Cheap Food Ideas for Budget Travelers
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank – with a few helpful tips, you can enjoy your time and explore new destinations without sacrificing too much in terms of your culinary indulgences! Here are some budget-friendly food options for travelers who are looking to keep costs down without compromising on flavor and variety.
Taking Advantage of Street Food
Sample the local fare by looking out for street food stalls. Street food is often cheaper than more formal restaurants, and it often has more flavor too since many vendors use locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes. This is also a great way to dive right into the culture and cuisine of your destination. Be sure to ask locals and read reviews before indulging to make sure you don’t risk getting sick.
Preparing Homemade Meals
Many travelers opt to stay in Airbnb or hostels which usually have a kitchen space equipped with basic cookware and appliances. If you’re visiting a city or area with a nearby grocer, you can easily shop for your own ingredients, seasonings, and spices to put together tasty homemade meals for a fraction of their price at diners or restaurants. Again, take guidance from locals – if there’s a grocery store or market that sells produce and ingredients that residents shop at, chances are you can find something just as tasty for cheaper!
Narrowing In on Ethnic Cuisine
From Indian to Iraqi, certain types of cuisine are more affordable than others. There are tons of amazing dishes that you can get for a fraction of a price at a sit-down restaurant. Some dishes even make the perfect travel snacks – think shawarma wraps or samosas.
Breaking up Meals
This is especially helpful if you’re headed toward an area with a high cost of living. By splitting bigger meals into two, you’ll be able to make more meals out of less. Don’t order too much in one go – instead, get two lunch potions rather than one large plate, or opt for half orders or shared plates so that you spread out the cost for more meals.
Search for Discount Deals
Coupons are like hidden gems – search for discounted deals and vouchers on restaurant websites, or apps like Groupon or LivingSocial that have special offers for both sit in and takeaway orders. Many chain restaurants have loyalty programs and offer discounts to loyal customers, so make sure you sign up for the ones you’ll be visiting during your travels.
Bring Your Own
If all else fails, you can resort to packing your own meals. Top items in your travel kitchen kit should include:
- Instant coffee/tea packets
- Fruit snacks
Bread/baguettes - Trail mix
- Ramen noodles and soup
- Chocolate bars
These travel-friendly and affordable items are a great way to make sure you’re getting the essential nutrients you need without overspending.
As you can see, budget food doesn’t have to be boring. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious meals without your wallet suffering too much! Whether you’re a fan of street food or prefer to pack your own snacks, there are plenty of cheap food ideas to take advantage when you’re traveling on a budget.
Happy travels!