You comb the web for bargain fares and affordable lodging when organizing a trip. So don’t abandon your budget once vacation begins — especially when it comes to meals.
It’s easy to blow your food budget when you’re out of town. You have to eat, and food often seems pricier on the road. With a bit of forethought and resourcefulness, however, you can trim your dining expenses while traveling.
11 Tips to Lower Your Food Expenses While on the Road
1. Pack Snacks
Bring along snacks from home to avoid buying overpriced airport grub or paying convenience-store rates during a drive. Trail mix, granola bars, crackers and apples travel well and stave off hunger.
2. Bring a Water Bottle
Nobody wants to spend $5 on a 16 oz. water bottle. Tourist hubs often leverage limited options, and airports won’t let containers with more than 3.4 ounces through security.
Carry an empty reusable bottle and top it up at a fountain, a fast-food restaurant or a tap. You might even find filtered water refill stations at some venues.
3. Go Grocery Shopping
If your lodging includes a kitchen, hit the grocery store and prepare meals instead of dining out for every meal. If you’re driving, bring nonperishable items from home or pack a cooler for perishables.
Even without a full kitchen, a mini fridge and microwave open up options. Cereal, oatmeal, muffins, fruit and yogurt make quick breakfasts. Sandwiches are an inexpensive lunch choice compared with deli prices. And don’t forget to stock up on travel-friendly snacks.
4. Choose Lunch Over Dinner
If you’re eager to try a well-known restaurant, opt for lunch when menus are usually cheaper. After enjoying that pricier midday meal, pick something more economical for dinner, like fast-casual fare or in-room sandwiches.
5. Find Discounts
Sites such as Groupon and LivingSocial list dining deals along with discounts for activities and shopping. Brochures or restaurant guides in hotel lobbies and visitor centers often contain coupons for local eateries. Discounted restaurant gift cards are available on platforms like Restaurant.com and Raise.com.
If your trip coincides with your birthday, make use of birthday deals and freebies.
6. Use Free Apps to Help You Save on Gas and Food
On road trips, dining and fuel can be major expenses.
A complimentary app called Upside helps you earn cash back when you eat out or fill up — potentially up to $290 annually for frequent users.
Upside’s map shows local gas stations where you can get cash back per gallon, with some offers reaching 25 cents per gallon.
Beyond fuel, Upside also lists cash-back deals at thousands of restaurants and grocery stores.
To start, download the free Upside app and register. Browse the map to find participating locations, claim an offer, pay normally with a linked physical card, and follow any extra steps in the app.
Upside tracks cashback automatically. You can withdraw funds to your bank or PayPal or redeem for gift cards from retailers like Starbucks and Amazon. Payouts typically arrive within two days.
Millions of users earn over $300 a year simply by purchasing everyday items. Download the Upside app — it’s free and works at more than 50,000 businesses.
7. Order Appetizers as a Meal
Appetizers tend to cost less than entrees but can be just as satisfying. Compare menu prices — you might pair a starter with a side or salad and still pay less than for a main course.
8. Order Water
When dining out, choose water instead of soda, cocktails or other costly beverages to lower the bill. Drinking water before and during your meal can reduce the temptation to order a pricey dessert, or might leave you with leftovers to enjoy later. Plus, traveling—especially outdoor activities—can dehydrate you, so mealtimes are a good chance to stay hydrated.
9. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials
Schedule meals during happy hour to save on food and drinks. Some spots offer early-evening deals; others cater to late-night crowds or have specials on particular days. Check each restaurant’s schedule for details.
10. Research Dining Options in Advance
While planning your trip, investigate restaurants, bars and cafes near your accommodations and attractions. Peek at menus to ensure prices fit your budget. Platforms like Yelp help you weed out overly expensive places and find the best options in unfamiliar cities.
11. Embrace Free Food and Drinks
Take advantage of complimentary hotel offerings like cookies, coffee and continental breakfast. Sample freebies on winery or brewery tours. If friends or family live near your destination, accept invitations for a home-cooked meal. Free food is a traveler’s best friend.
Lisa Carter is a former senior writer at Savinly.
