Eat Cheap While Traveling

Get out of the touristy area

Get out of the touristy area of town and walk a few blocks away to the side streets where the locals live.

Now that you're here, you'll find the restaurants the locals go to.  If you walk into a restaurant and there's not a tourist in site, you'll know you're in the right spot.

Eat local food

After a long day of exploring it's easy to just go for your comfort foods but you're traveling and you're on an adventure, so stay away from the burgers and steaks.

Go for the local cuisine instead.  It's cheaper, it's fresher and it's part of the experience of traveling.

Lunch specials

Try to make your big meal of the day lunch instead of dinner.  Alot of restaurants, especially in Europe, offer lunch specials in the afternoon.

By having a nice meal earlier you'll pay only a fraction of the cost you would have to pay for the same meal at dinner time.
Ask a backpacker
Trip planning made easy
The Euro Trip Kit is a great way to start planning your trip.
Inside you'll find a travel journal, adventure passport, language cards and a bunch of other great things to get you excited for your euro trip.
Inside The Kit

Keep away from snacks

When you're traveling, it's way too easy to be enticed by snacks.  They're everywhere you look and they're so cheap.

Gelato, pasty, a slice of pizza, ice cream - it adds up and it adds up quickly.  A few snacks a day could easily add up to a $100 a month or more.

Fast food

Just like back home, fast food is a cheap option to get some calories in you.  Sometimes you just want a quick bite and sometimes you're just craving a greasy burger.

Remember though, you're not at home and you're on an adventure, so try to limit your visits to McDonalds and the rest of the fast food giants.

Throw a little adventure into the mix by trying a fast food restaurant you've never seen before or by getting something unique on the McDonalds menu that's only available in that country.

Eating in

One of the biggest ways you can eat cheap while traveling is by staying at a hostel that includes a free breakfast with the price of the room.  The meal can be anything from just toast and jam to an omelette made to order and everything in between.

As for your other meals, you can easily find everything you need to make a nice picnic lunch at the local market down the street.  Prepare some sandwiches or, better yet, buy some cheap local delicacies and try them.

As for dinner, why not take full advantage of the hostel kitchen?  Check for a shelf that has free non-perishable food items left behind by other guests and make a meal around it.  Even better, why not make a meal together with other guests?  Pool your resources together and buy in bulk - not only is it cheaper but preparing and eating a meal together is a great way to make new friends.

Related Post
Ask a backpacker
Ask a backpacker
Questions about backpacking?  Our Facebook group is filled with backpackers just like you.
Ask questions, get advice, share some stories, and maybe even meet a travel buddy.  Come hang out with us.

Where To Next?

London
Budapest
Lisbon
Paris

More Budget Travel

How To Backpack Europe For Only $30 A Day
How To Travel On A Budget
Secret Tricks To Finding Cheap Flights
Avoid Foreign Currency Fees
Be Inspired
Travel Inspiration
Follow us on Facebook.  Our page is filled with travel tips and inspiration.
Get inspired for your next trip with backpack photos, videos, stories and memes.