Travel Tips to Stretch Your Vacation Food Budget

Going on a vacation is exciting, and enjoying local cuisine is one of the best parts. But food costs can quickly add up, taking a big bite out of your travel budget. The good news? With some smart vacation planning, you can enjoy delicious meals without emptying your wallet.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with kids, a few simple tips can help you make the most of every dollar you spend on food. Let’s dig into how you can satisfy both your appetite and your budget on your next trip.

What is a realistic budget for vacation food?

According to a YouGov^{® 1} survey, 20% of U.S. travelers expect to spend more on food on their next vacation than on their last vacation. So, before you pack your bags, it may be worth taking some time to consider what and how much you’ll be eating. Understanding the average daily cost of food can help you create a more feasible budget for your trip.

Generally, travelers spend about $58 per person each day on food, but this number isn’t set in stone. Your actual costs will vary based on several important factors:

• Your vacation destination matters. Dining in major cities like New York or Paris naturally costs more than enjoying meals in smaller towns where the cost of living is lower. A sandwich might cost $20 in Manhattan but less than $10 in a small town.
• Your eating style affects costs. Do you prefer sit-down restaurants or are you comfortable grabbing street food and enjoying picnics in local parks? Opting for the latter could save you money each meal.
• Family size multiplies meal costs. While a solo traveler might manage on $58 daily, a family of four could easily spend between $120-$200 on quick meals and snacks each day. Average vacation costs will also scale depending on the size of your group.

When figuring out your food budget, make sure it aligns with your travel plans. That means including any special dining experiences you’re looking forward to—like that famous restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Also consider the extra costs that can add up quickly (tips, delivery fees, etc.).

Taking a few minutes to research food prices at your destination may help prevent budget surprises during your trip. Check online reviews, browse travel blogs or reach out to friends who have visited the area to get a better idea of what you should expect to pay.

The effects of inflation on food costs

Rising costs due to inflation have strained many travelers’ budgets. Compared to past years, travelers now face higher expenses for the same experiences, making effective budgeting even more crucial. What worked for your budget on past trips might not stretch as far today.

Food costs—particularly restaurant prices—have risen significantly in recent years, and this will affect your vacation dining budget. This doesn’t mean you need to skip enjoying local cuisines, but it does require being smarter about how and where you spend.

Keep in mind that inflation affects destinations differently. Some tourist destinations have seen dramatic price increases, while other locations may now offer better value. When choosing where to travel, consider researching not only the typical food costs but how they’ve changed recently. Planning ahead is your best defense against inflation’s impact. 

6 tips to stretch your vacation food budget

There are simple ways to enjoy delicious meals without overspending. The key is finding the right balance between convenience, experience and cost. Here are a few practical ways to make your dining dollars go further.

1. Plan for cheap eats

Planning meals before you travel may help you avoid making expensive choices when you’re hungry. Learning about local foods, normal prices and budget-friendly spots ahead of time can help you make smarter choices. This beats making rushed decisions when you’re tired from a day of vacation fun.

Here are some tips to help you plan for cheaper meals:

• Use apps like Yelp^® and Google Maps^® to look for “hidden gem” or “great value” reviews.
• Book accommodations with a kitchenette to prepare simple meals and occasional dinners.
• Create a realistic daily food budget and track spending with a money management app.
• Map out a rough food plan with special meals balanced with more affordable options.
• Look for group rates when dining out with family or friends.

2. Make smart dining choices

Where and how you eat can drastically change how much you spend. Making smart choices about when you eat, where you go and what you order can all help save you money. Many travelers find that their favorite food memories come from casual, local places rather than expensive tourist spots, showing that higher prices don’t always mean better food.

Here are some ways to make smarter dining choices on your trip:

• Share family-style meals to try more dishes while keeping costs down.
• Dine during off-peak hours to take advantage of early bird specials and happy hours.
• Try street food and visit local markets for authentic, affordable cuisine.
• Look for buffet options, which can offer good deals.
• Keep an eye out for lunch and dinner specials.

3. Maximize credit card rewards and deals

Make the most of deals and credit card rewards programs to stretch your food budget. Many travelers miss chances to save money by ignoring the resources they already have. Credit card rewards, military discounts and special offers can add up to big savings for your trip without forcing you to eat lower-quality food.

Take note of the following tips to make the most of your rewards while traveling:

• Use credit cards that offer extra points or cash back on dining purchases.
• Consider all-inclusive deals or dining packages at luxury resorts when they make sense.
• Always ask about military shopping discounts if you’re a Servicemember or Veteran.
• Look for dining deals and coupons online before your trip.
• Check if your hotel offers any dining credits or has deals with local restaurants.

4. Optimize spending on snacks and drinks

When you’re out and about on vacation, it can be easy to accidentally overspend on snacks and beverages. Planning for these small purchases could save you just as much money as making smart choices about your main meals.

Here are some things to keep in mind when spending money on snacks and drinks:

• Pack non-perishable snacks (like granola bars) to prevent expensive impulse buys.
• Carry reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water.
• Ask for containers to take leftovers with you for the next day’s lunch.
• Take advantage of happy hour specials for drinks and discounted appetizers.
• Visit grocery stores to stock up on breakfast items, snacks and drinks.

5. Make your own meals

Cooking some of your meals at your vacation rental can drastically cut your food costs. Making simple meals could save you money and provide a welcome break from restaurant dining.

Keep these tips in mind when preparing your meals on vacation:

• Book accommodations with amenities like a mini-fridge, microwave or full kitchenette.
• Visit local markets and stores to buy fresh ingredients at a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Prepare simple breakfasts and dinners to balance dining at restaurants.
• Pack portable cooking supplies and ingredients if you're road-tripping.
• Consider picnic-style dinners with pre-made items from delis and bakeries.

6. Prepare for family traveling

Families face special challenges when it comes to vacation food budgets. Keeping food costs down while making everyone happy—especially kids with picky tastes—takes some planning. But family meals don’t have to mean spending a fortune on kid-friendly options. With some creative thinking, you can find food that everyone enjoys while staying within your budget.

Here are some ways you can prepare for family meals on vacation:

• Plan picnics in scenic locations, which can be both memorable and cost-effective.
• Research restaurants with “kids eat free” promotions and plan meals accordingly.
• Balance a few special dining experiences with budget-friendly options.
• Consider having your main meal at lunch when prices are lower and kids are less tired.
• Look for accommodations where breakfast is included.

How Navy Federal Credit Union can help with your vacation food budget

Food is one of the most enjoyable parts of any vacation, and with smart planning, you can savor local flavors without overspending. Setting a realistic travel budget and understanding the average cost of food can help you manage your expenses effectively. Some of the most memorable dining experiences aren’t always the most expensive ones—sometimes a simple picnic with a stunning view or a meal from a busy local food stall can become a highlight of your trip!

We understand the importance of balancing enjoyment with financial wellness. Our user-friendly budgeting tools can help you create realistic vacation food budgets and track your spending as you go. We’re here to help you make the most of your travel dining while sticking to a budget.