Traveling can be expensive, but food costs don’t have to break the bank! Here are simple, practical tricks to eat well for less on your next trip:
🍎 Before You Go
✔ Pack snacks – Nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit save you from overpriced airport/train station food.
✔ Bring a reusable water bottle – Fill it up after security to avoid buying $5 bottled water.
✔ Research grocery stores – Locate supermarkets near your hotel for cheap staples (bread, yogurt, fruit).
🍽️ Eating Out Smart
✔ Eat like a local – Avoid touristy restaurants; ask locals or hotel staff for affordable spots.
✔ Lunch > Dinner – Many restaurants offer the same dishes at lower prices for lunch.
✔ Share meals – Portions are often huge—split a dish and save money (and calories!).
✔ Street food & markets – Often cheaper (and tastier!) than sit-down restaurants.
🛒 Grocery Hacks
✔ Buy breakfast items – Cereal, oatmeal, or pastries from a store cost way less than hotel breakfasts.
✔ Pre-made meals – Many supermarkets sell ready-to-eat salads, sandwiches, or hot meals.
✔ Use a mini-fridge – Store cheese, deli meats, and veggies for quick, cheap meals.
💳 Discount Tricks
✔ Use apps – Too Good To Go (discounted unsold food), HappyCow (vegan/cheap eats), or local coupons.
✔ Loyalty programs – Sign up for free rewards at coffee chains or fast-food places.
✔ Student/AAA discounts – Always ask—many places offer 10% off with ID.
🚫 Avoid These Money Traps
✖ Mini-bar snacks – Insanely overpriced; buy from a store instead.
✖ Room service – Often comes with huge markups + delivery fees.
✖ Airport food – Pack snacks or eat before you fly.