How to Save Money on Restaurants When Traveling!

If you're into bargain travel, you know how restaurant expenses can add up! The good news is there are a variety of ways to save significant money on travel food expenses and still enjoy great experiences and delicious food. Here are some ideas to save a bundle on restaurant expenses on your next trip or vacation:

1. Wuen you book hotel reservations, look for a hotel that offers a free breakfast..

Some hotels offer a full breakfast buffet free of charge when you book a room while others give you a smaller, continental breakfast. The free breakfast buffet is ideal because you can usually eat enough to skip lunch for the day. Just be sure you're not paying too much for the hotel just to get the breakfast.

2. Never order food from hotel room service.

Room service is a notorious rip off. You're paying for convenience which can be expensive.

3. Avoid tourist traps.

Restaurants located right around the hotels in a tourist area are usually overpriced and uninspiring. If you like bargain travel, plan on leaving the immediate tourist area to find a good restaurant value. Also, don't ask the concierge at the hotel where to eat, she's usually been instructed to recommend a restaurant that caters to tourists.

4. Ask the locals where to eat.

When you leave your hotel, ask some of the local residents at gas stations, banks, stores etc. where the best restaurant bargains are located. They are usually
eager to share their culinary knowledge and will give you some excellent suggestions.

5. Consult one of the local advertising papers.

Most cities have free, specialized niche publications that deal with shopping, entertainment, and local events in the area. Get a copy of one of these magazines or papers and read the restaurant listings and reviews.

6. Look for bargain chain restaurants you're famliar with.

If you want to save money and aren't intent on trying new restaurants in the area, look for chain restaurants that offer bargain dining such as Dennys, IHOP, Bob Evans, or any of a number of fast food restaurants. At least you know what you're getting and how much you''ll be paying.

7. Look for chain buffet restaurants.

There are a wide variety of buffet restaurants and steakhousees nationwide that offer all-you-can-eat fare for a reasonable price. Look for familiar names such as Golden Corral, Ryans, Great American Steak and Buffet, and Ponderosa Steak House. A buffet lunch at one of these restaurants will usually allow you to skip dinner.

8. Take advantage of your hotel microwave.

Many hotel rooms these days have a microwave included. A quick trip to the local supermarket will yield a variety of premade food you can microwave in your room for a quick meal.

9. Consult the trusty yellow pages.

Many yellow page telephone books in large cities publish restaurant menus in the section with the restaurant phone number listings. Read through the menus and prices to find a restaurant that appears to be a good value. Know what you'll be ordering and how much you'll be paying beforehand.

10. Bring some prepackaged snacks on your trip.

Carry a supply of nuts, dried fruits, and healthy chips with you to snack on during the day. This will keep you from being ravenously hungry at meal time which could cause you to order more than you can afford.

11. Look for special restaurant dining coupons.

Visit a restaurant coupon site such as restaurant.com that offers restaurant coupons you can purchase online. If you're into bargain travel, you'll appreciate this site. For a small fee, you can purchase a savings coupon you can redeem at participating restaurants across the nation. The coupon gives you a substantial discount on food purchases and gives you the opportunity to try a new restaurant in a new location. A great way to broaden your culinary horizons!

12. Look for kids eat free deals.

If you have children, look for a restaurant advertising that kids eat free. Several of the chain restaurants offer this bonus.

13. Think ethnic cuisine.

If you like ethnic cuisine, look for smaller ethnic restaurants in the city where you are staying. They usually offer authentic food at an excellent price.

Give some of these tips for finding food travel bargains a try. By not spending a fortune on restaurants, you'll have lots of money left to spend on other attractions or to save for you next big vacation!