or manager for recommendations. They usually have tie-ups and guide you to expensive eateries. It is better to speak to locals like a cab driver or even friends you make along the way for places where the locals eat. These will be budget-friendly and will also let you taste local food and experience the local ambiance, along with the culture of the place at times. You could also read food blogs to know the names of budget eateries that let you save money on food.
2. Opt for stays with mini kitchenettes
The latest trend is to stay at places that have mini kitchenettes. This lets you prepare your own basic meals, while also letting you save money on food, especially on longer vacations. Even if your hotel has only a kettle, a refrigerator, and a microwave, you can prepare instant meals. You can have cereals and milk for breakfast, opt for canned soups and breadsticks for lunch, and choose to have your dinner outdoors. Also, you can always keep fruits and dry snacks on hand to ensure that you do not have to spend a fortune to satisfy those midday hunger pangs.
3. Opt for take-away
When dining-in at a restaurant, you end up spending much more by ordering fancy sodas and desserts. You also need to leave a tip, which might turn out to be quite a big amount in the local currency. Instead, just order your meal as a take-away. This will prevent you from indulging in all the overpriced side orders and beverages that are often really just canned items being sold at a higher price in the restaurant.
4. Carry your own water bottle
This might come as a surprise to a new traveler, but veteran vacationers know that water costs as much as $5 a day while traveling, which is a lot to spend, especially if you are on a long holiday. An easy way to go about saving money here is to simply refill a bottle at your hotel breakfast buffet and carry it around with you. You can also purchase a special filtration bottle, which allows you to fill and drink water from almost anywhere while on the move. While there are many brands available, GRAYL water purifiers, and the Sawyer Personal Filtration Bottle are some of the best options to consider if you want to save money on food while traveling.