Looking at me, you wouldn’t say that I like to eat. But it's a fact, eating food is one of my favorite things to do and also my favorite part of any trip.

In this article you will find 12 accessible ways to save on food while traveling.

How to save on food while traveling?

Food is so integrated into many world cultures that it is impossible to ignore this aspect. And if, while traveling, you go to restaurants with exclusively familiar cuisine, then you lose a huge chunk of the pleasure of traveling.

I always feel sorry for travelers who constantly cook food that is so familiar to them in hostel kitchens, avoiding experiments. Can you come to Italy and not try pasta? No sushi in Japan? Can't taste a steak in Argentina? Passing by paella in Spain? You're crazy!

Many travelers have the idea that buying ready-made food all the time is expensive. Eat like this for a week and you'll go broke.

Even though I travel mostly as a backpacker, I don't cook in the kitchen all the time, as is expected of me. Firstly, I'm lazy, and secondly, I can't stand poorly equipped hostel kitchens. So I had to resort to other methods to eat well and save on food while traveling.

Eating while traveling: where to eat inexpensively?

Buffets

The food here is not always the most delicious, but nevertheless, you can save a lot on food, especially since they operate an all-you-can-eat system, or, more simply put, a buffet. Usually, this pleasure will cost you 15 dollars, but you can eat for the whole day. True, I can’t do this, but I know the precedents.

Shops and kiosks

Small shops and kiosks selling hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches and other similar goods that allow you to quickly and cheaply have a snack. In such an expensive country as Sweden, I lived happily only thanks to these hawkers; one juicy sausage cost me 4 dollars. In Amsterdam I ate meatballs at FEBO (food vending machines). In Costa Rica, an empanada vendor fed me to my fill for just a dollar. And I was glad. It is clear that none of these establishments had Michelin stars, but I did not burn through my budget so quickly.

Street food

In many parts of the world (especially Asia), the streets are lined with small stalls where food is sold and prepared in front of your eyes. You buy a plate of delicious food from one of these shops, sit on a plastic chair and enjoy. In my opinion, street food is the best way to eat tasty and inexpensive food.

Street food often costs less than a dollar per serving and is a great way to experience local cuisine. Many countries, such as Thailand, will no longer be as attractive if small stalls and street food stalls disappear from their streets.

Fast food

Not the best option, but still acceptable if you find yourself in a part of the world that is rightfully considered a road. For only 5 dollars (in some countries, such as Norway, it is more expensive), you can taste nourishing and high-calorie food.

I would like to avoid philosophical debates on this topic, understand correctly, I do not advise you to eat at McDonald's every day, but sometimes this food helps a lot. By the way, in Asia it is cheaper to eat on the street than in fast food restaurants.

Local kitchen

Of course, sometimes I get sick of Greek food, and sometimes I can no longer cram a single piece of Thai food into myself, then a burger saves me, and that’s okay. Another thing is that local cuisine, most often, turns out to be much cheaper than “European” cuisine. For example, a gyros in Greece costs 2.5 euros, and a pizza costs 6. In Vietnam, a plate of pho is cheaper than a dollar, and a burger is 3 times more expensive. So, if it is important for you to save on food while traveling, eat local cuisine.

Meals while traveling: other ways to save money?

Special offer during lunch

Many restaurants, especially in Europe, offer heavily discounted lunchtime meals. You can order a delicious lunch in the afternoon and pay 30-40% less.

No soda

Sometimes I can buy Coca-Cola because I like it, but more often than not, I'm not willing to pay $2 for popularity. Moreover, in the perspective of a long-term trip, it is simply stupid to spend money every day on such a useless thing.

Refill water bottles

Although water is cheaper than soda, buying 3 bottles a day will cost you a lot. Firstly, constantly buying new bottles of water is an environmental waste, and secondly, it is another stupid waste that you can do without. Just do the math, on average, a bottle of water costs about 75 cents, if you buy 3 bottles a day for a month, you get $67.50. And in some parts of the world, bottled water costs even more. So just take a bottle and fill it from the tap, in almost all countries, thanks to filters, the water is clean and good.

