Okay, so I'm going to dedicate this post to what I have found to be the most important, most pressing, most talked about issue between backpackers I meet on the road: food.
Let's face it, it's an unavoidable cost. Luckily, with your hostel's trusty share kitchen and the most rudimentary cooking skills, you stretch your pennies just that little bit further.
If you're moving around every second night it's not feasible to buy a supply of meat and fresh veggies (particialry if you're travelling solo!). But never fear, here are my go-to products for stocking my travel pantry (a.k.a that plastic bag in my backpack...) for when you're on the move.
1. Porridge
Ah, the mighty oat. Where would I be without you. Porridge is my breakfast dish of choice whilst on the road. You can usually score a bag for only a few dollars, and, unlike other cereals, if you're desperate (that is, moving around too quickly to actually justify buying a carton of milk) you can make it up with water. No, it's not the tastiest thing, but it'll tide you over. Just make sure to bring a rubber band to tie the bag with, or else be warned, you will NEVER get the teeny, tiny grains completely out of your bag.
2. Peanut butter
The most versatile of my grocery store buys. Mix it in your porridge for a protein fix (legitimately - this is actually tasty!) or slather it on bread for a lunchtime picnic. Peanut butter fingers also make a pretty fantastic snack...
3. Those clearance bread rolls
We all know that shelf. Right at the back of the bakery. With the day old, but still perfectly edible, bread rolls sitting there are a fraction of the cost.
4. Freezer meals
When I want a little luxury (but not enough to justify a meal out) this is the prefect compromise. A quick de-frost and ta-daaa a meal fit for hostel royalty.
BUT
When all is said and done, enjoy your trip. While I know the importance of budgeting whilst abroad, the trip would be a complete waste if you never ate at a local restaurant, or tasted the national cuisine!
Let's face it, it's an unavoidable cost. Luckily, with your hostel's trusty share kitchen and the most rudimentary cooking skills, you stretch your pennies just that little bit further.
If you're moving around every second night it's not feasible to buy a supply of meat and fresh veggies (particialry if you're travelling solo!). But never fear, here are my go-to products for stocking my travel pantry (a.k.a that plastic bag in my backpack...) for when you're on the move.
1. Porridge
Ah, the mighty oat. Where would I be without you. Porridge is my breakfast dish of choice whilst on the road. You can usually score a bag for only a few dollars, and, unlike other cereals, if you're desperate (that is, moving around too quickly to actually justify buying a carton of milk) you can make it up with water. No, it's not the tastiest thing, but it'll tide you over. Just make sure to bring a rubber band to tie the bag with, or else be warned, you will NEVER get the teeny, tiny grains completely out of your bag.
2. Peanut butter
The most versatile of my grocery store buys. Mix it in your porridge for a protein fix (legitimately - this is actually tasty!) or slather it on bread for a lunchtime picnic. Peanut butter fingers also make a pretty fantastic snack...
3. Those clearance bread rolls
We all know that shelf. Right at the back of the bakery. With the day old, but still perfectly edible, bread rolls sitting there are a fraction of the cost.
4. Freezer meals
When I want a little luxury (but not enough to justify a meal out) this is the prefect compromise. A quick de-frost and ta-daaa a meal fit for hostel royalty.
BUT
When all is said and done, enjoy your trip. While I know the importance of budgeting whilst abroad, the trip would be a complete waste if you never ate at a local restaurant, or tasted the national cuisine!