Eating Cheaply While Traveling: Local Secrets They Don’t Want Tourists to Know!

Why Blow Your Budget on Bland Airport Sandwiches? You know what ruins a great trip? Realizing you’ve spent half your travel budget on overpriced hotel breakfasts and sad $15 lattes. But guess what? You can eat like a local, save cash, and uncover the secret foodie gems most tourists never find. Let’s spill the travel tea.

Melissa Ridge

5/18/20252 min read

Affiliate Disclosure:
Heads up — this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep this travel blog caffeinated and a little sassy. Thanks for your support!

Why Blow Your Budget on Bland Airport Sandwiches?

You know what ruins a great trip? Realizing you’ve spent half your travel budget on overpriced hotel breakfasts and sad $15 lattes. But guess what? You can eat like a local, save cash, and uncover the secret foodie gems most tourists never find. Let’s spill the travel tea.

Local Secrets for Eating Cheaply While Traveling

1. Street Food Is Your BFF

Some of the world’s best meals come from tiny carts on the side of the road. Think crispy empanadas in Buenos Aires, spicy satay skewers in Bangkok, and piping hot churros in Madrid. Pro tip: follow the locals — the busiest stalls are usually the safest and tastiest.

Bonus travel hack: Pair your street food run with a bike rental so you can burn off those calories while exploring!

2. Shop Like a Local at Markets

Skip the tourist restaurants. Head to local produce markets where you can grab fresh fruits, local snacks, and regional treats for a fraction of the price. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get an authentic taste of daily life.

Need to get there? Book an easy airport transfer or local ride via inDrive.

3. Look for Daily Lunch Specials

Many restaurants abroad offer incredible lunch deals. We're talking multi-course meals for the price of a sad burger back home. In Spain, it's called a Menu del Día, in Italy a Pranzo Fisso. Google it wherever you land, or use a local-friendly guide like WeGoTrip.

4. Get a Local SIM and Download Food Apps

Use apps locals rely on for food deals and delivery. It’s a great way to find flash discounts and hidden gems. Grab a budget-friendly eSIM like Airalo or Drimsim and you’re good to go!

5. Use Public Transport to Hit Foodie Spots

Instead of splurging on taxis to touristy joints, hop on public transport to reach local neighborhoods where food is cheaper and better. Use a reliable ride service like Kiwitaxi or Intui Travel if public transit isn’t an option.

Affiliate-Powered Travel Tools to Keep You on Budget:

Final Thoughts: Travel Like a Local, Eat Like a Legend

You don’t have to survive on instant noodles and vending machine snacks to travel on a budget. From street food to market finds, those little local secrets make your trip tastier and your wallet happier.

Want More Budget Travel Tips?

Sign up for my email list and snag exclusive travel hacks, free itineraries, and spicy travel confessions I don’t post anywhere else. Drop your email below — let’s make your next trip ridiculously awesome.