How To Save Money On Food While Travelling?

7 Helpful tips to save on your hard-earned money

Share now

Traveling can be a life-changing experience but it can also drain your wallet, especially when it comes to dining out. Many people are reluctant to spend on food and dining on their trips. I frequently get questioned about how can I save money on food while traveling. My answer is filled with tips which I have mentioned in this blog. With some research and a bit of planning you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are some savvy strategies for saving money on food while traveling.

PS: These are some of the important hacks to save on food while traveling. While it’s important to stick to a budget while traveling, don’t deprive yourself of the occasional splurge and cravings. You can always balance your itinerary according to your budget. 

Table of Contents

Research Local Markets

One of the best ways to experience local culture of a new place is through its food markets. Not only do they offer fresh produce, but you can also find local specialties at an affordable rate than restaurants. Spend some time exploring the markets at your destination and pick up ingredients for a picnic or DIY (Do It Yourself) meal.

Local Markets

Choose Hotel Apartments

If you don’t already know but many prefer to choose Hotel Apartments for their stay. These hotels are just regular hotels but include a small kitchenette in your room. This comes in very handy & helpful for very quick meals. Do note these are fully serviced hotels like all other hotels. So take advantage of them by preparing your own meals. Head to a nearby grocery store/market and stock up on essentials. Cooking your own meals not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients benefiting your health too.

Select either Half Board or Buffet Breakfast Inclusive Packages

Hotels have half board packages which include breakfast + one major meal as a buffet at dirt prices. You will definitely benefit from it

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle)

Eating out can quickly become expensive when you factor in the cost of drinks. Save money by bringing your own water bottle and refilling it throughout the day. If you’re dining at a restaurant, consider bringing your own wine or beer if permitted, as many establishments charge hefty markups on alcohol.

Rooms with Club access are the best bet

Agree club rooms are pricier but they offer all-inclusive prices which include beverages for the entire day, high-tea/special snacks from 4-6 pm, and Dinners with cocktails from 6-8 pm which is more affordable and quite cheaper

Opt for Street Food & Local Food

Some countries have popular street foods which are hygienic yet super cheap.Street food vendors are a budget traveler’s best friend. Not only is street food often delicious and authentic, but it’s also incredibly affordable. Look for bustling food stalls frequented by locals. Just be sure to choose vendors that maintain proper hygiene standards.

Always carry Home cooked food along with snacks

Carrying home-cooked food will help you the most on your journey to save money on food.  You can stock your home-cooked food which will last longer in the small refrigerator of your room. Also packing a variety of snacks such as nuts, and granola bars will keep your hunger at bay. So you can control your expenditures by preventing spending on expensive airport snacks or roadside snacks. 

These are some of the important hacks to save on food while traveling. While it’s important to stick to a budget while traveling, don’t deprive yourself of the occasional splurge. You can always balance your itinerary according to your budget. 

Share now

Comment with your thoughts
Best Places To Stay In Seoul South Korea
June 25, 2025 No Comments

