Ten ways to save on vacation meals
- Book a room with free breakfast or a kitchenette. Compare options at Rooms Cheap.
- Stop at a grocery store on day one for water, snacks, breakfast and picnic supplies.
- Make lunch your big meal out. Lunch menus are cheaper than dinner.
- Picnic at the beach or park. Local markets and delis make it easy.
- Eat where locals eat. Food trucks, plate-lunch counters and markets beat tourist-strip prices.
- Pack snacks for theme parks. Disney World allows outside food and drinks (no glass or loose ice), and Universal allows small snacks and bottled water. Check each park's current rules.
- Refill water bottles instead of buying drinks all day.
- Use happy hour for an early dinner of half-price appetizers.
- Book one special dinner, not five. Make it count.
- Rent a car to reach cheaper restaurants away from resort areas. Compare at USA Auto Rental.
Destination dining guides
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for food on vacation?
It depends on the destination, but planning one restaurant meal a day, with breakfast at the hotel and a picnic or quick lunch, typically costs far less than three restaurant meals.