4 ways to save on food while travelling

After saving up for your dream vacation, you don't want all of your funds to be spent on food. With a little planning, you can make smart decisions and save on meals during your next trip.

One of the best ways to save on food costs is by cooking at home.

• If you are staying in a hotel or on a resort, ask if there are any units with a kitchenette where you can prepare meals.
• You can also book a home to rent so you have access to a full kitchen.
• If it's a summertime vacation, there might also be outdoor grills where you can plan to cook outside.

Many hotels include the price of breakfast with the room rate.

• It might not seem like much, but one free meal for a whole family every day can turn into big savings.
• Check out the breakfast menu and hours beforehand so you can plan to hit the buffet before it closes.

One big expense is grabbing between-meal snacks while on-the-go.

• Stopping to buy water, soda, chips, trail mix, fries or other snacks every few hours can really add up.
• Avoid these costs by stocking your suitcase with everything you will need including water bottles, sodas, granola bars, fresh fruit, chips and whatever else you and your family like to snack on.

Most restaurants offer discounts for diners who come in early.

• Take advantage of these deals since they can save you a lot on the cost of dinner every night.
• Check out local newspapers or websites that offer information on shops and restaurants in town to find out which ones are offering a deal on dinner.

Keeping you and your family fed on vacation does not have to be expensive. Just follow these tips to keep costs down on your next trip.