Holidays are made for indulging, which should, of course, include some nice dinners and drinks with your loved ones.
However, you don't need to overspend to have a good time. An expert shared the dining tips that can help you save on food and drink costs when on holiday.
While it is worth sampling local cafés and restaurants in a new country, having some of your meals at your accommodation is a good way to save.
Buying snacks to have at hand on a pool day, cooking at your holiday home or booking an all-inclusive hotel are all among the best options when cutting costs, according to the CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L, Marc Porcar.
Going all-inclusive can save you on food costs when abroad, especially for families
| GETTYBy saving in these ways, you won't be caught out and need to fork out on the go. This leaves you more spending money to splurge on special meals out, the travel expert explained.
Consider an all-inclusive package holiday
Marc said: "You might want to spend your holiday exploring restaurants and sampling local cuisine, but sometimes it makes more sense to opt for an all-inclusive holiday package.
"If you’re staying at a resort and don’t wish to venture out for most of your meals, this can be a fantastic way to save money, as you can focus on relaxing and don't have to think about where to eat."
All-inclusive hotels often involve drinks too, so you won't need to pay more to sip on a mid-afternoon cocktail. Do the maths before booking, however, as it does not always work out as a cheaper option.
Another option is half-board bookings. This means you can stop to eat out when exploring during the day, knowing you have breakfast and dinner ready for you at the hotel.
The travel pro continued: "If you want the best of both worlds, half-board packages can be ideal. You can eat out for lunch in the day and have dinner at your hotel.
"Not all holiday accommodation gives you the option to pay for your meals in advance and dine at the accommodation. However, it’s certainly worth looking into package holidays offered by companies like TUI, as they often work out cheaper and are fuss-free if your priority is having the most restful and relaxing time possible."
Cook some of your holiday meals
Families opting for a holiday home instead of a hotel can still save on their food costs by doing a supermarket shop at the start of their stay. This allows them the flexibility to cook and snack at home, reducing how often they need to eat at restaurants.
The expert added: "If you have a knack for cooking - or just want to spend some bonding time with your travel companions - consider cooking some of your holiday meals instead of eating out at restaurants every night.
TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
Cooking at your holiday home can reduce how often you need to eat out
| PEXELS"By buying local foods and ingredients, you can save money while simultaneously enjoying delicious and authentic cuisine.
"Of course, this may not be achievable if your accommodation doesn’t include a kitchen, so bear that in mind while choosing where to stay. If you’ve opted for an all-inclusive holiday, all your meals will be covered, but regardless of your holiday board, it’s likely that you’ll want to try out local restaurants at least once or twice.
"To select more affordable options, try using a website like Tripadvisor to view the price range of the restaurant alongside other useful information to help you make up your mind."
This comes as experts shared some of the most affordable staycation options this year. They rounded up five great value holiday parks next to beautiful UK beaches, with prices from £500 for a family of four.