5 Simple Ways I Save On Food Costs While Traveling (& Still Enjoy Myself)
For as long as I’ve been traveling, food has been an integral part of my adventures. From shakshouka in Israel to stroopwafels in Amsterdam to the ever-so-New York “dirty water dog,” I’ve often found that the bridge between my heart and a location is through my stomach…and my wallet. Dining out while on vacation can quickly amount to one of the highest travel costs, but it’s difficult to avoid. Especially with how cheap flights can be, I sometimes find myself spending more money to eat my way through a weekend away than I spent getting there.
Luckily, my partner, Mark, and I have gotten the hang of cutting some food costs here and there without sacrificing meal-related immersive experiences. Here are our top tips for saving money on food while traveling:
1. Self-cater as much as possible
2. Eat out for breakfast
3. Pick one special meal out
Whether it’s your final night of vacation, celebrating an anniversary, or just a random evening, choose one night for a celebratory meal. I try to use this technique in everyday life, but it applies to travel, too. If you identify ahead of time one night to splurge, you’re less likely to succumb to the temptation on other nights. It also relieves the guilt of spending a lot on a meal, since you’re just doing it once instead of every night. Better yet, see No. 2 and make it a special brunch out!
Also, beware of celebrating too much with alcoholic drinks, which can quickly add to the price of the bill. If you’re visiting somewhere with lax public drinking laws, picking up a bottle of wine to split while people-watching in a square or park is a cheaper and more entertaining alternative.
4. Food trucks and markets
Finding cheap meals abroad doesn’t have to mean getting too familiar with the world’s varying McDonald’s menus. Food trucks, food markets, and food halls should be your go-to for affordable lunches and snacks. You might be surprised at where you can get amazing, cheap food — for example, the gas station hot dogs in Iceland are a must-try. The markets in London, like Borough Market and the Kerb market in Camden Town, offer incredible selections, from traditional cuisine to the hottest new food trends. There truly is something for everyone, and you can often subsist just on free samples or small dishes from a few different stalls. The selections at a market can vary wildly even within a city, and some can be quite overpriced, so do your research beforehand to find out where the locals go.
5. Bring your own airplane food
Avery Anapol writes and tweets about politics for a publication in Washington, D.C. She enjoys traveling, reading fiction, cooking, and waking up early. Follow her on Twitter for good reads and bad puns.
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