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After transportation and hotel costs, food and drink expenses can often be among the biggest budget-busters of any vacation.

Whether you’re trying to stretch your per diem on a business trip or get the most value per dollar on your family excursion, here are some ideas for saving on meals and beverages.

Before your trip

Seek accommodations with a kitchen(ette).

The ability to refrigerate and cook food — or even just microwave it — can be a major way to save money. If you can score a hotel, motel or Airbnb with a few kitchen appliances, then a quick trip to the local grocery or convenience store can limit your spending on dining out.

In fact, you can turn grocery shopping into its own mini-adventure once you arrive, according to Paula Pant, founder of AffordAnything.com . She says that going to a foreign grocery store can be a fun way to explore a new culture. Wandering the aisles and trying to translate labels in different languages is all part of the experience — and Pant advises that you go with the flow.

“You might think you’re getting butter, but it turns out to be yogurt," Pant says. " ... The trick when grocery shopping is to not be attached to any kind of outcome."

If you're road-tripping, consider smoothies

Small snacks are portable and can save you money, but they may not be particularly filling or healthy.

“If possible, bring a blender with you, especially if you’re on the road,” Pant says. “You can bring that blender into your hotel room and go to the grocery and get some leafy greens (like kale), fruit, dairy and protein powder and blend it up. It’s a great way to save money on food and get enough greens.”

Take (OR GET) a credit card that earns dining rewards

Some credit cards, especially travel cards, offer bonus points for dining out . Although such rewards will defray only a small percentage of a big restaurant bill, they can add up quickly over the course of a trip. If you're traveling internationally, make sure your card isn't charging you a foreign transaction fee, which could eat up any rewards you earn.

Bring a refillable water bottle

Purchasing one-time-use plastic water bottles every time you get thirsty? Not very cost-efficient. Skip the expense (and the frequent trips to the store) by bringing a sturdy, reusable bottle or travel mug.

Do some research on Yelp OR Groupon

These sites might not always yield the best results for places to eat and drink, but occasionally you’ll find a legitimately good deal. At least check in advance and cross-reference the restaurants with customer reviews. Consider signing up for Yelp Cash Back to get even more rewards for your dining. (Those rewards can be "stacked" with any points that your credit card earns.)

Consider an all-inclusive resort

By bundling your food, drink and accommodations into one lump sum, you can often pay much less than you would by buying everything separately.

During your trip

Limit dining out to one meal a day.

Enjoying local cuisine is one of the best parts about traveling to a new place, but it can make a huge impact on your wallet if you do it multiple times a day. Consider narrowing down your dining out. Pick one meal per day — breakfast, lunch or dinner — that you're going to splurge on. Or rotate that meal each day so you get to try even more new food.

Matt Kepnes, founder of NomadicMatt.com , says lunch can be the ideal meal.

“Many restaurants, especially in Europe, offer lunch specials, where items on the dinner menu are offered at a huge discount,” he says by email. “You can get an amazing afternoon meal for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening. I usually tend to eat my ‘nice’ meal during lunch, because lunch specials and plates of the day are about 30 to 40% off what I might pay at dinner.”

Eat LOCAL food

Keep in mind that food and drink cost more when they have to be shipped long distances.

“Try not to try to eat the same types of food that you eat when you’re at home,” Pant says. “If you’re in Indonesia, for example, cheese or wine will be expensive. Eat what the locals eat.”

Be aware that touristy areas might not offer the best versions of local food and drink, and that the more popular an area is, the more expensive it might be to eat there. Get some restaurant recommendations from the locals and go where they go. You’ll likely get a more authentic experience.

Visit a food stand or food truck

These convenient grab-and-go options are one way to ensure you're eating locally. Food stands and trucks often infuse regional flavors into their fare, and they can be a filling and fulfilling alternative to pricey sit-down dining.

“In most places around the world (and especially in Asia), the streets are lined with little food stalls and areas where food is cooked openly on the street,” Kepnes says. “You grab a plate, sit down in a little plastic chair and enjoy a delicious meal. Street food is some of the best food in the world. Meals at street stalls — different from street vendors, who have a bit more permanent setup — cost less than a dollar most of the time and are a great way to really experience the local cuisine."

Avoid snacking

When possible, make sure your meals are big or at least filling; otherwise, you might be tempted everywhere you turn.

“A gelato here, a gelato there. A soda. A candy bar. An ice cream. A small pastry. It all adds up," Kepnes says. "Since the price is so small (‘It’s only a euro!’), we don’t think of snacking as having a big impact on our budget. But buying snacks a few times a day will slowly add up and throw your budget out of whack. It’s not something many travelers think of.”

Eat at buffets

Speaking of filling meals, a buffet could be just the ticket. Plus, it can be cost-effective.

“[Buffets] offer a great value for your money, even if they don’t always serve the best meals,” Kepnes said. “You can fill up on one meal for the entire day. They typically cost around $15 USD.”

Participate in local cultural events

Grab a local newspaper or alt-weekly and look for an event calendar. You’ll likely be able to find food and drink festivals that can provide great value for the cost of admission.

After your trip

Sure, go ahead and clean off your blender and travel mug. But more importantly, make sure you've actually earned those dining rewards on your credit card (it can take a billing cycle or two for them to show up), and then redeem them however they work best for you. You can use them to offset some of your travel expenses, or you can save them toward booking your next foodie-centric adventure.

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Globally Inspired Local Living

27 Ways to Save Money on Food while Traveling

April 27, 2021 //  by  Olivia //   35 Comments

Food is one of the best parts of any vacation, and it doesn’t have to blow your budget. Here are my best tips on how to save money on food while traveling.  

Want to jump right to the goods? Here you go:

Eat In: Cook your own food

Eat Out: Restaurants, markets etc.

Special Cases: Camping & cruises

Food and travel: Eating memories

Ah, food. It’s one of my favorite things, and it’s definitely one of the things I look forward to most when we travel.

Stop me if I go on too long about that simple chicken we had in Wadi Rum, roasted with onions and peppers over the campfire by our guide. Or those crunchy toasted almonds, chopped and covered in thick local honey and served with juicy strawberries in Tangiers. Or the chocolate candy I got for my fourth birthday on a vacation in southern France…Yup, I remember that.

Food has a way of linking itself to memories, making them colorful and fragrant.

Think about it. You put food right in your mouth. It becomes a part of you! That’s why I think it’s one of the most intimate and immediate ways to experience another place and culture.

How to save money on food while traveling

I also believe that food is one of the easiest line items to stretch in your travel budget.  You’ll see how in just a moment.

(You have a budget, right? If you need help getting started with tracking and planning your expenses, try YNAB – You Need a Budget. It has changed how we think about spending money. Get a free month if you sign up through this link !)

However, this is your vacation we’re talking about! So it’s important to  find a balance between saving money and enjoying your trip .

I, for one, don’t want to be cooking every meal while I’m on vacation. That’s just like being at home, thank you very much.

But I’m happy to put together our breakfasts and some quick lunches at the Airbnb if that puts eating out at night within our means.

That’s not to say that seeking out affordable food has to deprive you of valuable experiences. Quite the opposite.

Shopping locally or eating at holes-in-the-wall may give you a whole different immersion in and taste of regional culture.

So think of food as a small part of your entertainment budget, too. In fact, you may want to actually combine the two by going on a culinary walking tour or a dinner-and-show package.

How to use this guide

I’ve worked hard to put together a comprehensive list of ways to save on eating while on vacation and present them in digestible, bite-size chunks.

They’re organized into three categories: cooking your own food , dining out , and special cases (such as cruises and camping).

I hope this guide will help you come up with a money saving strategy that suits your wants and needs.

What that implies, though, is that you should do some prep work.

Look up the facilities you’ll be dealing with along your route and at your destination. Is there a kitchen at your Airbnb, a supermarket in walking distance of your campsite, a fridge in your hotel room? Are there any special restaurants you don’t want to miss? What tourist traps do the review sites tell you to avoid?

Then sketch out whether you’ll be bringing your own food and how you’ll transport it, or how much you can afford to spend on your daily meals when you eat out. (Again, a budget is a good idea!)

Before we launch into the details, one more general tip: I’ve found it helpful to have some basic supplies with us wherever we go : reusable containers , resealable bags, and utensils . We use them to carry snacks, pack up leftovers, or eat foods we buy from the store.

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17 Ways to Save Money on Food While Traveling

Published by rachel bicha on august 1, 2019 august 1, 2019.

What’s a trip to a new city without a solid sampling of all the local food? Have you even been to France if you haven’t tried six different kinds of croissants? Unfortunately, the cost of eating out so much can really start to add up! But don’t think that traveling on a budget means that you can’t ever have a nice meal out or are destined to only eat trail mix the whole trip. It’s totally possible to eat good food on a tight budget. If you’re looking for ideas about how to travel on a budget and eat cheap on vacation, check out 17 of our favorite ways to save money on food while traveling.

Use your resources.

Hotel Breakfasts. Always check your accommodations for food that might be included in your reservation. Many hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts offer a free (or cheap) breakfast, which is definitely worth taking advantage of! Some hotels also offer afternoon or evening snacks. Hostels often organize cookouts, pub crawls or other food-related events for a small fee, which are a great way to save money on food and experience the local culture.  

Get access to a kitchen, if possible. Hostels often offer access to a shared kitchen, and many airbnbs and hotels have mini-kitchens or refrigerators in the room. Having access to a kitchen is a great way to eat cheap on vacation—simply stock up on basics at a local grocery store and cook a meal or two for yourself each day. Buying basic ingredients for easy meals, like sandwiches, is much cheaper in the long run! Plus, you can make food that you can take on-the-go. 

