As some of you may know, I have just come back from a month of travelling the East Coast of Australia. It was such an amazing opportunity and has taught me so much, in particular, how to budget a little better.
I think naturally women are a little more spendy than men (in my family and friend circle anyway!), which makes it difficult to hold back and attempt to spread your funds over a time frame. My weakness is definitely with food; it's where most of my disposable income goes without even realising!
Being entirely responsible for my set budget for just over four weeks therefore challenged how much I could spend on foods, which is most difficult when you're in a different country wanting to try new things! Here's five tips that I found helped me to control my spendings:
1. Start as you mean to go on. Be more savvy at the start. This can be difficult depending on where you start your travels, and in particular trying to gage which foods are cheaper in other countries. This could be rectified by doing a little research before heading to the country you're travelling to. Most hostels have kitchens, so cooking your own food is feasible.
2. Accept that the cheapest foods aren't the healthiest. It is really difficult to eat healthy on a budget at the best of times, let alone when you're in a country/area you don't know well and you're surrounded by McDonald's and KFC! Trying to stick to the 60:40 rule is the best way to try to stay healthy whilst travelling, but also be realistic with money.
3. Cook with others you meet. This is also a great way to make friends along the way; pop to a market or supermarket and all tie in together. When buying food it's a lot more difficult to cater for one or two people, so asking others if they'd like to join you makes it both cheaper for you all and creates less waste!
4. Balance. If there's a pricey restaurant everyone has told you about that you're desperate to try, try it! You don't need to spend the same amount each day, if one day is more expensive, make a conscious effort to make another day that week particularly cheap.
5. Vouchers and discounts. If you're travelling a tranquil area that's not necessarily classed as a touristy location, this won't be as easy. Most of the places I visited along the East Coast were full of backpackers and travellers. A lot of hostels inform you of local eateries that have backpacker meal deals on offer or present you with a bundle of food and drink vouchers. Make use of them!
A few favourites to keep an eye out for if you're going down under!
• Meat District Co., Darling Harbour, Sydney: Sydney is one of the most expensive places along the East Coast in general, however this place gives two great quality steak meals for $50.
• Beloporto, Byron Bay: Best burgers along the East Coast!
• Paradox, Surfer's Paradise: Stumbled across this place in the coach station after our coach was delayed by an hour; beautiful coffee, mouth watering homemade cakes and bakes and great brunch options.
• Naomi's Sushi, Brisbane: Better Chicken Katsu Curry than Wagamamas! Big statement, I know, but try to tell me I'm wrong when all you pay is $9.
• Café Jilarty at Rainbow, Rainbow Beach: It doesn't hold much competition, but their menu has some great brunch options and catered well for veggies. One of the only places I found that did HP brown sauce too!!
• Salt, Airlie Beach: Backpackers breakfast for $10. Say no more.
• Fish Bar, Mission Beach: Some of the best seafood dishes I have ever tasted. Seriously tempting specials at amazing prices.
• Waterbar & Grill, Cairns: A little more on the pricey side, great selection of meat and fish dishes with a beautiful view over the marina. Book in advance for a table overlooking the marina, they go fast!
Bit of a long post today to make up for my absence, felt very inspired since coming home to cook more so expect a few more recipe blogposts! Any of you have any good tips for budgeting? Know of any hidden gems that are good for foodies on a budget?