Avoid snacking

Ice cream here, ice cream there. Soda. Chocolate. More ice cream. Small cake. It's all inexpensive, some unfortunate dollar! We all think that snacking doesn't really affect the budget, but with every inexpensive ice cream, you're getting closer to the bottom of your wallet. Few travelers think seriously about it, but in the long run, all those snacks add up to a pretty penny. So avoid snacking in favor of nutritious meals.

Cook it yourself

As I already said, I prefer not to cook on the road and do not like hostel kitchens. I always miss something in them, and I don’t want to move around with a camp kitchen either. But if I stay in one place for a long time or use couchsurfing, then I cook myself. Cooking is a great way to save money on food, and supermarkets are the best place to see what the locals are eating. The only place where cooking your own food is more expensive is Asia. Still, no one has yet surpassed the magic of street food.

Have a picnic

This is another great way to save on food while traveling. I often have picnics during lunch. Usually, I go to the local market, buy the necessary ingredients for sandwiches and head to the park. This way I not only save money (sandwiches are inexpensive), but also observe the daily life of the locals.

Tourist cards

Many people think that travel cards like iAmsterdam or VisitOslo only help you save on transportation or entertainment. Fortunately, this is not true and with such cards you can get discounts in many restaurants. Usually the discount is about 15-25%, and sometimes as much as 50%.

I love cozy restaurants and have nothing against trying delicious food with a glass of good wine. But going to restaurants every time I want to eat is too expensive for me. I'm no Bill Gates, but by following the tips above, I manage to eat well while traveling without spending too much on food.

I hope these tips will help you keep a reasonable balance between cheap (maybe not the best) and really good food. Your wallet and stomach will definitely thank you.

Well, as usual, if you have your own ways to save on food while traveling, share them in the comments.

Traveling is not a cheap pleasure, especially when visiting European countries and the Western continent. In the current economic situation, traveling has become much more difficult, mainly due to the collapse of the ruble and rising prices. In order to fulfill your long-time dream, you often need to take out a loan.

People with average salaries most often cannot afford such pleasure. If we talk about the most memorable vacation, with visits to various attractions, then it is better not to look at the prices, so as not to be scared.

Let's say you were able to pay for the move and still have money left in your wallet. Now all that's left is food and accommodation, and their prices are very steep.

In this article you will find 10 simple tips , which will help you save on food, but at the same time allow you to enjoy it.

“Native” food for home cooking

Of course, a couple of boxes of food is not the lightest burden, but you don’t need so many of them. However, if you plan to cook your own meals, it is better to stock up on some items before your trip.

Carrying meat and minced meat for cutlets is not the best idea, but why not take some fruits, cereals, vegetable oil, salt and sugar?

On the same buckwheat you can save 10-15 euros, if we talk about European countries. In Western countries, cereals are considered exotic.

The most satisfying meal of the day is lunch.

Probably everyone knows that in the evening prices in cafes and restaurants are much higher than during the day. Therefore, it is better to leave visiting such places for the first half of the day. In the evening you can get by with a light snack.

Cheap dish - dish of the day!

In almost every restaurant, chefs make a special offer for visitors - a dish of the day. Most often, they are not the most expensive, but have a truly great taste.

Forget about tourist cafes

Why? Because they always increase the price for tourists. The cost of meals can be 2 times higher than in a regular cafe. If you want to eat cheaply and tasty, then it is better to move away from the tourist centers, or even look for some gourmet restaurant away from the city center.

Cheap street food

If you are planning to walk along the central streets, then look around. You can often find street stalls where you can eat cheaply and tasty.

In some cities, such as Vienna and Amsterdam, you can find national dishes in mobile stalls at very low prices.

Eat at “local” cafes

Take the same European countries. If you think that only people with high incomes live there and eat in gourmet restaurants, then you are deeply mistaken. People there also know how to save money and know where to eat the cheapest.

If you want to save on visiting a cafe, it is best to interview locals.

Only “Duty wine” and plain water

“Duty wines” are considered the most inexpensive, which are served in almost every restaurant. Such wines are very easy to identify; they are sold under the brand name of the establishment.

