Money for the Rest of Us

This is the fourteenth post of the series “15 Tips for Cheap Travel.” You can navigate the rest of the series by going to the 15 Tips for Cheap Travel Index.

When you visit a new city you will want to try all the local foods that the city has to offer, but you will also want to keep within your budget. Here are some ways to cut down on costs, while still enjoying tasty foods:

• If your hotel has a fridge:
• Get milk, cereal and yogurt and make breakfast in your room
• Save leftovers from restaurants
• If your hotel has breakfast included:
• Take an extra piece of fruit or bread to eat for a snack at a later point in time
• Eat Dinner for Lunch: Many restaurants offer lunch menus with prices that are significantly cheaper than their dinner menus.
• Have a Picnic Meal: Find a local bakery and cheese shop, make some sandwiches, and relax in the park.
• Check out the stands: Most big cities have street vendors that offer delicious food at very reasonable prices. How do you go about choosing one? Find the stand with the longest line.
• Find the Local University: Cheap food is abundant around colleges and universities. If you’re unsure which restaurant or stand to go to, find the one with the longest line or ask a kid with a backpack. They’ll be happy to recommend something.
• Search Best Cheap Eats: Do an internet search for “Best Cheap Eats” + your destination. You wouldn’t believe the number of cheap eat and bargain lists available on the internet. I did this before a recent trip to Toronto and found several lists with wonderful and cheap food.
• Don’t skimp on your favorites: You are on vacation so remember to enjoy yourself. If you like a particular kind of food (Italian, French, Hamburgers, Ice Cream) search for it on the internet before you go. Make a point to stop and spend an extra dollar or two at these special places.
• Buy snacks: Go to a local grocery store and buy a box of granola bars to carry with you. You’re much more likely to splurge when you’re starving.
• Drink lots of water: Not only will this keep you feeling fuller (thus less splurging) drinking water keeps you healthy when traveling.
• Eats fruits and vegetables: Like with drinking water, fruits and veggies keep you full and healthy. And you can pick up fruit for relatively cheap at the grocery store.