Easy Holiday Food: Quick and Easy Meal Ideas While on Vacation
The holidays can be the highlight of the year for many people. Who doesn’t like to get away from work, responsibilities, etc… and just relax for a while? However, the economy may be keeping some people from indulging in a retreat.
Expect to pay for the ride, lodging, fuel, and food. There is not much you can do about the price of attractions and gas. However, food is a very expensive part of the holiday and it is variable.
On average, a family spends at least five dollars (per person) just to eat a single fast food meal. Not only can this destroy a vacation budget, but it’s also very unhealthy. Ever wonder why people come back from vacation with a five pound weight gain? – Fast food!
So here are things for an easy holiday food alternative; that’s cheap, but still healthy.
Look for a hotel, condominium, cabin, etc… With a kitchenette.
On average, you will pay about $10.00 more for a small kitchen. However, you can eliminate the cost of food. If there are four members on vacation, that’s a minimum of $60.00 per day that you’re removing.
If there is a small kitchen in the room, you can cook almost anything. This allows you to have a cheap and healthy meal. If you don’t want to mess with a cooler on the road, just find a local grocery store once you get to your destination.
Many hotel rooms have mini fridges and microwaves in the room now. Generally, these rooms do not cost more than any other room. When booking the hotel, ask if there is a microwave and refrigerator. The fridge may contain milk for breakfast cereals. Grits and oatmeal are also an easy holiday meal. Cold cuts and soup can be a meal for lunch. This still saves you the expense of two meals. Pick a frugal third meal and save tons of money.
Some of these breakfasts are full breakfast bars, but some are snacks like donuts and bagels. This will at least save you the cost of breakfast.
Do an online search for restaurants in the area.
An online hotel reservation site, city data appointment, etc. Will provide a restaurant guide. Some restaurants will have a kids eat free menu, offer two-for-one deals, have a hotel discount, etc. Of course, this won’t eliminate the cost of meals, but it can be an option for a cheap and easy vacation meal.
Vacation hot spots often have vacation packages.
A vacation package is complicated. Some reduce the cost of attractions, food and accommodation by combining them. However, do some careful research. Some of these packs can actually be taller when grouped together. Bring snacks for the ride and to take to attractions.
Snacks like peanut butter crackers, granola bars, rice cakes, etc. They travel well and fill substantially. Also, bring your own bottled water and soft drinks.
Whether you want to cut the cost of groceries, reduce the cost of groceries, or just find easy food for the holidays…these ideas are sure to help. Sometimes the few hundred dollars saved on groceries can be the difference between paying for a vacation or staying home.
