It isn’t easy to maintain healthy habits when we travel. While travelling, I’ve found some ways that I can create a routine for a healthy lifestyle. You can still have fun and enjoy your trip abroad. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat healthily when you’re travelling.
Below is a list of my top tips for healthy eating while on a tight budget.
Tips for healthy eating while travelling
1. Enjoy a kitchen in your accommodation
This is the most important tip. By preparing your own meals, you can experiment with fruits and vegetables that are local to you.
Hostels, private properties, farms, and even non-profit organisations are the best types of housing for this purpose. You can exchange a few hours of work for a bed and kitchen. Work exchange is a form of collaborative tourism that works well for long-term stays.
If you do not want to volunteer in exchange for housing, you can rent rooms with a kitchen through Airbnb or other similar websites.
I recommend collective spaces for saving money and experiencing a cultural exchange during meal times.
2. Local Markets
The buzz of the local market is the best way for me to learn about a place’s culture.
If the market is closed or is closed, the local grocery store will be your best choice. Even though it may not be as fresh or cheap, it is still more affordable than eating out.
3. Pack snacks
Nuts and dried fruits, dark chocolate, rice cakes, hummus or nut butter. You can find these healthy snacks in any grocery store or market and take them with you on your adventures.
These will come in handy when you’re feeling hungry. You’ll also be less inclined to pick up something unhealthy on the side of the road for convenience.
4. Reusable water bottles
By buying an eco-friendly bottle of water (and a coffee cup), you will save money and help the environment, as you won’t need to buy as much water.
Staying hydrated can be important, especially if you’re walking a great deal or are in a hotter climate. It is also useful if you drink alcohol often, which is part of the local experience. Give yourself the freedom to enjoy a beer in Belgium or wine in Italy.
5. Don’t get too restrictive
Although I encourage a healthy lifestyle, I am also non-restrictive. Travelling is a big part of the experience, and the food is not always the most nutritious.
You can eat croissants in France, Pastel de Natas in Portugal or Bambuss in Croatia. When else will you be able to taste it directly from the source again? As they say, it’s all about balance – everything is in moderation.
Avoid labelling food as good or bad. Feeling guilty about eating something can be more harmful to your health.
6. Local street food is preferred to fast food franchises
At least buy local if you’re going to eat fast food! If you want fast food, avoid Mcdonald’s and Burger King. If you’re in Italy, try a delicious street pizza or an incredible Gyro. Choose street food over franchises as it is both cheaper and more delicious.
7. Picnics in the park
Although I love eating at local restaurants, it’s not feasible for budget travellers. If the weather is nice, taking your food and drinks into the park can be a good alternative. You will not only save money but also eat better and get Vitamin D in the sun. Vitamin D is essential for building your immune system.
8. Protein!
If you are a plant-based person, this is especially important. Being deficient in protein can also lead to fatigue and a lower immune system. This is particularly important if you are a plant-based person, as a lack of protein can lead to fatigue or lowered immunity.
Make your plate colourful, including vegetables, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
9. Take your meals with you in Tupperware
This is one tip that I wish someone had told me when I was travelling. Tupperware can be a great investment for your budget and the environment. It also means that you can stock up and bring all the local delights with you!
10. Meal Deals – UK
Travelling to the UK? Here’s a tip. Meal Deals are available in most grocery stores. It’s a convenient way to get a meal for lunch or dinner. You can get ONE drink, ONE main meal and ONE snack of your choosing, all for just 3 pounds at TESCO &Sainsbury and 4 pounds at Co-Op. You can choose from a variety of choices, including salads and smoothies.
Did you like these ideas? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for healthy eating while on vacation and save your favourite volunteer positions.
This position is available in Germany for a chef who will prepare meals based on plant-based ingredients and promote a healthy lifestyle.
You can find out more about Worldpackers by reading What a Work Exchange is and how it works. Your top questions about Worldpackers and Traveling with Worldpackers were answered.
Leave a Reply