I love to eat! In fact, eating is one of my favorite activities, and also one of my favorite aspects of traveling. Food is such an integral part of so many cultures that to skip out on meals when you travel is to miss out on a part of that culture. While you don’t need to eat every single dish when you visit a new country, it’s important to be as open as possible to local food culture. Here are some tips to help you eat well without breaking the bank: 1. Street Food/Outdoor Vendors Small stands that sell hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches, and similar such foods are great places to get a cheap and quick meal. These quick and inexpensive meals will keep you full without emptying your wallet. In most places around the world, the streets are lined with little food stalls and areas where food is cooked openly on the street. Street food is some of the best food in the world. Meals at street stalls cost less than a dollar most of the time and are a great way to really experience the local cuisine. 2. Lunch Specials Many restaurants offer lunch specials, where items on the dinner menu are offered at a huge discount. You can get an amazing afternoon meal for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening. Sometimes it's best to eat your big meal during lunch, because lunch specials are considerably cheaper than the dinner menu.
3. Buffets While I don't like buffets (because I've always been a germaphobe), they can offer great value for your money. More often than not, you can fill up on one meal for the entire day. Buffets are a good economical choice and give you the most bang for your buck. 4. Limit Beverages Grabbing a refreshing can of soda (or cup of coffee) everyday might seem like an inexpensive way to quench your thirst, but it adds up. Sure, you can splurge once in a while, but keep in mind it can be expensive, and it’s also bad for you (my true opinion)! 5. Get a Refillable Water Bottle Water might not be as expensive as soda, but buying bottled water every day can add up too (it's also environmentally wasteful). As you walk around and sightsee, you need to stay hydrated. Carry a refillable bottle of water (with a filter) with you instead and just use the tap water. 6. Avoid Snacking But buying snacks a few times a day will slowly add up over the long term. Try to avoid snacks and stick to big, filling meals instead. If you do need to snack, go to the supermarket and stock up for the week and then take something with you as you sightsee. This eliminates the need to buy something on the go. 7. Go For a Picnic If the weather is nice, stop by a supermarket and grab your favorite items to make a nice picnic basket and head over to a park to enjoy the scenery. Not only will you save money, but you can also get some serious people-watching in. 8. Get Tourism Cards Most people think of tourist cards as just a way to save money on transportation and attractions, but they also offer discounts at many restaurants. Typically, discounts are around 15-25%, but sometimes lunch specials can be up to 50% off. So, visit the local tourism office when you arrive and ask what food discounts are included.
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