Food is one of the biggest and most enjoyable items in a trip's costs. A well-planned food budget while travelling lets you eat local and well without blowing the whole bank.
Estimate the daily cost
Before you go, check rough prices in the destination and set a daily amount for food. This is the foundation of a realistic travel budget that does not collapse halfway through the trip.
Street food and local eateries
Street food and local spots popular with residents usually offer the best value for taste. You eat what the locals eat, cheaper than in tourist restaurants with menus in five languages.
Make some meals yourself
Breakfasts from a local shop or market and occasional cooking in accommodation with a kitchenette cut costs a lot. Add tap water where it is drinkable and a reusable bottle.
Leave room for treats
A budget is not meant to take the joy out of food — plan a few pricier, special meals and treat them as part of the sightseeing. You save on the everyday so you can afford them.
Food is part of the trip's story
Local flavours are often the best memory — find more ways to save in our guide on how to travel cheap. Add your culinary discoveries to a story in TRAMFI.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for food per day?
It depends on the country and style — from a dozen to several dozen euros. The key is checking local prices and sticking to your set amount.
How do I eat local without knowing the language?
Look for places full of locals, point at what others are eating and use an app that translates the menu from a photo.