Budget Travel: Tips for Saving on Meals

Superoo Jaybra made a very interesting observation. Even if you stick to $40/day per adult and $25/day per child for meals, you're still spending about $520 in just 4 days for a family of 4.  Now here's a great opportunity to save and channel all those savings towards fun experiences that you won't forget.  Be selective about when and where you choose to splurge on a meal.

Photo by: Flickr/Joris-Jan

Book accomodations that have kitchen facilities and making the most of it.

 
Let’s face it, most of our kids would rather be eating old favorites rather than trying out new dishes at strange restaurants while on vacation.  While mom and dad might differ, making the most of those kitchen facilities in your home, suite or condo rental can save you a bundle.  If you're smart about it, you can be cooking on vacation without feeling exhausted by it.

Eating in for breakfast is a no brainer. Load up on protein that will keep you filled up for most of the day.  Pack snacks, bring along water bottles.  When you do eat out consider eating out for lunch instead of dinner.  Everyone will be in a better mood and lunch menus are usually less expensive. 

For dinner, order some prepared meals from GreenGrocer.com, or drop in at a Trader Joes or Whole Foods at the beginning of your stay.  Have a list of good pizza delivery places and have them deliver a pizza even to a hotel room. After a long day of fun, eating in will make for a much more pleasant end to the day.

Snag some restaurant and attraction deals for cities by following Group deal sites for cities you are visiting.

You may already be following Groupon, Living Social, or Mamapedia for the city you’re living in, but you can start accumulating some awesome coupon deals for the cities you’re planning to visit.

“I've subscribed to Groupon in towns that I like to travel to so that I can get good deals while I'm there. I got 1/2 off of a zip-lining tour and kayak tour that way.

- mommasmosiac

More on Budget Travel: Family Vacation on a Shoestring

• Budget Travel: Tips for Saving on Lodging
• Budget Travel: Tips for Saving on Attractions and Activiites

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LiLing Pang (TravelPangs) is co-founder and contributing author on Trekaroo - - a reviews website dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

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