Looking for ways to save money on food when traveling?
We are budget family travelers who have seen over 25 countries by finding the right balance between truly experiencing the culture of a new place and saving enough money to travel another day.
We’ve compiled practical tips to help you navigate the world of travel dining on a budget.
From making smart choices when dining out to using your accommodation’s kitchenette, we’ve got you covered.
So, if you’re eager to explore the world, savor authentic flavors, and still have some money left in your pocket, read on. These tips will help you save on food costs and enhance your travel experience.
1. Book a Place with a Kitchen
When it comes to saving money on food during your travels, having a kitchen is the ultimate game-changer. It’s like having a secret weapon in your budget-savvy arsenal.
With a kitchen, you can whip up your favorite meals, make sandwiches for on-the-go lunches, and even experiment with local ingredients.
It’s not just about saving money; it’s about the freedom and convenience to eat on your own terms.
2. If Not A Kitchen, Then Free Breakfast
If you opt for a hotel stay, make sure it’s one that offers a complimentary breakfast. This morning meal can be a game-changer in itself.
It’s a chance to fuel up for the day ahead without spending a dime.
Plus, it often includes a variety of options, from fresh fruit to pastries, so you can load up and save for later.
3. Go Grocery Shopping First
As soon as we drop our bags off at our apartment-style accommodations, we head straight to the grocery store. It’s our travel ritual.
Stocking up on essentials like bread, cheese, and snacks not only saves money but also adds a touch of home to your travels.
Plus, going grocery shopping first is a great excuse to explore local grocery stores, which are mini-adventures in themselves.
And let me tell you something if you really want to see how local people eat, go to where they shop.
Shopping has introduced us to Manchego cheese in Spain, Skyr yogurt in Iceland and Kanelbulle (cinnamon rolls) in Stockholm.
When our son was little and we lived in Spain for six months, he became truly obsessed with Piel de Sapo. Otherwise known as the Santa Claus melon because it is ripe around Christmas time.
In Spain, we lived across from the central market and went shopping at the Mercado Centrale where a lovely Spanish woman introduced him to this juicy, green fruit.
4. Or Better a Central Market
When you want to eat like a local and stick to a budget, local markets are your best friends.
Avoid the tourist traps like Madrid’s Mercado San de Miguel, which are great to visit but not to buy.
Instead, seek out a central market in the heart of the neighborhood you’re exploring.
Here, you’ll find fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food vendors serving up authentic flavors at local prices.
Local vendors will also offer tastes so you can sample before you buy. Who can so no to free food?
It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet.
5. Shop Travel Food Before Leaving
Don’t let all your hard work saving money while traveling go to waste by splurging on overpriced airport food. Instead, plan ahead and pack some travel-friendly snacks.
Granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits are perfect companions for your journey.
They’ll keep hunger at bay, so you can stay focused on enjoying your adventure without breaking the bank.
6. Plan One Meal Out
Remember, you’re on vacation to indulge a bit. So, planning one meal out each day is a perfect compromise.
Planning one meal out allows you to savor the local cuisine, soak in the ambiance of a new place, and still stick to your budget for the majority of your meals.
It’s all about finding that balance between treating yourself and being mindful of your expenses.
7. Eat Out At Lunch
If you’re looking to dine out while keeping costs in check, consider making lunch your main meal out.
Breakfast is often the easiest to prepare on your own, and dinner tends to be the most expensive dining option.
By having lunch at local eateries, you can sample the same delicious dishes at a fraction of the dinner prices.
8. Drink In
If you enjoy a good cocktail or a glass of wine, opt for a DIY happy hour back at your accommodations.
Drinking in is not only more economical but also a chance to unwind in the comfort of your temporary home.
Stock up on local beverages or your favorite drinks and create your own happy hour experience without the hefty bar tab.
10. Avoid Any Restaurant on An Important Square
While dining with a view of a famous square or landmark may seem enticing, those seats often come with a premium price tag.
Restaurants in these prime locations don’t rely on repeat customers or loyalty, so they tend to overprice their meals.
Instead, find a nearby bench, bring a snack, and enjoy the ambiance without the added cost. Your wallet will thank you.
11. Share Plates
Sharing is not only caring but also cost-effective when dining out.
Many restaurants offer shareable plates or appetizers that can make for a satisfying meal when split among friends or family.
It’s a great way to taste a variety of dishes without overspending.
12. Bring a Water Bottle
Don’t underestimate the value of a reusable water bottle while traveling. Not only does it save you money on overpriced bottled water, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice.
We just got back from Disney World where a bottle of water cost nearly $5. If we didn’t have our refillable water bottle, just buying one bottle per person per day would have cost $15.
13. Love Street Food
Street food is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the heart of a destination while keeping your travel budget in check. Some of our favorite food experiences, from the famous Icelandic hot dog in Rejkavik to arepas in Cartagena have centered on street food.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, observe the habits of locals – if a street food stall draws a crowd of residents, it’s a likely indicator of delicious and trustworthy fare.
Opt for dishes that are cooked or prepared on the spot to guarantee freshness and reduce the risk of contamination.
