by Fiona Thompson

Created on: October 02, 2010

Meals can add considerable expense to the cost of a holiday so, if you are tied to a strict budget, or simply wish to reduce your expenses in order to spend on other areas, it’s a good idea to give some thought how you can eat more cheaply while on vacation.

Even if you’ve never considered all inclusive vacations in the past, now is a good time to do so as desperate tour operators and hard up hoteliers are offering some great deals. When making your booking look at half or full board options as well as fully inclusive packages which also include drinks both alcoholic and otherwise. There are disadvantages to going all inclusive however: you may find yourselves faced with the same choices night after night and you may be disappointed not to sample much of the local cuisine as many hotels like to provide what they think holiday makers want – food they already like and know well.

If you are traveling independently there are a number of useful tips to bear in mind if you are looking to cut costs. Many hotels now do not offer breakfast as standard but give you the option to pay for it separately; very often this is at a high price in comparison with what you might be able to get outside your hotel. If you prefer to eat light at breakfast time, you may find that an expensive hotel breakfast with all the options that presents is not for you and you’d do just as well to grab a coffee and some fruit on the go. If your room has a fridge, consider buying some easy to eat and prepare breakfast foods at a supermarket if there’s one near your hotel.

In the UK the Wetherspoons chain of pubs offer breakfast from around 8.00 until mid morning; choose from a variety of hot English breakfasts, porridge or fruit salads. These breakfasts are great value and portions should satisfy the hungry of holiday makers.

Generally though, those on a budget could do well to avoid the big chains and try to eat at independent outlets. Instead of Starbucks or Costa, look for small independent chains where prices are lower; this is particularly true in continental Europe. In the UK one exception are supermarkets restaurants which, while perhaps not that inspiring, are certainly cheap. In Germany and Austria, the Nordsee chain of cafes that specialise in fish and seafood, offer some good prices on sit in meals (although they are not so cheap for things such as takeaway sandwiches). In France the motorway chain Relais Routiers offer excellent home-style cooking using

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>