Know where to go.

Check out the local markets. Local markets and farmers markets are great places to get delicious food on a budget and experience local culture. You can usually order food by weight, which means you only have to pay for what you’re really hungry for. Many of these kinds of local markets also offer lots of free samples—a great way to taste local specialties without having to commit to an entire dish. A local market is also a great place to grab some snacks or food for later. 

Avoid touristy areas. Shops and restaurants that cater to tourists, or are located in the city center or other tourist areas, often have higher prices. Head outside of the city center for smaller restaurants. They often have more authentic food and cheaper prices. Don’t be afraid to ask for a menu before you sit down: menus that are written in multiple languages or have lots of pictures can indicate that the restaurant caters to tourists and might have higher prices. 

Be creative.

Sample the local street food. Don’t be afraid of street food! It’s almost always cheap and some of the most delicious and unique food you’ll ever eat. Not to mention it’s a great way to sample local specialties. It’s a win-win-win! Nervous about dealing with a nasty bout of traveler’s tummy? Watch for long lines (usually a sign of good food anywhere), quick and freshly-made food and a clean working area. All of those things are solid signs that you’ll be good to go! 

Have a picnic. A picnic is a great option if you’re traveling on a budget and want to save money on food. Pick up simple food or snacks at a local market or a small cafe and then enjoy it somewhere scenic . By the river? On top of a mountain? On a train? At the foot of a local landmark? The options are endless. Don’t pay extra for the restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower when you can pack a picnic and enjoy (free!) views of the tower in a nearby park.  

Know when to go.

Splurge on lunch. If you want to splurge on a fancy meal, do so for lunch rather than dinner. Many restaurants and cafes have special deals for lunch menus, even if they offer the same foods. For dinner, consider opting for street food, a picnic or a local small-plate evening tradition—like tapas in Spain or aperitivos in Italy. These often have the bonus of being attached to happy hour, so you can sample the local drinks and get some dinner at the same time. Score. 

Pop into bakeries and cafes shortly before closing (usually late afternoon). Sometimes they’ll put baked goods on sale to help sell as many as possible before having to discard them at the end of the day. In some places (including many cities in Europe), it’s also common to sell “day-old” pastries for a reduced price. Since these treats were usually just baked a day or two before, they’re still delicious and totally fine to eat! You likely won’t even notice the difference.

Drink smart.

Pack your own water. Staying hydrated while you’re traveling is super important, but all those disposable water bottles can really add up! Pack your own water bottle and refill it at your hotel or at a water fountain for free. If that’s not an option, buy bottled water at a local supermarket instead of a train station, airport or touristy market or stand. It’ll save a lot of money and help you stick to your vacation budget. 

Watch the drinks. *Sigh.* We know. But check the menu carefully when you’re ordering drinks—it’s a common rule that alcohol is usually more expensive at restaurants and you may want to save fancy drinks for a local bar or pub. However, in some places (especially throughout Europe ) you might find that a glass of wine or beer is cheaper than water! Ask a local where they go for a night on the town. Pubs and bars near local universities usually offer cheap student prices and are a great deal for traveling on a budget. Local breweries or wineries are good options too and they sometimes offer samples and tastings! 

Don’t be afraid to…

Pack your own snacks. Pack a handful of your favorite granola bars from home, pick up some snacks at a local grocery store or grab a baguette and some cheese from a local cafe in the morning. If you have something to munch on during the day, you’ll be less tempted to grab that $12 sandwich from the first train station cafe you come across just because you’re starving.

Barter. Obviously, this won’t work in an upscale restaurant in London . However, in most areas of the world, bartering in informal settings is quite common and even expected! If you’re at a farmers market or a street food stand, don’t be afraid to politely barter for a lower price, especially if you’re buying several items (asking for a deal like, “If I buy three, can I get the fourth for half off?” often works well!). If you’re not sure if it’s okay to barter, watch the locals.

Ask a local. Ask the locals for recommendations on where to get a cheap bite to eat. Staff at your hotel or hostel, a taxi or Uber driver or a barista could all be good people to ask. They know all the best kept secrets! Someone will almost always be able to direct you to a fabulous hole-in-the-wall pizza place or an incredible cheap taco stand. Watch what the locals eat, too. Local foods are—unsurprisingly—usually the cheapest options and can save you tons of money while traveling! 

Keep details in mind.

Know the fine print. When you do eat out, make sure you know what hidden costs are included in your meal. Is the water free? Are soda refills extra? Is the fresh bread they just brought out included? Does it cost extra to sit inside or outside the restaurant? Do you get a discount if you take your food to-go? These rules and costs will vary from place to place, so if you’re not sure, ask! (Or else you might end up spending $15 just on fancy water!) 

Know how to tip. In the US, it’s customary to tip 15% or more at restaurants, especially for really great service. In many other areas of the world, though, tipping is not expected. This is especially true if you order food at a cafe, a street vendor or a local market. Sometimes at restaurants a tip is automatically included with your bill. Practicing proper tipping etiquette is an easy way to save money on food. Do a little research before you go so you won’t be tipping double! 

Plan ahead. Have a can’t miss meal or restaurant on your bucket list? Enjoying a fancy meal once in awhile is totally okay even if you’re traveling on a budget! Try to estimate how much you’ll probably spend at that fancy restaurant and plan ahead so you can spend a little less on other food. Planning on having a fancy dinner on Friday night? Go to the grocery store and pack a few picnic lunches to save money on food before you splurge. 

Watch out for credit card fees! Most banks and credit card companies have fees for international purchases, currency exchanges and so on. Make sure you’re familiar with what your bank charges before you leave so you can avoid getting hit with a lot of extra charges. Pro tip: your best bet is usually to get cash from an ATM and use cash to pay for food and other small expenses. This way you only pay a fee once, rather than having to pay fees for every purchase you make. Another good option is to find a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and use that! Just be sure to have cash as a backup, as many smaller shops and cafes don’t accept credit cards. 

Now that you’ve got all the tips on how to save money on food while traveling, why not save some money on your flights as well? Book a cheap flight and get student discounts, or take advantage of some our best current deals on airfare for your next vacay.

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Sipping coffee & chasing dreams, 13 ways to save money on food while traveling.

One of the biggest expenses, when traveling, is our food budget.  Hey, it’s one of the biggest expenses we have when we don’t travel! So it comes as no surprise that if you want to stretch your travel budget, a good place to start is with food. Here are some easy ways to save money on food and stretch your budget a little further when you’re traveling.

Top Ways to Save Money on Food While Traveling

Book a room with a kitchen.

This is my favorite way to save money on food while traveling, particularly if I’m staying in one place for an extended period of time. 

For example, when I go to Maui , I stay away from the large resort hotels and instead book a condo with a kitchen and an outdoor grill.  This saves me a ton of money on eating out!

Even when staying in a place for only 2 or 3 nights, I try to book a room with a kitchenette.  That way, I have a microwave and a mini-fridge, so I can still make simple meals from my room if needed.

Go to the grocery store

Grocery stores are a great way to save money on food while traveling.  Whether you have a kitchen or not, you can purchase food to eat throughout your travels.  

Fruit, snack bars, bread, peanut butter, nuts, bottled water, and so on are excellent options that save you money on food. Plus, many grocery stores also have a deli where they serve fresh salads and hot dishes too.  This is another option that is cheaper than eating out.  You can even purchase stuff for a picnic and turn it into an experience rather than just a meal.

Pack snacks and water

Often when I’m traveling, I will spend the entire day sightseeing.  I’ll leave after breakfast and won’t return until late afternoon.  One of the best ways I keep going and keep from getting hangry is to pack snacks and water in my day bag. This not only saves money on food and drinks, but it also makes sightseeing more enjoyable.  

I’ve personally found that when my blood sugar dips down, I get tired and uninterested in seeing stuff.  If I can take a short 10-minute snack break, it turns my energy level around, and I’m ready to go again for at least another couple of hours.

Pack a refillable water bottle or, as mentioned above, purchase bottled water at the grocery store and keep it in your room to take with you each day.  This saves a lot of money vs. buying single bottles at a time.

Split meals with your traveling companion

If you’re traveling with another person, why not consider splitting a meal.  My hubby and I do this when we travel and also when eating out near home.  We’ve found that the portion sizes at most places are more than enough for two people to share.  It’s a great way to save money and still have the experience of dining out.

Book hotels with free breakfast

Another easy way to save money on food while traveling is to book a room with breakfast included. This not only saves you money but also saves you time.  It’s very convenient to get up in the morning, grab breakfast at the hotel, and then head out for the day.  Some hotels even offer takeaway fruit options so you can have a snack for later.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a fantastic way to support local farmers and artisans.  I enjoy browsing these markets for homemade souvenirs as well as for food you might not find anywhere else.  Often you’ll find seasonal fruit, baked goods, and a variety of food vendors.  It’s a fun local experience that gives you a feel for the neighborhood you’re visiting.

Eat lunch rather than dinner

Okay, I’m not suggesting you need to skip dinner altogether, but rather than you eat lunch at a restaurant rather than dining in for dinner.  Often, you can get the same menu for lunch as you would for dinner, but at lunch prices.  

Many restaurants even offer lunch specials that come with a small appetizer and your main dish for much less than you would pay at dinner.  Ask about specials before ordering.

