COOKING VS. EATING OUT

COOKING VS. EATING OUT

One of the best parts of vacation is all the different food and restaurants you can experience. But its
also one of the most expensive parts of traveling. If you can find a hotel or resort with a kitchen, then
you can enjoy the best of both worlds!

You will have the opportunity to dine out at some of the best restaurants yet still save money at the
grocery store. This can help keep some normalcy in your diet and the preferences of your family –
especially if you have a picky eater or someone with food sensitivity issues.
When to cook and when to eat out?

A lot of it depends on where you are vacationing. If you are visiting a destination where food is a big
part of the culture, then you will want to make sure you enjoy as many dining out delicacies as possible.
Prioritize what they are most famous for (Louisiana Gumbo anyone?) vs. the meals that are fairly
average.

If you are mainly in it to save money, ask for recommendations from several locals as to what is
collectively considered some of the best food in the area and plan those experiences in with your other
plans then do a grocery store run for foods that are favorites, easy and familiar.

If you want to sneak a few recipe cards in your wallet or snap a photo or two of recipes you’ve always
wanted to try, this could be a fun time to experiment but keep in mind that even if you reserve a hotel
room with a kitchen, they may not have an oven. Why you ask? Think of what the bottom of your oven
at home looks like. That’s why. To be safe, plan on stovetop, crockpot or microwave cooking.
Food is a big part of your travel adventure, so make sure to keep enough in your planned expenses to
enjoy local fares but having the ability to enjoy a few homecooked meals while vacationing can help you
stay on budget. Enjoy the best of both worlds!