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The art of dining solo is one that many travelers relish – it is a journey of discovery, not just of the culture and food of a new place, but of self as well. When you travel alone, your budget often tightens introducing you to the delightful art of dining on a dime. To make this art as delightful as possible, you need an insider’s guide – and that’s exactly what we have for you here. The following tips and tricks will enlighten solo travelers on how to enjoy great meals without straining their budgets.
Discover Local Street Food
One of the most affordable ways of dining as a solo traveler is by exploring street food. The streets are often teeming with food stalls selling a variety of local delicacies at lower prices compared to restaurants. Many world cities are known for their street food culture, like Bangkok’s night markets, Mexico City’s taco stands, or Istanbul’s simit vendors. Just remember to ensure that the food you buy is prepared hygienically.
Choose Accommodation with a Kitchen
Choose hostels, guesthouses, or hotels that offer access to a kitchen. This way, you can save a lot by cooking some of your meals. You can buy fresh produce from local markets or supermarkets and turn them into delightful meals. Additionally, this could be a fun way to recreate your version of a local dish.
Happy Hours and Early Bird Specials
Bars and restaurants around the world often have happy hours where they offer discounted food and drinks, which is a great way to sample local flavors without breaking the bank. Also, look for early bird specials – restaurants often offer discounted meals earlier in the evening.
Lunchtime Deals
Dining out for lunch is often cheaper than dinner, as many restaurants offer lunchtime deals. In Spain, for instance, you can enjoy a Menu del Dia, a set menu for lunch, at a reduced price.
Buy Groceries
Eating out every single meal can be a major expense. Instead, consider shopping for groceries at a local market or supermarket. Not only is this a fun way to experience local life, but you also control your meal costs. Don’t forget to buy local fruits and snacks.
Utilize Food Apps and Websites
Leverage the powers of food apps and websites to find affordable local dining options. Apps like Yelp, Zomato, or TripAdvisor can help you find places within your budget and provide reviews, so you know what to expect.
Learn Local Food Customs
Knowing the local dining customs can save you money. For instance, it’s traditional to have a tapas crawl in Spain, where you go from one tapa bar to another, enjoying low-priced small dishes thereby making a whole meal affordably.
Aside the convenient Eateries
Look for eateries where locals dine. These places usually serve more generous portions of authentic local dishes at lower prices.
Carry a Water Bottle
It’s much cheaper and more environmentally friendly to refill a water bottle at your hotel or hostel than to constantly buy bottled water.
Visit Bakeries in the Evening
Bakeries often sell their remaining pastries at discounted prices towards the end of the day. You can treat yourself to delicious pastries without spending much.
Avoid Tourist Traps
Avoid eateries in extremely touristy areas, as they tend to be more expensive. Venture a bit farther out for more authentic and affordable dining options.
Eating on a shoestring budget doesn’t mean having to compromise on either the taste or the experience, especially if you’re a solo traveler with the flexibility to decide where, how and what to eat. Remember the key is to balance the pleasure of eating out and immersing yourself in the local food culture with the necessity of sticking to your budget.
