Depending on where you’re going, food and drink can be some of the most expensive aspects of your vacation. When we’re short on cash, we tend to cut back on our food budgets in order to stretch our money further.
Isn’t it possible to eat and drink well on vacation without breaking the bank? Here are my top 5 tips for saving money on vacation and slashing your food and drink bill while on the road.
1. Prepare your own food.
Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to cook your own meals in the kitchen. For the most part, eating at a restaurant is more expensive than cooking your own food at home. So, use that money to invest in portable pots where you can make instant pot recipes while traveling.
For those who don’t have a kitchen, at least pick a room with a fridge and microwave. If you’re with small children, you may want to stock up on necessities like milk and cereal when you arrive. If you have access to a grocery store, you’ll be able to save money by stocking up on food and beverages in your lodging rather than dining out.
2. Make sure you have some food in your bag.
If you’re going on a vacation, why not stock up on some fruits, granola bars, nuts, or other snacks that you can store in a cooler or even without one? Your wallet will thank you, as snacks at tourist attractions can be significantly more expensive.
Bread and peanut butter are two of my favorite things to pack when on a road trip to staycation. They are ideal for eating while driving. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, and I can easily make sandwiches that will hold up. Carry snacks and water in a backpack.
3. Create a food budget plan.
Check prices and research the area where you’ll be staying ahead of time when planning your trip. Check out the costs of the entrees and children’s meals at the restaurants. That will save a lot of money.
Also, check if there is a food or drink festival or event taking place when you’ll be there, so you can eat and drink for less.
4. Stay in hotels that offer complimentary breakfast or dinner.
Depending on your package deal, meals may be included in your lodging. Many hotel chains, for example, have a hot breakfast as an option. These are not always the cheapest options for breakfast, but you can still eat well in the morning to last for an extended time and perhaps skip lunch and have a brunch or snack.
Make your own sandwiches or pack a lunch from your breakfast and bring it along for lunch in many cases. It’s fine to use the service, but don’t abuse it or make it too obvious. Dinner and snacks would be the only things you would have to worry about.
5. Buffet
In terms of value, buffets can be a great option. Make sure you know ahead of time if they charge the same for kids if you’re traveling with your family because it might not be a good deal for you, depending on how much your kids eat. On the other hand, Buffets are a great way to sample everything on offer, especially if you’re hungry. In most restaurants, you can find something for everyone’s taste.
In a nutshell, there are numerous ways to save money while on vacation, and saving money on food means that you can have more fun while you’re away.