Plain water in a glass is served free of charge, but bottled water will cost you a small penny.

Conclusion

As you can see, you don't have to overpay for good food. You can eat to your heart’s content, while saving a couple of thousand rubles, or even more. This works everywhere, even in Europe and the USA. Have a nice trip!

What do you think has in common between a trip far away to visit relatives or friends, a work trip and a vacation trip? That's right, in any of these cases you will have to spend some time on the road. And almost always we have to decide what and where to eat while traveling. It would seem that in our time there is nothing to worry about this: roadside cafes and gas stations are found on every road and you can always take advantage of their offers. True, eating in such places is not always safe, especially in the summer. But on the other hand, food prepared independently at home can also spoil during a long journey and cause stomach pain, nausea, or even... Let's analyze possible food options on the road and look for the optimal one: something tasty, satisfying, healthy and not harmful to your figure.

How to choose the right products for travel

If you have to spend more than a day on the road, then you need to think through the menu in advance. And here everyone is faced with the same question: “How to choose the right products for the road?” Creating a menu will not be a problem if you know a few rules.

If you only have a few hours to travel and you will have the opportunity to stop at a cafe or store along the way, then you don’t have to bother yourself with preparing food at home. But if you take home with you, you should definitely take into account several important points.

First, let's talk about the amount of food for the trip. Products should not be collected chaotically, but clearly distributed over the number of meals to come along the way. If you are not traveling alone, be sure to coordinate snack options with your fellow travelers (in case someone has allergies).

We’ll talk more specifically about what products to take on the road and what to avoid. In the meantime, a few words about the general requirements for food for travel. She must:

• have a long shelf life;
• maintain shape (do not melt, do not crumble);
• immediately be ready for use (the product is peeled, crushed, etc.);
• be nourishing, that is, contain the required amount of calories, vitamins and other useful components;
• be healthy;
• be tasty;
• not take up much space and not be very heavy.

Food options for the road

Vegetables and fruits

Any plant food on the road is irreplaceable. Vegetables, fruits and contain a lot of food, which means they are good for intestinal function. In addition, plant-based foods are usually rich in vitamins and minerals, which provide the body with energy and well-being. In addition, such food will definitely not be a burden to your figure.

Tomatoes are very useful to eat in the summer, as well-ripe vegetables contain the substance lycopene, which protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, slows down aging, prevents sunburn and wrinkles, and also promotes an even bronze tan.

Beverages

Some (especially inexperienced travelers) forget that drinking on the road is even more important than food. Especially if you need to hit the road in hot weather. Insufficient fluid intake can cause overheating and heat stroke on the road. In addition, even slight dehydration of the body affects its performance and mental functions. When traveling, you can always buy bottled water, so there is no need to carry boxes of drinks with you (especially if you are not traveling with your own transport), but for the first time you should still take some kind of drink with you. Ideally, unsweetened still water. It quenches thirst well and does not harm the digestive system. For traveling in the cold season, a hot thermos is suitable.

If an adult or child gets sick on the road, you can prepare a drink from (3-4 cm of crushed root, pour 2 liters of boiling water), to which add a little and. If desired, you can add a few fresh leaves to the drink. This cocktail is useful not only for people with seasickness, but also for all travelers, since it perfectly eliminates thirst, strengthens the immune system and fills the body with many useful microelements.

Travel food for a child

Schoolchildren on the road can eat everything that adults can. The main thing is that all products are as fresh as possible. At the slightest suspicion of spoilage, food should be thrown away. But for kids on the road, it is best to take ready-made special products. These can be mixtures that are diluted with boiling water, hermetically sealed vegetable and fruit purees. Remember that once opened, baby food quickly deteriorates in transit.

How to eat while traveling by car

Agree that the driver and his passengers feel differently on a road trip. Therefore, a driver on the road requires a special nutrition program.

