Saving money on family meals while traveling takes some planning, but it can be done! While you’re already spending money on travel, accommodations and activities, meals is one facet of your family trip where you have a little more control.
Though it can be a challenge balancing convenience with budgeting when you’re traveling with kids, there are ways you can save some money while still enjoying meals together. Here are some practical tips for saving money on family meals while traveling.
1. Pack Your Own Snacks and Meals
Benefits
- You’re saving money by avoiding pricey snacks at airports, rest stops, and attractions.
- You’ll want to have snacks on hand for your kids anyway (and probably the adults, as well)!
- You can control how healthy the snacks are, and also portion sizes
- You bring things you know your kids will eat
What to Pack
- Easy to carry
- Durable
- Shelf stable
- Nutritional
- Examples: granola bars, crackers, sandwiches, fruit, trail mix, pretzels, fruit snacks
Bonus Money-Saver
Bring reusable water bottles and refill them at water stations to avoid paying for drinks. Just make sure the water is safe to drink!
2. Choose Accommodation with Kitchen Facilities
Why It Helps
- Cooking your own meals can cut food costs significantly.
- It’s easier to save leftovers for other meals than taking food back from a restaurant.
Meal Ideas
- Simple breakfast items like cereal, oatmeal, eggs
- Easy lunches like sandwiches, salads
- One-pot dinners like pasta, stir-fry
Additional Tip
Check for accommodations with included kitchenware so you have more cooking options.
3. Opt for Local Grocery Stores or Farmers’ Markets
Why It’s a Great Option
- The ingredients are fresh
- Items are often sold at lower prices than in touristy areas
- You get a good feel of what your destination has to offer
What to Buy
- Fresh produce
- Deli meats
- Cheese
- Local specialties
- Snacks and breakfast items for other meals
Our Favorite Way to Save
Grab fresh food from a farmers’ market and have a budget-friendly picnic in a scenic park or botanical gardens. It’s a fun, low-cost way to enjoy local flavors!
4. Look for Kid-Friendly Meal Deals
Where to Find Them
- Chain restaurants like Applebee’s and Red Robin often have kids’ promotions.
- Restaurants with kids’ menus offer smaller meals at lower price points.
Research Ahead
- Use apps or websites to find budget-friendly restaurant deals
- Kids Eat Free (iOS, Android)
- EazyDiner (iOS)
- Groupon (iOS, Android, web)
- OpenTable (iOS, Android, web) – offers reward points that can be redeemed for discounts
- Check menus and Google reviews for kid-friendliness
Pro Tip
Consider eating during off-peak hours (like late lunch or early dinner) when you’re more likely to find happy hours, discounts, and shorter wait times.
5. Share Meals When Possible
Why It Works
- Restaurant portions are often large
- Fewer meals = lower cost
- Young kids generally don’t eat full meals
How to Handle It
- Order a couple meals for the family to share
- Don’t forget to share appetizers and side dishes
Family-Friendly Dining Hack
Look for restaurants that offer family-style portions—they’re often cheaper per person and make it easy to share!
6. Take Advantage of Hotel Breakfasts or Free Perks
Potential Perks
- Complimentary breakfasts
- Hospitality suites
- Free drinks and/or snacks
- Kids eat free programs
What to Look For
- Continental breakfast vs. full breakfast vs. breakfast buffet
- Usually at pricier hotels, but if you are part of a loyalty program that offers a hospitality suite, you could save a ton on meals!
- Free tea and coffee, free snacks at check-in (I see you, DoubleTree), free snacks in room, or free evening refreshments
- Some family-friendly hotels, like Holiday Inn, offer discounted or even free kids meals
Extra Savings Tip
If your hotel offers a breakfast buffet, grab a few portable snacks (like fruit, granola bars, or pastries) for later in the day.
7. Use Food Delivery or Meal Kits
Why It’s Convenient
- You have tons of options
- Food is made to order
- You don’t have to navigate an unfamiliar place
How to Maximize Savings
- Create a new account to take advantage of discounts for first-time users
- Look for local delivery deals
- Look for large meal deals that can provide multiple meals
8. Avoid Overpriced Tourist Areas
Why It’s Important
- The food will undoubtedly be overpriced
- Restaurants are often crowded with long wait times
- You may not fine authentic local cuisine
How to Avoid
- Walk a few blocks away from major attractions so you can find local spots
- Use Google Maps to find places near you and read reviews when you’re looking for your next meal
- Travel to non-touristy destinations
Local Tip
Ask locals for recommendations because most will probably have a place or two in mind of where to find good, affordable food!
Conclusion
Saving money on family meals while traveling is one of the easiest ways to cut back on your overall trip expenses. From packing some of your own snacks to sharing meals when you do go out, these strategies will help you enjoy the experience of eating as a family without the stress of breaking the budget.
And if everything you just read seems like a lot of work, that’s okay! Just try implementing one or two of the suggestions, because small changes can add up to significant savings over the course of your travels.
What are your favorite ways of saving money on family meals while traveling? Have you found a great kids eat free deal? Let us know in the comments!
If you found these tips helpful, share this with a fellow parent planning a trip!
Want some tips on how to pack your snacks? Check out some strategies here!