by Das Govind

Created on: November 20, 2010   Last Updated: October 23, 2011

How to eat cheap as you travel ?

There are  lots of expenses when travelling. The traveller wants to experience as much as possible, but sometimes this breaks the budget. Food is one area where it is easy to overspend. Travellers want to get the feel of the local customs and traditions when on a vacation, and sampling the local cuisine is one way of  doing this. Many travellers eat out in expensive restaurants while on a trip, but unfortunately their '' expensive tastes'' eventually leave them cash strapped.

Many travellers who visit a destination for the first time do not have a working knowledge of the local market for dining out. They depend on the advice of tourist information centres which normally  want revenue to come into the area. Prices are picked up considerably for travellers, and tourist information centres generally send travellers to the most expensive restaurants on their data base. It is a wise idea for the traveller to look up affordable take aways and cheaper restaurants in the area when travelling. Market prices in the area should be studied carefully . Looking up and comparing prices can be done on line.

Ask other experienced travellers about cheaper food options. travellers who have visited an area several times will be able to pinpoint exactly which places can offer a cheap and affordable meal. It is also advisable to eat away from the ''main sqaure'' or main street in any well known city as restaurant prices are higher. Cheaper meals can be bought by walking a little further away from the attractions. ''main sqaures'' are often found in Europe in places like Rome, Venice, Florence and Paris. Take outs in most countries are a few dollars cheaper than eating in a restaurant. It is always advisable to find a nice place to sit, relax and enjoy the meal.

Travellers should try and book accommodations which have cooking areas with facilities as it is quite an effort to carry any cooking equipment. Food can then be bought from affordable grocery stores, cooked and eaten after a day out. Travellers can also make snacks and sandwiches while touring during the daytime.  It is important to eat healthy while travelling. Fresh fruit and vegetable can be bought a reasonable prices from grocery stores in the area. Travellers should never overbuy food and other perishable items as these tend to reach it's sell by date or get left behind when the traveller leaves for the next destination.

Travellers should watch their food budget , but at the same time it does not hurt to have a nice, candle lit dinner with a good bottle of wine in the main square of any well known city ; amongst good friends once a while!

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