How To Eat Cheaply When Traveling Solo 

Traveling solo can be exciting. You get to choose where to visit and what activities to participate in. Moreover, you make your plans without interference and don’t have to worry about delaying to suit the needs of others. It’s also great to meet new people, form friendships, and create memorable experiences. However, solo travel also means that you are responsible for every expense you incur on your trip. Therefore, seeking ways to cut your bills becomes essential. Since food is an important expense, you’ll find it helpful to eat cheaply to save money. Here’s how to do this. 

 

  • Begin your trip with a full stomach 

You may decide to start your trip on an empty stomach to prevent digestive troubles. While this seems feasible, it may not be budget-friendly. You may end up hungry even before embarking on your flight and have no choice but to buy some airport food. You may stop at a restaurant to fill your tummy if you’re road-tripping. But, these options may cost much, defeating the purpose of eating cheaply. Therefore, you’ll find it helpful to eat something before embarking on your journey. The trick is to consume meals that won’t cause stomach upset. 

Experts advise eating foods like hummus, peanut butter, quinoa, tuna, chia seeds, and brown rice to feel fuller for longer. Sandwiches are also great options, so feel free to consider these. Admittedly, some meals may not be allowed if you travel by air. However, road trips are more flexible, and you can bring some snacks along. You can pack some sandwiches, fruit, smoothies, and other meals, so you don’t have to stop at a restaurant. 

 

  • Consider accommodation with a kitchen 

Regular accommodation is feasible if you’re traveling for a short period (like the weekend). However, you may want to consider options with a kitchen if you’d be on your trip for more than two weeks, as eating out may be more expensive. Fortunately, many hotels and guesthouses have kitchenettes to cook your meals. Another benefit is that you can save your leftovers for another day. Fortunately, several recipes are affordable yet tasty, and you can consider them. For instance, you can prepare this Hawaiian roll sliders recipe as a snack or pair it with a bowl of Kale crunch salad or mashed potatoes. Consequently, try roast chicken for one, shrimp tacos with cilantro-lime slaw, one-pot pasta, and so on. 

 

  • Eat like a local 

Admittedly, touristy restaurants may seem chic but can be hard on your pocket. But why waste money when you can enjoy great meals for less at local spots? Moreover, these eating areas utilize fresh produce without chemical additives, so you can get great value for your money. And trying new meals can improve your travel experiences, so keep this in mind. Additionally, eating local is a great way to support the community and show your appreciation for their culture. It’s essential to research local eating areas in your destination country or city. Travel blogs, review sites, and UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list can provide ample information to help you decide on the most suitable places. Restaurants that specialize in making one or two local dishes can also offer delicious meals for less, so feel free to consider them. Another way to get cheap meals is to patronize street foods, although you must take precautions to avoid eating contaminated foods and getting sick. For starters, watch out for stands with long lines; their food is great. Also, play it safe by eating hot and fresh foods, and eat fruit you can peel. As a tip, avoid raw veggies, as they have higher contamination risks. 

 

  • Take advantage of food festivals and events 

If there’s an upcoming food festival in your destination city or country, you want to attend at all costs. This is because you can get a large variety of local meals at a reasonable price while enjoying the festive ambiance. Also, food events allow attendees to buy meals cheaper after paying an entrance fee. Fortunately, food events and festivals usually post their event maps and menus online, so keep this in mind. You also want to feel comfortable, making it essential to wear the appropriate clothes. By all means, keep your heels at home and opt for comfortable sandals or sneakers instead. Vendors usually have food samples, and you try as many samples as possible. Bring cash along so you aren’t stranded if vendors don’t accept credit cards. However, ensure that you keep your purse safe since you’d mingle with many people.