After frequent and heavy snacks, you may feel sleepy. Therefore, drivers are advised to eat no more than every 5-6 hours. Food rich in carbohydrates is more suitable for drivers. The reason is that it activates the brain, promotes reaction speed, quickly supplies the body with energy, and also relieves stress. It is very important for the driver to always have a drink on hand. On the road, it is most convenient to drink from a thermal mug. It is easy to fix in a cup holder, it has a lid that protects against spills, and also perfectly maintains the temperature of the drink.

Many drivers have the sin of consuming strong drinks, energy drinks, cola and black tea while on the road. Travelers are confident that it will help them stay awake longer. But this effect is deceptive.

Scientists have long proven that caffeine affects the human body in two phases: at first, you really feel a surge of strength, but after it, drowsiness suddenly sets in, the speed of reaction and the adequacy of perception of what is happening on the road are impaired. In addition, caffeine has a diuretic property, which can create additional difficulties on the road.

Where to eat

Not everyone has the desire or opportunity to take snacks with them on the road, especially since you can always have a snack at roadside cafes. But you must be very careful when choosing an institution, since it is very easy to get poisoned in such institutions. There is a little secret on how to choose a good cafe even in an unfamiliar area. Experienced travelers advise: stop at those establishments where truckers’ cars are parked. They usually eat in establishments that have been tested by many drivers, where the food is high quality, tasty and always fresh.

How to choose the right food

On the road, you are often tempted to try something exotic from the local cuisine. But experts do not advise doing this. You never know how your body will react to a new food or spice. After eating unusual dishes, you can get a “bonus” in the form of allergies, diarrhea or nausea.

If you buy a ready-made product, keep in mind that it must either be freshly prepared or stored in the refrigerator - away from infection-carrying flies. It is especially dangerous to buy meat or fish dishes, as well as salads that have been stored in improper conditions. When buying a snack in a store, you should always pay attention to the label: expiration date and composition.

Regardless of what serves as a snack on the road: home-cooked food, lunch at a roadside cafe or a packed lunch from the nearest supermarket, remember that when traveling you should always wash your hands before eating. The risk of contracting an intestinal infection along the way is very high. Washing your hands does not mean rinsing them with water to remove dust and sweat; you should disinfect them with soap or other antiseptic.

What else to take with you on the road

If you have a long trip ahead, it would be a good idea to check your travel first aid kit. It should contain medications for stomach upset and allergies. Many people suffer while traveling. To avoid this, it is useful to take medications on the road. In addition, this substance is useful to drink to improve sleep and relax muscles.

Also, the traveler's digestive system will be grateful for the portion. Such drugs will help the body adapt faster on the road and get used to new food, and also support the immune system.

Nowadays, traveling is much more comfortable than it once was. Inconvenient canvas backpacks have given way to ergonomic ones, GPS navigators have taken over the role of maps and compasses, and modern cars make travel even more comfortable. And to make the trip as pleasant as possible, we just have to take care of proper nutrition on the road. You already know what food to take with you on a trip and what to avoid.

If you do not eat local cuisine while traveling, then the image of any country will be incomplete. Food is part of culture. You need to try everything - from sushi in Japan to “live delicacies” in Thailand.

Some travelers don't even try local cuisine. This is a big mistake. You are stealing at least 20% of the impressions of the country from yourself. And why? “Everything is expensive,” they said. But that's not true. If you know some little tricks, you can try a lot of dishes for little money.

Ways to save on food

Buffets. You may not find the highest quality food here, but you will certainly find cheap food. Moreover, the food in the buffets is high in calories, so two meals will be enough for the whole day.

Mobile shops. In Europe and the USA, almost at every step you can see mobile “mini-stands” selling cheap and nutritious hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches and the like. Cheap, but not very useful.

Street shops. In many countries, mainly in Asia, you will see small shops and restaurants selling food along the streets. Local cuisine is prepared almost in the open air. In some countries, such as Thailand, these shops are a feature and without them there would be no such idea of ​​this country.

Tips for saving on food

Discounts for lunch. Many restaurants offer large discounts (30-50%) on their dishes during certain hours, most often during lunch. Such discounts have become widespread in European countries. The same food that you would get in the evening for 30-50% more is sold cheaper at lunch.

Eat in company. There are services ( and ) that allow you to have lunch with locals. They create their own mini-restaurants at home. This is a great way to socialize and eat delicious and cheap food.