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No kitchen, no problem.

If you’ve got a room with a coffee maker and a mini-fridge, you can still save money on eating in even if you don’t have a microwave or kitchen. I use the coffee maker to make oatmeal for breakfast and ramen noodles for lunch or dinner. 

Additionally, if all I have is a mini-fridge, I purchase bread, peanut butter, and jam and make sandwiches to take on the go.  Just make sure you don’t forget to pack a knife and some zip lock bags for your sandwiches.  Bagels with cream cheese, yogurt, and bottled smoothies are also great options when all you have is a mini-fridge.

Eat where the locals go

If you eat at restaurants close to the main tourist attractions, you can be sure you are paying a higher price than if you were to go off the beaten path.  

Try to find out where the locals eat.  Ask around and take a little extra time to walk a few blocks out of the tourist areas. If you look in a restaurant and you notice a lot of locals, the chances are that it’s cheaper and that the food is good!

Eat  with  a local

Several websites and apps allow you to meet with a local and share a meal or take a cooking class in someone’s home. This provides you with a unique experience to get to know the local culture better and to make a new friend.

• Couchsurfing  has been around for a while now, and although primarily used to find cheap lodging, you can also use it to find someone to share a meal with or tour the city with a local. Karen from  Wanderlustingk explains how to do this , and gives some useful tips for staying safe.
• Travelingspoon  is another excellent way to meet a local and learning to cook a regional dish. Although this isn’t the cheapest option, if you look at it as both a meal and an experience, it’s a pretty good deal.  You will often spend as much on a meal at dinner as you will for the price of a cooking class through Travelingspoon.  Prices generally start around $20 and up.

Look for specials

Restaurants in many cities offer prixe fixe menus.  These offer you an incredible fixed price on a three-course menu that includes your appetizer, main dish, and dessert.  This is a great way to try a fine dining restaurant without spending a ton of money.  

Also, look for restaurants offering brunch specials and weekly dinner specials.  Many restaurants have once a week dinner specials where they serve a meal, say lobster, at a reduced rate.

Plan for special experiences

I understand that eating isn’t just about getting in your daily calories.  Food can be an experience too.  It’s a wonderful way to experience the local culture. So when you’re planning a trip, if you know, there is a particular food you want to try at your destination, plan ahead and pick out the best place to eat it.  Then budget for it. 

You can eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for most of your trip but then splurge on those special occasions. I try to save money on food while traveling, but I allow for a couple of unique dining experiences.  This makes eating out more memorable.

I’ve splurged on Peking duck in Beijing (at lunch to save money), a five-course meal in Italy prepared by a prince (no kidding), and a fondue dinner in Switzerland (nothing is cheap there).  I sacrificed eating out each day, to save for a few special meals.

Skip Starbucks

Okay, don’t worry, I’d never tell you to skip coffee, however planning to make coffee in your room will save you a lot of money. Pack a  travel french press  from or an Aeropress, then all you need is some hot water and ground coffee, and you’re good to go! You may also want to bring a collapsible mug or refillable bottle that works for both hot and cold drinks.

Even if you use the coffee maker at your hotel or Airbnb, you may want to purchase some local coffee beans at the grocery store or if you’re lucky enough–a local coffee roaster. 

If you do plan to grab a cup of coffee at a cafe, order the roast of the day and get a drip coffee to save money. There are, of course, times where splurging on your favorite coffee is warranted. However, these are ways to save money on coffee for the rest of the time.

Suggested Meals You Can Make to Save Money on Food

Here are some ideas for foods you can make in your room.  Make sure to plan ahead and pack utensils, refillable water bottle, and any coffee filters or gear you need. It may take a little extra planning, but it can save you hundreds of money during your trip.

• Breakfast bars
• Oatmeal packets (I pack from home)
• Muffins/bakery items

Lunch/Dinner

• Meats, cheeses and crackers from local grocery store or charcuterie
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Instant noodles
• Salads (from deli or produce section)

Final Thoughts and Tips

Here are a few final tips to save money on food while traveling. 

Drink water with your meals.  It’s amazing how much that one act can save you.  I ask for lemon slices in mine and pretend it’s lemonade.

Get take-out vs. dining in.  Take your food to the park, or plan a cozy meal in your room. These little changes can add up to significant savings.

Look for food trucks street food.   You can try food you’d never eat at a restaurant and make fun memories doing it. Have you ever tried scorpion?  I have, it tasted like salted popcorn.  What about squid stuffed with a quail egg, okay, take it from me and skip that one.  If those don’t sound appealing, never fear there are other less adventurous options at street food markets too. It’s a great way to try a bunch of different foods and eat cheap!

This guide isn’t about never eating out or splurging, but on saving money and intentionally choosing to spend it on experiences that will provide memories to re-live when you’re back home.

Bon appetit!

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How to Save Money on Food When You Travel

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Based on the lavish menu of items that Pam Tobey and Rick Durham dined on during an independent trip to Reykjavik, Iceland, you’d think a hearty chunk of their budget was spent on food. Think lamb pate, cod in mustard sauce, salmon with brown bread, and skyr (the national cheese).

You might be surprised to hear, then, that during their five-day jaunt through one of Europe’s most expensive cities, they only ate in a restaurant once. Otherwise, they bought ingredients from little stores and cobbled together their own meals.

“Half the fun of our overseas travel is exploring local markets and groceries,” says Tobey, a graphic designer in Washington D.C. Not to mention that frequenting local markets is the number-one way to save money on food while traveling.

If you’re willing to map out an eating plan that includes buying provisions at grocery stores and following some of our other tips, you can save a good chunk of change on your travels, and still eat well.

Navigating Grocery Stores

It’s simple, really: Shopping for foodstuffs at supermarkets, small groceries, farmers’ markets, even drug stores with pantry aisles, will save you loads of money on food. Fresh bread, a few slices of meat or cheese and a piece of fruit make for a wholly satisfactory meal and will set you back just a few dollars.

If you are planning to make this style of eating a part of your next trip, some simple advance planning will make the experience easier on your budget.

– Bring or obtain simple utensils. It’s generally easy enough to find paper plates and plastic forks, spoons and knives when you’re traveling — or you can bring your own set of reusable utensils from home.

– Don’t buy items that require a special tool to open. If you didn’t bring a corkscrew on your trip, get wine with twist-off caps. Canned items without flip-top lids will go uneaten unless you pack a can opener.

– Tote along a small cache of quart- and gallon-size zip-top bags for securing leftovers and preventing leaks. A collapsible insulated cooler bag is helpful too.

– Order small quantities of pay-by-weight items from counters, and only order what you realistically will eat. This is a great way to sample a variety of local foods.

– Pop into markets and small bakeries in the late afternoon. Some sell baked goods at half price in an effort to recoup expenses before throwing items out. A few rolls safely secured in a zip-top bag and voila! You’ve got breakfast the next day.

Putting Restaurant Meals to Work for You

Restaurant meals are generally unavoidable when you’re on the road. And let’s face it: Trying out new spots can be part of the fun of traveling.

If you’re staying at a hotel, avoid asking concierges for recommendations of places to eat. They tend to have a set list of pricey or touristy spots near the hotel that they suggest. Instead, ask bartenders or baristas where they personally like to eat, or consult travel guidebooks and their companion websites for lists of the best cheap eats in a city. The “Rough Guides” and “Let’s Go” series of guidebooks are two good choices.

Read local food blogs before you go on an overseas trip. Chole Current, an American living in Istanbul, where she works as a university professor, says that “expats living in the area know where to go to get the best food at the best prices.” Her go-to source is a local blog called IstanbulEats.com .

Americans tend to devour their largest meals of the day at dinner, when menus usually are most expensive. Make lunch your biggest meal instead — most people in other countries do anyway, so you’ll fit in better with the locals.

If you’re traveling on your own, eat light and just order an appetizer as your meal. A couple can split an entree, perhaps ordering a salad or an additional side dish to complement it. Alternately, order from the fixed-priced or tourist menu, if one is available. Those traveling with children should seek out restaurants with “kids eat free” promotions (note that these are more prominent in the United States than overseas).

Be a Restaurant Bargain Hunter

The benefit of traveling during a difficult economy is that many restaurants have been offering coupons and discounts that they promote in a variety of outlets. Some of the best places to look for restaurant special offers include:

– The official tourism website of your destination before you go on a trip. Many post coupons or other discounts.

– International restaurant booking sites such as TheFork.com , which offers a network of more than 12,000 restaurant partners across Europe. We also found LunchaLot.com for discounts in Sydney, Australia, and a U.K. branch of OpenTable at OpenTable.co.uk .

– Google. Try simply searching your location + restaurant discounts and see what comes up. There are plenty of international dining sites with local discounts available that you can Google translate if need be.

– E-mail offers from such promotional sites as LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com.

– Pay-in-advance offers from sites like Restaurant.com . You can regularly find $25 restaurant gift cards for only $10 on Restaurant.com — and if you sign up for its e-mail newsletters, you’ll get special promo codes and offers for even better discounts.

– The Entertainment Coupon Book, a thick, annually published compilation of coupons for restaurants, hotels, rental cars and attractions. It costs just $35 and often pays for itself after just a meal or two (and can help you save some bucks on other aspects of your travels too). Bonus: The books tend to be deeply discounted in the summer. See Entertainment.com.

– Membership organizations like AAA and AARP. These organizations often offer discounts at popular chain restaurants.

Hotel Rooms: The Best Tool in Your Arsenal

For budget travelers, a hotel room could be Command Central for the preparation of the majority of your meals.

