How to save on food while travelling solo?

You can spend $10 on a sandwich in a restaurant or buy the same taste and fresh for $3 at the side shops. You can buy a `day anytime’ card for unlimited travel for 24 hours in London or a smoke lot of money on taxes. Travel for 130THB from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus or 1200THB in a private taxi. Food and transport are two major components which can cost you a lot. Let me tell you this, these $2 and $5 saved here and there can become saved $100 in no time. For solo travellers from India, this is INR7,500 saving. You can buy yourself a nice dress, buy some good first copies of a watch or save this money for your next solo travel.  I’ll share with you my tips on how to save on food while travelling solo.

I had to start with this; it’s complimentary with all room bookings these days. I’ll say choose hotels which provide buffet breakfast. You can always start with a heavy breakfast and taking 1-2 fruits with you is still ok.

Most of the hostels don’t have breakfast options. Those who have might give you a `limited breakfast’. The limited breakfast is `American Breakfast’ which has two eggs, sausages, bacon, two slices of bread with butter and a coffee.

Solo travellers, who wake up late might have a problem as the breakfast closes by 10:30. For the late risers, I would recommend buying a room without breakfast. Have a brunch outside at a local restaurant that serves local cuisine. Brunches can be a good option to save money.

You can also look up restaurants that serve 24-hour breakfast. These places are cheap as they have fixed menus. You will find the food to be of good quality and fresh.

Also Read –  How to plan your first solo travel?

Buffets always look like a good option when you want variety in food. But let’s face it; you are not going to get value for money. You are not going to eat what you have spent. Some of us are good eaters, some of us will eat smartly too but some of us are not made for buffets. Look out for small buffets with unlimited food which are still reasonably priced.

My favourites are the food tours. You can check out a lot of restaurants and you get to eat different kinds of cuisines too. They are pocket-friendly plus you get a company to eat with. I have met some very interesting people on these food tours. You have to add 1-2 food tours to your itinerary if you are a foodie and don’t like to eat alone.    

For reasonably priced food tours the in-house hostel food tours are the best. Book a hostel accordingly you will save a lot of money.

Also Read – Are Hostels the Best Option for Stay while Solo Travelling?

Yes, cooking classes are a great way to make your food and eat it too. I would recommend this to every solo traveller. For all the men these classes are good for you too. The classes are conducted in such a manner that you don’t need any prior experience in cooking.

It is good for people who are fussy about food. It is also good for people who cannot eat alone. Above all as I promised it is friendly in your pocket. You can also choose between half-day or full-day cooking classes.

For all the Indian vegetarians, you can choose vegetarian food tours. This way you can see what goes in the food and is as per your beliefs. Not only that, you get to have vegan food cooking classes. The links are there for food classes in Chiang Mai, Thailand. You can easily find these food tours online in every country.   

Picture this: 7-Eleven stores popping up like mushrooms all over the world, with over 393 stores in Singapore alone! And if you’re ever in Thailand, get ready to be amazed because they’re third on the world ranking of 7-Eleven stores. India and Vietnam are also in on the game now. These stores are a one-stop shop for all your food needs, from scrumptious sandwiches to satisfying snacks. Plus, if you’re at the airport, the prices are fair game.

Travelling can be tough on your wallet, especially when it comes to buying water. But fear not! Head to 7-Eleven and grab a bottle or even better, buy a refillable one and fill ‘er up at any trustworthy source.

I kickstart my adventures by hitting up the nearest 7-Eleven store. I stock up on all the essentials like water, beer, nuts, chocolate, and sandwiches. And the best part? These convenience stores are a solo traveller’s BFF. Not only can you feast on delicious food, but you can also juice up your phone!

Also Read – Solo Travel is not about travel, it’s about you

Hold onto your wallets, folks! If you’re craving hometown grub in another country, think twice before you swipe. Brace yourself for some serious sticker shock! I mean, who knew a single chapatti could cost an arm and a leg? Trust me, it’s not like you’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant! Why not save some serious cash and dive right into the local cuisine? Why munch on dal makhani in Phuket when you can tantalize your taste buds with Som Tam, Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, or Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry)? Hot tip: these are the real deal, and you’ll get to taste the local flavors that you can’t find in your hometown! Picture this: I grabbed a plate of green curry and rice from a food truck for just 40THB (INR 92), and it was finger-licking good! The quantity was so big that I ate it twice. A Masala Dosa in Bangkok will set you back 130THB, so choose wisely, hungry travelers!

Who said you need to drop a fortune for a fancy café or a snazzy food truck? Save your dough by taking a detour to the back alleys and side streets. If you’re in a tourist hotspot like Paris or Italy, don’t go for the glitzy cafes near the attractions. Instead, fire up Google Maps and find the hidden gems where locals chow down. Not only are these spots budget-friendly, but also safer, and you might just meet some cool local folks. Touristy areas can be a magnet for pickpockets and phone snatchers, so beware!

And when it comes to food trucks, keep your eyes peeled for the ones that specialize in a few dishes. You’ll savour the best of the best at a friendly price. But, if the truck is parked at a prime location, you might as well hit a restaurant. Do your homework and scout out the best options around. Plus, while you’re researching your next adventure, look out for food options too. With just thirty minutes of morning research, you can save a bundle on food alone.

Look out for discounts, coupons, and food festivals. Check for local events, it could be the best food tour of your solo travel. Groupon.com is a good site for buying those discounted meals. You might even find a high-end restaurant deal if you go at an off-hour.

Last but not least if you have saved a lot of money by following the above tips gift yourself a fine-dine experience. I’ll leave the choice to you! Do share comments if the above suggestions worked for you. I would also love to hear your tips on how to save on food while travelling solo.