Dining Money Saving Tips, Ideas and Advice to Reduce Your Travel Costs and Travel More Cheaply

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DINING - Page 2

Limiting Restaurant Meals (continued)

6. Instead of eating in a restaurant, you may also want to consider getting take-out and bring it back to your room. It is usually less expensive than restaurants (particularly when excluding tips) and you usually do not need to order drinks since you already have them back in your room.

Eating At Affordable Restaurants

Eating out at restaurants is getting more and more expensive. One way to reduce the cost of eating out when traveling is to choose affordable restaurants, and use discounts whenever possible. If you do feel like eating out in a restaurant during your trip, consider the following ways to minimize the cost and still have a good time.

1. Ask at the front desk where the locals eat and where you can eat for an affordable price. They usually know where the best food is for the best price.

2. Eating out does not have to be at a fancy or expensive restaurant to be a fun experience. Today, most fast food restaurants offer several items that are nutritious, at prices considerably lower than other types of restaurants. In addition, another 15%-20% is saved by not having to leave a tip. When going out for dinner, save money by visiting fast food restaurants that have a nice seating area, where you can take your time and enjoy the “dining” experience. Skip the drive-through and enjoy your meal.

3. In addition to fast food restaurants, many other restaurants offer counter service and have very nice seating areas. While prices may be higher than fast food, you will still save the 15%-20% tip required at table service restaurants.

4. If you are looking for a family type restaurant with table service, choose an affordable, medium-priced restaurant, such as a Cracker Barrel, the local Italian, Chinese or Mexican restaurant, etc. These types of family restaurants are just as much fun as their more expensive “cousins,” the food is just as good, and you will feel a lot better when the check arrives. Try to avoid the higher priced family restaurants like Outback Steakhouse where your dinner tab can get real high, real quickly. Do you really have a more pleasant and entertaining dining experience at the higher-priced family restaurants? Is it really worth the extra cost?

Getting Discounts

Restaurant discounts and coupons are available from many sources, for both fancy and everyday restaurants. So, be sure to use discounts whenever possible when traveling.

1. Find coupons for the local restaurants. These may be available in the hotel lobby or guest book in your room, in the local newspapers and tourist guides, or from visitor centers.

2. Some restaurants are starting to put discounts and coupons in the local yellow pages to try to attract new customers. Also, make sure to look at those grocery store receipts for restaurant coupons in the local area.

3. A little research on the Internet for restaurants at your destination may also uncover some restaurant coupon savings. Also, many national restaurant chains offer discounts through their web sites. By signing up at their web sites, you may be able to receive special promotions and coupons.

4. Flyers received with your credit card statements may include discount offers for selected chain restaurants.

5. Entertainment books are also available for some cities that include restaurant coupons.

6. Some hotels, credit card and other rewards points programs offer restaurant gift certificates. See if this makes sense, particularly if you want to go to an expensive restaurant for dinner. Also, check out web sites like Restaurant.com for discounted restaurant gift certificates for restaurants located at your destination.

7. If you are traveling with kids, try to find restaurants where the kids either eat free or they have inexpensive kids’ meals. Or ask if you can just have an extra plate for your child, and have them share your meal.

8. And do not forget the discounts offered to senior citizens at many restaurants. Save money by patronizing restaurants with these types of discounts. Also, see if your restaurant offers freebies if it’s your birthday.