How to save money on food when you're on holiday

Cutting down on your food costs while travelling

Food and drink can eat up a large part of your budget if you're not careful. If you're staying in accommodation with cooking facilities, then make sure you make the most of them. If you're staying in a hostel, then cooking can be a great way to meet fellow travellers. More generally, and wherever you are staying, cooking your own meals is an excellent excuse to visit the local markets and try some exciting local produce.

You might not want to cook for yourself all the time, but it's a good idea to choose where and when you eat out carefully. For example, why not take advantage of the cheaper lunchtime menus that many restaurants offer and then have a lighter meal in the evening? Also, don't be tempted by the bright lights and charming waiters outside the overpriced restaurants for tourists. Ask the locals where they would recommend you eat. You can be pretty sure that they won't be paying the prices tourists pay, and the food will probably be much better and more authentic at locals' restaurants too.

When it comes to breakfast, quite a lot of hotels will charge extra for this. If this is the case where you're staying then don't have breakfast at the hotel. Instead, go out to a local cafe or bakery. It will almost certainly cost you less and, moreover, you will get to experience more of the local life and typical local foods.