Choose hotels that offer full or half-kitchens ensuite (and make sure they’re stocked with basic dishes and utensils). This is especially helpful if you have children, who generally eat simply anyway and have low tolerance for sitting in restaurants for long spans of time. Backpackers, meanwhile, benefit from hostels, which often have communal kitchens.

Don’t have access to anything more than a mini-fridge and a coffee maker? No problem. Cold cereal with milk or instant oatmeal with water warmed through the coffee maker are great for breakfast. Sandwiches, cups of soup and ramen noodles for lunch are easy to prepare.

Speaking of mini-fridges, here’s something important to know: When you check in at your hotel, ask the staff to clear out the minibar for you. Some fridge models can automatically track when items are removed and will tack ridiculously marked-up charges to your bill, even if you just temporarily remove some items to make room for your own stuff ($4 for a tiny can of Pringles, anyone?).

Even if you don’t have a mini-fridge, you can still get by with some basic non-refrigerated staples — like peanut butter, jelly and bread. If you’re traveling to a spot where a grocery store isn’t convenient, bring the items with you. If you can’t do that (because of airline restrictions, for instance), ship them to your hotel in advance, or use a grocery delivery service.

If you don’t wish to prepare your own food in a hotel room, at least choose a property that offers free breakfast. And don’t be shy — gorge away! Tuck an apple or muffin into your daypack for a snack. We’ve never heard of a hotel objecting to that. (Have you?)

Abra Benson Perrie of Gainesville, Virginia, says she always asks for a hotel room upgrade to the concierge level, where continental breakfast and afternoon snacks are included. “I did this in both Bermuda and Bali, and it worked out great,” she says. “I only really needed to buy lunch.” Even if she can’t get the upgrade for free, sometimes the cost differential is still less than she and her husband would pay for two meals a day.

Hitting the Streets

Some of the best budget food in the world comes from street vendors. It is hearty and cheap, and permits you to sample many local delicacies without shelling out too much money.

It also can be some of the riskiest food you eat while traveling. There’s no better way to ruin a trip — and potentially run up your travel expenses with medical bills — than coming down with a case of food poisoning.

So what’s an intrepid diner to do? When trying street food, “Be sure your dish is served hot, and take a look at the cart or kiosk before ordering,” advises Sarah Schlichter in Food Safety: How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling . “Does it look clean and well kept? Is it busy? (The fewer the customers, the longer the food may sit before being served.)”

To Drink or Not to Drink?

Who gets the munchies when they drink? Who loses the ability to think budget-mindedly after throwing a few back? Who’s surprised by the food and drink tab the next day when reviewing receipts stuffed into jeans pockets?

Killjoy alert: The best way to keep on budget is to avoid alcoholic beverages altogether. However, if you do plan to throw a few back, seek out happy hours, order the house wine during dinner or buy your booze where the locals do (and have your drinks in your room before you go out).

Some bars also offer free food during happy hour. In places like Spain , tapas are served whenever you order a drink. Drink enough, and your belly’s full.

So what should you imbibe if you’re on a very limited food and drink budget? To maximize your savings, only drink tap water, if it’s safe to drink (if not, consider bringing a reusable bottle with built-in filter). Bring powdered drink mixes from home if the idea of only drinking plain water is a bore.

If you must consume bottled water, purchase it at a grocery store rather than from restaurants or street vendors, as it will be less expensive.

You May Also Like

• What Not to Do in a New City
• 12 Places Every Chocolate Lover Should Visit
• 5 Things You Shouldn’t Wear on a Plane

–written by Elissa Leibowitz Poma

Editor’s Note: IndependentTraveler.com is published by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc., which also owns TheFork.com .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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23 Ways To Save Money on Food When Traveling

Looking for ways to save money on food when traveling?

We are budget family travelers who have seen over 25 countries by finding the right balance between truly experiencing the culture of a new place and saving enough money to travel another day. 

 We’ve compiled practical tips to help you navigate the world of travel dining on a budget.

From making smart choices when dining out to using your accommodation’s kitchenette, we’ve got you covered. 

So, if you’re eager to explore the world, savor authentic flavors, and still have some money left in your pocket, read on. These tips will help you save on food costs and enhance your travel experience.

1. Book a Place with a Kitchen

When it comes to saving money on food during your travels, having a kitchen is the ultimate game-changer. It’s like having a secret weapon in your budget-savvy arsenal. 

With a kitchen, you can whip up your favorite meals, make sandwiches for on-the-go lunches, and even experiment with local ingredients.

 It’s not just about saving money; it’s about the freedom and convenience to eat on your own terms.

2. If Not A Kitchen, Then Free Breakfast

If you opt for a hotel stay, make sure it’s one that offers a complimentary breakfast. This morning meal can be a game-changer in itself. 

It’s a chance to fuel up for the day ahead without spending a dime. 

Plus, it often includes a variety of options, from fresh fruit to pastries, so you can load up and save for later.

3. Go Grocery Shopping First

As soon as we drop our bags off at our apartment-style accommodations, we head straight to the grocery store. It’s our travel ritual. 

Stocking up on essentials like bread, cheese, and snacks not only saves money but also adds a touch of home to your travels. 

Plus, going grocery shopping first is a great excuse to explore local grocery stores, which are mini-adventures in themselves.

And let me tell you something if you really want to see how local people eat, go to where they shop. 

Shopping has introduced us to Manchego cheese in Spain, Skyr yogurt in Iceland and Kanelbulle (cinnamon rolls) in Stockholm. 

When our son was little and we lived in Spain for six months, he became truly obsessed with Piel de Sapo . Otherwise known as the Santa Claus melon because it is ripe around Christmas time. 

In Spain, we lived across from the central market and went shopping at the Mercado Centrale where a lovely Spanish woman introduced him to this juicy, green fruit.

4. Or Better a Central Market

When you want to eat like a local and stick to a budget, local markets are your best friends. 

Avoid the tourist traps like Madrid’s Mercado San de Miguel, which are great to visit but not to buy.  

Instead, seek out a central market in the heart of the neighborhood you’re exploring. 

Here, you’ll find fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food vendors serving up authentic flavors at local prices. 

Local vendors will also offer tastes so you can sample before you buy. Who can so no to free food? 

It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet.

5. Shop Travel Food Before Leaving

Don’t let all your hard work saving money while traveling go to waste by splurging on overpriced airport food. Instead, plan ahead and pack some travel-friendly snacks.

Granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits are perfect companions for your journey. 

They’ll keep hunger at bay, so you can stay focused on enjoying your adventure without breaking the bank.

6. Plan One Meal Out

Remember, you’re on vacation to indulge a bit. So, planning one meal out each day is a perfect compromise. 

Planning one meal out allows you to savor the local cuisine, soak in the ambiance of a new place, and still stick to your budget for the majority of your meals. 

It’s all about finding that balance between treating yourself and being mindful of your expenses.

7. Eat Out At Lunch

If you’re looking to dine out while keeping costs in check, consider making lunch your main meal out. 

Breakfast is often the easiest to prepare on your own, and dinner tends to be the most expensive dining option. 

By having lunch at local eateries, you can sample the same delicious dishes at a fraction of the dinner prices.

8. Drink In

If you enjoy a good cocktail or a glass of wine, opt for a DIY happy hour back at your accommodations. 

Drinking in is not only more economical but also a chance to unwind in the comfort of your temporary home. 

Stock up on local beverages or your favorite drinks and create your own happy hour experience without the hefty bar tab.

10. Avoid Any Restaurant on An Important Square

While dining with a view of a famous square or landmark may seem enticing, those seats often come with a premium price tag. 

Restaurants in these prime locations don’t rely on repeat customers or loyalty, so they tend to overprice their meals.

Instead, find a nearby bench, bring a snack, and enjoy the ambiance without the added cost. Your wallet will thank you.

11. Share Plates

Sharing is not only caring but also cost-effective when dining out. 

Many restaurants offer shareable plates or appetizers that can make for a satisfying meal when split among friends or family. 

It’s a great way to taste a variety of dishes without overspending.

12. Bring a Water Bottle

Don’t underestimate the value of a reusable water bottle while traveling. Not only does it save you money on overpriced bottled water, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice.

 We just got back from Disney World where a bottle of water cost nearly $5. If we didn’t have our refillable water bottle, just buying one bottle per person per day would have cost $15. 

13. Love Street Food

Street food is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the heart of a destination while keeping your travel budget in check. Some of our favorite food experiences, from the famous Icelandic hot dog in Rejkavik to arepas in Cartagena have centered on street food.  

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, observe the habits of locals – if a street food stall draws a crowd of residents, it’s a likely indicator of delicious and trustworthy fare. 

Opt for dishes that are cooked or prepared on the spot to guarantee freshness and reduce the risk of contamination. 

While exploring the world of street food, exercise caution with raw or undercooked items and be mindful of condiments that have been left out for extended periods. 

And of course, if something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and skip it. 

14. Snacks, Snack, Snacks

Once only thought of as a road trip tip, packing lots of snacks is a great money-saving tip for all kinds of travel. 

When it comes to keeping your energy up while exploring new places, snacks are your best travel companions. 

We are experts in teen travel and snacks have become even more important when traveling with growing teens.

Opt for protein-packed snacks like beef jerky to keep hunger at bay and stay fueled for your adventures.  Beefy jerky and almonds are our favorite go-tos. 