While exploring the world of street food, exercise caution with raw or undercooked items and be mindful of condiments that have been left out for extended periods.
And of course, if something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and skip it.
14. Snacks, Snack, Snacks
Once only thought of as a road trip tip, packing lots of snacks is a great money-saving tip for all kinds of travel.
When it comes to keeping your energy up while exploring new places, snacks are your best travel companions.
We are experts in teen travel and snacks have become even more important when traveling with growing teens.
Opt for protein-packed snacks like beef jerky to keep hunger at bay and stay fueled for your adventures. Beefy jerky and almonds are our favorite go-tos.
These compact and convenient treats are perfect for on-the-go munching. Plus, they can save you from splurging on expensive tourist traps when you need a quick pick-me-up.
15. Pack Green Starts
Eating on a budget means you often choose less expensive foods like pizza and sandwiches. But days of eating without some good veggies can weigh on you.
So instead, pack a green start to your meal.
We love throwing in a bag of baby carrots or snap peas to munch on our way to grab that street taco or slice of pizza.
Packing a green start will help you eat cheap and healthy while traveling.
16. Choose Food Adventures
Opting for food-related adventures like cooking classes or food tours is an excellent way to combine excitement with your daily meal out.
For instance, the Pike’s Market Food Tour in Seattle is one of our favorite experiences. It lets you explore the local culinary scene while enjoying a delicious meal.
On our favorite experiences is the Pike’s Market Food Tour in Seattle.
17. Train Time is Food Time
If you are looking to save money on food when traveling internationally, pack meals for train time.
In Europe, trains are the smartest and most efficient way to travel. We have loved traveling across the continent using public transit as a family.
Adding a packed lunch to your economical ride is doubling down on saving money.
In many train stations across Europe, there are grocery stores in the station making this budget travel tip as easy one to implement.
18. Picnics and Parks
Picnics in parks are not just featured in movies; they’re a perfect way to savor a meal.
Even cities like Paris can be done on a budget.
Instead of spending a significant amount on a lunch with a partial view of the Eiffel Tower, grab a bottle of wine, some cheese, and bread from a local grocery store, and settle into the Champ de Mars for a meal with breathtaking views.
19. Ditch Fancy Coffee
If you need your morning dose of caffeine, then this tip is essential for you in figuring out how to save money on vacation. And it is really simple.
Save on your morning caffeine fix by using the coffee maker in your hotel room.
If you’re a fan of flavored coffee, consider packing your own vanilla syrup to create that necessary morning latte.
Alternatively, if your hotel lacks coffee service, bring along a travel-friendly French press for your coffee needs.
20. Think Microwaveable
If your hotel provides a microwave, you’re all set to prepare simple, microwaveable meals.
Before any trip, we head down to Trader Joe’s to pick up some of our favorite easy-travel meals. Trader Joe’s offers a variety of easy microwaveable options, including their protein muffin, which is a personal favorite of ours.
Bringing your own food on vacation can be a great budget-saving tip as long as you don’t pack more than your free luggage allows.
21. Pack Essentials
While packing, consider the essentials you’ll need for your meals, but avoid going overboard.
You don’t want to buy a 100-piece cutlery set for a single picnic, so choose wisely and pack only what’s necessary.
We also tend to pack essentials like peanut butter that may be more expensive in other parts of the world.
22. Leverage City Cards with Dining Perks
Many cities around the world offer tourist cards or city passes that include not only free or discounted access to attractions but also dining perks.
These cards often provide meal vouchers or discounts at select restaurants and cafes.
For example, the Paris Pass not only grants access to museums but also offers dining benefits at partner establishments.
Similar cards exist in various cities, and they can be a fantastic way to save on food expenses while exploring the local cuisine.
Before your trip, research if your destination has such a card, and if it does, consider purchasing one. Not only will you enjoy cost-effective sightseeing, but you’ll also savor delicious meals without straining your budget.
23. Splurge Once Each Trip
Finally, plan ahead and allow yourself one big food-related splurge during your trip.
Saving money on food should not become how to avoid eating out on vacation. Rather, it is about eliminating all those quick, sub par meals so that you can focus on one or two really great experiences.
Whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, a renowned local delicacy, or a luxurious dining experience, this special meal can be a memorable highlight of your journey.
Conclusion: How to Save Money on Food When Traveling
Dining while traveling doesn’t have to be a budget-busting affair.
With these practical strategies at your disposal to help you save money on food while traveling, you can savor the culinary delights of your destination without worrying about over-taxing your credit cards.
Remember to plan ahead, make smart choices, and embrace the local food scene to truly immerse yourself in the culture.
Whether you’re relishing street food on bustling corners, indulging in a cooking class, or simply enjoying a picnic with breathtaking views, your culinary experiences can be both delicious and cost-effective.
By seeking out the best deals, packing essentials, and making savvy decisions, you can stretch your food budget further and have more funds left in your travel savings account for other exciting adventures during your trip.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or experience; it’s about savoring every moment while keeping your finances in check. Bon appétit, and happy travels!
