Meals can be one of your biggest expenses while traveling. Even casual lunches can add up quickly. And when you’re eating at restaurants every day of your trip, the final tally can be staggering. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save on meals while you’re away from home.

1. Use Social Media
Before walking through the door of the restaurant, check it out on Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare and Yelp. Often, a simple “like” or check-in can net you a discount, free appetizer or two-for-one coupon.

2. Ask for Recommendations
Ask your hotel concierge or front-desk attendant for recommendations. Chances are good that they’ll know of a lesser-known local spot where kids eat free or happy hour lasts a couple extra hours.

3. Use Restaurant.com
Restaurant.com offers deep discounts for those who purchase gift certificates ahead of time. Simply input where you are and what type of food you’d like, and the search engine will give you a list of participating restaurants in your area. Many restaurants offer $25 gift certificates for as little as $10.

4. Find a Supermarket
The lack of a kitchen in your hotel room doesn’t mean you’re stuck eating at restaurants for the duration of your trip. Find a supermarket and make sandwiches or purchase pre-packaged salads. (Some supermarkets even deliver right to your hotel room!) Or have a picnic in a local park and experience the area outside your hotel room!

5. Make Lunch Your “Fancy” Meal
Most travelers grab a cheap lunch and have an expensive dinner. Change it up and save money! That trendy downtown restaurant you’ve been dying to try is much less costly at lunch time.

6. Buy Bottled Water at a Drugstore (Or Bring Your Own Bottle)
Don’t pay through the nose for your H2O. It’s far cheaper in a drugstore, supermarket or 7-Eleven than it is at a deli, restaurant or tourist attraction. Better yet, bring your own reusable bottle and fill it up for free at drinking fountains when you’re out and about.

7. Hit a Midday Buffet
A buffet can be a surprisingly filling and affordable option. A light breakfast, a full buffet at lunch prices, then a snack for dinner can keep you going all day (and all night!) long.

8. Don’t Skip the Free Hotel Breakfast
A free meal every single day of your trip. Need we say more? Take advantage of the free food and that’s one less meal per day you have to pay for!

Dining out while on vacation doesn’t need to be a budget buster. Eat smart and save plenty! And if you’re looking to save even more on your next trip, be sure to reserve your pre-flight hotel with ParkSleepFly! You’ll get to your gate on time and refreshed for your trip!