How to Save Money on Food While Traveling: 20 Proven Tips

What's in This Article

• Quick Tips for Food Savings on the Go
• Planning Ahead: Pre-Trip Food Strategies
• Smart Grocery Shopping While Traveling
• Restaurant Hacks for Budget Travelers
• Street Food and Local Markets
• Self-Catering Options
• Food Storage and Safety Tips
• FAQs About Saving Money on Food While Traveling

Quick Answer

Save money on food while traveling by packing snacks from home, shopping at local grocery stores, choosing accommodations with kitchen access, eating where locals eat, taking advantage of free hotel breakfasts, bringing reusable water bottles, and using food apps for deals. These strategies can reduce your food budget by up to 50% without sacrificing quality or experience.

Introduction

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures, but food expenses can quickly eat into your vacation budget. At Bargain Boxed, we understand the importance of stretching your travel dollars without compromising on experiences or nutrition. As seasoned travelers and budget experts, we've compiled our top 20 proven strategies to help you save money on food while exploring new destinations.

Food typically accounts for 25-35% of most travel budgets, making it one of the largest expenses after accommodation and transportation. By implementing these smart food-saving tips, you can significantly reduce your spending while still enjoying delicious meals during your adventures.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended international journey, these money-saving food strategies will help you experience local cuisines without breaking the bank. Let's dive into our comprehensive guide to eating well for less while on the road.

Planning Ahead: Pre-Trip Food Strategies

1. Pack Non-Perishable Snacks

One of the easiest ways to save money on food while traveling is to bring non-perishable snacks from home. At Bargain Boxed, we offer an extensive selection of affordable snacks perfect for travel. Items like granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and trail mix are excellent options that can tide you over between meals and prevent expensive impulse purchases when hunger strikes.

Pro tip: Shelf-stable items can last far beyond their best-by dates when stored properly. Many of our customers save additional money by purchasing these items in bulk before their trips.

2. Research Food Costs at Your Destination

Before departing, spend time researching typical food costs at your destination. Understanding the average price of meals can help you set a realistic food budget and identify areas where you might splurge or save. Look for information about:

• Average restaurant meal prices
• Grocery store locations and price levels
• Popular street food options and costs
• Local food markets and their operating hours
• Seasonal specialties that offer good value

This research allows you to plan your food strategy effectively and avoid budget surprises.

3. Choose Accommodations with Kitchen Access

When booking accommodations, prioritize options with kitchen facilities. Having access to a refrigerator, microwave, or full kitchen can dramatically reduce your food expenses. Even a simple kitchenette allows you to prepare breakfast and occasional dinners, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars over the course of your trip.

Accommodation types that typically offer kitchen access include:

• Vacation rentals
• Extended-stay hotels
• Hostels with shared kitchens
• Bed and breakfasts with guest kitchen privileges
• Homestays or room rentals

The initial investment in slightly higher accommodation costs often pays for itself through food savings.

Smart Grocery Shopping While Traveling

4. Shop Where Locals Shop

Skip tourist-area markets and seek out grocery stores where locals shop. Not only will prices be significantly lower, but you'll also get a more authentic cultural experience. Ask hotel staff, hosts, or friendly locals for recommendations on affordable markets and neighborhood stores.

We at Bargain Boxed use this strategy ourselves when traveling—the savings can be substantial, often 30-50% less than tourist-oriented shops.

5. Visit Farmers Markets

Farmers markets offer fresh, local produce at competitive prices while providing a wonderful cultural experience. Many travelers overlook these markets, but they're perfect for picking up fresh fruits, vegetables, local cheeses, baked goods, and other regional specialties.

Markets are typically busiest early in the morning for the freshest selection, but prices often drop toward closing time as vendors prefer to sell remaining items rather than pack them up.

6. Buy in Small Quantities

While buying in bulk might save money at home, it's rarely practical when traveling. Purchase only what you'll consume during your stay to avoid waste. This approach might mean more frequent grocery trips but will prevent throwing away unused food when it's time to depart.

7. Look for Discount Grocers

Many destinations have discount grocery chains that offer significant savings. These stores typically stock shelf-stable items at much lower prices than conventional supermarkets. The selection might be more limited or include items closer to their best-by dates, but these products are perfectly safe when stored properly and can offer tremendous value.

Restaurant Hacks for Budget Travelers

8. Eat Your Main Meal at Lunch

Many restaurants offer the same dishes at lunch and dinner, but lunch prices can be 20-40% lower. Take advantage of lunch specials, prix fixe menus, and business lunch offers to enjoy high-quality restaurant meals at a fraction of evening prices.

After enjoying a substantial lunch, opt for a lighter, less expensive dinner or prepare something simple at your accommodation.

9. Seek Out Restaurant Deals and Happy Hours

Research restaurants offering early bird specials, happy hour deals, or promotional nights. Many establishments have specific days with discounted menus or 2-for-1 specials. Food apps and local entertainment guides can help you identify these opportunities.

10. Split Entrees and Share Plates

American restaurant portions are notoriously large, and many international restaurants also serve generous helpings. Consider splitting entrees or ordering several appetizers instead of individual main courses. This approach not only saves money but also allows you to sample more dishes.