These compact and convenient treats are perfect for on-the-go munching. Plus, they can save you from splurging on expensive tourist traps when you need a quick pick-me-up. 

15. Pack Green Starts

Eating on a budget means you often choose less expensive foods like pizza and sandwiches. But days of eating without some good veggies can weigh on you. 

So instead, pack a green start to your meal.

We love throwing in a bag of baby carrots or snap peas to munch on our way to grab that street taco or slice of pizza. 

Packing a green start will help you eat cheap and healthy while traveling.

16. Choose Food Adventures

Opting for food-related adventures like cooking classes or food tours is an excellent way to combine excitement with your daily meal out. 

For instance, the Pike’s Market Food Tour in Seattle is one of our favorite experiences. It lets you explore the local culinary scene while enjoying a delicious meal.

On our favorite experiences is the Pike’s Market Food Tour in Seattle. 

17. Train Time is Food Time

If you are looking to save money on food when traveling internationally, pack meals for train time. 

In Europe, trains are the smartest and most efficient way to travel. We have loved traveling across the continent using public transit as a family . 

Adding a packed lunch to your economical ride is doubling down on saving money. 

In many train stations across Europe, there are grocery stores in the station making this budget travel tip as easy one to implement. 

18. Picnics and Parks

Picnics in parks are not just featured in movies; they’re a perfect way to savor a meal. 

Even cities like Paris can be done on a budget.  

Instead of spending a significant amount on a lunch with a partial view of the Eiffel Tower, grab a bottle of wine, some cheese, and bread from a local grocery store, and settle into the Champ de Mars for a meal with breathtaking views.

19. Ditch Fancy Coffee

If you need your morning dose of caffeine, then this tip is essential for you in figuring out how to save money on vacation. And it is really simple.

Save on your morning caffeine fix by using the coffee maker in your hotel room. 

If you’re a fan of flavored coffee, consider packing your own vanilla syrup to create that necessary morning latte. 

Alternatively, if your hotel lacks coffee service, bring along a travel-friendly French press for your coffee needs.

20. Think Microwaveable

If your hotel provides a microwave, you’re all set to prepare simple, microwaveable meals. 

Before any trip, we head down to Trader Joe’s to pick up some of our favorite easy-travel meals.  Trader Joe’s offers a variety of easy microwaveable options, including their protein muffin, which is a personal favorite of ours.

Bringing your own food on vacation can be a great budget-saving tip as long as you don’t pack more than your free luggage allows. 

21. Pack Essentials

While packing, consider the essentials you’ll need for your meals, but avoid going overboard. 

You don’t want to buy a 100-piece cutlery set for a single picnic, so choose wisely and pack only  what’s necessary.

We also tend to pack essentials like peanut butter that may be more expensive in other parts of the world. 

22. Leverage City Cards with Dining Perks

Many cities around the world offer tourist cards or city passes that include not only free or discounted access to attractions but also dining perks.

These cards often provide meal vouchers or discounts at select restaurants and cafes.

For example, the Paris Pass not only grants access to museums but also offers dining benefits at partner establishments.

Similar cards exist in various cities, and they can be a fantastic way to save on food expenses while exploring the local cuisine.

Before your trip, research if your destination has such a card, and if it does, consider purchasing one. Not only will you enjoy cost-effective sightseeing, but you’ll also savor delicious meals without straining your budget.

23. Splurge Once Each Trip

Finally, plan ahead and allow yourself one big food-related splurge during your trip.

Saving money on food should not become how to avoid eating out on vacation. Rather, it is about eliminating all those quick, sub par meals so that you can focus on one or two really great experiences. 

Whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, a renowned local delicacy, or a luxurious dining experience, this special meal can be a memorable highlight of your journey.

Conclusion: How to Save Money on Food When Traveling

Dining while traveling doesn’t have to be a budget-busting affair. 

With these practical strategies at your disposal to help you save money on food while traveling, you can savor the culinary delights of your destination without worrying about over-taxing your credit cards. 

Remember to plan ahead, make smart choices, and embrace the local food scene to truly immerse yourself in the culture.

Whether you’re relishing street food on bustling corners, indulging in a cooking class, or simply enjoying a picnic with breathtaking views, your culinary experiences can be both delicious and cost-effective. 

By seeking out the best deals, packing essentials, and making savvy decisions, you can stretch your food budget further and have more funds left in your travel savings account for other exciting adventures during your trip.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or experience; it’s about savoring every moment while keeping your finances in check. Bon appétit, and happy travels!

Faith, along with her husband and her son make up 3TicketsPlease. We have adventured to over 25 countries together. Budget travel allows us to live our philosophy of "why wait to travel," and we'd love to help you and your family see the world now.

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Save money on food while traveling (15 strategies)

June 18, 2019 by Tara Buss 2 Comments

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Save money on food while traveling while still eating out and enjoying yourself.  You can be on a budget, but still eat well.

It's that time of year when families are packing up and hitting the road for that big family vacation. Aside from accommodations, food is typically the largest expense while on vacation. It also happens to be my favorite expense, as I love trying new delicious food that I didn't have to cook! Is it possible to save money on food while traveling?

Take heart, you little foodie. There are ways to still enjoy your vacation, eat delicious food, and save money at the same time.  Here are a few tips.

Save money on food while traveling

1. pack snacks for travel.

What is it about traveling that gives us the munchies? Snacks can be a huge budget buster on a trip. I recommend bringing your own, especially if traveling by plane. Airport food is a huge expense and one that is best avoided.

For snack ideas, read my 50 cheap healthy snacks .

2. Consider accommodations with a kitchen.

If staying several days in a location, I much prefer renting a condo or home as opposed to a hotel. Not only is there more room to spread out with the comforts of home, you get access to a kitchen.  Hit up the grocery store when you arrive and make your own breakfasts, lunches, and even a couple of dinners.

If staying near the ocean, it's also fun to get fresh seafood and cook it yourself one night instead of eating out, saving a lot of money but still getting that fresh seafood experience.

3. Hack your hotel room.

If you are confined to a hotel room, don't think you can't make your own food.  I've heard of people using cooking oatmeal with the hot water from a coffee pot. While I have never tried it myself, I know of others who have used a slow cooker or griddle that they brought from home in a hotel room to cook all sorts of things.  Clean up seems like it would be a bit cumbersome, but it's certainly an idea.

If your hotel room has a mini fridge and a microwave, there are all kinds of breakfast and lunch options you can make. Heat up your dinner leftovers, eat cereal for breakfast, make an egg for a sandwich in a coffee mug.  The options are endless.

4. Bring your own breakfast and lunch.

Pack a cooler full of fruit, yogurt, granola , hard boiled eggs, muffins, sandwich options, chips, cut up veggies, and reusable water bottles, and you have a cheap way to eat breakfast and lunch for the entire week without a lot of cooking involved.  If nothing else, packing snacks will save you a ton of money, especially when traveling by plane.  Those airport prices are killer! Taking a little time to prep before leaving on your trip goes a long way.

My family likes to adventure or hit the beach during the day, and then get cleaned up for a nice meal for dinner, so we don't care too much about what we eat during the day while we are relaxing. We save money on breakfast and lunch so we can splurge on dinner.

5. Free breakfast

If you don't want to stay in a condo or house and prefer staying in a hotel, consider booking one that offers free breakfast.  Taking advantage of the breakfast offered is a great way to save money and not have to get up and out the door so early in the morning. It's vacation. Who wants to get up early?

6. Split meals.

My husband and I often split meals when traveling.  Often portion sizes are large in the United States, so instead of taking home leftovers, we have just enough for the two of us.  Sometimes we order a second side salad or an appetizer to make the meal stretch a big further, but still cheaper than ordering another entree.

Since my daughter has allergies, she can't often eat off of the kids' menu, so we sometimes have the kids split meals too. Most of the time it is healthier and tastier than your typical chicken strips and mac and cheese offered on the kids' menu. Just last week, they split an awesome pork chop with apple chutney, baked beans, and green beans. They both left full and their tastebuds were happy.

If your child is under the age of three, consider just letting them eat off of your plate instead of ordering them a full meal and then having them eat only a small portion. Wasting food is the worst and very frustrating.  Just make sure you are ordering a couple of things that you know they will enjoy.

7. Look for places where kids eat free.

I don't use this tip very often anymore because my kids rarely eat off of the kids menu, but when they did, I loved finding places where kids eat free especially if they are not very adventurous eaters. Now I will say, that the more "foodie" type places that I love to visit on vacation, usually don't offer this, so this is more of a tip while on the road and looking for a place to eat.

8. Order family style.

Instead of everyone ordering their own meal, consider ordering a few meals for the entire table and eating family style.  It will often be more economical and you get the added benefit of trying several different dishes. I love trying a variety of foods at a new restaurant.

9. Eat out for lunch

If you love eating out but hate the dinner prices, try going out for lunch. Prices are typically less expensive and you get similar food as what you would have for dinner. Then for dinner, either cook or eat what you would have for lunch.

10. Try the mom and pop joints

One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to eat like a local.  The tourist traps are often overrated and overpriced. I love asking around what the favorite places are of the locals.  You can find great little mom and pop joints that offer fantastic eats at great prices.

Food trucks, cafes, and casual dining are also budget-friendly and a great way to enjoy the local cuisine.

11. Hit up happy hour

Restaurants often run great specials earlier in the night on appetizers and drinks. Starting your night a little earlier could mean a less expensive dinner out.

You might even consider ordering a couple of happy hour appetizers as your meal instead of a main entrée. This could be a great way to save money and get a little extra variety.

