Dining for Less While Traveling Abroad
One of the best ways to explore a new country is to test your taste buds by sampling the local fare. By doing so, you may discover a new favorite dish, dessert or snack. And even if you sample local food that isn't quite to your liking, you'll have a story to tell about the experience when you come home.
While eating out every night of your vacation can really add up, there are ways that a budget-conscious traveler can enjoy the local food without breaking the bank. Here are a few suggestions for saving money—without sparing taste—for each meal.
Breakfast
- Be Wary of Hotel Breakfasts. If you choose to stay in a traditional hotel while abroad, be sure to check and see if breakfast is complimentary before you make reservations. If the breakfast is included as part of your stay, then take advantage of the offering. Sometimes, though, large breakfasts are offered for an additional cost. If this is the case with your hotel, eliminate the expense by trying out other options for breakfast instead.
- Try a Bakery. Find a local bakery or small pastry shop to satisfy your morning cravings. You can often find these stores near major hubs, depending on the size of the city. Small, independently owned shops and bakeries tend to offer generous portions of true local fare at relatively low costs. These locations are excellent for stocking up on fresh bread and other hearty items for snacking.
Lunch
- Sample Street Fare. If you're new to international travel, you may be hesitant to sample "street food" or handheld meals available from portable kitchens on the street. Of course, you should use your best judgment when selecting a vendor, but if you see one serving a large number of patrons, give the fare a try! These meals are true local delicacies that are generally very inexpensive.
- Ask for Today's Meal. Some restaurants will offer a "meal of the day," which can be anything from a simple soup and salad to a full three-course meal. These specials are reasonably priced in most cases and can include a great amount of food for its value. You may even be able to save your leftovers for a later meal.
Dinner
- Visit the Local Fresh Market. Lunch sometimes yields better values than dinner when eating out, so learn the location of the local fresh market or grocery to help with your dinner expense. Even if you're not willing to experiment with more exotic fare, bread, meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables are always available at these spots. Investing in a few key ingredients can provide sandwiches and snacks for several evenings.
- Order the Soup. Hearty, traditional soups and stews are generally inexpensive, tasty, and filling. If you want the evening meal experience, try sticking to the soup of the day to save a few extra dollars. You'll be surprised at how much local flavor you can experience just by ordering soup.
Interested in learning about more ways to watch your spending while still having an enriching time abroad? We're here to help. Head over to our Frugal Transportation page to discover inexpensive ways for arriving at your destinations.