by Chef Cynthia owner of Soulgood Restaurant
Traveling while vegan to new places around the world doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg or create frustration. Instead, it can actually be a fun adventure living in AirBnB's, shopping, cooking and eating in your temporary home. These are some tips I picked up over the years when I travel around the world living in AirBnB's. They are helpful examples of how you can travel and feed your family on a budget and safely maintain your plant-based lifestyle. You can catch great deals on AirBnB around the holiday time if you book early or some same day bookings you can save almost 50% on daily rates.
Traveling on a Budget
There are many things I love about traveling to new cities, states, and countries. I love to experience different cultures, to see what the local markets and grocery stores carry for vegans and plant-based eaters, and to see what sparks my creative side.
Here are some tips to save money when traveling alone or with your family while living in temporary spaces.
AirBnB Tips
Living in hotels over extended travel for the holiday can be expensive. For high end or luxury hotels you can expect to pay over $300 to $700 per night per room and if you have more than one guest staying with you add 12% to the nightly rate per night.
I prefer renting AirBnB spaces in the right location that minimizes driving, large enough for our family to move about comfortably, spaces with a quality kitchen space and useful amenities.
The best time to book your AirBnB or temporary rental space is off-peak times for lower prices or if you have a flexible schedule where you have the ability to do same-day booking you can sometimes save over 50% on your daily rate on AirBnb spaces.
I am staying in a luxury apartment in Long Beach, California for the holidays for a week and found it before boarding the plane for 60% off at $169 a night versus $340 a night. A beautifully decorated, inviting and clean space with all of the amities we needed for a week long stay. I grabbed it quickly and we checked-in with ease upon arrival in California.
Shopping Tips
I have two children and eating out and being vegan while traveling across the globe can be expensive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a family of 4 can easily cost you $100 to $200 per meal. That's $300 - $600 a day and if you're staying a week that's $2,100 - $4,800 a week dining out. I prefer cooking meals for my family. I know the ingredients, I know it's safe, and I save money for more important explorations.
The first step for me after getting settled into our new space is finding a local farmers market or neighborhood grocery store that I know will carry organic product and plant-based brands I need to create healthier meals for the family.
I can spend $200 - $300 on groceries for the week and prepare full meals for the entire family four times a day. That's $300 for the week. A huge savings. As an added value, some AirBnB units may supply oil, seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, coffee, creamer, plates, glassware, cups, pots and pans. Winning! Not all units supply basic amenities so read the description carefully before reserving.
What are my staples when shopping?
My Shopping List
Staple seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder in 2 oz or 3 oz jars)
Whole white, purple or yellow onion (if pre-diced I grab those to save me time in the kitchen)
3 organic vine tomatoes
1 package of 21-grain bread (vegan)
1-2 packages of #Tofurkey deli meat
1 package of vegan sliced cheese
1 small jar of vegan mayo, mustard and ketchup (if not available in your unit)
1 bag party size chips
2-3 pre-packaged fruits (grapes, apples, strawberries, bananas, or canned fruit pineapples, peaches and pears)
1 package of guacamole or fresh avocados semi ripe (we don't have time for them to ripen)
1 package of hummus
1 box of microwave popcorn
2 boxes of #Banza pasta (gluten-free and easy on the tummy)
1 package of Miyoko's Creamery butter or Earth's Balance
1 carton #Oatly Oat Milk or Almond Milk regular (can serve as milk for cereal or coffee)
1 box of Oatmeal (variety so the family can choose and no sugar required)
1-2 packages of Beyond Meat grounds (great for tacos, spaghetti, enchilada or meatloaf - you cam make it stretch for 2 meals)
1-2 packages of soft corn tortillas [vegan] (great for tacos, enchiladas or breakfast tacos)
1 package frozen broccoli
1 package of shredded vegan moz or cheddar cheese
2 cans of vegan chili
1 package of vegan Hot Dog wieners
1 package of hot dog buns
1-2 cartons of pineapple juice, apple juice or orange juice
1 jar of salsa (preferably Happy Tomato if you can find it)
1-2 packages of organic taco seasoning
1-2 jars of just egg
1 5lb bag of fresh spinach and/or kale
1 case of spring water
That is your basic AirBnB grocery list to feed a family of 2-4 for a 4-7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner for under $300. Trust me I have the receipt from my travels here in Long Beach, California.
Method:
Breakfast tacos and oatmeal with a side of fruit can sustain you for the day
Sandwiches are great to eat on the go (don't forget the sandwich bags so you can slide them into your backpack with a side of chips or fruit)
Popcorn, fruit, hummus and guacamole are great midday snacks if you are chilling in the AirBnb
You can prepare hearty dinners complete with tacos, enchiladas, pasta dishes and green salads for the family that will have left overs for late snacking or next day enjoyment.
This works for me each time and saves me a bundle while allowing me to still enjoy the foods I love, eating safely and ensuring my family has what they need to enjoy the holiday. Of course, if I cook they wash. That's the deal.
Want more recipes watch Chef Cynthia on Amazon Echo Show, YouTube, visit my Soulgood restaurants in Texas in Denton, Houston and soon Frisco, Texas or award-winning vegan food truck in Dallas, Texas.
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