Vacations are expensive, especially if you have to fly or are visiting amusement parks. Then you factor in the hotel, and don’t forget the food! Things add up and your vacation just broke the bank. But guess what! It doesn’t have to! Use these tips to help you save money, eat well and have an amazing vacation!
General Tips for Vacationing
- Stay someplace with a kitchen and use it! My family typically stays at a timeshare but Air BnB’s are a great option and very affordable. The kitchens are usually stocked with at least the basic cooking utensils so all you have to do is make a quick grocery run.
- Eat a filling breakfast every morning. This can save you a lot of money. If you have a kitchen, make breakfast daily before going out. If you’re in a hotel, take advantage of the continenetal breakfast that comes with your stay.
- Choose your Must-Eat Foods/Restaurants before you go. Are you dying to hit up a trendy, local restaurant? Plan it into your budget in advance. If you’re like me and love stopping at every local ice cream shop, research the options in advance and choose those that look yummy and fit your budget.
- Always take snacks! A hangry person can ruin a trip. Always have snacks with you to hold everyone over until your next meal. Not sure what snacks to take? Check out my post on my go-to travel snacks.
- Order an appetizer as your meal. Many apps are made for multiple people so you’re sure to get enough food. Plus, appetizers are usually less expensive than an entree so you can split multiples with your travel companion.
Amusement Parks
Going to an amusement park is already pricey. Follow these suggestions to help you save a little but still get the full experience!
- If you have allergies or special dietary restrictions, get a note from your doctor. Many parks don’t offer special food item for dietary restrictions making it difficult to find something to fill your belly, let alone anything affordable. If you have a doctor’s note, you can take in your own food which is a huge money saver!
- Splurge on one special treat per person at the park. If you ate a filling breakfast, hopefully you won’t be starving until mid-afternoon. When you do get hungry, treat yourself to that ice cream or yummy funnel cake.
- Keep snacks in your car. When you leave the park, chances are your belly will be grumbling. Snacks like granola bars, beef jerky, nuts, or even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches keep well in the car and will hold you over until dinner.
- Stay hydrated by purchasing one water bottle or a souvenir beverage cup with free refills. Parks are required to have drinking fountains available, although they may be hidden off the beaten path. Buy one bottle of water when you arrive and keep refilling it all day! Souvenir cups are often available for a heft price but come with free refills. You can share the cup with your group and keep everyone happy by changing up the beverage based on preferences.
There you have it, my hacks to saving on food while traveling. I love visiting new places, but I also love saving money. When budgeting for our recent vacation to San Antonio, we used a lot of these tips and actually came home under budget! The biggest thing we learned was to plan ahead and always be prepared! Safe travels y’all!
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