Drink water, not soda. It seems that soda is not very expensive, but, firstly: if you drink it throughout the entire trip, then a decent amount of money will accumulate, and secondly: soda in the sun does not fully quench your thirst, and you will want it after it. drink even more, so it’s better to drink water right away: it’s cheaper and better for your health.

Carry a bottle of water with you. Buying a bottle of water several times every day is quite expensive if you do not set the goal of your vacation to spend everything on drinks. It's better to spend this money on the vacation itself. Just fill a plastic bottle at your hotel or hostel with water and carry it with you.

Say no to snacking. Firstly: it’s harmful, and secondly: it’s small but numerous purchases that make up the lion’s share of expenses while traveling. Even if you spend 50 rubles on a small snack, then adding up the expenses for such snacks for the entire trip, you will be surprised how much it cost your budget.

Cook for yourself sometimes. Although I'm not a fan of constantly cooking in the kitchen, sometimes it's worth doing. Even occasionally hosting your own dinner will save you a lot of money over the course of your entire trip.

Picnic. Go to your local supermarket and buy everything you need for a small picnic in the park. Grab it, make some sandwiches and grab a drink and head to the park. This is a great way to save money (sandwiches are inexpensive, if anyone didn’t know), and you can also observe the life of the local population.

Use tourist maps. Such cards give discounts not only on transport and attractions, but also on meals in restaurants. Usually the discount is 20% on all dishes, in some cases more, in some less. Such cards are inexpensive, but they more than pay for themselves. They can be purchased on the official websites of tourist cities, at airports, train stations, and tourist centers.

Saving on food while traveling does not mean eating bad food. You need to strike a balance between cheap food and going to restaurants. Then you have enough money for good food, and you also don’t remain hungry. Just keep an eye on your budget. All the best!

I was drawn to writing useful articles related to travel. Otherwise, I write mainly about what we visited, how the trip was organized, what nuances need to be thought through on the road, and many other little things remain behind the scenes, although this is an equally important part of the trip. It’s just that everything has already become so automatic - what to take with me, how to arrange a trip, where we’ll eat on the road - that I absolutely don’t think about these things now. But from time to time I remember my first excitement before the road, how many questions arose in my head, and on such a wave such posts are born. I hope they really help someone ;)

Today I will talk about how and where you can eat while traveling. I will not give specific addresses of the establishments, but I will give you basic tips that will help, at a minimum, not to die of hunger if you find yourself in a new place and have not yet found where you can have a meal. Well, just our life hacks, which even when traveling with a child, when we needed additional safety net, helped us somehow survive :)

What to take with you

Let me start with what I always have in my backpack, whether I need food on the road, and what snacks I take with me on a trip. I once traveled alone and the list of necessities was one, but when I started traveling with a child, this list expanded somewhat.

1. Boiler, which will help even at the station, where there are usually outlets, to get boiling water to brew tea, coffee or instant food. Situations can be different, I’m talking about traveling as a savage and with a backpack on your back, when there are long waits at various train stations and, having arrived in a new city, you still don’t know where to stop, etc. and so on.

2. Accordingly, there is also mug. Ceramic so that you can heat water in it with a boiler, otherwise I stepped in once and took a plastic one =)

3. Plate. Just the opposite, it’s plastic, with a lid fastened on the sides. You can put food in it before traveling. Homemade, if you are leaving home, or by ordering at a restaurant, if you are just going from point A to point B. For example, when we lived in Krabi and went with Misha to Kuala Lumpur, I cooked just before leaving and put fresh food in such a plate. homemade food. At least upon arrival in a new country, you won’t have to quickly look for a place to eat, because you already have food for at least one snack with you. But this is more necessary for those traveling with children, although a plate is often necessary for adults on the road.

4. You can’t do without spoons, forks, folding knife and bottle openers. You can have it all in one, or you can buy a small camping set that contains all of this separately.

5. I always take with me coffee or tea bags, they won’t save me from hunger, but sometimes a cup of coffee helps me. You can also grab a small bag of cookies or sweets for tea.

