Travellers alike often budget for expenses like transport, accommodation, attractions and shopping when planning their travel expeditions, however food costs are often left out of the planning and end up being one of the biggest expenses!
If you’re travelling on a budget and want to make the most of your money, here are five helpful tips to cut back on food costs:
1. Pack your own
Make sure to stock up on snacks prior to your trip and for in-between legs of the journey. Airport prices are ridiculously expensive, and there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a long-haul flight and realising your budget airline didn’t include an in-flight meal.
If you have certain food requirements such as gluten free and you know access to that type of food may be rare wherever you are travelling, the best thing to do is give up some precious luggage space for clothing and pack some food essentials. If you don’t drink dairy, perhaps bring powdered coconut milk or a soy alternative that wont leak or weigh too much.
Don’t forget to also bring a re-usable water bottle on your travels, to re-fill at water fountains and your accommodation (if you’re in a country with safe drinking water). This not only saves your pennies, but also the environment. Same goes with re-usable cutlery and an eco-friendly straw!
2. Supermarkets are a students best friend
Do a quick google search to find the cheapest supermarket chain nearby, but try avoid the smaller convenience stores in tourist hot-spots that are typically pricier.
Stock up on foods that make good travel snacks to fuel you on your days of adventuring, and buy ingredients to make sandwiches or salads for lunch. This will always work out cheaper than a restaurant or cafeteria lunch, and probably more filling too!
If your accommodation doesn’t have refrigeration make sure to buy non-perishable foods such as bread and spreads, and 2-minute noodles if you have access to a kettle.
And as tempting as it is, avoid buying imported foods from home. I’m travelling through France at the moment and my beloved Tim Tams and Vegemite from my home in Australia are double their regular price (sad react).
3. Split each course
I know the feeling after a full day of travelling and all you want is a four course meal. But don’t make the mistake of ordering two appetizers, a main and desert and drinks and then not being able to finish, our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs.
If you’re travelling with some friends try to split meals, so you can try a range of the menu while also cutting costs. For example, the serving sizes in America are typically huge, so try to work out the restaurant's meal sizing before ordering.
4. Eat like a local
Shopping at local markets is a great way to find authentic, locally sourced, and affordable food on your travels. During my recent holiday throughout Europe I bought fresh fish, fruits and vegetables at local markets in Italy and made a delicious meal for under 5 euros.
And if you’re travelling through the likes of Thailand, you might even stumble across weird and wonderful traditional dishes at street stalls you would’ve never dared to try, but end up falling in love with! (see: 10 weird and wonderful dishes you must try in Thailand)
If you're wanting a quality restaurant dinner without the tourist price tag that’s normally attached, head to Trip Advisor and online forums alike to discover hidden gems where the locals eat, and search for the best happy hour specials. And for an even more authentic abroad experience, head to the website EatWith to find local hosts to dine with, as well as unique cooking classes and food tours around the world.
5. Breakfast of champions
Eating out for breakfast every day while travelling is going to be a quick drain on your budget. If your hotel or hostel offers a free or low cost continental breakfast, take advantage of the deal and eat until your stuffed. And if you can get away with it, try sneak out some fruit or pastries for the road.
If you’re not in a rush in the morning, why not turn your included breakfast into a brunch, to stay fuller for longer and cut a whole meal out of the equation!