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How much should you budget for food and drink while traveling internationally?

Ardelle McCaskill

As an experienced traveler, I'm often asked the question: "How much should you budget for food and drink while traveling internationally?" And let me tell you, there's no easy answer to this question. It all depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and destination. But I'm here to bring some hard truths to the table and offer you my expert opinion on this matter.

First off, let's acknowledge that food and drink can make up a significant portion of your travel budget. Depending on where you're traveling, you could be spending anywhere from $5 to $50 a day just on meals and drinks. And if you're a foodie like me, you're probably willing to splurge on some local delicacies and fine dining experiences.

But here's the thing: If you're traveling on a budget, you need to be realistic about how much money you can allocate for food and drink. A common mistake many travelers make is overspending on food and drink, leaving little money left for other important things like lodging, transportation, and activities.

So, how much should you budget for food and drink? My advice is to allocate no more than 25% of your overall budget to food and drink. That means if you're planning to spend $100 a day on your travels, you should budget no more than $25 a day for food and drinks. And if you're really looking to save money, consider cooking your own meals or sticking to street food and local markets.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking: "But what about the authentic dining experiences? What about the Michelin-starred restaurants?" Yes, I understand the importance of experiencing local cuisine and trying new things. But let's be real, do you really need to spend $100 on a fancy dinner in Paris or Tokyo to appreciate the local food? There are plenty of cheaper options that offer just as much flavor and cultural immersion.

And let's also talk about the environmental impact of food and drink tourism. The global food industry has a significant impact on the environment, from food waste to greenhouse gas emissions. By overspending on food and drink while traveling, you're not only hurting your budget, but you're also contributing to a larger sustainability problem.

So, in summary, my advice as an expert traveler is to budget no more than 25% of your overall budget for food and drink while traveling internationally. Don't overspend on fancy restaurants and drinks, and consider cooking your own meals or trying cheaper local options. And most importantly, be mindful of the impact your food choices have on the environment. Happy travels!