Don’t spend a fortune eating out on the road. Try these unconventional ways to eat while you are away from home and save your cash for bigger and better things.
Main Course Only
Pack your own selection of appealing side dishes and ad ons, such as apples, cut carrots, applesauce packs, yogurt tubes, pasta salad, cookies and brownies, grapes, bottled water, etc. Then when you are on the road, pick up main course items only. You’ll avoid spending money on the french fries, the super-sized drinks, the shakes and other extra items. To be really frugal, order a bulk entry, such as the large box of chicken nuggets instead of several individual kids meals.
Make Your Own Sandwiches
Instead of hitting the deli for sandwiches, pick up a tub of chicken salad or other cold cuts plus rolls. Try a rotisserie chicken, fresh mozzarella, or other favorite sandwich ingredients, and then assemble the sandwiches yourself. You’ll save at least 50 percent on your meal and probably get more food as well.
Local Festivals or Events
Find out if there will be any free events or festivals in the area. Often, free food will be a part of these events. The fare isn’t gourmet, mostly free hot dogs and hamburgers, but hey, a free meal is a free meal. Farmers markets can also be a source of free or at least cheap food. Search online and research your options before you head out, so you know where to go.
Think Outside the (Snack) Box
If you find yourself already on the road and without any snack supplies, you can save money by thinking outside the box. Inexpensive alternative can be unconventional. For example, a loaf of raisin bread from the grocery store could be a quick snack for the family, to get you though until dinner. Celery or apples dipped in peanut butter is fun (scoop some peanut butter into small dixie cups for the kids). Get creative.
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