Budget Guide: Essential Tips For Saving Money On Food While Traveling
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When traveling, one of the biggest strains on your wallet is the cost of food. The problem isn’t that there aren’t affordable food options, but more that many people are unsure of how to navigate the dining scene in foreign locations. Instead of asking your hotel for recommendations or going to restaurants that “look nice,” use this guide for saving money on food while traveling.
Re-Write The Menu
Looking to score a free meal? One trick not many people know about is re-writing menus in exchange for food. If you’re in a country where English isn’t the first language, head to a restaurant that claims to have an English menu. Most likely, it will be filled with spelling and grammar mistakes. Talk to the owner and offer to fix these mistakes so the menu is in perfect English in exchange for a free meal. You’d be surprised how many restaurant owners will be thrilled to do the trade.Picnic
Not only can picnicking help you save money on food while traveling, it’s also a great way to make friends when traveling solo. Ask some people at your accommodation or from a tour if they’d like to join you, or simply purchase some items like bread, cheese and fruit and head to the park. See if anyone else is eating or drinking and offer to combine picnics for a social and affordable meal.Stick To Local Mom-And-Pop Eateries
When traveling to a foreign country, it can be scary to go to the local restaurants, especially if the culture is very different from your own. You may be nervous you won’t know how to order properly or won’t understand the menu. Forget fear and try it — at least once. Most likely, you’ll see it’s not only an interesting cultural experiences, but one that will save you more than 50% on your bill.At the Oasis hostels you can enjoy delicious homemade paella for a very budget-friendly price. Photo courtesy of salsachica.
Book A Hostel That Offers Meals And/Or Has A Kitchen
I’m saying hostel here because typically they offer more free meals than hotels. At a minimum make sure there is a buffet breakfast offered wherever you stay. If possible, also try to book a place that offers free dinner on certain nights or does a nightly affordable set-price meal. For example, many of the Oasis brand hostels in Europe offer a home-cooked meal each night for about five Euros. Moreover, if the hostel has a kitchen you can save money by grocery shopping and cooking your own meals.Host A Meetup On CouchSurfing
CouchSurfing isn’t just a great resource for scoring free accommodation by staying on locals’ couches, it’s also effective at helping travelers make friends through their group message boards. When you’re in a city, find the appropriate forum and write something like “Anyone want to go for a picnic?” or “Would anyone want to do a group cookout?” You can also plan to share some appetizers at a restaurant to help make the bill more affordable.Stop Thinking “Everything Is So Cheap”
This is a dilemma many travelers face when in low-cost countries, or simply when they find a snack they enjoy that is less than $3. Instead of thinking you don’t have to worry about purchasing something because “it’s only $1,” think about how all those “it’s only $1” times add up. Moreover, if you’re the type of person who needs to eat something in between lunch and dinner, opt for a big lunch on a set menu. In most countries, you can find filling and cheap lunch specials and combos during this time, which can also help you eat a smaller dinner.Cocktails may be yummy but they’re also pricey. Photo courtesy of bschwhen.