Backpacker’s Guide to Cheap Eats
Most youth hostels offer communal kitchens and dining areas where you can cook up a meal with friends. This is a great way to meet fellow backpackers and save a few bucks on big meals, although don’t be surprised if your leftovers disappear in the still of the night. Sometimes a grungy youth hostel just doesn’t appeal to the appetite, so you need to get creative. Take your meal out into the city with you. Try picnics in the park, at the beach, or on the steps of your favorite monument.
No need to subject yourself to a bread-and-water regimen either. Stick to local specialties, they are always the best buy, plus you can get a better feel for the region you’re traveling in. When in France, think wine and cheese, try cava and olives in Spain, beer and bratwurst in Germany, etc. This may sound like a given, but the price break is often substantial.
Ordering a cafÃ?© in Europe can be an epic experience, one that can easily become an all-day affair. Don’t feel rushed to leave once you’ve finished your drink, for the price of one cafÃ?© you’ve basically bought yourself a seat at the table for a good hour or two. After a long day of walking with a heavy pack on your shoulders, this can be a godsend. If you’re not in it for the long haul, try sipping your cafÃ?© at the bar. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the locals will earn you a 50% discount on the same drink you enjoyed sitting down.
The biggest chunk of any traveler’s budget comes from not dining, but wining. Unlike the US, public drinking is actually legal in Europe so ditch the 12 euro mojitos and DIY. Keep in mind that this is not a carte blanche to get blotto in the cobblestone streets. If nothing else, the police do manage to keep a very tight lid on that sort of behavior. Take a few beers with you on the road and explore the city or enjoy a bottle of wine in the park (because you can!)
Now time for the other half of the food equation: shopping. Cheap food and drink is surprisingly easy to find in Europe, just remember to avoid the small corner markets. They may be more convenient, but it’ll cost you. Supermarkets are your best bet, but for an even better deal, scout out the open air markets where you can stock up on fresh fruit and snacks for later. A decent bottle of wine can easily be found for 2 or 3 euros , although for those with less discriminating palettes, the price can go down to 1 euro.
You can avoid the temptation to buy that 5 euro crepe by always keeping a few provisions handy. Water bottles are good money savers as well, although beware local tap water. One of the best investments you can make before your trip is a water bottle with a built-in Britta filter. Genius!
If you don’t want to miss out on the culinary experience of your travels entirely, just start small. Many backpackers set quotas for their trip, like one nice meal for each new city or country visited. Always keep in mind that lunches are the best deal when dining out. For the whole shebang, try the menus, which include appetizer, entry and dessert for a reduced price.
Happy travels and bon appetite.
