Vacations with the family can be great fun but they can also be expensive. Food is often one of the most significant costs associated with traveling, but it doesn’t have to be.
Thomas Peter Maletta, author and travel enthusiast, shares twelve tips and tricks for finding affordable meals while traveling with your family.
So read on to leard more about finding affordable travel meals!
Research Ahead of Time
Before you leave for your trip, research what restaurants offer discounts or valid deals during your stay. Online coupons are a great way to save money on food while traveling.
Another benefit of researching ahead of time is that you can make restaurant reservations to ensure your family has a good meal and an enjoyable experience.
Researching will also save you time in the long run!
Utilize Street Vendors
Street vendors are everywhere, usually offering delicious food at affordable prices!
Just ask about the ingredients before buying anything off the street, as some vendors might need to use the freshest ingredients available!
Another option is to try the local street food that you can find in most cities. Street food is usually cheap and delicious and a great way to experience the local cuisine.
Stick to Local Restaurants
When you stick to local restaurants, you do not only get a taste of the local cuisine, but you can also take advantage of their loyalty programs or other discounts that may not be available at touristy spots.
Make Use of Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are a great way to stock up on snacks and meals that don’t require cooking or heating up in a hotel room microwave. It’s also much cheaper than eating out at restaurants every day!
For example, some hotels have kitchenettes that you can use to make quick meals like sandwiches and salads.
Buy Fresh Produce from Markets
If you’re looking for fresh produce or seafood, visit a local market to find items at lower prices than grocery stores or supermarkets. You may even get lucky and find some produce just picked from the farm!
Additionally, if you’re staying in a rental home or apartment, stocking up on some fresh produce from the market might be worth saving money and enjoying a healthy meal.
Plan Picnics
Pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches made with deli meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, then head out to explore! Eating al fresco is always more fun—plus, it’s cheaper than going out to eat every day!
Try Local Specialties
Don’t be afraid to try something new while traveling! Local specialties like tacos in Mexico or curry in India can be found at street stands, and they’re often much cheaper than traditional restaurant fare! Plus, it lets you experience something unique and authentic during your travels!
Eat During Off-Peak Hours
Most restaurants offer discounts during off-peak hours when there aren’t as many customers coming in for dinner or lunch service, so take advantage of this by eating early or late when possible!
Take Advantage of Room Service Deals
Room service deals are usually available throughout most hotels, so check if your hotel offers any kind of deal when ordering food through room service, as it could save you money compared to going out for dinner every night!
Another option is to ask the hotel staff about any discounts or deals they may offer when ordering food from their restaurant.
Look Out For Free Events
Whenever possible, look out for free events hosted by your hotel, such as breakfast buffets or happy hours where complimentary drinks may be served! This is a great way to save money on food while enjoying all the amenities your hotel offers, like swimming pools, spas, and fitness centers!
Ask For Recommendations
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask locals or your hotel staff for recommendations on where to eat. They can often provide great insight into local restaurants that offer reasonable prices and delicious food!
Try A Hotel Package
Finally, hotel packages that include meals can be great deals when traveling with the whole family. They may cost more initially, but they often provide a discounted rate and are an all-inclusive deal that’s hard to beat!
Conclusion:
Taking a vacation with your family doesn’t have to break the bank if you know how to find affordable meals while traveling together.
Thomas Peter Maletta has provided us with twelve tips and tricks that will help make sure that you don’t go over budget on food while still having an enjoyable vacation experience with your loved ones!
With these tips and tricks in mind, next time you’re planning a trip away with family, make sure to research ahead of time so that finding tasty yet inexpensive meals won’t stand between you and making memories together this summer season!