Tips How to Eat Cheap Around the World

Street Food Asia

By Olsi10

  In fact, eating is one of  favorite activities, and also one of  favorite aspects of traveling.
Food is such an integral part of so many cultures that to skip out on meals when you travel is to miss a huge part of traveling. I’m always disappointed when I listen travelers who cook all their meals in a hostel kitchen. Why come to Italy and not have pasta? No sushi in Japan?No souvlaki in Greece? Avoiding steak in Argentina? Skipping paella in Spain? You’re crazy.
But many travelers have a valid concern when it comes to food — eating out all the time is expensive.  Imagine if you eat out every day — your food budget would be astronomical.

10 Commandments
1 Super Market
2 Self service
3 No trade names
4 Fast Food
5 Buffets
6 Street Markets
7 Offers
8 Bakeries
9 By snaks before travel
10 Delivery
 

   Cheap Places to Eat

Bakery-A bakery  produces and sells flour-based food baked in an oven such as bread, cakes, pastries, and pies.Some retail bakeries are also cafés, serving coffee and tea to customers who wish to consume the baked goods on the premises.Is greatest food and the most important is cheap. 

Buffets – While they don’t always serve the best meals, buffets offer great value for your money, especially since they are all-you-can-eat. You can fill up on one meal for the entire day.  Buffets are a good economical choice, and give you the most food for your buck. They typically cost around $15 USD.
Outdoor Vendors – Small stands that sell hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches, and the like are great places to get a cheap and quick meal.  These quick and inexpensive meals won’t win any Michelin stars, but they will keep you full without emptying your wallet.
Street Food – In most places around the world, the streets are lined with little food stalls and areas where food is cooked openly on the street. You grab a plate, sit down in a little plastic chair, and enjoy a delicious meal. Street food is some of the best food in the world. Meals at street stalls (different from street vendors, who have a bit more permanent set up) cost less than a dollar most of the time, and are a great way to really experience the local cuisine. Many places — like Thailand, for example — wouldn’t be the same if the street food disappeared.
Fast Food – Fast food isn’t the best for you, but it is another option if you want a cheap meal in expensive parts of the world. For only about 5 dollars (more in expensive countries like Norway, home of the 15 dollar Whopper), you can get a filling (and hugely caloric) meal. Moreover, the local dollar menu will save you even more. Sure, it’s not the greatest food .(However, note, in Asia fast food is actually more expensive than the local food.)
Go Local – . We live in a globalized world — eat what you want. However, the non-local food is almost always more expensive than the local cuisine. For example, in Greece a gyro is 2.20 Euro, but a pizza is 6 Euros. In Vietnam, a bowl of pho is less than a dollar but a burger is about 3 times as much. Go local and you will save.

Other Ways to Save

Lunch Specials – Many restaurants, especially in Europe, offer lunch specials where items on the dinner menu are offered at a huge discount. You can get an amazing afternoon meal for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening. I usually tend to eat my “nice” meal during lunch because lunch specials and plates of the day are about 30-40% off what I might pay at dinner.
Self Service-Take away some restaraunts have 2 prices for the same plate 1 most expensive if you seed their  and 1 cheap if you take away.
Delivery is one other way to eat good and to save your money in many countries is one very good choice.
No Soda – I may splurge once in a while on a Coke, but I hardly ever buy soda because it is so expensive. At $2 dollars a pop, two or three a day can really add up over the course of a long-term trip.
Refill Water Bottles – Water might not be as expensive as soda, but buying a bottle or three a day can add up. As you walk around and sightsee, you need to stay hydrated. But buying a bottle of water is not only environmentally wasteful — it also makes foolish budget travel sense. Assuming each bottle is about 75 cents and you buy 3 a day, over the course of a month you well spend $67.50! That’s a lot of money spent on water. (Plus, in some parts of the world, bottled water costs a lot more than that!) Carry a refillable bottle of water with you instead and just use the tap water.

Fruit Market Italy

Don’t Snack – A gelato here, a gelato there. A soda. A candy bar. An ice cream. A small pastry. It all adds up. Since the price is so small (“it’s only a Euro!”), we don’t think of snacking as having a big impact on our budget. But buying snacks a few times a day will slowly add up and throw your budget out of whack. It’s not something many travelers think of but snacking really does add up over the long term. Avoid snacks and stick to big, filling meals instead.
Cooking – Cooking is one of the best ways to keep your travel costs down, and supermarkets are also great places to go to see what the local people eat. The only place where cooking your own meals isn’t the most economical option is Asia, where the street food is usually cheaper.
Picnic – Another good self-cook method is to picnic. This is something I do a lot for lunch. I usually head to a local food market, pick up a bunch of food, and go picnic in the park. Not only you are saving money , but it affords you a good chance to watch the locals scurry about their daily lives.
Tourism Cards – Most people think of tourist cards like the iAmsterdam card or the VisitOslo pass as just a way to save money on transportation and attractions. But these cards also offer discounts at many restaurants. Typically, discounts are around 15-25%, but sometimes lunch specials can be up to 50% off.
 But by using the tips above, I can afford to keep my costs down while still being able to afford a quality meal every so often.
And that’s what is really important — finding the right balance between cheap (maybe unappealing) meals and really nice dinners. Your wallet and your stomach will thank you.