11. Skip the Drinks and Desserts

Beverages and desserts carry the highest markup in restaurants, often 300-400% above cost. Enjoying water with your meal and saving dessert for another location can significantly reduce your bill. If you do want an alcoholic beverage, research BYOB (bring your own bottle) restaurants where permitted.

Street Food and Local Markets

12. Embrace Street Food

Street food offers some of the most authentic and affordable dining experiences while traveling. Food stalls, carts, and markets typically serve delicious local specialties at a fraction of restaurant prices.

When selecting street food vendors, look for:

• Stalls with long lines of locals
• Clean preparation areas
• Fresh ingredients
• High turnover of food

These indicators suggest both safety and quality.

13. Food Halls and Food Courts

Modern food halls and traditional food courts offer variety and value in a comfortable setting. These venues allow everyone in your group to choose different cuisines while sharing a table, perfect for travelers with diverse preferences.

Self-Catering Options

14. Prepare Simple Breakfasts

Breakfast is often the easiest meal to prepare while traveling. Simple options like instant oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, or bread with spreads require minimal preparation but can save $10-15 per person daily compared to dining out.

At Bargain Boxed, we offer many travel-friendly breakfast items that need minimal preparation—just hot water or a microwave.

15. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated while traveling is essential, but purchasing bottled water quickly adds up. A reusable water bottle can save you $5-10 daily. In locations where tap water isn't potable, consider a bottle with a built-in filter or purchase larger jugs of water to refill your bottle.

16. Take Advantage of Hotel Breakfasts

If your accommodation offers complimentary breakfast, make it count! A hearty hotel breakfast can fuel your morning activities and potentially replace the need for lunch, especially if you supplement with snacks packed from Bargain Boxed.

Some travelers even prepare a small sandwich from the breakfast buffet to enjoy later—just be discreet and respectful of hotel policies.

Food Storage and Safety Tips

17. Invest in Portable Food Storage

Small collapsible containers, reusable silicone bags, and compact food storage solutions allow you to store leftovers or carry snacks during your daily excursions. These items take up minimal luggage space but can help maximize your food budget.

18. Understand Food Safety While Traveling

Food safety practices vary worldwide. While exploring new cuisines, follow these basic guidelines:

• In areas with questionable water quality, avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can't peel
• Ensure hot foods are served steaming hot
• Be cautious with street food during very hot weather
• Use hand sanitizer before eating finger foods

Many travelers are overly cautious about shelf-stable foods past their best-by dates. These dates are typically quality indicators rather than safety deadlines. Properly stored shelf-stable items from Bargain Boxed remain safe and tasty well beyond their best-by dates.

19. Use Food Delivery and Discount Apps

Food delivery apps often offer substantial first-time user discounts. While delivery fees can offset savings, strategic use of these promotions can result in affordable meals delivered to your accommodation—perfect after a long day of sightseeing when you don't want to venture out again.

20. Participate in Cooking Classes with Included Meals

Cooking classes might seem like a splurge, but many include market tours and a substantial meal as part of the experience. These classes provide cultural immersion, education, and a satisfying meal—often at a price comparable to a moderately priced restaurant dinner.

FAQs About Saving Money on Food While Traveling

How much can I realistically save using these strategies?

By implementing several of these tips, most travelers can reduce their food expenses by 30-50% without feeling deprived. A family of four traveling for a week might save $300-500 on food costs while still enjoying local cuisine.

Is it safe to eat street food when traveling?

Street food can be perfectly safe when you choose vendors wisely. Look for busy stalls with high turnover, clean preparation areas, and lots of local customers. In many countries, street food represents some of the most authentic and delicious culinary experiences available.

How can I find grocery stores in unfamiliar destinations?

Most mapping apps can locate nearby grocery stores. Additionally, ask accommodation hosts, front desk staff, or locals for recommendations. Words like supermarket, grocery, or market will help you search in English-speaking areas. In non-English locations, learn these terms in the local language before your trip.

What are the best non-perishable snacks to pack for travel?

Nutrient-dense options like nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, and crackers offer the best value and travel well. Bargain Boxed offers excellent prices on these travel essentials, allowing you to stock up before your journey without breaking your budget.

How do I balance saving money with experiencing local cuisine?

Balance budget meals with occasional splurges on must-try local specialties. Research which dishes or restaurants are truly worth experiencing, then economize on other meals. Consider having your special meals at lunch when prices are lower, or look for authentic local establishments rather than tourist restaurants.

Conclusion

Saving money on food while traveling doesn't mean missing out on culinary experiences. With thoughtful planning and these 20 proven strategies, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping your travel budget intact. At Bargain Boxed, we're passionate about helping travelers maximize their adventures through smart shopping and preparation.

Remember that food is an essential part of experiencing new cultures. By being strategic about where and when you splurge versus save, you can enjoy memorable meals without financial strain. Stock up on travel-friendly food items from Bargain Boxed before your next adventure, and put these money-saving tips into practice for your most budget-friendly and delicious journey yet!