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Saving money on meals at home is already hard enough. With prices on local goods increasing, its difficult to imagine what to expect in another city. Since I'm in New York everyday, I know what to expect on the price of a loaf of bread. I recently came back from a solo trip to Hawaii and I was startled to find a loaf of bread was $4.99, two dollars more than what I pay here at home. Meanwhile, prices on local Hawaiian goods such as Pineapples and Papaya were less than a dollar. With "Dollarish" principles on my mind, I ventured on my vacation trying to be as frugal as possible. My game plan was to avoid eating out at restaurants and to save as much as I could. The results...

Basically, I used different tactics to save on my trip in tropical paradise. With the main strip filled with tempting restaurants serving delicious platters of Pork Loin, Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple Chicken, it was difficult to not want to spend $10 a plate at these establishments. I managed to only eat at a fancy restaurant only once, on my last day. (A Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Burger with melted Swiss cheese and bacon on a Whole Wheat roll with a side of fries for $8.95) 

1. Snacks Snacks Snacks! I cannot stress how important snacking is. Not only in a healthly perspective, but from a money saving point of view. I "pregamed" by going to the supermarket with my mother and bought some essential and filling snacks: High Protein Granola Bars, Tuna Cups, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Ritz Crackers, Trail Mix, Sunflower Seeds and Almonds. All of these items were non-perishable and easy to throw in my bag for the day. It helped me when I was traveling during the day, during long bus rides and everything in between. It curbed my hunger, kept me in shape and made my wallet fat and happy.

Side Note: Especially for those making a long voyage on a plane. Snacks were especially helpful for the plane ride. I spent a total of 11 hours on a plane and a girl can get hungry! My 2 flights only had food for purchase. A cold, non appetizing and small sandwich was a whopping $10. I enjoyed my tuna cups on Ritz Crackers until I managed to get a full meal at my layover stop.

2. Find a Supermarket: This is a great place to shop for good eats! Local supermarkets usually have a hot meal section with great choices such as Oven Roasted Chicken. You can pick up more snacks (If you're not sick of snacks by now) or buy sandwiches at the deli counter. During one of my bus tours, we stopped at the supermarket where I bought some delicious sushi, edemame and a huge bottle of water for $8.00. Usually, back at home, my sushi roll alone is $8! What a better place to shop and save money than the mecca of all food?

3. When In Rome... Do as the Romans! Spend some time with the locals and ask them where their favorite local spots are. I know when I am at home, I love taking people to my favorite cheap pizza spot where one dollar gets you a slice! Not only will you make new friends and try new food, it will most likely be cost friendly. One local took me to a place called: Sumo Deli. I cringed and thought it was another deli, which at that point, I had been sick of turkey and swiss sandwiches. I was surprised to see it was an Asian Buffet style establishment. I had steamed noodles, a choice of two meats: Hawaiian Pork and Orange Chicken, and two vegetable sides: Raddish and Edemame. This big platter was $8.95, and not only did I have left overs, my new local friend treated me to that delicious lunch!

4. If you have it, Use it! I was lucky enough to have a mini fridge and a microwave. I used it to its full potential and filled my mini fridge with healthy snacks such as fresh white pineapple that I'd munch on late at night rather than hitting a drive thru window. My microwave came in handy when I made frozen edemame (That I bought at the supermarket!) that I steamed in coffee mugs. Threw a dash of salt and hade a few rounds of edemame that usually costs $3.00 a serving at a restaurant, for $1.20, I got about 3 servings of it. With those options in mind, you can save even more money by having food in your room. Sometimes you might be extremely lucky and have a small kitchenette in your room. You might not want to cook on vacation, but its easy enough to make spaghetti and meatballs overseas.

5. Utilize Your Food Opportunities: I never really had to eat outside a lot because I stayed on a college campus during my trip. They were fortunate enough to let me eat at the campus cafeteria. (The only time I had to eat out is when I was out venturing and could not get back to campus) My guide on campus told me to stock up on the food on campus! I bought a plastic food storage container and often "grabbed seconds" for later. I felt so bad doing so, but I was encouraged and it helped me save a lot of money. If you're at a hotel where there is a Continental Breakfast, grab an extra cereal box or yogurt for later. Just don't go overboard and wipe the cereal tray clean!

How do you save money when you travel? Have you done any of the mentioned tactics?