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Low-cost exotic destinations

Are you overwhelmed with overcrowded cities, the super bustling streets, the expensive rents and the life mortgages? Well, there are places in the world where you can live with less money and there are beautiful and exotic places that make you want to pack up and move, if not for life, at least for a while. There are two basic rules for finding low-cost destinations. The first is that if you find a cheap place to travel, it will be inexpensive to live. The second is that, wherever you are the cheapest places will be further away from the big cities and the crowds. Of course, “cheap” is a very relative term and what it can be inexpensive for some people maybe it would not be so much for others. So, if “cheap” means spending a few dollars a day, then these places in Asia and in Central America can be very interesting.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most favorite tourist destinations.  You can find there the sun throughout the year, some exotic food, beaches and very amazing prices. The accommodation is about 20 euros a month (100 euros if you are on the coast) and the monthly food expenditure is about 150 euros. It is possible to live in paradise with a very low salary!!!

Thailand beaches

Cambodia

If you think about Cambodia’s history, the bloody regime of Pol Pot and the poverty, you would not dare to call this country a paradise. Moreover, this country does not have great beaches as its neighboring Thailand but if you do not care about that, you can live in the capital, Phnom Penh, for less than 250€. In addition, you can eat at a restaurant with less than two euros, and fast foods are even cheaper. Additionally, you should add in your expenses the extra costs of the visa (250 dollars per year). It is also possible to live in the area of ​​Angkor with a smaller budget.

Cambodia Siem Reap Angkor

Philippines

This country has areas like Cebu, which is one of the most developed provinces in the country, where there are apartments to rent for 100 Euros a month. The food is as cheap as in Thailand and Cambodia and a large beer costs about 50 cents. On the other hand, Philippines offers a special Visa for the pensioners living in the country which can be obtained at the age of 35 years old but it is necessary to enter more than 34,000 euros in a bank there. From the age of 50 you should have deposited the amount of 6,800 Euros and demonstrate a monthly pension of 540 euros if you are a single person or 680 euros if it is a couple. Malaysia offers something similar which is called “my second home program.”

Philippines Island Beach Sea Ocean Palawan Strand Meer

Costa Rica

We jump now to the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica is the Republic of Central American, being more developed and politically stable. A few euros are enough to survive in Costa Rica which can be a real pleasure. The country has 12 different climate zones and an abundant wildlife. The most characteristic is the tropical and warm climate and the sympathy and friendliness of its people. You can get an excellent meal in the restaurants for 3 euros or even less, you would pay less if you buy the food in the local markets and the hawkers. For example, a bunch of bananas costs around 30 cents and a pack of snuff costs around 90 cents. In general, the prices in the supermarkets are 30% higher than in the local markets and street stalls. It is possible going as far as renting an entire house for 150 euros a month, although the prices in the capital are higher.

Costa Rica

Belize

In spite of its beautifulness, Belize is much unknown in the touristic world. Your dreams of being in a paradise for a bargain price also can come true in Belize which is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. It has everything: great beaches, a subtropical climate and varying faunas. The official language is English. It is a perfect place for diving enthusiasts. The coral barrier of Belize offers 127 offshore islands where you will find one of the best preserved marine ecosystems in the world. The cost of living there is similar to Costa Rica. A large house in the Cayo District, which is an hour by car to the Northwest of the capital, can cost around 210 Euros a month (70 € per month if accompanied by a couple of friends). The food is cheap if you buy it locally. The imported material is generally 50% more expensive, therefore, if you want to spend less money you should shop at the local markets and the street vendors. To make a long story short, if you are 45 year old or older you can consider the possibility of retiring in Belize since there is a program for retired people who can afford to live a lifestyle free of taxes, which will help you save more money.

Belize

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Discover Sicily the pearl of Southern Italy

Description

Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands and the largest of Mediterreneas Sea island, separated from the Continent by the Strait of Messina and surrounded by the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Seas.

It is one of the pearls of Southern Italy and can be discovered, understood and experienced through a series of itineraries dedicated to areas of interest ranging from nature to history and traditions.

Nature seems to have endowed all its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the sea, with its incredible colors, its crystal-clear water and the beauty of its seabeds, in no way inferior to those of other seas.