6. I also always have small ones in my backpack packets of salt, sugar, pepper, sunflower oil or sauces, which are usually given either on airplanes or in restaurants. I know that this may seem unnecessary, but this little thing really saves me. For example, just by buying tomatoes at the market, you can make a salad—you have a plate, a knife, salt and butter—and you won’t die of hunger. Even if you just buy tomatoes, you can’t eat a lot of them unleavened, but with a little salt you can crush a kilogram) Or, for example, one day I just arrived in Bali, it was already dark, there were no shops around, and my child and I hadn’t eaten anything since the morning, because were on their way. I’m walking through some rice fields in pitch darkness, barely feeling the path with my feet, and in the middle of such a field stands a local house, and at its entrance there is a table with homemade eggs for sale) Well, it’s a sign of fate, no other way)) I bought 5 of them eggs from the woman, and upon reaching the house where the child and I were supposed to spend the night, I asked the hostess if it was possible to use their kitchen, to which she received an affirmative answer. And voila - there are eggs, there is salt, there is pepper, there is oil for frying too. At least the child and I ate scrambled eggs at night, and in the morning we found, of course, a normal tavern))

7. The incident in Bali was rather an exception, because... Usually I still have at least a couple of packs in my backpack “scourge packages”, i.e. instant noodles. It’s for cases like these, when you’ve been on the road all day, it’s already night, and there’s nowhere to eat. Therefore, even if you don’t like such “homeless” food, I still recommend taking it with you as a reserve, because... situations are different, and in moments when there is nothing to eat, the rollton will seem like manna from heaven, I assure you. Another example to prove it. Once, my friend and I traveled around India for three months. And so we sat in cold and hungry Bikaner, where all the food was so disgusting that we preferred to starve. At some point, this hunger became simply unbearable, we could not sleep at night, drooling, remembering what delicious treats we ate from the New Year's table a few weeks ago. And I had instant noodles in stock. We got up in the middle of the night, got water from the tap (!), because hunger is not an aunt), boiled it with my boiler and brewed one packet of Rolton for both of us. Before devouring the dish, I even managed to take a photo with my friend, which, in fact, speaks for itself about our feelings))))

We ate this “basin” in half and I can’t put into words how good it felt, we finally passed out and slept nicely until the morning =)

8. When Misha was little (6-9 months), I took him with me baby breeding porridge. And although I am against such porridges at home, I always prefer to cook it myself rather than stuff it with store-bought chemicals, but on the road we had an exception.

9. When Misha was 2-3 years old, I took several jars of baby food- fruit and meat. It is stored normally, we didn’t eat it all the time, but at some moments it came in handy. For example, in Shimla, where we arrived again late in the evening and there was absolutely nowhere to eat. But as it turned out during the day, there was basically nowhere to eat and we only ate up our supplies there))

10. On my last trip, I got used to carrying with me bag of peanuts. Everyone knows that it is very nutritious and healthy. I bought these nuts from some old man on the streets of Delhi, who was rolling his cart past the stop where Misha and I were at that moment waiting for a bus going to the mountains. I wasn’t afraid of catching intestinal diseases, because... Peanuts are reliably protected on top by a thick skin, which means you can eat them without fear of consequences. As a result, the child and I carried this bag for many more weeks after, gnawing nuts like squirrels from time to time) Now I will always carry peanuts or other nuts with me, because... they really help to “bite through” hunger and fill the body with healthy vitamins, minerals and acids. This also includes dried fruits. For example, I once traveled for two days on a train from the southern Indian city of Madurai to the north of the country - to Delhi, and it was just a bag of prunes, bought the day before, that saved me from starvation :)

Poison protection

Speaking in the last paragraph about nuts in the shell, and that in this way the risk of poisoning is reduced, I touched on another important topic. I really always pay attention to such things, but all this is again automatic, because if it is not mentioned, then many may forget about the need to defend themselves. The risk of intestinal infections abroad, and especially in southern countries, is indeed quite high. And I would like to dwell in more detail on what needs to be done to minimize this risk.

