Samantha Brown's Budget Tip To Save Money On Food While You're Traveling

You don't need to spend a fortune to go on vacation. With a few budget travel hacks under your belt, you can keep costs down while exploring a new place. The only problem: Most money-saving tips focus on scoring cheap flights and hotel rooms, not saving on your everyday trip expenses, such as food. Thankfully, travel expert Samantha Brown has some ideas to help you stay on track.

In an interview with Motherly, the TV host shared a simple yet genius way to keep your stomach full during your trip without overspending. First, she suggests starting the day off with a big breakfast, since a.m. meals tend to be cheaper than lunch or dinner. This could mean making the most of your hotel's buffet (bonus points if the cost is included in your room) or grabbing a meal at a casual brunch spot.

Once the afternoon tummy grumbles kick in, Brown recommends munching on light snacks (think protein bars or packed sandwiches) until dinner, which you can splurge a little extra on. "Or choose lunch as your biggest meal around 4 p.m. — lunch menus are similar in size but usually have cheaper pricing than dinner entrees," she adds. "Dinner can be something light or take advantage of a grocery store's prepared food section."

If culinary travel is a top priority and you don't want to deprive yourself of scrumptious gourmet food on vacation, Samantha Brown has another budget-friendly tip to suit your taste buds. In an Instagram reel, the pro traveler shares that you can save money by booking your trip during a city's Restaurant Week festivities. "Restaurant Weeks are when a huge selection of restaurants offer more affordable pre-fixed lunch and dinner menus," Brown explains in the clip.

The event is often used to increase business during a destination's off-season, when fewer tourists are flocking to the area. As a result, Brown notes that hotels are also cheaper during Restaurant Week periods than during other times of the year. Attending a Restaurant Week can be a great way to sample different foods without breaking the bank. However, keep in mind that you may need to travel during an unpopular season to reap the benefits. Additionally, not every city will host its own Restaurant Week, so this tip might not work for every trip on your bucket list.