Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great food. Whether you’re backpacking, on a road trip, or simply exploring a new city, eating well without breaking the bank is totally possible. With a little planning and smart choices, you can enjoy affordable meals while on the go.
When traveling, I follow three guidelines:
Enjoy one meal at a local establishment
Purchase local foods for snacks and remaining meals
Experience traditional authentic food and beverage everyday
When I followed this for my trip to Scotland, I only spent $300 for a 9-day trip. Every day, the planned activities usually included something in nature like hiking and a cultural aspect like seeing a castle. Breakfast would either be in the room accommodations with food purchased at a local grocery store or at the Bed & Breakfast I was staying at. Lunch would usually be a packed picnic with purchased grocery food. Dinner with food and drink was at a local establishment. What I liked was seeing what it would be like to live there by grocery shopping and trying local cuisine.
Here’s a list of practical, budget-friendly food ideas for travelers:
1. Local Grocery Stores & Markets
Granola Bars, Protein Bars & Jerky: These are convenient, filling, and easy to carry in your bag. Opt for ones that are nutritious to keep you energized throughout the day.
Trail Mix: A blend of nuts, dried fruits, and seeds is a great snack that’s easy to carry, doesn't spoil, and provides a good mix of protein and energy.
Fresh Fruit & Vegetables: Apples, bananas, oranges, or any fruit that doesn’t bruise easily are great options to carry along. Carrot and celery sticks are also great options. They're nutritious and cost-effective.
Instant Noodles or Soup Cups: Affordable and easy to prepare with just hot water, instant noodles or cup soups can be found in most grocery stores.
Instant Oats: Instant oatmeal packets are easy to carry, quick to prepare, and can be a satisfying breakfast or snack. You can add nuts, fruit, or honey to make it more filling.
Breads & Bakery Items: Buying bread from the store and making your own sandwiches can save a lot of money. You can also include a small piece of cheese or hummus to make them tastier.
Be careful of purchasing foods that need refrigeration since it may be a rare occasion that you will actually have access to a refrigerator. You could consider purchasing a disposable cooler with ice once you get to your destination.
2. Cook Your Own Meals
Hostel Kitchens: Many hostels or guesthouses provide kitchen facilities where you can cook your own meals. Buying ingredients and preparing your food is often more affordable than eating out, especially for multiple meals.
Portable Cooking Gear: If you’re traveling with a car, van, or RV, a small camping stove, electric hot plate, or portable cooker can let you make simple meals anywhere. You can cook pasta, rice, or eggs with minimal ingredients.
Pre-Cooked Meals: Some grocery stores offer ready-made meals that you just need to heat up, if you have access to a microwave or cooktop, which are often cheaper than restaurant meals and can be a good solution when you're in a pinch.
3. Eating out
Street food: Street food is often inexpensive and offers a great way to try local flavors. Many cities have delicious street food options that won’t cost much but will fill you up, such as:
Tacos or wraps in Latin American countries.
Dumplings, bao, or noodles in parts of Asia.
Falafel or shawarma in Middle Eastern destinations.
Food trucks & local eateries: Avoid tourist traps and chain restaurants. Head to food trucks or local eateries for meals that are often cheaper and more authentic than tourist restaurants. Check out food blogs to find these hidden gems.
Lunch Specials & Happy Hours: Many restaurants offer enticing discounts during weekdays for lunch, providing a great chance to savor premium dishes at reduced prices. Happy hour, typically occurring in the late afternoon or early evening, often features not only discounted drinks but also small plates at lower rates.
Cooking Classes: Participating in cooking classes allows travelers not only to learn how to prepare traditional dishes, but also to understand the stories and customs behind them.
Food Tours: Many cities offer budget-friendly food tours that highlight local street vendors, markets, and eateries, ensuring that travelers get authentic tastes of the region while engaging with knowledgeable guides. Apps like GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor have many options.
4. Drink Smart
Refillable Water Bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle to save money on buying drinks. Many places provide free water refills, so you won’t have to spend on bottled water.
Avoid Expensive Coffee: While it’s tempting to stop at cafés, buying coffee daily can add up. Bring instant coffee or tea bags for a quick, budget-friendly fix. Or look for local coffee stands where you can get a cup for a fraction of the price.
Alcoholic Beverages: Limit yourself to one or two drinks, especially if you are traveling solo. Not only does this keep your budget on track but it is safer. The last thing you want is to be taken advantage of.
Pack Drink Mixes: If you like flavored water or want a coffee substitute, pack some drink mixes, like powdered tea, instant coffee, or electrolyte powders. Trader Joes has an instant coffee packet that has creamer and sugar and all you have to do is add hot water.
5. Cheap Meal Ideas by Destination
Asia: In many Asian countries, rice and noodle dishes are filling, and street food options like dumplings, skewers, and soups are often very affordable.
Europe: Bread, cheese, and cold cuts are cheap in many European countries. In places like Italy or France, you can make a simple and delicious picnic with local ingredients.
Latin America: Many countries offer delicious, inexpensive street foods like tacos, empanadas, arepas, or tamales. Beans and rice are staples and make for a filling meal.
Middle East: Falafel, hummus, and pita bread are cheap and filling options. Grilled meats or shawarma are also common, budget-friendly street foods.
6. Plan & Budget
Plan Your Meals: If you’re on a long trip, planning meals ahead of time can help save money. Budget for a mix of street food, grocery store meals, and occasional splurges on local restaurants.
Look for Deals: Many cities have apps or websites that list food deals or happy hours, especially for travelers. It’s worth checking out promotions or local markets for affordable food options. TooGoodToGo is an app that allows consumers to purchase food at a discounted price, helping businesses minimize waste while providing affordable meals to customers.
By prioritizing these various facets of food experiences, travelers can create lasting memories and deepen their understanding of both local cuisine and culture, all while remaining within their budget.
Bon appétit!