Dining while on vacation isn’t like dining at home. You’re surrounded by new sights and tastes, and you’re probably eager to experience them all. However, there are a few rules you should keep in mind while munching your way across the country.
- Don’t ever eat at the first restaurant you see.
Pexels Whether you’re just stepping out f your hotel for the first time or you’ve just disembarked from your cruise ship, always steer clear of the first restaurants you see. Chances are they cater to the tourist crowd more than the locals, and they’re almost definitely overpriced. Head further into the neighborhood or your port for dining options that won’t break the bank and are more representative of the real local flavor.
- Trust online reviews more than print reviews.
Pexels The restaurant world moves at a whirlwind pace. Places open, close, and change hands so regularly that printed guide books and magazine reviews can be out-of-date by the time they’re on the shelves. If you want to know what the food is like at a restaurant you’ve been eyeing in your destination city, check local food blogs or Yelp reviews. That will give you a better idea of what’s going on in the kitchen right now, as opposed to a year ago when the magazine critic stopped in.
- Bring a water bottle and save serious cash.
Pexels When you’re traveling around places that see large numbers of visitors, prices for things basic goods like bottled water can get pretty crazy. If you’re not looking to pay through the nose for hydration on the go, fill up a reusable water bottle at your hotel and save. Water bottles aren’t just for liquid though! Fill yours with chopped fruit, berries, chips, crackers, diced cheese, or even candy for a portable lunch or snack.
- Ask your server where they like to eat.
Pexels This is a great way to get insider information about where locals love to dine. Hotel staff and well-meaning strangers might try to push you towards top-tier restaurants when you say you’re looking for a bite to eat, but gourmet meals aren’t always appropriate when you’re traveling on a budget. If you ask your restaurant server where they like to eat with family or friends, you’re more likely to get intel about local haunts with tasty food at reasonable prices.
- Skip your local chains and go for something unfamiliar.
Pexels Yes, you may love Shake Shack burgers. However, you’re probably better off spending that cash and those calories on a dining experience that you can’t get back home. Opt for the cozy-looking diner over the nationwide chain, or try the seafood restaurant on the harbor if you’re from a land-locked state. Traveling is all about new experiences and broadening your horizons.
Following these vacation dining rules should keep you healthy, wealthy, and full of delicious treats. For more travel tips like these, click here.
Pexels
Whether you’re just stepping out f your hotel for the first time or you’ve just disembarked from your cruise ship, always steer clear of the first restaurants you see. Chances are they cater to the tourist crowd more than the locals, and they’re almost definitely overpriced. Head further into the neighborhood or your port for dining options that won’t break the bank and are more representative of the real local flavor.
The restaurant world moves at a whirlwind pace. Places open, close, and change hands so regularly that printed guide books and magazine reviews can be out-of-date by the time they’re on the shelves. If you want to know what the food is like at a restaurant you’ve been eyeing in your destination city, check local food blogs or Yelp reviews. That will give you a better idea of what’s going on in the kitchen right now, as opposed to a year ago when the magazine critic stopped in.
When you’re traveling around places that see large numbers of visitors, prices for things basic goods like bottled water can get pretty crazy. If you’re not looking to pay through the nose for hydration on the go, fill up a reusable water bottle at your hotel and save. Water bottles aren’t just for liquid though! Fill yours with chopped fruit, berries, chips, crackers, diced cheese, or even candy for a portable lunch or snack.
This is a great way to get insider information about where locals love to dine. Hotel staff and well-meaning strangers might try to push you towards top-tier restaurants when you say you’re looking for a bite to eat, but gourmet meals aren’t always appropriate when you’re traveling on a budget. If you ask your restaurant server where they like to eat with family or friends, you’re more likely to get intel about local haunts with tasty food at reasonable prices.
Yes, you may love Shake Shack burgers. However, you’re probably better off spending that cash and those calories on a dining experience that you can’t get back home. Opt for the cozy-looking diner over the nationwide chain, or try the seafood restaurant on the harbor if you’re from a land-locked state. Traveling is all about new experiences and broadening your horizons.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