Here, the Mediterranean Sea, with its many little islands scattered around the coasts of Sicily - The Aeolians, Egadi and Pelagie Islands, Pantelleria and Ustica - offers unique and the intense sceneries, scents and flavors of uncontaminated nature.
Last but not least, its great volcanoes are symbols of the irresistible beauty and vitality of this incredibly charming region.

Fascination for this region grows with treasured archaeological sites that tell the story of the ancient origins of Trinacria (ancient name for Sicily).

The provinces of the region are: Palermo (regional capital), Agrigento, Catania, Caltanissetta, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. 

What to see

Etna, the greatest active volcano in Europe, is on Sicily's eastern coast and is one of the fundamental stops for those wanting to discover this region. Its spectacular eruptions have created unique landscapes over the centuries.

Visitors interested in breathtaking landscapes can choose from among the protected reserves in Etna's natural parks. The Madonie and the Nebrodi parks, as well as the volcanic paradise of Pantelleria, are sprinkled with enchanting oases like that of "Pertusa di Notaro" ("Cold Cavity"), a grotto noted for the extremely fresh air that passes through i), and dammusi, the old stone houses typical of the island.
Valle del Bove (Valley of the Oxen), the walls of which reach up to 1000 mt; the Grotta del Gelo (Ice Cave), the only existing perpetual glacier at these latitudes; and the Gole dell’Alcantara (Alcantara River Park), a thick network of rocky channels of cold water - these gorges are just some of the wonders you can admire when visiting this natural paradise.

The many islands that "orbit" Sicily are all very charming, but above all the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deserve to be mentioned. The archipelago comprises seven islands - Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea – as well as a series of islets and rocks of smaller dimension. The history of the Aeolian Islands are clearly bound to the Volcanoes, the “artists” of these splendid natural masterpieces; here you can plunge into the deep blue of the sea, make excursions to visit the many caves scattered along the coasts, relax on the small beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and enjoy the delicious local food and fish dishes.

Another world treasure certified by UNESCO is the archeological area of Agrigento, one of the most important towns of Magna Graecia. The famous Valley of the Temples - surrounded by green olive groves, almond trees, citrus orchards and vineyards that stretch out to the sea with all its imposing and elegant monuments - fantastically evokes an atmosphere of 2500 years ago, when the ancient Akagras Agrigentum was a center of power and learning.

"If someone should spend just one day in Sicily and ask: What should I visit? I would answer without hesitating... Taormina... This small village is only a landscape, yet a landscape where you can find everything to seduce your eyes, your spirit, your imagination." This is how the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant described Taormina, hitting on the essence of this little jewel midway between Messina and Catania.

What to do

The undisputed ruler of this ancient and beautiful land is undoubtedly the sea, that can be enjoyed in so many different ways: relaxing on one of the many  coastal beaches, exploring the wonderful seabeds, or windsurfing and kitesurfing with the waves and the wind. 

Here, the power of the sea, together with that of the wind, allows for the opportunity to feel the thrill of “running” or even “flying” over the crystal-clear waters of the coasts of San Vito lo Capo, Mondello, Cefalù, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, and Ustica, just some of the many places where one can practice these sports year-round.

Trekking lovers can go on a guided excursion along the routes of Sicily's natural parks, while those who prefer other means can choose to explore these wonderful places on a horse’s back or riding a mountain bike.

It should be mentioned that in recent years Sicily has even become an important destination for lovers of golf. Several new courses have made their home on the island, which is host to the by-now famous Sicily Open.

The Belpaese has always been considered one of the most sought-after destinations for thermal cures, a form of natural medicine existing in Italy since the Roman ages. Sicily is a region of water and volcanoes and it offers a wide range of treatments for those who wish to unwind from stress and daily life by "spa-ing". In thermal spas and wellness centers one can find various regenerating, therapeutic and, without a doubt, beauty treatments. The most renowned spas are Sciacca, with its famous Stufe di San Calogero, caves where the high concentration of steam reaches a temperature of about 40° C, or the Thermae of Acireale, where underground seawater mixes with sulphur water from Etna.

For enthusiasts of cultural tourism, Sicily is a source of knowledge, history, art and culture. It is here, this island with its mild climate and enchanting surroundings that famous writers such as Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Sciascia, and Tomasi di Lampedusa found their inspiration to write great works including The Leopard and The House by the Medlar Tree. Today, anyone who travels here can still plunge into everything the island has to offer. Embarking on a journey of “spaces” where these legendary writers lived, one can better understand the social, political and historical conditions that became the setting of their novels.

Those wanting to travel even further back in time will be content to see the Greek Temples of Selinunte and Syracuse, as well as those of Agrigento and of Imera. Not to be forgotten is the Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina and the cathedrals left by the Normans, especially the Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and San Cataldo Churches.

