A travel buddy called out my budget grocery habit

Last trip to Barcelona I was proud of spending only $30 on food for 5 days by eating bread and jam for every meal. My friend flat out said 'you look miserable, this isn't saving money this is just punishing yourself.' So I switched to hitting local markets at closing time instead. Found a vendor near La Boqueria selling fresh paella for half price after 8pm. Now I budget $20 a day but actually enjoy eating. Has anyone else had to adjust their travel food budget after someone called them out?

2 comments

2 Comments

drewgonzalez1mo ago

Man, that bread and jam thing hits home. I see this everywhere - people living on rice and beans at home just to save for vacations, then doing the same thing on the trip. It's like we forget the whole point is to actually enjoy being there. The market trick is smart though, shows you can eat well without breaking the bank.

milesbailey1mo ago

Hold on, you ate bread and jam for five days straight in Barcelona? That's like going to a Michelin star restaurant and ordering off the kids menu. I'm honestly impressed you didn't snap and just eat a whole bag of oranges out of spite.