7 ways to actually save money on food when traveling

Food can be a huge expense no matter where you’re traveling. Think about it: you’ll probably have at least three meals a day or maybe more, plus drinks. It can all add up, and before you even notice, you may have blown through your entire budget.

Instead of panicking and depriving yourself of places you want to try, refer to the advice below for a game plan that includes easy and practical things you can do to make sure you eat well without burning a hole in your pocket. In other words, there are plenty of ways to get the best of both worlds. Whether it’s reserving a table for a more affordable lunch instead of an extra expensive, extravagant dinner or reusing water bottles so you have extra cash for other beverages on the menu, being thrifty might actually be a lot simpler than you think.

Make the most of free breakfast offers.

If your accommodations include breakfast, wake up for it and don’t be ashamed to grab something to go. Having that croissant or bagel could keep you from stopping by the museum cafe later on and save you some money.

Opt for a home rental with a kitchen.

Having a fridge and stove can ensure you get your money’s worth at a rental space. Instead of eating out, head to the grocery store and pick up what you need to cook a local dish. Not only will it hands-down be a memorable experience, but more importantly it will cut your dinner costs in half.

Pack a water bottle.

Repeat after us: Stop paying for water! Not every country provides travelers with free tap water, so do yourself a favor, fill up that bottle and carry it around with you on your sightseeing adventures. You’d be surprised at how much this simple sacrifice could help your wallet.

When in doubt, ask.

Make your way over to the concierge or tourist information desks and hit them with all your questions. After all, it’s what they’re there for, and there’s no doubt they’ll be able to recommend restaurants and give insider information on deals around town.

Lunch is where it’s at.

If you’re going to ball out on fancy food, do it during the day. Oftentimes there are lunch specials or mid-day prix fixe menus that will be significantly less expensive than dinner.

Do as the locals do.

Resist the tourist traps and figure out where people who actually live there like to hang out, because chances are, it’s going to be a lot less pricey. From finding the ultimate happy hour spot to learning about the best affordable restaurants, we guarantee a quick Google search will lead you to them.

Have a picnic.

Don’t forget to stuff a blanket in your suitcase and pencil in a picnic. Again, avoiding restaurant prices will save you. Plus, depending on the time of year, nothing beats soaking up the sun with an adorable plate of food by your side.