Food can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling, especially if you’re visiting high-cost destinations or eating at touristy spots. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on your food budget without sacrificing quality or taste. From eating like a local to smart meal planning, this guide will provide you with effective strategies to save money on food while traveling.

The Importance of Budgeting for Food While Traveling

When you’re traveling on a budget, food can often make up a significant portion of your expenses. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to overspend on meals, especially when you’re exploring a new destination. However, with a little effort and forethought, you can enjoy delicious meals without straining your finances.

Understanding the Costs of Food Abroad

Food costs vary widely depending on where you’re traveling. In some countries, street food and local eateries may be incredibly affordable, while in others, dining out can quickly eat into your budget. For example, eating in major cities like New York or Paris can be costly, while Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe offers cheaper meal options. By understanding the local cost of food, you can plan your meals accordingly.

How Food Impacts Your Travel Budget

Food is often the third-largest expense after transportation and accommodation. For budget travelers, this can mean the difference between having enough funds for experiences or running out of money before the trip ends. Planning meals ahead of time and making mindful decisions about where and what you eat can help you avoid this issue.

Allocating Funds for Food

It’s important to include food in your overall travel budget. Factor in how many meals you plan to eat outside, whether you’ll be cooking for yourself, or if you’ll rely on local markets. Setting aside a specific amount for food will help you stick to your travel budget and give you a clearer picture of what you can afford to spend on meals.

1. Eat Like a Local: Street Food and Local Eateries

One of the best ways to save money on food while traveling is to eat where the locals eat. Street food and small local eateries are often much cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants and provide a more authentic dining experience.

Benefits of Street Food

Street food is often one of the most affordable ways to sample a destination’s cuisine. Vendors typically offer fresh, flavorful meals at a fraction of the price of sit-down restaurants. In cities like Bangkok, Mexico City, and Ho Chi Minh City, street food is not only cheap but also delicious and varied. Plus, you’ll have the chance to try local specialties that you might not find in restaurants.

Finding the Best Street Food

Look for busy street food stalls, as high turnover usually indicates good quality and fresh ingredients. Locals tend to gravitate toward food vendors with long lines, so follow the crowd to find the best spots. Use food apps or online reviews to locate reputable food stalls. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.

Small Local Eateries: The Hidden Gems

In addition to street food, small, family-owned restaurants often offer cheap, hearty meals. These places are usually off the beaten path and cater to locals rather than tourists. Ask your hotel staff, taxi drivers, or local guides for recommendations on where to eat for affordable, authentic meals.

Why Local Food is Often Cheaper

Local eateries and food stalls don’t need to account for the overhead costs that tourist-oriented restaurants face. Because they cater to the local population, the prices are often lower, making it an excellent option for travelers trying to save money on food.

2. Grocery Shopping: Self-Catering and Cooking Your Own Meals

One of the most effective ways to save money on food while traveling is to buy your own groceries and prepare your meals. This can be particularly helpful when you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, such as hostels, Airbnb apartments, or vacation rentals.

Benefits of Cooking Your Own Meals

By shopping for groceries and cooking your own meals, you gain more control over your food budget. Preparing your own meals can be much more affordable than eating out, and it gives you the opportunity to eat healthily and try local ingredients. You can also stock up on snacks and beverages to avoid unnecessary purchases throughout the day.

Where to Buy Groceries While Traveling

Most cities have local markets, grocery stores, or convenience stores where you can buy fresh ingredients. In many countries, local markets offer fresh produce, meats, and dairy products at lower prices than supermarkets. Visiting these markets not only saves money but also provides a chance to experience the local culture and interact with vendors.

Easy and Budget-Friendly Recipes

If you’re traveling with limited kitchen facilities, keep things simple. Stick to easy-to-make dishes like pasta, rice with vegetables, sandwiches, or salads. Additionally, cooking large batches of meals can save you money for several days, as you’ll have leftovers for future meals.

Meal Prep: Planning Ahead

Meal prepping is another way to save money and reduce food waste while traveling. Consider preparing simple meals in advance that you can store and eat throughout the day. If you’re traveling for an extended period, cooking large portions and storing them in a refrigerator or cooler can help reduce the temptation to dine out.

3. Take Advantage of Food Discounts and Special Offers

Many cities offer food discounts or special deals, especially in restaurants and cafes. By taking advantage of these promotions, you can eat at more upscale places without breaking the bank.

