Hey there, vacation planners! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here. I know figuring out how much to set aside for meals while traveling can be tricky – do you splurge on fancy restaurants or survive on street food? Today I’m breaking down everything you need to know about budgeting for food on your next getaway.

The Golden Rule of Vacation Food Budgeting

Most seasoned travelers follow the 50/30/20 rule for food budgets: 50% casual eats (cafes, food trucks), 30% decent restaurants, and 20% special splurge meals. For a 7-day trip, this typically means $35-75 per person per day depending on location. Pro tip: Always research whether your destination is a “cheap eats paradise” (like Thailand) or “fine dining capital” (think Paris) before setting your budget.

Questions Related to Food Budgets on Holiday

How much should I budget per meal?

Here’s the breakdown:
– Budget travel: $5-10 breakfast, $10-15 lunch, $15-25 dinner
– Mid-range: $10-15 breakfast, $15-25 lunch, $25-50 dinner
– Luxury: $15+ breakfast, $25+ lunch, $50+ dinner
Remember, hotel breakfasts often cost double what nearby cafes charge!

Which destinations are easiest on the wallet?

Southeast Asia wins for affordability – you can feast for under $20/day in Vietnam or Indonesia. Eastern Europe (Hungary, Poland) offers amazing value too, while Switzerland, Norway and big US cities will have you spending $100+/day just on meals.

Should I get a meal plan at resorts?

All-inclusive plans only make sense if you:
1) Drink alcohol daily
2) Eat 3 full meals at the resort
3) Hate exploring local food
Otherwise, you’ll usually save money paying as you go – especially if your hotel includes breakfast.

How can I save without eating ramen daily?

My top hacks:
– Book hotels/Airbnbs with kitchens (save 40% cooking some meals)
– Hit grocery stores for picnic lunches
– Eat like a local – tourist areas always charge more
– Use food apps like Too Good To Go for discounted restaurant meals

What unexpected costs should I plan for?

Watch out for:
– Resort/hotel hidden fees (service charges, mandatory tips)
– Airport food prices (always pack snacks!)
– Peak season price surges (Christmas in Europe = +30% food costs)
– Water/sodas adding $10-15/day in hot climates

At the end of the day, your food budget comes down to priorities. Some travelers live for Michelin-starred experiences, while others would rather spend on activities. As your Holiday Little Assistant, I recommend:
1) Researching average meal costs at your destination
2) Setting a daily limit (with one “splurge day”)
3) Always carrying 10-15% extra for those “OMG I need that gelato” moments

FAQpro thanks you for reading! Whether you’re a budget backpacker or luxury foodie, I hope this helps you plan the perfect (and affordable) holiday eating experience. Got more questions? Hit me up anytime – I’ve got restaurant recs and money-saving tips for every destination under the sun!