Exploring new destinations doesn’t have to mean expensive dining. Wondering how to eat cheap while traveling? we’re dedicated to helping you enjoy tasty meals on a budget, leaving more for your adventures.
From savoring street food to cooking your own meals, this 2025 guide shares frugal dining hacks to keep your travel costs low while enjoying authentic flavors.
The Importance of Eating Cheap on the Road
Dining can be a major expense when traveling, often eating up a big chunk of your budget. A 2024 Travel + Leisure report found that 65% of travelers spent over 25% of their trip budget on food.
Mastering how to eat cheap while traveling frees up funds for experiences like cultural tours or beach days, making your trip both affordable and memorable.
Best Ways to Save on Food While Traveling
Here are budget-friendly strategies to enjoy delicious meals without overspending:
1. Dive into Street Food and Markets
Local street food stalls and markets are goldmines for affordable, authentic cuisine. In places like Hanoi or Istanbul, you can grab dishes like pho or döner kebabs for $1–$4. Markets also offer fresh fruits and snacks for cheap picnics.
- Frugal Hack: Use Instagram hashtags like #local food to find top-rated street vendors.
2. Self-Cater with a Kitchen
Booking accommodations with a kitchen, like hostels or Airbnb rentals, lets you cook budget meals. Shop at local supermarkets for ingredients to make sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.
- Frugal Hack: Buy versatile ingredients like eggs or rice to create multiple low-cost meals.
3. Dine Where Locals Go
Skip overpriced restaurants near tourist spots. Instead, head to local cafes or eateries in quieter neighborhoods. In Lisbon, a local pastelaria offers pastéis de nata and coffee for €3, compared to €8 in tourist areas.
- Frugal Hack: Ask locals or check Google Reviews for hidden gems with great prices.
4. Maximize Free Hotel Breakfasts
Many budget hotels and hostels offer complimentary breakfasts. Fill up on cereal, yogurt, or pastries to save on later meals.
- Frugal Hack: Stash extra fruit or bread (if allowed) for midday snacks to cut costs.
5. Split Meals or Choose Small Plates
Restaurant portions are often large enough to share. Splitting a main dish or ordering appetizers as meals can halve your bill. In Mexico, a $10 shared plate of tacos can feed two.
- Frugal Hack: Browse menus online to gauge portion sizes before dining out.
6. Hunt for Happy Hour Deals
Many restaurants offer happy hour specials or daily deals, like discounted appetizers or drinks with free snacks. In Greece, tavernas may include free meze with evening drinks.
- Frugal Hack: Check restaurant websites or apps for deal schedules to plan your meals.
Destination-Specific Budget Dining Tips
Eating cheap varies by location. Here’s how to save in popular travel spots:
- Asia: Night markets like Taipei’s Shilin offer $2–$5 meals, from dumplings to bubble tea.
- Europe: Grab bakery items like croissants in Paris (~€2) or tapas in Spain (~€3).
- North America: Food trucks in cities like Austin serve $5–$7 BBQ or tacos.
- South America: Peru’s mercado lunches offer ceviche and rice for $3–$4.
Apps to Help You Eat Cheap
Tech can make frugal dining easier:
- EatWith: Connects you with locals hosting affordable home-cooked meals.
- Yelp: Filters for budget-friendly restaurants with high ratings.
- Too Good To Go: Snag discounted surplus food from cafes in cities like London or New York.
- Frugal Hack: Set app alerts for real-time deals in your destination.
Planning Tips for Frugal Dining
To nail how to eat cheap while traveling, plan smart with these tips:
- Scout Food Options Early: Browse X or Reddit Unspecified for local food recommendations. A 2024 X post praised $3 empanadas in Buenos Aires as a must-try.
- Pack Portable Snacks: Carry granola bars or dried fruit to avoid pricey impulse buys.
- Bring a Water Bottle: Refill at water stations to skip $2–$3 bottled drinks.
- Set a Daily Food Budget: Aim for $8–$12 per person to stay on track.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Steer clear of airport or landmark eateries with inflated prices.
Why Frugal Dining Enhances Your Journey
Eating cheap isn’t just about saving money—it’s about connecting with local culture. Street markets and local eateries offer authentic experiences that pricey restaurants often lack. A 2024 Condé Nast Traveler study found that 82% of travelers felt local food deepened their cultural immersion.
By dining frugally, you stretch your budget for more adventures, like a Wildwood boardwalk stroll or a temple visit.
Conclusion
Knowing how to eat cheap while traveling lets you enjoy global cuisines affordably while keeping your 2025 adventures within budget. From street food to happy hour deals, these tips from Frugalwander.com ensure delicious meals without the financial stress.
Ready to taste the world on a budget? Plan your next trip with these frugal dining strategies and savor every moment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Cheap While Traveling
How can I find affordable food while traveling?
Explore local markets and street food stalls for authentic meals costing $1–$5, and check apps like Yelp for budget-friendly local spots.
Is it cheaper to cook meals while traveling?
Yes, renting accommodations with a kitchen and shopping at local stores can cut dining costs by 50%, especially for families.
How do I avoid overspending on food during travel?
Set a daily food budget ($8–$12/person), pack snacks, and prioritize free hotel breakfasts or shared meals to save money.