How To Eat Like You're Rich When You Travel, Even If You're On A Budget

It’s not exactly a secret that one of the best parts of going on vacation is sampling the local cuisine at your destination. This is particularly true when you travel to a city known for its five-star restaurants (looking at you, New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Asheville, and the list goes on).

Of course, those multicourse meals prepared by Michelin-star chefs aren’t without consequence — particularly when it comes to your bank account. When home is a kitchen-less hotel and you’re eating all your meals out, things get expensive real fast.

So how can you try the best of what the city you’re traveling to has to offer without ending up with a credit card bill that makes you wish you’d never gone on vacation at all? We asked financial and travel experts. Here’s what they had to say.

Take advantage of breakfast buffets.

If you want to splurge on an expensive dinner, don’t turn your nose up at your hotel’s free breakfast buffet. “One of the simplest ways to save is to take full advantage of any free meals your accommodation may offer,” said Erika Kullberg, an attorney and personal finance expert. “Many hotels provide complimentary breakfasts; some might even offer buffet-style meals that can be substantial enough to keep you full for much of the day.”

Skip the cocktails.

No, we’re not giving you this tip to help you avoid a hangover — although that’s certainly a plus. “Drinks, particularly alcoholic beverages, can quickly increase your restaurant bill,” Kullberg said. “Skipping cocktails and wine and opting for tap water or a smaller beverage like a local beer can drastically cut costs. If you do wish to try a local drink, consider limiting it to one and savor it as part of your culinary experience.”

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