Healthy Travel Dining on a Budget

The words “healthy food” and “budgets” typically don’t go together. The foods that our wallets love (i.e. McDonalds, Taco Bell) are the exact foods our bodies dislike. When traveling, this issue only becomes more difficult to manage. Sometimes you just have to eat deep-fried foods to get a true taste for the cultural experience you’re immersing yourself into. But even if you treat yourself here and there, you don’t have to break your healthy food habits or spend $300 a day in order to eat right during vacation.  

Here are some healthy travel tips that will keep you on the path to healthy eating, without having to spend an arm and a leg. 

1. Research the area you’re traveling to, and look into local restaurants beforehand. If available, take a peek at their menu and try to find out information about their price points. It’s also a good idea to try to find out some of the best local foods you want to taste while you’re there. It’s important to try different things when you’re traveling, and food should definitely be included!
2. Book a hotel that includes a complimentary breakfast. You’ll already have one meal taken care of for each day you’re away (just don’t get back for that second helping of bacon). Or you can always…  
3. Stay in a hotel room with a kitchen, if you plan on vacationing for an extended period of time. One of the best ways to eat healthy and economically is to monitor exactly what’s going in your meal. Stop at a nearby grocery store, pick up some ingredients, and make a meal just as you would at home.
4. Pack healthy snacks to avoid overpaying for those quick-fix treats. Bring a blend of salty and sweet, such as mixed nuts and dried fruit. You can also bring sandwiches and other perishable items if you pack a cooler.
5. Avoid eating in local tourist hot spots, such as museums. You’ll definitely be paying much more than if you went to a restaurant nearby. Feel free to ask the locals about some of their favorite places to eat as well.
6. When you do choose a restaurant that features some healthy options, try to look for dinner specials, or even happy hours! While the latter might not feature the kind of health-boosting food and beverages you’re looking for, we understand that it is vacation. So treat your wallet right, and be sure to stick to your healthy diet on other days. If you’re feeling really guilty, you can always try some of these workouts when you’re away.