Vacations are wonderful times to break out of the daily rut and head off to see and experience new things. Without proper planning though, costs can quickly mount while you are away from home. Never fear though. With a little advanced preparation and armed with budget-savvy knowledge, you can keep spending in check. To help you out on the eating front, here are 9 Ways to Save Money on Food on Vacation.
Pack Snacks and Sack Lunches for the Road-Before heading out, stock up on eats for the road. That way you avoid the marked up prices at convenience stores and avoid drive-thru or sit down meals while in route.
Take Along Refillable Water Bottles-Simply refill along with the way and carry along the portable drink mixes if you want to add some flavor.
Explore Kids Eat Free Options-The Krazy Coupon Lady offers a really nice Comprehensive Guide to Kids Eat Free Restaurants.
Groupon Deals-If you know your vacation destination at least a few months in advance, you can keep an eye out for Groupon restaurant and other food deals for the area to which you are traveling.
Pick Up Coupon Books at Visitor’s Centers and Rest Stops-Many of these spots stock these booklets full of savings. Especially, at the Visitor’s Center at your destination, you will likely find promotional material with deals included.
Snag Local Entertainment and Event Magazines or Pamphlets-If you are vacationing in an area that is at least moderately populated, you may find publications that focus on local happenings and offer savings opportunities.
Speaking of locals, Go Where the Locals Go-Ask folks who live in the area(s) where you are vacationing, where they like to eat. Often, you will find it is not the touristy spots, but other locations that tend to fly below the radar. On average, these spots tend to be less pricey that the tourist haunts.
Take Advantage of Microwaves or Refrigerators-Many hotel rooms these days provide at least a mini fridge for guest use. Some facilities have common areas with microwaves and toasters that you can access throughout the day. Take advantage of what equipment is available to prepare some meals.
Of course, eat any meals that are included with your lodging costs. Do steer clear though of any mini bars and vending machines in the hotel.
When Getting Take Out, Do So With Meals That Can Be Shared– Pizza and pasta are always economical bets for take out portions that will feed a group. When taking away, you are also able to furnish your own drinks and do not have to pay as much in the way of tips.
For more travel savings intel:
12 Sites with Great Budget Travel Tips
Travel with Pets-Finding Pet Friendly Hotel Deals
Thank you for the tips! We’re actually going on an 8-hour trip next week with a toddler, so we need all the help we can get on saving money on food.
These are perfect tips for summer vacation! I would love for you to share this awesomeness in the next Fun Summer Finds Linkup! Opens for the 2nd week on Thursday…http://bit.ly/1GkGMqz
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
These are great tips!!! Thanks for sharing them with us on the #hobnobsocial. 🙂
Some really great tips – we try to take a picnic with us to avoid expensive meals out! Thank you for sharing on the #FrugalFamilyLinky last week. We loved it so much that you are featured on this week’s linky via Witty Hoots! Do pop back and grab your I’ve Been Featured blog badge and hope to see you joining in again soon!
Thanks so much for the feature of 9 Ways to Save Money on Vacation. Very flattered and so appreciative.
When traveling to larger cities (like Boston) find out where the local food trucks are located. Great food at much more reasonable prices than a sit down restaurant.
Such a fantastic suggestion. Thanks so much for sharing.
One of our favorite places to get a family meal is El Pollo Loco – we also like to pack sandwiches in a cooler for a road trip. AND stopping at a local grocer to get a big bowl of fresh cut melon is a great way to stay eating healthy on vacation.
Love the idea of getting fresh melon from the grocery.