travel tips

Stretch your travel food budget

By Sid Kaplan
Travel Writer
Troy Media Corporation

Sid KaplanEating and drinking in grand style will shrink your travel budget and leave you less money to do other things. Fortunately, there are lots of little ways you can save on food when you're traveling.

If your hotel doesn't include breakfast in the price of the room, think outside the box and save money by venturing outside to a corner café rather paying the price of a hotel breakfast buffer.

For example, in Paris, join the local crowd and have coffee, juice and a croissant. Or in Madrid, try a churros con (with) chocolate. In the US, there are plenty of small breakfast places where you can get a great bacon, eggs and coffee breakfast for only a few bucks.

Another great way to stretch your travel budget is to enjoy a picnic for lunch or dinner. You can pick up cheeses and meats and breads at local grocery stores and specialty shops. Grab a bottle of local wine. Eat in your room or in a local park with a great view.

Avoid touristy restaurants. If you see a restaurant on the main street that has menus in several languages, it's going to cost you more. Find a mom and pop place down a side street or go with a recommendation from a local such as your friendly B&B host. Look for "prix fixe" menus or daily specials for great meals at good prices.

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