Curtailing Food Expenses on Vacation

Food is a key element in understanding a culture. Don't economize to the point that you miss the full experience. Look for free guidebooks in the hotel lobby or information centers that include coupons for discounts at area eateries. It pays to ask locals for recommendations, too.

By booking either a kitchenette hotel room, or choosing a small housekeeping cabin, you will have the freedom of grocery shopping when you arrive at your vacation spot which will enable you to be in full control of how much you eat out. Of course, you'll still want to indulge in some meals in restaurants, but doing some of the cooking in your room will end up saving you tons of cash.

Another twist to this money-saving idea is to bring along an ice chest, and an electric frying pan. Some motels offer small refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms so be sure to ask. Do your homework and opt for foods which are a bit easier to cook—you are on vacation, after all!

Bring your snack foods from home if possible. Vending machine and convenience store prices are much higher than buying from your home town discount grocery or department store. Always take a snack with you to the airport. The airport food outlets are overpriced immensely.

Eating out. While on vacation try to make it to the early bird dinner where the prices are reduced or eat the specials, which usually are a full course meal as well as the fixed menu items so you aren't paying for additional side items. If you are traveling to another culture, it would be wise to check and see whether the noon or evening meal is considered the “main meal.”

Does your hotel include breakfast in the rate? If so, eat as much as you can comfortably consume.

If breakfast at the hotel is extra, visit a bakery instead. This gives you the chance to sample local specialties and spend very little money.

Breakfast can break the budget if you insist on eggs and ham in places where pastry is the norm. Adjust eating habits to destination habits.

If you've had a big breakfast at the hotel, lunch can be a snack that will cost a few dollars. Again, sample a local specialty.

If breakfast was pastry, consider assembling a picnic lunch purchased at a deli or market. Bread, cheese and fresh fruit make a filling lunch for a fraction of the restaurant costs.

Find restaurants that provide both good local specialties and value. Guidebooks direct you to established leaders in various types of restaurants. If you are in doubt about what type of food to order—choose pizza. It is widely available and usually budget-priced. Avoid buying American food in other countries. It is typically more expensive and the taste not as good.