Every vacationer’s itinerary should include broad strokes of where to eat at all points along the way. However, a smart vacationer always has two places in mind for each meal, because restaurants occasionally close with little warning.
Having two options in mind ahead of time certainly doesn’t limit you to those establishments only, but a little bit of advance work pays off when no better option presents itself during your tour.
When traveling, don’t dine out at a fancy restaurant. Instead, head to a street vendor, especially if you’re in a foreign country.
I promise it’s delicious and safe to eat. Furthermore, you’ll probably get a better feel for the local culture and cuisine dining alongside locals. Plus, you’ll save big bucks, as street food is notoriously inexpensive.
My favorite places for street food? Mexico and France!
One of the best parts of a vacation is trying new and tasty cuisines. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive parts. To give your wallet a break and still relish in the joys of fine dining, opt for eating out earlier in the day.
As a rule, breakfast, brunch and lunch menus are less expensive than dinner menus. A big meal earlier in the day is also a great way to keep you energetic for the day’s sightseeing activities.
It’s okay to splurge on dinner every once in a while, but consider something quick, easy and inexpensive for most of your later meals. Bonus: by not filling up late at night, you’ll feel more awake, ready to tackle your destination’s nightlife!
If you find a restaurant through a listing in the phone book, a local tourist magazine, or from an online service like Yelp, don’t rush out the door. Call first.
Things change. Call the restaurant and ask about their hours, parking situation, whether they require reservations — anything. What you’re really doing is confirming that they’re still in business. It’s no fun to choose a restaurant in an unfamiliar city, make the effort to get there, and then find out it no longer exists. This can be especially frustrating if you had to take a cab to get there!
Calling ahead will give you crucial information. Your questions — both asked and unasked — will be answered, and if necessary, you’ll have a chance to choose another restaurant before leaving your room.
Eating out on vacation can be be expensive. There are so many choices to make, and a limited amount of time and money to spend. Perhaps you’ve heard of a fabulous restaurant, but the dinner menu is a bank-account-draining monster. Why not try a late lunch — “linner”* — or happy hour?
Luppers and happy hours at famous restaurants generally offer the same quality of food for a smaller price; they often have some super specials; and you still get to check out the ambiance of the restaurant. However, you don’t have to sell your car just to have a nice meal! Bon appetit!
*[Ed’s note: My grandmother used to call this meal “lupper.”]