7 Ways to Save Money on Food While Traveling [2024]

I always look for ways to save money on food while traveling. I like and enjoy eating well without spending too much.

First, I research local restaurants before I go. This helps me find cheap and popular places to eat. But that’s just one tip.

I also pack snacks and try street food.

Want to know more? Let’s go and check out the details!

Key Takeaways

• Research local restaurant reviews and deals online before your trip.
• Pack snacks and drinks to avoid buying overpriced items impulsively.
• Cook your own meals using fresh and local ingredients.
• Dine at hotels or restaurants during off-peak hours for special offers and discounts.
• Share meals with your travel companions to save money.

Research Local Eatery Options Before Your Trip

One of the best ways to save money on food while traveling is to do some research on local eateries a little earlier to your plan. I always start by looking up local restaurants online. Websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor are very helpful too. I compare prices and read reviews to find the best places that locals and tourists love to go. This helps me avoid expensive tourist traps with mediocre food.

I also look for coupons and deals. Groupon frequently offers local dining fantastic savings. I look on Groupon before I leave to check if any eateries are offering a good bargain. I once found a fantastic little café down tpwn with a 50% discount!

Some restaurants have their own promotions too. I check their websites or social media pages for any ongoing deals or discounted coupons. Planning ahead like this saves me a lot of money and makes my trips more enjoyable.

Pack Snacks and Drinks to Avoid Impulse Purchases

I usually bring food and beverages when I travel. This helps me save money by preventing impulsive purchases. I resist the need to make rash, costly purchases at airports or retail locations by bringing my own meals.

Granola bars, trail mix, crackers, and dried fruit are often items I take in my handbag. These snacks are cheap and stay fresh throughout my trip.

I also pack drinks to stay hydrated without spending extra cash. I store them in a cooler so I may have chilled beverages when traveling. In this manner, I can avoid spending a lot of money on bottled water or soda cans each time I am thirsty.

Also, I always bring a reusable water bottle. It’s a small investment but very handy. I can refill it at water fountains or restaurants that can saves me money and reduces plastic waste.

Cook Your Own Meal When Possible

I make an effort to cook my own meals when I travel in order to save costs and eat healthily. Rather of squandering a lot of money at restaurants, I can utilize fresh, local products by booking a hotel or doing airbnb with a kitchen. I love looking out for local grocery stores and farm markets for unique foods. This not only saves money but also gives me a taste of the local culture.

Sometimes, I do meal preparations at home before my trip and just reheat them on the way. This is super handy, especially for bigger families. It makes sure we’ve nutritious meals without always eating out. I could also take more control over what I consume when I cook my own food. This can maintain a nutritious diet when traveling is made simpler by this.

Eat at Off-Peak Hours for Great Deals

When I travel, I love dining at off-peak hours. I save quite a bit of money on meals because of it. Happy hour discounts and early bird deals are available at many eateries. These deals are there to attract more customers during quieter times.

I find that eating lunch instead of dinner is much cheaper. Restaurants often have special lunch menus. These menus are less expensive but still have hearty and delicious options.

Early bird discounts are another great way to save. They are usually offered in the late afternoon, near 4 to 6 PM. I get discounted meals before the dinner rush gets started. It’s also a quieter time to eat, which I enjoy.

Happy hour prices are fantastic too. Several restaurants cut their pricing on meals and beverages between 3 and 6 PM. In this way, I could buy delicious meals and beverages without going over budget.

Share Meals with Travel Companions

You may save a lot of money on food by splitting meals with your traveling friends. Sharing meals allows me to explore various foods without going over budget when I travel. By splitting meals, we save a lot of money, especially in places with big portions.

I always ask servers for advice. They know which dishes are good for sharing and how big the portions are. This helps us avoid ordering too much and wasting food. Plus, it’s fun to try new dishes this way.

Traveling with friends or family makes sharing meals easy. It saves money and makes eating out more fun. We get to talk about the flavors and enjoy our meals more.

Explore Local Street Foods and Food Trucks

Discovering regional street cuisines and food trucks is a fantastic opportunity to taste real food without breaking the bank. Street food is ideal for tourists on a tight budget because it is frequently less expensive than meals at restaurants. I never go anywhere without sampling the street food. It enables me to sample a range of foods that accurately capture the regional flavors.

Getting a taco from a food truck in Mexico or a crepe from a French street seller, for instance, is a genuine and thrilling experience. Oftentimes, street cuisine embodies a location more fully than upscale dining establishments.

The diversity of street food is one of its finest features. You may sample tiny quantities from several vendors, allowing you to sample a wide variety of cuisines without breaking the bank. The atmosphere around food trucks and street markets is usually lively and fun, adding to the overall travel experience.

BYOB: Bring Your Own Beverages

I always carry my own drinks to save money while I’m trying out local street cuisine. In cafés or restaurants, it’s simple to lose track of time and overspend on beverages. But I discovered an easy method to save money: bring your own drinks, or BYOB.

Before I head out, I check local rules to make sure it’s okay to bring my own drinks. This little step can save a lot, especially if I like flavored waters, juices, or my favorite soda. Packing my own drinks not only saves money but also makes sure I always have something I like.

Another great thing about BYOB is that I control what I drink. I can choose healthier options and avoid sugary or super caffeinated drinks that mightn’t be good for me. Plus, having a familiar drink adds a touch of comfort while I’m exploring new places.

Conclusion

Save money on food while traveling by following these practical tips. Researching local eateries and packing snacks can significantly cut costs, as I’ve personally experienced finding great deals on Groupon and avoiding expensive impulse buys. Cooking your own meals with fresh, local ingredients not only saves money but also offers a healthier diet, which I’ve found especially enjoyable when exploring local markets.

Dining during off-peak hours provides excellent discounts and sharing meals with travel companions allows for trying more dishes without overspending. Authentic tastes are available for less money at street food and food trucks, and packing your own drinks is an economical method to cut down on expensive beverages. These tips have made my travels more economical and fun by helping me save a lot of money on food.