How to Save Money on Food While Traveling
Traveling is a wonderful experience that exposes us to new cultures, places, and cuisines. However, dining out can quickly become a significant expense, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Luckily, there are several strategies you can use to save money on food while still enjoying delicious meals during your travels. In this blog, we’ll explore various tips and tricks to help you eat well and save money on food while you travel without breaking the bank.
Also Read: Top 10 Travel Tips For Budget Travellers
1. Research Local Cuisine and Budget-Friendly Eateries
- Before you embark on your trip, research the local cuisine and popular dishes. This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of pricing and where to find budget-friendly options.
- Look for local markets, street food stalls, and affordable restaurants frequented by locals. These establishments often offer authentic and delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of touristy restaurants.
2. Cook Your Own Meals
- Consider staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities, such as hostels, Airbnb rentals, or budget hotels with communal kitchens. This allows you to prepare your meals using local ingredients, which can be more cost-effective than eating out.
- Visit local grocery stores, markets, or supermarkets to purchase ingredients for simple meals like sandwiches, salads, or pasta. This can be a fun and budget-friendly way to experience local flavors.
3. Pack Snacks
- Bring snacks from home, such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, or crackers. These can come in handy when you’re on the go or in between meals, saving you from buying expensive snacks from tourist spots.
4. Opt for Lunch Specials or Set Menus
- Many restaurants offer lunch specials or set menus that are more affordable than ordering à la carte. Take advantage of these deals to enjoy a satisfying meal at a lower price.
5. Share Meals
- If portions are generous, consider sharing a meal with a travel companion. This not only reduces your food expenses but also allows you to try more dishes without overeating.
6. Avoid Touristy Areas
- Restaurants in touristy areas tend to be more expensive. Venture off the beaten path to find local eateries that offer better value for money and a more authentic dining experience.
7. Stay Hydrated with Water
- Instead of purchasing bottled drinks, opt for tap water, which is safe to drink in many destinations. Carry a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day, saving money and reducing plastic waste.
8. Take Advantage of Happy Hour and Special Deals
- Check out restaurants and bars for happy hour promotions, where you can enjoy discounted drinks and snacks. Look for restaurants that offer daily specials or discounts for early bird diners.
9. Use Food Apps and Coupons
- Utilize food apps and websites to find deals, discounts, and coupons for restaurants in your area. Some apps offer exclusive discounts for first-time users or loyalty rewards for frequent diners.
10. Be Flexible with Your Eating Schedule
- Consider adjusting your eating schedule to take advantage of cheaper meal times. For example, having a larger breakfast and a lighter dinner can save you money on your evening meal.
List of Cheap Travel Meals
When traveling in India, there are plenty of affordable and delicious meal options to choose from. Here is a list of cheap Indian travel meals that you can enjoy without breaking the bank:
- Poha: A popular breakfast dish made from flattened rice, onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices. It is light, flavorful, and filling.
- Idli with Sambar: Idli is a steamed rice cake and sambar is a lentil-based vegetable stew. This South Indian dish is nutritious, easy to digest, and widely available.
- Dosa: A crispy, savory pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients like potatoes, onions, and cheese, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
- Vada Pav: A popular street food from Mumbai, vada pav consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a bun (pav) and served with chutneys. It is flavorful and filling.
- Chole Bhature: A North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fried bread (bhature). It is hearty and perfect for a filling meal.
- Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, vegetables, and/or meat. Biryani is flavorful and can be found in various regions of India, each with its unique twist.
- Thali: A meal consisting of various dishes served on a single platter. Thali usually includes rice, chapati, vegetables, dal (lentil curry), and other accompaniments. It offers a variety of flavors in one meal.
- Samosa: A popular snack consisting of a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
- Aloo Paratha: A North Indian dish consisting of a flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes. It is usually served with yogurt, pickle, or chutney.
- Masala Dosa: A type of dosa filled with a spicy potato mixture. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack.
These cheap Indian travel meals are not only affordable but also reflect the diverse and delicious cuisine of India. Enjoy these dishes during your travels to experience the rich flavors of the country.
How to Save Money on Food while Traveling on a Budget
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice good food. Here are some tips to help you save money on food while traveling:
- Eat Local: Opt for local eateries, street food stalls, and markets instead of touristy restaurants. Not only will you get a taste of authentic cuisine, but you’ll also save money.
- Cook Your Own Meals: If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, consider cooking some of your meals. Visit local markets for fresh ingredients and cook simple dishes to save money.
- Pack Snacks: Carry snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars to avoid buying expensive snacks while sightseeing.
