Traveling in search of good food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Unfortunately, food vacations can get expensive in a hurry. Restaurant prices are climbing higher than ever and becoming inaccessible to a larger segment of foodies. Despite that, you don’t have to spend your life savings to have an enjoyable food vacation.
Making your upcoming food vacation more sensible from a cost perspective is still doable. Check out the tips in this article while planning your trip so you can dine on good food and stay within your budget.
Get Recommendations From the Locals
Veteran foodies such as Claudette Spinelli know that the key to reducing vacation food expenses is finding the right places to eat. Even if you intend to visit one of the top restaurants in your chosen destination, you probably aren’t planning to have every meal there. That’s why you should take the time to obtain recommendations from the locals.
Talk to the hotel staff or drivers and ask them about the places they recommend. Mention that you are trying to save money so they can provide recommendations that make more sense for your reserved budget. You can enjoy good food while keeping your costs under control by following their recommendations.
Choose Hotels That Offer Free Meals
When choosing hotels, tourists typically consider location, rates, and the availability of basic amenities. While those considerations are certainly important, you should also check if the hotel you’re eyeing offers complimentary breakfast.
You’ll be amazed by how much money you can save by having that one free meal per day. That breakfast meal is even more beneficial because it can likely keep you full longer.
If you don’t like the selection of hotels with free meals in your destination, NerdWallet recommends using hotel credit cards to widen your selection. Many hotel credit cards reward owners with free breakfast, so consider investing in one if you are planning to travel often.
Shop at Local Groceries
Eating at fast food restaurants may seem like a waste if you’re on a food vacation. You may not even save that much money by dining at those establishments. The better option involves shopping for food at a local grocery.
Purchase local treats from a nearby grocery and take them to a park so you can enjoy a relaxing meal. You’ll get a good taste of local flavors without busting your budget by dining that way.
Book Lunch Reservations at Restaurants
Dining at one of the top restaurants in your vacation destination shouldn’t be off the table simply because you have a budget. You can still make that meal more affordable by booking a lunch reservation instead of waiting until nighttime.
Per this article from US News, travelers may be able to reduce their spending by 50 percent if they dine out during lunch instead of dinner. Tourists can also avoid larger crowds and receive more attention from servers if they decide to dine out earlier in the day.
A memorable food vacation doesn’t have to be a fortune. You can make your next food trip more affordable by abiding by the tips highlighted in this article!
