VA Weekender's Guide to Full Stomachs & Happy Wallets
A dinner here, and a brunch there. Food prices when traveling can really start to add up! Wherever your travels may take you, here are some dining tips to keep your stomach full and your wallet happy.
Featuring the fabulous Mellow Mushroom in Richmond, Va.
Run a quick Google search:
Take some time to pinpoint some dining locations that you might want to explore upon arriving at your destination. This will give you a chance to take a look prices and different locations, and for you to add into your budget (but I’ll talk more about planning later!)
But don’t limit your research to just eateries in the area, go ahead and look at what types of cooking appliances your accommodations may offer. This will give you a good idea of how many meals you can cook at the hotel.
Plan where and when you’ll be eating out:
Before you get to your destination, think about how frequently you plan on eating out. This will become a major factor when thinking about budgeting.
A good rule of thumb, splurge dinners and save on breakfast and lunch. Most hotels offer some type of breakfast, and sandwiches and salads can easily be made wherever you may be staying. Of course, I love a good brunch, so I’m all for splurging there!
Look for off times:
While there are off times of year for vacation locations, there are off times during the week for food as well. Rather than chowing down at a Sunday brunch, try a Tuesday or Thursday for discounted prices!
If you are looking to dine during times that are popular, go ahead and opt for the local dining option over the touristy one. Local eateries tend to not be as pricey.
Buy snacks in bulk:
Rather than stopping by a convenience store every time you need a snack, go ahead and buy a full box or bag. For example, a granola bar at a gas station can be almost two dollars, when a whole box may only be a dollar or two more.