- Drink Water: Stay hydrated with water instead of buying drinks. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it from safe sources.
- Share Meals: Share large meals with travel companions to save money and reduce food waste.
- Look for Deals: Check out local deal websites or apps for discounts on restaurants and cafes.
- Eat During Off-Peak Hours: Some restaurants offer discounts during off-peak hours. Take advantage of these deals to save money.
- Avoid Tourist Areas: Restaurants in tourist areas tend to be more expensive. Venture into local neighborhoods for more affordable options.
- BYOB: If you’re dining at a restaurant that allows it, bring your own beverages to save on drink costs.
- Use Public Transportation: Eating near popular tourist spots can be more expensive. Use public transportation to explore other areas with cheaper dining options.
- Eat Like a Local: Embrace the local dining culture. In some places, a big breakfast and a light dinner are the norm, which can save you money.
- Stay at Accommodations with Breakfast Included: Look for accommodations that offer complimentary breakfast. This way, you can start your day with a hearty meal without spending extra.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals can often point you to affordable and authentic places to eat.
- Be Open to Trying New Things: Sometimes, the best and cheapest meals can be found at small, local establishments that may not have an extensive menu.
- Use Food Apps: Use apps that offer discounts or cashback on food purchases to save money.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending while traveling on a budget.
How to Save Money on Food while Traveling for a Week
Saving money on food while traveling for a week requires some planning and smart choices. Here are some tips to help you eat well without breaking the bank:
- Plan Your Meals: Before you travel, research affordable dining options in the area. Look for budget-friendly restaurants, local markets, and grocery stores where you can buy ingredients for simple meals.
- Cook Some Meals: If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, consider cooking some of your meals. This can be a great way to save money, especially for breakfast or lunch.
- Pack Snacks: Bring snacks like fruits, nuts, or granola bars to keep you energized between meals and avoid expensive airport or convenience store snacks.
- Eat Local: Opt for local eateries and street food stalls, which often offer delicious meals at lower prices compared to touristy restaurants.
- Share Meals: If portions are large, consider sharing meals with travel companions to save money and reduce food waste.
- Stay Hydrated with Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it from safe sources to avoid buying bottled water.
- Look for Deals: Check online deal websites or apps for discounts on restaurants and cafes in the area.
- Eat During Off-Peak Hours: Some restaurants offer discounts during off-peak hours. Take advantage of these deals to save money.
- Avoid Tourist Areas: Restaurants in tourist areas tend to be more expensive. Explore local neighborhoods for more affordable dining options.
- Use Public Transportation: Eating near popular tourist spots can be more expensive. Use public transportation to explore other areas with cheaper dining options.
- Take Advantage of Hotel Breakfast: If your hotel offers complimentary breakfast, make sure to take advantage of it to start your day with a filling meal.
- Be Open to Trying New Things: Sometimes, the best and cheapest meals can be found at small, local establishments that may not have an extensive menu.
- Use Food Apps: Use apps that offer discounts or cashback on food purchases to save money.
With these tips, you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending while traveling for a week.
How can I get free food while traveling?
- Look for hotels or hostels that offer complimentary breakfast.
- Attend local events or festivals that offer free food samples or meals.
- Visit religious places like temples, gurudwaras, or churches that offer free meals to visitors.
- Look for food sharing apps or websites where locals offer free meals or food experiences.
What to eat when traveling on a budget?
- Opt for street food, which is often cheap and delicious.
- Look for local markets where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks at a lower cost.
- Cook your meals if you have access to a kitchen, using affordable ingredients like rice, pasta, and vegetables.
- Share meals with travel companions to split the cost.
How can you spend less money on food?
- Plan your meals and snacks to avoid impulse buying.
- Look for restaurants that offer lunch specials or set menus, which are often cheaper than ordering à la carte.
- Avoid dining in tourist areas, as prices tend to be higher. Venture into local neighborhoods for more affordable options.
- Use coupons, deals, or loyalty programs offered by restaurants or food delivery services.
How can I control my hunger while traveling?
- Carry healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars to keep you satisfied between meals.
- Drink plenty of water, as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
- Eat regular meals to maintain your energy levels and prevent excessive hunger.
- Avoid skipping meals, as this can lead to overeating later on.
Eating well while traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. By researching local cuisine, cooking your meals, packing snacks, and being mindful of where and when you eat, you can save money on food and still enjoy a culinary adventure during your travels. Following these tips will not only help you stay within your budget but also allow you to savor the flavors of your destination without overspending.
