How to Save Money Eating Out on Vacation

Avoid buying anything unnecessarily overpriced. Many tourist attractions mark up the food items sold at the location simply because they can. It's hot, they know you are thirsty, so they charge $3.00 for a bottle of water that likely cost them $.25 to purchase. Do not buy anything to eat or drink on vacation that is a price you would not normally pay for at home. Unless it is a special treat or something unavailable at home, do not fall victim to the overpriced tactics of the greedy sellers.

Visit the local food stores instead of the tourist shops. Most vacation regions set up shops specifically designed to target tourists. They create these shops with the idea of making it easy for a tourist to avoid going out of the way to find something that is needed, food or otherwise. In doing so, the businesses overcharge for everything from soda to snacks. Restaurants operate under the same premise and if the eatery is a popular tourist hot spot, the prices will surely be higher than a local establishment.

Pack snacks. Once you decide to remove the overpriced foods often found at tourist attractions from your vacation, eat a light snack before dining out to help spend less on meals consumed at restaurants. Wait until you are starving to eat out while on vacation and you will be more inclined to order more food at the eatery, therefore spending a lot more money. Pack a few different snack options purchased at a local market that are filling such as apples, popcorn or granola bars. Eat the snack about 30 minutes before going to the restaurant - you will feel fuller and be less likely to order an appetizer or dessert.

Choose high energy items to eat in between meals. Food items full of nutrients and protein help sustain the body longer, preventing hunger and dissatisfaction. Trail mixes, raw nuts, protein bars and shakes are all excellent choices to keep your energy up and keep you satisfied. Feeling content and full helps you to spend less money on frequent snacks and meals throughout the day because you will need less of them.

Eat a large breakfast. Most hotels offer free or cheap continental breakfasts. Take advantage of this beneficial feature even if the food choices seem bland or ordinary. Vacation is all about food, so use the complimentary meal to fill up and save money on more important vacation meals such as dinner. A delicious breakfast buffet may sound appetizing but is unnecessary and typically offers foods like eggs and pancakes, which can be eaten anywhere. Save your money for meals that have foods indigenous to the area by enjoying whatever the hotel has to offer you as part of your room package.