If you are planning a trip on a tight budget and don’t want to overspend, especially on food, there are several tips you can put into practice. In this article we have compiled the best tips for traveling the world in the most economical way possible, given by the most experienced travelers.
When you embark on a long trip and travel by plane, there are many restrictions that affect food, and rules that prevent you from carrying certain products, either in hand luggage or in checked baggage. Each country has its own rules regarding the amount of liquid that can be carried and certain products such as meat; so most of the time, bringing food from home is not an option.
However, once you have arrived at your destination you can follow the tips below to travel around the different countries on a low budget, without spending too much on food and, of course, without going hungry! Before embarking on any trip, it is advisable to check the average prices of what food costs in each city. For that there are several lists that can be found on the Internet, such as the World Foodies Cities Index, which could be very useful to calculate an estimated amount of how much you could spend on food in a given city.
Well, now that we have introduced you to the topic, let’s start with the tips to save food when traveling around the world!
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Look for accommodations that include buffet breakfast
If possible, based on your budget, it is advisable to stay somewhere that offers breakfast, even if it is a little more expensive than a place that doesn’t. This is because many times the difference in price between one lodging and another is less than what it is worth to buy breakfast in a café or bar. Besides, in most of the lodgings, the breakfasts are usually very hearty, and if you take them at the time of a brunch you could be satiated enough to avoid lunch; so you would be saving a meal.
Try to get accommodation with a minibar
If your lodging offers a small refrigerator, you should take full advantage of it. This little detail allows you to buy food at the supermarket and keep it in the room’s refrigerator. It is true that you can buy products that do not require refrigeration, but having this household appliance allows you to have a greater variety of food.
Ask where you can eat cheaply
Don’t be ashamed and ask the locals which places are recommended for tasty and relatively cheap food. Also ask for the stores and supermarkets with the best prices, no one will know how to guide you better than the people who live there.
Before you travel, do your research
Before planning your trip, it is ideal to do some research on what food costs, on average, in each city. You should know that there are cities that are very popular with tourists and that makes them expensive, but maybe there is a city nearby that is cheaper in terms of cost of living and you could stay there in order to save money. On the internet you can find all the necessary information to find out how much food costs in each city, such as Holidu’s World Foodie Cities Index.
Take advantage of bargains and street stalls
Many cities have small street stores that offer food combos at very low prices, such as a slice of pizza and a drink. You should also take advantage of any street stalls you come across. Don’t be afraid, many times these stalls offer delicious and good quality food! If you have any doubts, ask the locals.
Do not eat in central areas crowded with tourists
You should always avoid extremely busy and touristy areas, as this is where the prices are very high. It is not necessary to travel to the outskirts of the city to eat something, but stay as far away as possible from the most popular places in the city.
Never say no when offered a snack
If you find yourself traveling on a plane or train and you are offered a snack, you should always accept it, even if you are not hungry at the time. That snack may come in handy at a later time, so always accept these snacks and save them for later.