1. The main unconditional rule is wash your hands before eating! Exactly as my mother used to say when I was a child. Carry antibacterial soap with you, such as Safeguard, etc., and do not forget to always keep wet wipes in your backpack. And on my first trip to wild India, I remember taking vodka :) Specially before the flight, I bought the cheapest one in duty free, in a plastic bottle, so that it was easy to carry, and wiped my hands and some food with it. But this is actually too much, I ended up bringing it home, I didn’t really spend it during the month of travel, otherwise all the food would stink :)

2. Drink only bottled water. In truth, this is not a panacea, there are also fakes, but the likelihood of infection is still reduced significantly compared to tap water. But if suddenly there is no other option and only tap water is at hand, then the boiler that is already in your backpack will help you - you can boil it and cool it. Don’t drink from streams and puddles at all, you’ll become a baby goat) Jokes aside, something tells me that this fairy tale was invented specifically to combat possible diseases.

3. Buy only whole fruits and vegetables, without damage to the peel. One day, after a day of fasting, at the next stop where my bus stopped, I saw my favorite watermelons from the window. Mmmmm, how I wanted to buy a watermelon! I even jumped out into the wild for his sake, after an 11-hour drive =) The seller offered only watermelons cut in half, but seeing the number of flies around, my mind refused to understand how it could be eaten later, so I chose a whole watermelon without external damage. Although a whole watermelon is a lot, I’d rather not eat the leftovers than take one that’s riddled with, sorry, flies =)

4. All fruits and vegetables must be peeled. wash thoroughly bottled water, preferably with soap. I know people who washed everything even with potassium permanganate or soda, but I didn’t get to that point, although it happened that I sprayed it with miramistin.

5. Even after washing, it is still better to cut off the peels of fruits and there is only pulp, well, the same with vegetables, if possible (cucumber, for example). Travelers from Germany gave me this advice six years ago while peeling a mango with a folding knife, and I still follow it.

6. Try avoid freshly squeezed juices, although I understand that I really want something tasty, cool and natural. I usually don’t take such juices, but once they treated me and it was indecent to refuse, as a result, I was terribly poisoned, I’ve probably never felt so bad. The reason is the same - the “cook’s” unwashed hands, unwashed vegetables, crowds of flies. Also, I think you have repeatedly heard that Asians freeze ice for juices from ordinary tap water; moreover, they have it lying on the floor in huge briquettes, from which they break off pieces straight into your glass.

In general, you need to firmly understand that eating on the streets, whatever one may say, is at your own peril and risk. We can’t say that we should definitely ban everything and be afraid at every corner, but still somehow use our intuition, realizing that this is essentially roulette.

Where to eat? And cheaper!

I am sure that every independent traveler has had the experience that either there is simply nowhere to eat, or everything around is inedible (as in China, for example, out of habit), or it is too expensive, or it is simply difficult to understand the intricacies of local food peculiarities (for example, not eating on siesta, or on some religious holiday).

Although Misha and I try to somehow comply with local customs when traveling, it is sometimes difficult to do this out of habit, especially when our stomachs are empty. Once, during Indian Holi, my child and I waited for several hours outside the restaurant to open. Locals promised that it should open at noon, but neither at noon nor at one o'clock in the afternoon, the establishment never opened. Therefore, the hungry Mishutkus and I dejectedly trudged off to look for another establishment, which was not very easy - after all, because of the festival, everything was closed. But during the Day of Silence after the Balinese New Year, when the entire island dies out and no one has the right to work, the owner of the house in which we lived took care of us. She fed us for slaughter for free, preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner =) In general, I repeat for the hundredth time that situations are different, and here are some tips that allow us not to go hungry, and also eat cheaper than restaurants usually offer to tourists :

1. Almost all over the world you can find international food chains fast food - McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Starbucks, Burger King, etc. They usually have average prices, familiar food and cleanliness in accordance with international standards, which already inspires trust and a desire to eat here. I don’t respect fast food, I honestly admit, but again, when you don’t know where or what to eat in a new place, it really saves you. Plus, Asian fast foods almost everywhere have vegetarian dishes and a variety of rice, i.e. it doesn't have to be hamburgers and cola.

