When traveling, you don’t have to spend so much on eating good food. You can have the experience of having a nice meal, enjoying the locals’ company, and learning new traditions and cultures even on a tight budget. Here are some ways to save more on food in your travels:
Get Access to a Kitchen
Many hotels and Airbnbs have mini kitchens available in the room. Having access to kitchens is a great way to eat on a budget during vacations. Just have some basic ingredients for easy meals such as a spicy coating mix for fried chicken or cooked ham for a sandwich for quick, convenient, and delicious meals. Here are some easy recipes you can do during vacations:
- One-pot Garlic Shrimp Pasta: One-pot meals are one of the easiest meals you can do, usually in less than 30 minutes. This healthy one-pot pasta just needs shrimp, garlic, and vegetables such as basil, squash, zucchini, and broccoli.
- Quick Toaster Pizza: This is a great snack you can whip up in a toaster oven. Just put your veggies, meat, sauce, and cheese on tortillas, then pop them in the toaster until the edges of the tortilla are browned and the cheese is melted.
- Taco Salad: This is an easy vacation recipe that both kids and adults will surely love. It just needs a few ingredients such as meats, cheese, and zesty salsa to make your salad packed with flavor. It’s also completely customizable, so feel free to swap ingredients and include additional toppings.
- Egg Sandwich: This classic sandwich is a vacation staple as it’s easy to prepare. You can also make a full batch ahead so you have prepared snacks for the week.
- No-Bake Oat Bites: Oat bites are easy to prepare by just combining oats, almond butter, dark chocolate chips, and honey. They are full of nutrients and will stay fresh for about 2 days.
Check out the Local Markets
Farmer’s markets and local markets are good places to have delicious and inexpensive food and also experience the local culture at the same time. You can also order food by weight, so you only have to purchase what you need. Also, many of these local markets offer free samples, so you’ll be able to try local specialties.
Local markets also offer organic, delicious, and fresh produce without paying too much at a gourmet restaurant. Eating directly from food trucks and stalls is also a great experience to be able to chat with the cook and learn how the food is made. If you’re worried about having a stomachache, look for stores with long lines as it’s usually a sign of great food. Make sure they also have a clean working area to ensure cleanliness.
Avoid Touristy Areas
Restaurants and other food shops that cater to tourists in the city center usually have higher prices. It’s recommended to go outside the city for smaller restaurants as they have lower prices and more authentic food. Also, the food is guaranteed to be fresher as it doesn’t have to travel far and get stuck for days in the back of a truck.
Always ask the locals where to find good places to eat because they know firsthand what’s best in their place. It can also be a good icebreaker for other tips and suggestions you may need for your visit.
Have a Picnic
Having a picnic is a great option when you’re on a travel budget. Just have simple food with you, then enjoy it in a scenic place such as the top of a mountain, by the river, or near a local landmark. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a picnic while traveling:
- Choose a great picnic spot such as a city park as it features many vantage points for an excellent picnic experience. Other options include a secluded beach, a skyline view, or an iconic establishment. Make sure the place has the right temperature, noise level, and ambiance for you to have the ultimate picnic.
- Make sure you have complete accessories such as cold and hot storage, plastic utensils, glasses, napkins, and salt and pepper shakers. The best foods to pack are cheeses, bread, meats, and crackers. Avoid bringing foods that can easily spoil like mayonnaise or can melt quickly like ice cream.
Food is one of the most important parts of traveling as it represents a whole new culture. It’s also a way of learning about a particular place’s traditions, history, and societal norms. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank to experience all this. You can always make ways to experience the best foods in town while also staying on a budget.