12. Skip the drinks

Drinks can jack up your bill extremely fast.  Skip the drinks and stick with water so you can spend more of your cash on the food!

13. Skip dessert or share

I know. Dessert is delicious, but consider skipping it to cut down on food costs. You could always get local ice cream later as a treat which would probably be less expensive.

If you just have to have to that dessert on the menu that's calling out to you, consider sharing with someone or with your entire family.

14. Look for special offers

Look for coupons and deals for local restaurants. Your hotel or travel guide may have coupons available. You can also look on Groupon for deals on local establishments. We have found some great deals on Groupon in the past for restaurants even in our own town.

15. Do your homework

If you are going to eat out on your vacation and spend good money, you want the food to be excellent, so take the time to research.  Even before going on your trip, look at online reviews, ask on social media for recommendations, look at online menus, etc. Enjoy your trip and the food experiences.  Make them worth the expense!

Now it's your turn! Let me know in the comments what your favorite tip is for saving money on food while traveling.

Reader Interactions

January 30, 2023 at 2:31 pm

One trick I do is eat a snack just before I go out so not ravenous before going out. In Australia most portion sizes are relatively small compared to America so spliting a meal is not always feasible unless this happens first.

January 30, 2023 at 3:15 pm

Great tip, Diinaus. Thanks! Yes, I'm sure American portions are larger than other countries. Although recently portion sizes in many restaurants are getting smaller here too as food prices continue to rise.

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Traveling Cheesehead

The Adventures of a Wisconsinite and Her Family

20 Ways To Save On Food While Traveling

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.

20 Ways To Save On Food While Traveling ? One of the biggest hurdles with travel is knowing how to save on food without sacrificing one of the special parts of your vacation.  As a mom, travel is one of the few times that we can let someone else do the cooking for us.  It’s such a fun break, and a great way to try new flavors, restaurants, and even to introduce your family to a new food.  To keep in your budget, I am sharing some of my favorite ways to save on food.

• Use coupons Almost every chain restaurant offers an email club that will send you coupons for free appetizers, free desserts, free meals on your birthday, or even a buy one get one free meal.  Check out your travel destination for chain restaurants you can utilize coupons at for discounted meals.
• Purchase gift cards through Restaurant.com Restaurant.com is a great option for up to half-price off of a gift card.  Most often, these come in $5, $15, $25, and $50 values.  You pay half the value of the gift card, but some will have restrictions requiring the total of the meal to be $5-$10 more than the value of the gift certificate.  They often do not cover alcohol.  This usually ends up taking at least 40% off of your overall price of a meal. These are available typically for local restaurants and not chain restaurants.
• Share meals Instead of ordering an entree for both yourself and your spouse, pick something that has more options and allows you to share the meal instead.  For example, you may find a chicken pasta dish for only $7.99 on a menu, or you could pay $10.99 for grilled chicken with two sides.  If the restaurant also offers free bread or chips and salsa, you can split the meal and pay half the price you would normally.
• Pack your own snacks Whether you are taking a road trip or flying, you can easily pack a few snacks for your travel time that will save you the high prices of convenience stores or airports.  You can also stock your hotel room with a few things to have between meals.  Granola bars, cereal bars, trail mix, fruit, fruit snacks, and beef jerky are all great easy options.

• Order only water One of the biggest additional costs in restaurants is your drink order.  For soft drinks and iced tea, you are typically paying anywhere from $1.79-$3.50 each.  That can add up to $10-$15 extra at each meal for your family.  Over the course of one day, you can save upwards of $50 just by drinking water.
• Skip the alcohol As much as you want that glass of wine with dinner, this is one of the biggest added expenses you can quickly eliminate.  Especially if you are able to pick up a bottle of wine and keep in your room or condo to have when you get back to you room instead of in a restaurant.
• Buy dining passes for amusement parks One of the biggest ways to save on food when hitting up a theme park is to check out their dining passes.  While not all are cost effective, there are tons that are a great deal.  Look at the options online ahead of time, or ask friends who have already visited the park to make sure you are really getting the best deal.

• Ask for vouchers through your hotel Many hotels not only have discounts available at restaurants nearby, some will give you vouchers or gift cards when you book for a several night stay.  When you check in, always ask the clerk about any local restaurant discounts they offer.
• Take advantage of free hotel breakfast or happy hour Almost every chain motel and the hotel has a free breakfast option.  Many are also now offering a free cocktail or happy hour.  Take advantage of both for some great food at no extra cost.
• Skip dessert Dessert options at restaurants are almost always way overpriced and underwhelming.  I love cheesecake, but paying $5 for a slice at most restaurants is just ridiculous.  Instead, you can stop by the local grocery store and pay $8 for an entire frozen cheesecake and take back to the room.  Grab desserts only for a special occasion outside of restaurants, or pick up treats at the grocery store for half the price.

• Have a late lunch or early dinner Lunch prices are always lower than dinner.  Usually. the price change comes between 2pm-4pm.  Check ahead of time and plan to make your larger meal the lunch meal at a lower price, and plan on having a snack or sandwich in your room later in the day.
• Choose all-inclusive resorts If you are booking a vacation for the family that may have a resort option, check out the all-inclusive options available.  Many resorts do include 3 meals a day plus snacks and beverages available on the property. The prices are typically lower than you would pay outside the property for 3 meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day.
• Check out Happy Hour specials Many restaurants offer special pricing on appetizers or select meals during Happy Hour.  Additionally, you may find some that offer “late night deals” for those dining after 9pm.

• Use rewards cards When traveling, earning rewards on purchases is always a good idea.  There are hundreds of rewards clubs out there but some are especially great to take advantage of. Use credit cards that offer cash back rewards.  Use Diner’s Club, or other similar dining discount cards.  You can even use cards that individual restaurants give out for regular patrons.
• Ask about the daily specials Not every restaurant will tell you the special of the day right away.  Ask about daily specials since these often offer you a larger portion of a regular menu item for a lower price.
• Don’t order the combo If you are hitting up a fast food restaurant out of convenience, don’t fall into the trap of ordering the combo or increasing the size of your food.  While it is often an unhealthy trap, it is also a financial trap.  Instead, order a sandwich for each family member, and split a larger side.  If everyone has water, you’ve cut down tremendously on your bill and nobody goes hungry.

These tips for how to save on food when traveling will help stretch your vacation budget drastically.

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7 Easy Ways To Save on Food While Traveling

A bit of pre-travel planning will allow you to find the best food for the best prices. Here are some easy ways to do just that so you can have more of your vacation money for fun instead of food.

1. Do your research.

A few quick searches can aid immensely with saving money during travel, both abroad and domestically. Apps such as Yelp , TripAdvisor , and Zagat allow users to list restaurants and eateries within a specific price range. Apps like these not only display customer reviews but also suggest popular local restaurants and their prices.

Planning ahead will allow you to find the best food for the best prices. Researching local restaurants also saves time while traveling, so you can eliminate concerns over where to eat.

2. Think about where you are staying.

Hotels make it difficult to save money on food. Though many include continental breakfasts, most hotel meals are not included and are often pricey. Additionally, with the lack of kitchen amenities, hotels are not particularly conducive to home cooking.

With the rise of Airbnb , renting apartments or homes across the globe has become almost effortless and quite affordable. With the addition of a refrigerator, stove, oven, or microwave, your cooking possibilities proliferate. Instead of paying for three restaurant meals a day, find a place with a suitable kitchen and cook one to two meals at home.

Meals such as breakfast are quick and easy to make, even with just a microwave or stovetop. Storing inexpensive staples like oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal saves a considerable amount of money.

Especially while traveling abroad, grocery store prices are significantly lower than those of restaurants, particularly when currency exchange is set against you.

Related:  Overseas Travel for Less

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3. Limit your meals out.

Just because you are on vacation does not mean that you must dine out every chance you get. As stated above, it is quite easy to cook meals if you are renting an apartment or house.

Spending less money on restaurants will allow you to spend more on places you would like to see while traveling. Of course, dining out is a pleasurable experience, but limiting and celebrating these occasions will make them even more memorable.

Related:  An Insider’s Guide to Saving Money at Restaurants

4. Pack smart.

Depending on your mode of travel, your packing space and what you can pack are limited.

If your trip is a car ride away, bringing a cooler or an extra bag with snacks is easy and beneficial. Handfuls of snacks and small prepped meals fit easily and can be stored in compact spaces.

If you are traveling by plane, space is restricted, but there is still ample room to pack snacks. Foods like granola bars, crackers, and small fruits are easy to store and do not need refrigeration. Bringing your own snacks to the airport and your destination city helps save cash, as you avoid purchasing the expensive food offered in tourist locations. Fortunately, home-brought snacks are often healthier as well.

5. Avoid chains.

Some chains are known to be cheap, yet when it comes to cafes, think carefully before purchasing. Big names like Starbucks charge high prices for their drinks, so if you want to save on your daily coffee, consider bringing your own packets of quick brew or finding smaller cafes with lower prices.

Though purchases like coffee and tea seem small, they can add up quickly. Hot water is almost always available, even at hotels, so providing your own tea bags or coffee grounds is a quick way to save cash.

6. Share meals.

Depending on your appetite and the restaurant’s plate size, think twice before ordering too many meals. Often, portion sizes are large enough for at least two people, and sharing meals not only eliminates food waste but also extra spending.