2. On our last trip, when we had more than dozens of flights and airports, I got used to it available at the airport immediately upon arrival. So at least I knew that my child was no longer hungry after a long journey, and in a new city I wouldn’t have to run around for the first few hours looking for a place to eat. It’s surprising that I haven’t done this before) Incredibly convenient! We’ll slowly get our luggage, take the trolley to the food court, choose from a variety of establishments we like, and eat in peace. And only then, with a full stomach and a good mood, you can get out into the city and explore a new area;)

3. Buffets at hotels. Once I checked into a fairly decent hotel in Bali, where package tourists are taken, but when booking I indicated a room without breakfast, as I always do, in order to save money. But one fine morning I suddenly wanted to have breakfast at the hotel, and, lo and behold, I was allowed to do so! By paying the minimum price we had access to the entire buffet. Of course, these are not Turkish hotels, which are bursting with a variety of dishes, but Misha and I had enough of a hearty breakfast, because... we took salads, rice with various toppings, omelettes, toast, and fruit. And all this for just $5! The same number was later shown in Thailand. We rented a small wooden house, and nearby there was a good hotel with a restaurant. There you could also buy breakfast for just $5 and choose from all the dishes as much as you wanted and whatever you wanted. All in all, a great way to have a cheap and tasty breakfast! I think, using the same principle, you can go to different cafes for all sorts of business lunches in order to save money. Usually there are signs in front of a hotel or restaurant stating that the establishment has discounts on breakfast and lunch. That’s what it says “Breakfast” or “Business Lunch”.

4. In almost all Asian cities we met 7Eleven store. I think if you have ever been to Southeast Asia, you have seen these stores more than once. They are convenient because there is quite a lot of all kinds of take-away food or essential products. It happened that we bought, for example, milk and cookies and had a snack with Mishutka.

And in Kuala Lumpur, for example, I went to the 7Eleven closest to our condo and picked up eggs and bread to make an omelet and toast in the morning. Because I knew that my child and I wouldn’t have time to run in for something to eat in the morning, because... We leave the city on the first bus. In Hong Kong, I bought some sandwiches; they also sell yogurt, sausages, teas and coffee, and other things for a quick snack. It’s impossible to always eat like this, of course, but knowing that you won’t be able to eat anywhere in the next few hours, the 7Eleven assortment really helps.

5. Well, the last point - street food. Cheap, authentic, accessible. Previously, I did not disdain such food at all. Pad Thai from Khao San Road was incredibly tasty :) But when Mishutka appeared, I began to bypass such “canteens”. Although sometimes I don’t mind buying boiled corn or sushi in carts with red lanterns) In general, here you should focus only on your own preferences, eat depending on what and where;)

That's all, actually. Please add and share your knowledge! ;)

Let me make a reservation right away that all of the above is only from my own experience, acquired over the years. Some things may seem superfluous to you, and some, on the contrary, will not be enough, but over many of my travels I have come to this exact format of food on the road. Of course, it’s impossible to always eat this way, so my son and I eat nutritiously and variedly, usually choosing one place. For example, in Jaipur I was doubly eager to eat at a decent place rather than at local eateries. That’s why Misha and I enjoyed going to the Mama Mia restaurant to eat risotto, bruschetta and carbonara. A celebration of the belly, no less! ;)

Well, we literally go to Starbucks everywhere for cheesecake and delicious coffee or cocoa =) I’m glad that in any country both coffee and cheesecake will be almost identical, i.e. you don’t have to get used to some new tastes, which is what you so often have to do when moving from one country to another.

But sometimes you have to get out of it just to avoid going hungry, and resort to the tips that I listed in this article. Personally, of course, fasting won’t hurt me, but a child doesn’t need such a diet :)

I know people who carry both a pot and liquefied gas in cylinders with them in their backpacks, but I know, on the contrary, those who very self-confidently hope for all the benefits of civilization and “all inclusive”. I chose, as always, a balanced option, without extremes, because of course I won’t cook borscht in the field, but I won’t die of hunger on the road and I won’t give it to my child))