Eating While on Vacation

We all know vacation expenses can add up real fast, and one area that generally takes the largest chunk of your vacation funds is food. It can be challenging to find places to eat offering affordable meals, convenience of location, and a child-friendly environment. However, do not despair because you can find eateries that will not burn a hole in your pocket every time you dine out on vacation.

Tourist locations and amusement parks are well-known for charging higher prices on food items and meals. However, even when armed with these facts it can be difficult to completely avoid spending money on dining out at these venues. But, rest assured you can take your family out for meals at your favorite destination experiencing family-welcoming atmospheres and quality food. Believe it or not, there are places sympathetic to the plight of the vacationing family.

Here are some helpful hints to use when trying to figure out where to eat out with your children in tow at new and unfamiliar destinations:

• Vacation Packages: When booking your hotel or resort, inquire as to whether they offer meal plans that include discounts, free meal items, and coupons. Ask if there are any special plans for children of certain age groups.
• Free Breakfasts: Many mid-price hotel chains provide free breakfast for each night's stay. Depending on the chain, what will be available can vary, but may include continental, buffet, or limited-menu options. Also, some locations may offer a 'Kids Eat Free' program, so check.
• Buffet-Style Restaurants: At these dining venues a fixed price is typically charged, and often is broken down into two categories: adult or child. You are then able to dine on any food item offered, and often are permitted to obtain multiple servings without incurring additional costs. In some cases, they may literally be 'all you can eat' buffets.
• Family-Style Dining: A form of dining that is becoming more popular, these restaurants allow you to select either a full-course meal or individual food items, which will be provided in serving bowls and shared by your family. It gives you the feeling of enjoying a home-cooked meal, but without doing all of the hard work.
• Discount Programs: If you or your spouse is a member of AAA or any other membership program, review their membership features, which may include discounts or coupons for affiliated restaurants. Savings can be significant, as some may be anywhere from 5% to 20%.
• Kids Eat Free: Check at your hotel's restaurant and other dining venues at your destination to learn which ones provide a 'Kids Eat Free' program for children under a particular age. Some places are generous and permit children 12 and under to eat free, while other places may limit it to children 10 and under or 5 and under.
• Mealtime at Happy Hour: This may surprise you, but some restaurants will provide lower-priced meals during happy hour, and do not require you to sit at the bar to take advantage of this discounted menu making it a suitable option for traveling families.
• Eating In: For those renting a house or villa, or even staying at hotels with kitchenettes, you can save time and money by eating most or all meals in residence. When you choose to do this you are saving money, but it allows your family to maintain normal mealtimes (great when traveling with toddlers) giving you more control over your schedule for either getting to an evening show or simply putting the children to bed.
• Convenient Cost-Savers: Make it easier on you and the kids by carrying a supply of bottled water and snacks that everyone can access between meals, or pack lunches for picnics. It can save a lot of time allowing you to keeping moving along with your planned activities, instead of constantly having to waste time standing in line at food kiosks or heading off to find a nearby diner that has immediate seating.