Additionally, purchasing a few appetizers rather than full meals allows for greater variety in your meals and lower prices. Ask your waiter or waitress about the plate sizes before ordering. This may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy small, frequent meals, sharing is helpful.

Related:  Get Your Dining Out Priorities Straight and Save Money

7. Choose your food wisely.

Especially when traveling, ensure that you eat healthy foods to keep you going throughout the day. Macronutrients like protein and complex carbohydrates keep you full longer and give your body the energy it needs. Instead of purchasing copious amounts of processed snacks, choose natural foods and beverages that will hold off hunger and keep you feeling energetic.

Although healthy foods are often seen as more expensive, they can often be found at reasonable prices and you will need less of them to keep you satisfied.

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Reviewed December 2023

Key takeaways

• Travel can be really pricey, but you don't have to make big sacrifices in order to stay on budget.
• These budget travel tips, including planning your vacation earlier and flying on certain days, could make your trip more affordable.

We all feel it—it's time for a vacation. It's too bad that traveling is expensive and inflation has hit wallets hard.

Smart changes in how you book and travel can make getting away more affordable. Read on for 9 tips on how to travel for less.

1. Book flights a month or more in advance

Plane tickets are usually more expensive if you book at the last minute. Start looking at fares months before your trip, and then book when you spot a comparatively low rate. On average, the best time to book a flight is about 1 month before flying for domestic travel and 2-4 months for international travel. 1 Checking out third-party vendor sites can help you figure out which airline offers the lowest prices.

Feed your brain. Fund your future.

2. Time your travel right

Flights, train tickets, and rental car prices tend to be higher on the busiest days of the week, which are typically Fridays and Sundays. If you can, travel on Wednesdays or Saturdays when there's usually less demand and lower prices, on average. 2  

It's not always possible, but if you have some flexibility, try to avoid peak times, such as holidays and school breaks. Traveling during "shoulder season"—the period between high season and off-seasons—may increase your chances of finding a deal. For example, September and November in Hawaii or April and May in Florida.

3. Compare flying and driving costs

In the past, it's typically been cheaper to drive your own car than fly. But today's higher gas prices may change the equation. You can calculate your estimated gas expenses by multiplying your car's average miles per gallon by the total length of the trip, and then multiply that by the cost of gas. Keep in mind, too, that gas in certain states may be more expensive than others.

4. Skip the rental car

There are a lot of ways to get from A to B, and a rental car may be one of the most expensive. If you normally rent a car once you arrive at your destination, consider alternatives. While you'll save the most by using public transportation and biking, relying on rideshares is another option. Use an online rideshare fare calculator to help you estimate your bill. Then compare that estimate to the cost of renting a car, including the cost of gas.

5. Lower gas costs

If you need to drive during an upcoming getaway, try a few tricks to improve fuel efficiency and find cheaper pump prices, like ditching excess cargo and avoiding gas stations near major intersections. Read more on how to save money on gas .

6. Use points

If the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed your traveling, you may have some travel rewards points gathering dust. Using them is one way to discount or fully pay for your trip. Many credit card reward systems give you the best value per point when they're put toward travel. And because you can't invest points the way you can with money, it's wise to use as many points as possible before tapping your cash.

7. BYO food

We've all been there—hungry at the airport or on a road trip, forced to buy overpriced snacks. Packing food from home can help you avoid the markup. Don't forget to bring an empty, reusable water bottle, especially if you're flying. Once you get through security, fill up at a water fountain before boarding your flight.

8. Try unconventional ways to pay less for a hotel

Hotel prices can be flexible. You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA. You can also consider hotels that usually have cheaper rates, such as those that are close to airports, although you may pay a little extra on transportation for getting around town during your stay. Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise. Or get a deal at a micro hotel, where rooms are normally less than 200 square feet.

9. Rent out your place while you're gone

You could actually make money while on vacation by renting out your house or apartment —or even your parking spot—during your getaway. There are multiple companies that make it easy to list your property and find temporary renters. If you're a renter yourself, get your landlord's approval in writing before you list your place. Check out an online vacation rental calculator, which can estimate how much you could make renting.

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7 simple hacks to save money on groceries

The rising price of groceries can be a huge burden on the monthly budget. From household staples like eggs, milk and lettuce to canned goods and just about everything in between, it feels easier than ever to rack up the bill at the grocery store if you’re not careful. Even though those price tags can be eye-popping, all hope is not lost when it comes to saving when you stock up. With the right budget-friendly tips, tricks and planning techniques, you can save a ton of money at the grocery store, make your shopping trips more efficient and cut down on food waste while you’re at it. 

Watch the video above to learn how to save money on groceries.

How to save money on groceries

• Live by the list. Take stock of what’s in your pantry before you head to the store, make a list of ingredients needed and when you get to the store, don’t deviate.
• Shop your pantry and refrigerator before buying new items. Duplicate items in your pantry can not only kill your grocery budget, but can quickly lead to food waste. 
• Use your grocery store’s app to carefully plan your shopping trip from the comfort of your own home and check all available coupons. Utilizing your grocery store’s app is one of the best ways to stay on budget and save time when you shop.
• As you add items to your cart in the app, you can see your working total which will help you carefully curate your cart to fit your budget before you shop in store.
• It’s much easier to find sale items that pertain to exactly what’s on your grocery list when shopping in the grocery store’s app. This will help you avoid getting caught in sale traps when shopping in store.
• Choose pantry staples like pasta and canned goods that not only last longer than easily perishable goods, but that are more versatile when it comes to planning your weekly menus.
• When purchasing produce, choose produce that’s in-season. Out-of-season produce tends to be more expensive than its in-season counterparts. 

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The Best Way to Save Money Cooking for One? Think Like a Co-op.

Shopping in bulk with a friend or neighbor can reduce costs while strengthening relationships.

By Anna Broadway

About a decade ago, Angelika Zamfirescu couldn’t get her favorite coffee beans from her local C.S.A. in Astoria, Queens. Her neighbor, she learned, had the same frustration. So the two women joined with other friends and neighbors to order in bulk directly from the roaster. Their 10-pound orders continued for at least two years.

When solo cooks like Ms. Zamfirescu, 56, a somatic therapist, find friends and neighbors to share groceries with, it helps them get better prices. A sharing shopper could save 50 percent or more, depending on the item. In cases beyond coffee, it also means more variety with less waste.

Food sharing “goes back to time immemorial, but in other ways it’s new, too,” said Michael Carolan, a professor of sociology at Colorado State University and the author of “ The Food Sharing Revolution .”

Before the pandemic, grocery store bulk bins offered shoppers less expensive options. But Covid health regulations forced many stores to prepackage goods, said Anthony Peña, vice president of the National Supermarket Association. Prepackaged food often comes at a higher cost by volume — most labels include the price per ounce, but double-check the unit, if you’re comparing multiple items. (Sometimes a store might show one oil cost by ounce, another by liter.)

Fewer bulk options leave solo cooks with a difficult choice: Buy what you need, but pay more, or save money, but risk spoilage along with meal monotony.

“I don’t feel like eating chili for six days in a row,” said Becky Davenport, 61, of Chugiak, Alaska, who works in early education. Sharing food with a friend — and the savvy use of her freezer — helps her get more variety. Here are four ways to develop the practice yourself.

Calculate Your Food Waste

Ingredients you regularly struggle to finish are a good place to start sharing. Vivian Cabrera, a social worker who lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, said she had to give away a lot of food from her share of a community-supported agriculture program, or C.S.A.

The upfront cost — more than $800 for several months of food — was also a challenge. It became “super affordable,” she said, once she found a family willing to split her allotment.

Though Ms. Cabrera, 31, and her share partner alternate weeks, the split has also helped when she’s running late to get her box. Her C.S.A. has a single weekly pickup. If Ms. Cabrera can’t get there in time, she asks her partner to pick up the box.

If you’re reluctant to make such a large financial commitment, Buy Nothing groups provide another way to share with others. Ms. Cabrera said she often shares ingredients like cilantro or parsley through her group. (The groups don’t allow payment.)

Find a Like-Minded Friend …

If you already know those you split food with, it can deepen your relationship or give you a more consistent way to stay in touch. “It adds a richness to a friendship because you’re looking out for each other,” Ms. Davenport said.

… Preferably One Located Nearby

Sharing food involves a bit more coordination — especially if you’re used to doing things on your own. The closer you live or the more your routines overlap, the easier it will be to add a food share to your life. Ms. Cabrera said that her Buy Nothing group is limited to just a few blocks. In other cities, these communities often restrict membership to a radius of just a few miles.

Tag-Team Shopping Trips

Ms. Davenport started sharing food with a widowed friend after they went to Costco together. Sometimes they’ll divide individual items, like halving cheeses in a variety pack. Other times, they might divide two- or four-packs of chicken or bacon.

If you plan to freeze bulk items like this, divide them before chilling. Cut bacon strips in half, for instance, and separate groups of six halves with parchment paper for easy retrieval later. Do the same for chicken wings, fish fillets or other cuts.

With a little extra planning, it’s easy to make food sharing part of your regular cooking routine.

Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .

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Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box, 20-Ounce Portable Food Warmer, Blush Pink , Perfect for Travel, On-the-Go & Office Use | Stylish, Spill-Free & Dishwasher-Safe | Ideal Men & Women's Gifts

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About this item.

