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In a former life, in poorer circumstances, I used to travel with a friend who had serious dietary restrictions (some self-imposed, some medically necessary). She would take packets of Uncle Ben's cooked rice and beans on the road. When hungry (because even if we did stop to eat in a restaurant, half the time she couldn't eat anything on the menu anyway), she would rip open a bag of rice and eat it, room temperature.
For myself, I used to take nut/dried fruit mixes, homemade beef jerky, and Subway coupons. If we had one big meal once a day, the snacks I packed would tide me through the other meals. There was always a jar of peanut butter, and we'd buy bunches of bananas, bags of oranges, and a loaf of bread. Whoever got hungry in between the one real meal a day could make themselves a peanut butter sandwich or peanut butter on banana any time.
If we stayed in motels instead of friends' houses, I'd make sure to get my fill at the continental breakfast (not necessarily the high fat stuff, but I'd eat 2 low-fat yogurts, oatmeal with raisins, fruit, an egg, maybe a mini bagel). Then I'd pocket an extra piece of fruit or hard boiled egg to eat around lunchtime so I wouldn't have to spend anything at lunch. And yes, I did get teased for being a cheapskate, but I had very little spending money and had no shame about it at the time.
These were not really vacation travels. These were cross-country jaunts anywhere from a few days to (one time) a whole summer. Now when I vacation with my husband, we do try to get as much local food as possible.
Aw. I'm making myself miss that old life. I traded the communal peanut butter jar for a steady paycheck. Well, we all grow up sometime...
Also I need to remember to pack some scissors in my checked suitcase for opening food packages.
If you take to packing scissors or a paring knife in a backpack, do remember to remove it before you take same backpack on an airplane a year or more later. I was recently pulled aside at the airport for a bag search because I'd completely forgotten that there was a paring knife, with a 3" blade, permanently tucked away in a small pocket of that backpack, for the purpose of eating fruit on the road. So embarrassing!
A small microwave and/or small toaster oven are really inexpensive and can be tucked away in the trunk. Either (or both) will significantly expand your meal options while staying at motels and shopping at grocery stores.
You may want to look out for a thrift store or pawn shop to find these a microwave or toaster over, it will cheaper than buying them new and you can always donate them at the end of your trip so you at least know what you are going to do with them at the end of your trip
Another thing to do is do a search for cheap eats in the area you are in, they are usually the places that only locals go to and may be a little of the beaten path but you sometimes be able to find some great food at a small price.
In American restaurants, instead of paying $2 for iced tea, or lemonade, bring your own packets of powdered drink mix, and pour it into their free ice-water.
Bring bottled water you've brought from Walmart, instead of paying $2 or $3 per bottle commonly charged in large cities, sports stadiums, concerts, or theme parks.
The only thing we pack for travel is wine, and some nuts. International or within the country, we pack the same. Breakfast is appreciated if it's included in the price, and we rarely eat lunch. The last thing I want to spend money on during vacation is food.
The only thing we pack for travel is wine, and some nuts. International or within the country, we pack the same. Breakfast is appreciated if it's included in the price, and we rarely eat lunch. The last thing I want to spend money on during vacation is food.
Unfortunately, your body needs food and water, not nuts and wine.
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