Traveling costs can add up. And one of the biggest expenses after air fare is the cost of food on vacation. Here are five ways that you can be frugal when it comes to the cost of dining out when you are out and about.
Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to get away with cooking at home. Most hotels offer a refrigerator free of charge, and you can use it to store lunch meats, milk and other items to feed you your lunch and breakfast. Bread, peanut butter and jelly can be easy ways to save $40 or more on lunch. If you have the opportunity to stay at a place with a kitchen, then prepare meals to bring or purchase ingredients at the local market. Even heat and eat items will be cheaper than restaurant meals.
Talk to the locals
When you are eating out, talk to local residents and ask them where they dine. Most locals won’t be hitting the expensive tourist spots, especially on a regular basis. By asking where the best and cheapest places to eat are, you’ll have an edge in saving money. You’ll still get a great meal out while avoiding the $4 bagels and $25 hamburgers.
Be a kid
Think about purchasing children’s meals. Not only is this less expensive, but it saves you from having to figure out what to do with a doggie bag or from wasting half of your meal if you aren’t starving. This works best for a restaurant with counter service or a fast food restaurant. As a bonus, save the extra “toy” for your favorite kid’s holiday stocking. As a bonus, many kids meals are actually healthier, offering apple slices instead of fries for example.
Do you have any tips for eating out while on vacation?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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