Spend or save in Europe, cheap living without going broke.
When you arrive in a new city, figuring out how to feed yourself is often a point of stress and weakness in keeping to your budget and staying healthy. You want to strike a balance between experiencing the new cuisine but also avoiding draining your funds in expensive restaurants and cafes. This article will help you make the most out of your food experience abroad, cheap living without going broke.
1. First assess your resources.
Are you located near a market or grocery store? Are you staying with a friend who has a full kitchen you are free to use, or in a hostel with no kitchen available? Do you have a way to preserve leftovers? Are the restaurants in your area cheap or expensive? Do they sell local eats? Asking yourself these questions early on will help you save money and plan ahead. You will want to stick to a percentage of grocery vs. restaurants that works best for you and the place you are visiting. Also, talk to your travel companions about your situation to avoid any awkwardness and make sticking to your plan as easy as possible.
2. If you have a kitchen available
Absolutely go to the nearest grocery store for cheap items like pasta, bread, eggs, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to any local ingredients you want to try. While you shop, buy items that can easily go together and can be reused in several dishes. Think about what you have time for, and what you are capable of cooking. Be realistic. It is also good to grab one snack food, or something that reminds you of home, like chips or a dessert. If you are staying for at least a few days, it is best to cook in large quantities so you have leftovers. Ideas: omelet with vegetables, sandwiches, baked chicken with vegetables, pasta baked with cheese.
3. If you do not have a kitchen available,
but are staying for a few days (i.e. hostel or hotel): Buy items from the grocery store like mixed nuts and fruits, items that don’t need to be refrigerated, and non-perishable items like bread, a jar of peanut butter, and jam. You can usually eat those items for two meals of the day, and the last meal you can splurge on a local restaurant of your choice. Also, if you are an avid coffee and tea drinker like me, pick up a box or jar of the instant stuff. You can usually get hot water in your hostel, and if you are bold and charismatic, sometimes you can get free hot water at a café and save some money.
4. If you have no kitchen available and are not staying long.
Think ahead a few days. Will you be traveling by train, bus, or plane? When will you have an opportunity to buy food? Keep in mind that food at bus and train stations are usually overpriced to take advantage of hungry travelers. Whatever travel friendly items you have left over like trail mix, chips, or fruit, pack with you. Pick up a cheap pre-made sandwich at a local grocery before you depart. You will be happy to have it with you during an unexpectedly long trip or if you reach your next destination after stores have closed.
Some treats I think are worth spending the money:
* Going out for a drink with a friend. (Note: a drink, not ten drinks. Bars are expensive and you want to enjoy the atmosphere and company, not waste your cash on blue shots that taste like a melted slurpee.)
* Naughty food stand items like kabobs, gelato, fries, and bratwurst. Don’t buy them every day, but taste the local food and have a decadent treat every once in a while. It is generally cheap and part of the experience!
