When it comes to travel experts, Rick Steves is one of the best. The best-selling travel writer, TV personality, and tour guide is widely known as America’s leading authority on European travel. He’s a firm believer that one of the best ways to experience another country and culture is through its food. Tasting Table gathered some of Steves’ top tips for dining on vacation.
Eat like a local. According to the article, Steves advocates “always eating where the locals eat, to ensure you don’t get ripped off by high prices and underwhelming food, and to give you the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of your location.” He also suggests interacting with the locals to get recommendations on where to eat and what to order.
Don’t skip breakfast. Breakfast is often included in your hotel rate at European hotels. Steves recommends you take advantage of this meal. Not only will it help fuel your morning, but it’s a great way to save money — and sample some local delicacies.
Try local specialties. One of Steves’ fundamental rules is to sample local cuisine. He also says you should skip the tourist-focused restaurants, where you are paying more for the location than the quality of food. He strongly believes that one of the best ways to sample authentic local cuisine without breaking the bank is to try the street food.
Enjoy happy hour. One of Rick Steves’ best travel dining hacks is to partake in the European tradition of an aperitivo. This is an “early evening ritual of enjoying an aperitif before your main meal.” He says the drink prices may seem high, but they often come with complimentary and delicious finger foods.
Do you have any tips or tricks to save money while dining out on vacation? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know what you do to try to save money on meals.
