Vacation can be a time to put away any worries in your life. However, vacation can also turn into a time where extra money is spent on food that can ruin any diet or budget plans you have. But, if you take some time to set up a meal plan before you go, you can enjoy your trip, save money, and stay relatively healthy.
Saving Money
Staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen can protect you against too many restaurant expenses. If you’re traveling by car, pack a cooler with some snacks and other essentials. Line the cooler with frozen water bottles and pack the middle with simple foods, such as fresh fruit, cheese sticks, or snack-size bags of nuts. According to Coolest, you should bring a more portable cooler rather than a full-size cooler if you’re running low on space. Essentials such as coffee should be included as well. Check to make sure the kitchen will be stocked at your rental destination and pack a good knife for prep work. Depending on the amount of driving you have to do, you can travel with basic ingredients or hit a grocery store once you arrive at your destination.
Stress Reduction
If you’re an early riser and need your coffee while your partner is planning to sleep as late as possible, someone is going to be unhappy if you don’t have coffee in your room. Pack coffee, and, if necessary, pack a coffee maker. Treat yourself to some good bagels and fruit. You can dine in style, your partner can sleep in, and you’ll both be happy when it’s time to step out for the day. The Chaos and the Clutter suggests that while you’re out you should find some locally sourced seafood or sweet corn, depending on where you’re vacationing, and fix a dinner you can both afford and enjoy.
Healthy Habits
Restaurants seldom serve small portions, and their food is often very high in sodium. To protect both your wallet and your waistline, try to maintain your health eating habits. According to Nutrithority, the number of meals you eat each day will typically be between three and six, but that number varies based on several factors. Overeating six times a day simply isn’t good for you.
Cut Back to Two Meals Out
If you’re driving in an unfamiliar city, it might be safer for you to be home before it’s fully dark. A simple way to do this is to cut back to two meals out. You can enjoy a hearty brunch at a restaurant, then eat your dinner at around 5 p.m. The restaurants won’t be too crowded, and you can enjoy your favorite dining out treats. Supplement with fruit in the morning and a snack at bedtime.
Travel is a joy, and it doesn’t have to bust your budget or your diet. All you need to do is abide by a few boundaries while on your trip to continue to meet your goals. Whether you’re traveling with kids or on your own, traveling with food and cooking on vacation can be a nice way to linger and enjoy one another’s company at a relaxed pace.