Restaurant Happy Hours and Deals

Check if local restaurants or bars offer happy hour specials, where you can get discounted food and drinks. In some destinations, happy hour runs for several hours, allowing you to enjoy affordable meals at reduced prices. Some places even offer two-for-one deals on appetizers, drinks, or main courses.

Discount Websites and Apps

There are various websites and apps dedicated to offering food deals, restaurant discounts, or coupons. Platforms like Groupon, TripAdvisor, and Yelp often feature discounts for restaurants and dining experiences. Make sure to browse these platforms before dining out, as they can save you a significant amount of money.

Local Promotions and Restaurant Week

In some cities, restaurants have specific promotions or events such as “Restaurant Week,” where they offer discounted menus for a limited time. Keep an eye out for such promotions to enjoy fine dining at a lower cost.

Shopping for Meal Kits and Bulk Purchases

In many destinations, you can find pre-packaged meal kits or bulk products that can save money. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, consider purchasing a meal kit that provides all the ingredients for a simple and budget-friendly meal. Bulk buying is also a good option for snacks, grains, or pasta that can be used for multiple meals.

4. Use Local Apps and Websites for Food Deals

Many countries have local apps or websites that offer restaurant deals, food delivery discounts, or grocery store promotions. These can be a great way to discover budget-friendly food options, both for dining out and for self-catering.

Food Delivery Discounts

In some cities, food delivery services like UberEats, Grubhub, or Deliveroo offer discounts and promotions for first-time users or specific time slots. Using these services can save you money when you’re craving a convenient meal, especially if you’re in an area with limited dining options.

Grocery Discount Apps

Grocery stores in some locations offer their own discount apps, where you can find sales or digital coupons. Apps like Instacart or local store-specific apps allow you to find promotions, which can help reduce your grocery shopping bill.

Discovering Local Food Apps

Some countries also have food-focused apps that highlight deals, food trucks, or local pop-up restaurants. By downloading these apps, you can access information on affordable meals and food discounts specific to the area you’re visiting.

5. Drink Water Instead of Expensive Beverages

While it might be tempting to buy bottled drinks, especially at tourist spots, these beverages can quickly add up and eat into your food budget. Drinking water is the most affordable option, and it’s widely available in most destinations.

Why Drinking Water Saves Money

Water is not only essential for staying hydrated while traveling but is also the most budget-friendly beverage choice. In many countries, tap water is safe to drink and free, making it a great way to save money. Carrying a reusable water bottle can also prevent you from purchasing overpriced bottled water throughout the day.

Avoid Expensive Tourist Traps

Avoid purchasing drinks or coffee at tourist spots or in high-traffic areas, where prices are usually marked up. Instead, look for local cafes or street vendors where you can purchase drinks at more reasonable prices. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hostel with a kitchen, you can even buy drinks at grocery stores and prepare them yourself.

Reusable Water Bottles and Filters

A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter can save you money and reduce plastic waste. Many countries provide free drinking water at public fountains or cafes, so bringing your bottle will allow you to refill and stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water.

6. Share Meals with Travel Companions

If you’re traveling with friends or family, sharing meals can be a great way to save money. Many restaurants offer large portions, and sharing dishes can allow you to try a variety of foods without overordering.

Order Family-Style

Many cultures have a family-style dining tradition, where large portions of food are served to share. This is not only an excellent way to enjoy a variety of dishes but also a cost-effective way to eat with others. Sharing meals allows you to sample different local specialties without spending too much.

Split the Bill with Fellow Travelers

If you’re traveling in a group, splitting the bill is an easy way to reduce costs. Many restaurants are accustomed to splitting checks, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff if they can divide the bill among your party. This way, each person can contribute fairly without one person shouldering the entire cost.

Take Advantage of Leftovers

In many countries, it’s common to take leftovers home after a meal. If you’ve ordered too much, ask for a doggy bag to take your leftovers with you. These can serve as meals for later in the day or even the next morning.

Final Tips for Saving Money on Food While Traveling

By implementing these strategies, you can save money on food without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience. From eating like a local to cooking your own meals, the key is to plan ahead, be resourceful, and seek out the best deals. With some careful budgeting and mindful choices, you’ll be able to enjoy a fulfilling and affordable culinary adventure on your travels.