• Portable and Personal: Perfect 20-oz. capacity for taking and warming your leftover meals, soups, chili, and more
• Detachable Cord: Easily declutters and stores separately
• Seal & Store Lid: Prevents spills during transportation
• Stylish Design: Modern-vintage aesthetic with an elegant blush pink color
• Soft-Touch Exterior: Features a modern matte rubberized exterior
• Dishwasher-Safe: Includes a food storage container and inner lid for easy cleanup
• Premium Components: Warming base, lid, and power cord are included with this product

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Take Your Favorite Meals On the Go

Conveniently sized and perfectly stylish, the Crockpot Lunch Crock is ideal for carrying and warming your leftovers, oatmeal, soup, and more on the go. Whether you’re working from home, on a road trip, or at the office, it makes heating and eating your food easy.

Key Features:

• 20-oz. size makes it perfectly portable
• Detachable cord
• Seal & Store lid
• Sphinx Pink finish
• Soft-touch exterior
• Dishwasher-safe

Convenient and Easy to Use

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Unbox the modern convenience of having your favorite meals warm and ready to eat with Crock-Pot's Electric Lunch Box. Specifically designed to offer portability without sacrificing style, this 20-ounce heated lunch box is ideal for those on-the-go. Whether you're working from home, in the office, or on a road trip, this gadget is all set to keep your meals enticingly warm. Its modern-vintage aesthetic and elegant blush pink color add a stylistic touch to your meal times. Designed with a tight-closing lid and easy-to-carry handle, this lunch box features a soft-touch exterior and a detachable cord for clutter-free storage.

Top Brand: Crock-Pot

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 79% 11% 5% 2% 3% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 79% 11% 5% 2% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the versatility, temperature, ease of use, size and ease of cleaning of the slow cooker. They mention that it's perfect for lunches, soups and stews, and noodles. The crock is dishwasher-safe, making maintenance hassle-free. They appreciate the compact size and portability. Overall, customers say it'll make lunch at work so much yummier.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the temperature of the slow cooker. They say it holds a good amount, heats their lunch well, and has no smell to fill. Some say it's simple to use and provides effortless hot food while working. Overall, customers are happy with the temperature and recommend it to others.

"...It heats evenly and maintains the temperature effectively, ensuring that my food stays warm throughout the day...." Read more

"This mini slow cooker is the cutest & so convenient. It keeps the temperature very hot & it’s easy to take it anywhere like work...." Read more

"...this thing and it has made my general life better by providing me effortless hot food working on a freezing winter day/night...." Read more

"I plugged it in about 30 minutes before lunch and it heated it up perfectly . Definitely make sure you pop the streamer valve when you plug it in...." Read more

Customers like the size of the slow cooker. They say it's compact, adorable, and small enough to put certain bags in. They also love the portability and say it can fit a lot of food and the stainless steel pot. Customers also mention that it'll heat up really hot and is easy to take anywhere.

"...Crock-Pot portable warmer, and it has exceeded my expectations. This compact and versatile warmer is perfect for keeping my meals hot on the go...." Read more

"...It keeps the temperature very hot & it’s easy to take it anywhere like work. The quality of the design and function is great. Ideal for one serving." Read more

"...I love the way it has a plug holder for the cord - super easy to transport . Nice, light and well made with a good handle...." Read more

"...This is the perfect size , heats the wax up fast, works very well." Read more

Customers like the performance of the slow cooker. They mention that it works well for a small lunch, and is absolutely amazing to use. They also say that it's better and faster with soups and liquid-like foods than other items.

"This mini crock pot has been absolutely amazing to use ...." Read more

"...This is the perfect size, heats the wax up fast, works very well ." Read more

"...I use it for lunches and it works great ." Read more

"This thing is awesome. Works so good . Real nice to have warm for when driving truck" Read more

Customers like the versatility of the slow cooker. They mention it's a great product for soup lovers or small portion eating individuals, and is really good for soups and stews. It's also perfect for noodles and the size fits their lunchbox. It provides more eating options and is great for leftovers.

"...This compact and versatile warmer is perfect for keeping my meals hot on the go...." Read more

"...The quality of the design and function is great. Ideal for one serving ." Read more

"...But great for soups , I imagine. I'm going to try out something of that sort and update...." Read more

"This is fantastic for a nice , homemade, warm lunch that isn't dried out or unevenly warmed up from the microwave!..." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the slow cooker. They say it's cute, has a really pretty color, and is well made. Some appreciate the color and quality. Overall, most are happy with the appearance and functionality of the product.

"...recommend this portable warmer for anyone needing a reliable and stylish solution for keeping their meals hot and ready." Read more

"...is much smaller than I expected, which is great since it's pretty inconspicuous ...." Read more

"... Nice , light and well made with a good handle. It won't close if you don't notch the hold with the tiny post (see picture)...." Read more

Customers find the slow cooker easy to clean. They say the inner container is removable for cleaning and seals well. The inside comes out to be washed separately, making maintenance hassle-free. They also say the removable stainless steel crock is dishwasher-safe and makes it easier to get the lid off when ready to eat.

"...The durable construction and easy-to-clean design are added bonuses...." Read more

"...Because it is a lower temperature, food does not burn, and it cleans so easily . I also like that I don't have to stand and watch over it...." Read more

"...Heats fast and well. Easy to clean . Highly recommended!" Read more

"...It is easy to use and easy to clean . I bout it on sale and the price was right." Read more

Customers find the slow cooker easy to use. They mention it's convenient and saves them money by not having to go out. They also say it'll save them money and is easy to get set up. The charging cord is detachable, making maintenance hassle-free. The crock is dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.

"This mini slow cooker is the cutest & so convenient . It keeps the temperature very hot & it’s easy to take it anywhere like work...." Read more

"...It is easy to use and easy to clean. I bout it on sale and the price was right." Read more

"...It doesn’t cook your food. It just makes it really hot. It’s convenient . I love everything about it." Read more

"...time takes some trial and error but once you work it out, it's easy to use ...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the slow cooker. Some mention it's well made, reliable, and built to last. However, some say that the durability is in question, the encasement broke on the second use, and the base came apart.

"...I highly recommend this portable warmer for anyone needing a reliable and stylish solution for keeping their meals hot and ready." Read more

"I bought three of these. They are very nice except that one is defective . With a one out of three defective rate, I am taking away a star...." Read more

"...The quality of the design and function is great . Ideal for one serving." Read more

"...Nice, light and well made with a good handle. It won't close if you don't notch the hold with the tiny post (see picture)...." Read more

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Full list of Ted Baker stores closing in the UK this week

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Ted Baker will close all 31 of its remaining stores in the UK this week with more than 500 jobs set to be lost.

The well-known fashion brand has been on our high streets for 36 years but No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), the firm which ran the shops in Great Britain, went into administration in March this year .

It led to 15 shops being shut in April and 245 people losing their jobs.

On Sunday, it was confirmed that the rest of the outlets will now also be closed for good.

Stores, including 12 in London and the capital’s surrounding airports, will all be shutting their doors by Tuesday this week.

Other notable cities where Ted Baker will no longer operate are Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Sheffield. Here’s the full list of Ted Baker stores shutting in the UK.

Full list of UK Ted Baker stores closing in August 2024

• Ashford, Kent – Designer Outlet
• Bath – Milsom St
• Birmingham – Selfridges. Bullring and Grand Central
• Bracknell – Fenwick
• Braintree – Chapel Hill
• Bristol – House of Fraser
• Cheadle – John Lewis
• Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Ellesmere Port
• Dartford – Bluewater Shopping Centre
• Glasgow – Argyll Arcade
• Gloucester Quays
• High Wycombe – John Lewis
• Kingston upon Thames – Wood Street
• London – Brent Cross Shopping Centre
• London Gatwick Airport, North Terminal
• London Gatwick Airport, South Terminal
• London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2
• London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3
• London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5
• London Luton Airport
• London – Outlet Shopping at The O2
• London – Oxford Street
• London – Regent Street
• London – Shepherd’s Bush, Pashion, Ariel Way
• London Stansted Airport
• Manchester – New Cathedral Street
• Norwich – Chantry Place Shopping Centre, House of Fraser
• Portsmouth – Gunwharf Keys
• Sheffield – Meadowhall
• Solihull – John Lewis
• Swindon, Wiltshire – Designer Outlet

Administrators Teneo warned back in April that there is ‘no expectation’ the brand will become profitable again.

The final closures bring the total number of Ted Baker shops to be lost in 2024 to 46.

Joint administrator Benji Dymant said last month after announcing its bankruptcy: ‘Ted Baker is an iconic British brand with strong partners around the world.

‘These store closures, whilst with a regrettable impact on valued team members, will improve the performance of the business, as Authentic continues to progress discussions with potential UK and European operating partners for the Ted Baker brand to bring the business back to health.

‘We would like to thank Ted Baker team members and partners for their ongoing efforts and support at this difficult time.’

List of UK Ted Baker stores already shut in April 2024

• Birmingham Bullring
• Liverpool One
• London Bridge
• Milton Keynes
• Bicester (notice served before administration)
• Brompton Road, London (notice served before administration)
• Floral Street, London (notice served before administration)
• Manchester Trafford (notice served before administration).

The brand had previously axed 160 jobs in 2020, calling 2019 a ‘challenging year’ after founder Ray Kelvin quit following allegations he forced female employees to sit on his lap and embrace him.

The 68-year-old, who originally formed the company in Scotland in 1988, was also accused of massaging employees and kissing their ears but always denied allegations of misconduct.

Other retailers have struggled in recent years, including Wilko which went under, although some stores will reopen .

Carpetright also collapsed and was forced to shut every shop , while an iconic group of London pubs could soon disappear after going into administration .

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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