Best Places To Visit In Seoul South Korea Planning a trip to Seoul and wondering where to stay? With its vibrant neighborhoods, efficient public transport, and endless attractions, Seoul has something for everyone. 1. Myeongdong – Best for Shopping & First-Time Visitors Why stay here? Myeongdong is a shopper’s paradise, with countless fashion stores, beauty outlets, and skincare brands. It’s centrally located and well connected by subway. Majority of the tourist destinations are nearby and easy to access. I have always stayed in Namdaemun area, a neighborhood and near to Myeongdong which always give me flexibility of exploring the city conveniently. Definitely one of the best places to stay in Seoul, South Korea Pros: Central location Easy access to Seoul Tower, Gwanghwamun Palace and many tourist spots Great for food, shopping, and night walks Cons: Can be very crowded Limited traditional experiences Most tourists stay here 2. Hongdae – Best for Youth Culture & Nightlife Why stay here? Near Hongik University, this area is full of art, music, quirky cafes, and street performers. It’s a top pick for young travelers. When you will be exploring Hongdae, you will come across more youth and young couples. Hence, the shopping is also more concentrated towards trendy fashion and has a young energy overall. Not to forget, the Medicube flagship store is also located in Hongdae. Even if you choose Hongdae, you will still be nearby the central area of Seoul Pros: Vibrant nightlife Budget-friendly guesthouses Indie vibe and Instagrammable spots Plethora of budget friendly shopping Cons: Noisy at night Not suitable for people who don’t like clubbing  3. Insadong/Jongno – Best for Culture & History Lovers Why stay here? Close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and traditional tea houses, this area offers authentic Korean charm. This place is absolutely for people who want to experience Korean culture closely. Small lanes and alleys of shops aligned with cute little cafe’s make this area one of the best places to stay in Seoul South Korea Pros: Great for walking tours Close to cultural landmarks Unique cafes and tiny shops Unique boutique stays  Cons: Less nightlife  4. Gangnam – Best for Luxury Travelers & Business Trips Why stay here? Made famous by the hit song “Gangnam Style,” this upscale district is known for shopping malls, business centers, and fancy restaurants. This is considered as the elite area among Koreans and many K-Pop stars reside here. Luxury stores and real estate, gleaming skyscrapers and trendy night life  make this a wealthy and desirable area. Tourists flock to visit the Starfield Coex Mall and Aquarium in Gangnam area.  Pros: High-end hotels Great for K-pop lovers Chic and modern vibe Cons: Far from historical sites More heavy on your pocket   Itaewon – Best for Expats & Diverse Food Why Stay here? Itaewon is Multicultural and home to Expats, international cuisine and trendy bars. Its ideal for travelers seeking a cosmopolitan mix. Food lovers who want to try diverse cuisines beyond Korean dishes. Vibe is multicultural with many Embassies and International business centers.  Pros: English-friendly Global cuisine LGBTQ+ friendly Cons: Less traditional Korean experience   📍 Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Seoul: Choose based on your travel style (shopping, culture, nightlife, etc.) Look for accommodations near Line 2 or Line 4 subway stations for easier access Book early during peak seasons will be beneficial (cherry blossom and autumn foliage)   ✅ Final Thoughts Seoul offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Whether you’re after sleek luxury in Gangnam or historic streets in Insadong, you’ll find a place that fits your needs and budget. Use this guide to make your stay in Seoul memorable and stress-free Check Out Other Posts- All Posts Africa Asia Canada & USA Europe Gulf Oceania Travel Tips Best Places To Stay In Seoul South Korea Read More Best Places To Visit In Seoul South Korea Planning a trip to Seoul and wondering where to stay? With its… Best Travel Apps for Japan 2025: Must-Have Apps for Tourists Read More Explore Japan like a pro! Discover the best travel apps for Japan 2025 — from translation and transport to Wi-Fi… Best Indian Vegetarian Restaurants In Abu Dhabi Read More Abu Dhabi is a heaven for all vegetarian Indian food lovers. There are many restaurants which serve lip smacking thalis,… Best Time to Visit Cambodia Read More Planning a trip to Cambodia? Learn about the ideal times to visit, from peak tourist seasons to vibrant festivals, and… How to save money on food while travelling? Read More Traveling can be a life-changing but it can also be a drain on your wallet, especially when it comes to… Visa Free Countries for Indian Travellers Read More Visa-free travel is a dream come true for any globetrotter including an Indian passport holder. As an Indian traveler, it's… Best time to Visit Seychelles Read More Seychelles is a beautiful island nestled in the Indian Ocean. A beautiful cluster of around 100 – 115 small islands… 5 Authentic Indian Restaurants In Cappadocia Worth Visiting Read More So you have decided to head to Cappadocia? Great pick! It is a place very close to me for numerous… 10 Interesting Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur for a memorable trip Read More Kuala- Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. There… Load More End of Content.

Read More »
Kamat Dalma-Mall
Best Indian Vegetarian Restaurants In Abu Dhabi
September 16, 2024 7 Comments

Abu Dhabi is a heaven for all vegetarian Indian food lovers. There are many restaurants which serve lip smacking thalis, south & north Indian food. In this blog I have listed some of the best Indian vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi for having authentic Indian food.

Read More »
Best Time To Visit Cambodia
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
July 1, 2024 1 Comment

Planning a trip to Cambodia? Learn about the ideal times to visit, from peak tourist seasons to vibrant festivals, and make the most of your adventure. Find out when to explore ancient temples, experience cultural celebrations, and enjoy favorable weather conditions in this comprehensive guide. Let’s delve into the nuances of Cambodia’s climate and find the best time to discover the best time to visit this enchanting Southeast Asian gem.

Read More »
How to save money on food while travelling?
April 19, 2024 No Comments

Traveling can be a life-changing but it can also be a drain on your wallet, especially when it comes to dining out. Many people are reluctant to spend on food and dining on their trips. I frequently get questioned about how can I save money on food while traveling. my answer is filled with tips which I have mentioned in this blog. With some research and a bit of planning you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are some savvy strategies for saving money on food while traveling.

Read More »
Visa Free Countries for Indian Travellers
April 16, 2024 1 Comment

Visa-free travel is a dream come true for any globetrotter including an Indian passport holder. As an Indian traveler, it’s always exciting to visit any country without hassle of obtaining a visa in advance by avoiding the heavy documentation and long process. In past few years Indians have been welcomed and are gaining visa free entry to many countries. Many destinations have even opened & started E-Visa or Visa On Arrival (VOA) options for Indians. In this blog post, I will be sharing some great news for Indian passport holders in 2024.  Here are some visa-free, visa on arrival, and e-visa countries that you can visit without any hassle. Let’s explore these countries so you can start planning your next getaway!

Read More »

© All Rights Reserved By TravellerAtHeart.com