Home away from home. This post on food and vacation rentals.

Though I hate to generalize, but I can safely say – after traveling alone most of my life – that no matter if you find a way to “travel on a budget”, this only works if you NOT travel alone. Almost all accommodations advertise “sleeps 3, 4, 5, or even 12” (whatever that means). The odd times, I can find “sleeps 2”. Never once seen “sleeps one person only”.

Rule of thumb: As a single traveler you usually pay more. This applies to renting vacation accommodations. [Cruises, you always pay double.] However, even the odd time I found vacation rentals for €500 a month. Lots of ‘foot work’ to dig that up. Mostly it is much more.

I am considering for example the Bahamas, because it is half way between the Pacific Coast where I live and Europe, where my family lives. Plus, it is pleasant climate and few restrictions for Canadians. In the following link [ http://www.bahamasonabudget.info/ ], someone implies that “
One of the biggest costs away from home is food and drink – ” (quoted from that web site). No matter which country you travel to, from experience I found that accomodation is the most expensive item when traveling. Food is not. Having a decent “roof over your head” is priceless and costly. Unless you travel in a group (most people do not) and share with half a dozen others. What kind of fun is that ?!

Eating out in restaurants on the other hand can get pricey. Because of service costs. While food items bought in super markets, grocery stores, any kinds of markets, is cheap. No matter which country one travels to. Mostly it is much less expensive than the city where my home is. The other reason I do not eat restaurant food is, that I am a good cook and do not trust what others present me with. Drink likewise. Anywhere in the world, one bottle of good wine cannot be more expensive than 20 or 30 dollars (in a store), in fact in Europe more like under ten €. Restaurant ?, try get a glass for that.

Conclusion. To save while traveling: try get accomodation/vacation rental with at least a small kitchen. Try, not to eat street food in certain countries. Make sure the food you buy is clean. Wash your own laundry. Do your own cleaning. Find the best deals where to buy groceries and a decent cup of coffee. [Example: Here in Cannes, Côte d’Azur, one bistro asks €5 for one cappuccino, next door it is €2.50]. To look at (food) cost of living, first thing I do is check out how much a cup of coffee and specialty coffee costs. [Transportation = next post.]

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