The tail end of summer is here and many of us are taking advantage of the last minute travel deals we’ve strategically booked. For some, being frugal with travel is the way to go during these tough times. But what about saving money on food while you’re away?
It can be done.
While planning your vacation, why not book a hotel room with a mini kitchen or a microwave and mini refrigerator (with freezer) at the least. For inspiration, check out Comedian George Egg. OK, maybe making tortellini and English muffins in a hotel room is a bit out there, but it can be entertaining to watch!
Here’s how you do it:
- Think about taking a box of grape nuts, Cheerios, or instant oatmeal with you (or make a pit stop at the local supermarket at your destination), remember to pick up some low fat milk and a few oranges (the oranges store great at room temperature) and you have a satisfying and cheap breakfast to last you (and your kids) all week.
- While at the supermarket, pick up some unsalted almonds and dried fruit (or pack some from home) and you’ve got a great snack for the munchies in between meals. Carry these with you in a Ziplock bag while you’re sightseeing for the day. This will keep you from spending ridiculously large sums of money for a quick snack in a highly touristy area.
- Add a loaf of whole grain bread to your cart along with a few cans of tuna packed in water, canned chicken breast, roasted turkey breast slices (low-sodium preferred if available), tofu or cans of beans if you are vegetarian, a couple of lemons, a prewashed package of spinach, a few slices of low fat cheese, a small jar of mayo or a red onion if you’re so inclined, a gallon of water, and a couple of apples and you’ve got the beginnings of a low cost healthy lunch that is quick and simple to prepare (ask for salt, pepper, a knife, bowl, and cutlery at a the front desk).
- If you’ve got a stove in your room it’s should be a no-brainer, but if you’ve got a microwave to work with, get creative. Cook (brown) rice in your microwave, add some frozen veggies (that you also added to your cart), then add a splash of soy sauce (ask for it from room service) , toss in some of that tuna/chicken/ tofu/or beans and dinner is served!
- For some more money saving tips on food, check out this story.
Of course, enjoying the local cuisine and ‘must try’ foods of the region is highly recommended. Balance the practical with the indulgence while you’re on vacation and you’ll find that by the end of the week your waistline will feel lighter than your wallet!
(Photo: buck82/Flickr Creative Commons)
