Food Guide for Travelling on a Budget

One of the most exciting parts of traveling to new places is getting to try a world of different cuisine. Every destination has its own specialties and dishes that you won't find prepared quite the same way anywhere else, but eating while you're on vacation can get expensive. If you want to travel on a budget and still enjoy delicious food, you'll need to carefully plan your trip. Here's how to eat well without breaking the bank during your travels.

Look for the bargains

Just as you would at home, look for discounts and coupons at restaurants and cafes in the city you'll be visiting. Restaurants in some destinations, such as the Emirates, offer a discount to travelers who make reservations on days and times when it's less busy. In other places you don't need a coupon, you just need to visit the restaurant at a certain time to take advantage of lower priced specials. This is where researching your destination before leaving becomes invaluable.

Cook during your stay

If you're able to, book accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette to help save money. If you're able to cook at least one meal a day at the hotel, you'll have more in the budget for dining out. Pick a meal that you don't mind making yourself -- perhaps you're not much into breakfast and are fine with cereal, or maybe lunch isn't your favorite time to eat and you can make yourself a quick salad or sandwich. Having a kitchen handy will also allow you to prepare snacks to take on the go.

Seek out lesser known eateries

The world's most famous restaurants often have menus with hefty prices to accompany their renowned status. However, just because a restaurant is high end or well known doesn't mean it offers the best food. There are millions of smaller eateries that can give the big name restaurants a run for their money in the taste department. They're also generally much more affordable, which is great for the budget conscious traveler.

Eat like a local

To find affordable, wonderful places to eat in the city you're visiting, find out where local residents eat when they dine out. It may be a quaint cafe, street food vendor, or a restaurant on the outskirts of the city, but one thing is certain: if locals regularly eat there, the food is probably pretty good. Eating off the beaten path is also a fun way to see all that your destination has to offer.

Trying to be frugal while still dining well on vacation can be tricky, but it's definitely doable. Remember to seek out bargains before your trip and venture out to the eateries that local favor. Booking accommodation that comes with a cooking space can also help you save money by giving you the ability to cook some of your meals during the trip. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy all of the delicacies and treats that any location has to offer while still coming within budget.