If it's customs and traditions you're looking for, a visit to Acireale is practically obligatory; there one can see the Opera of Marionettes and the story of Orlando Furioso.

There is plenty of choice for those who enjoy festivals and cultural events, too. Countless events take place every year in the amazing scenery of Taormina’s Ancient Theater, including the well-known Cinema Festival, an award ceremony for the best films.

The warmth and joie de vivre of the Sicilians can be seen during the celebration of Carnival, the happiest and most colourful festival of the year. Acireale Carnival is defined as "The most beautiful Carnival in Sicily", for the creativity and originality of its allegorical papier-mâché or flowered floats that parade along the streets with their cheerful and colorful masks.

Many festivals are dedicated to the Patron Saints of Sicily as well, mixing faith, folklore and tradition into a display of the Sicilians’ profound religious devotion. The Festival of Saint Rosalia in Palermo and the Festival of Saint Agatha in Catania are just a few of the many events that take place every year throughout the region. 

Sicily

prev

Agrigento - Valley of the Temples - Temple of Juno

Catania - Duomo

Palermo - Cathedral

Isole Eolie - Lipari

Lampedusa - Isola dei Conigli

Syracuse - The Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica

Piazza Armerina (Enna) - Mosaic

Pupi Siciliani

Trapani - Segesta

Syracuse - Castello Maniace

Ortygia (Syracuse) - Duomo

Taormina - Detail

next

What to taste

The exuberance and warmth of the island of Sicily is evident in its food as well, which tells of Sicilians' passion and care for good food and genuine flavors.

A wide array of appetizers to whet your appetite, from rice croquettes to cazzilli and crispeddi of Catania, before tasting rich first courses and fish or meat dishes.
And finally, one should not pass up the famous Sicilian pastries, mainly prepared with ricotta cheese and almond paste.

Many Sicilian products are protected by DOP and IGT quality marks, making Sicily one of the  core diets of Mediterranean; it is famous the world over for the genuineness of its ingredients. 

Extra-virgin olive oil, juicy red oranges and the sweet grapes of Canicattì, Pachino tomatoes and Pantelleria capers, prickly pears and the olives of Nocellara del Belice are some of the excellent products that distinguish Sicilian food.

Yet, we cannot forget the most famous cheeses, like Ragusano and pecorino, or tasty sausages, like Sant’Angelo salami, or the different types of crispy bread, like the loaves of Dittaino.
And pour a glass of one of the island's exquisite, strong and full-bodied wines, ideal when partnered with its unbeatable cuisine.

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Okinawa Island Japan paradise of eternal summer

Why Okinawa?

Okinawa Prefecture located at the southern end of Japan is a paradise of eternal summer. Visitors, attracted by the diversified allure of Okinawa, can participate in marine sports in a beautiful ocean filled with world class coral reefs or escape on a tour and come face to face with the magnificence of nature in the forest homes of many rare animals and plants. If rest and luxurious relaxation are what you are searching for, then there are also many resort options including esthetic and spa facilities. Years ago, a kingdom called "Ryukyu" prospered in this land. Today, the remnants of that ancient time still echo in the traditional exotic culture and unique customs of Okinawa that have been passed down through the generations. The customs and culture of this land are particularly popular among visitors.

Blue Ocean

The crystal clear blue ocean is a well-known image of Okinawa. The water is so blue it feels as if you are being drawn into the ocean. Colorful tropical fish swim amongst the beautiful coral reefs at the bottom of world renowned clear seas. This jeweled spectacle awaits your visit.

Deep Forest

The unique natural environment of Okinawa was formed by the complex geographical features of the islands and the mild and rainy subtropical oceanic climate. Old-growth forests untouched since ancient times and mangrove jungles are home to precious rare animals and plants that cannot be found elsewhere.

Ryukyu Culture

Ryukyu culture flourished in 14th to 16th centuries when Okinawa was known as the “Ryukyu Kingdom”. Ryukyu culture is filled with the characteristics of many good old traditions that have been passed through the generations and continue to progress even now in traditional crafts, performing arts, food, lifestyle, and the martial art Karate.

People in Okinawa

Culture/customs are so varied that each village is said to have original characteristics. The local dialect is also diversified, so much so that even if you are from one of the islands in Okinawa, you may have difficulty understanding people from the other islands. Furthermore, customs and festivals dating back from ancient times can still be seen in each region.

Thanks to the warm subtropical climate, one can dive in the sea around Okinawa year-round. The waters off Okinawa, which is located in the southernmost part of Japan, are known as one of the largest coral habitats in the world. Okinawa offers dive sites that are on par with such well-known sites as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Bahamas, Palau, and the Galapagos Islands. In the Ryukyu Archipelago, which stretches as a chain of islands for 1,000 km from east to west and 400 km from north to south in between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, there are 160 small and large islands, 48 of which are inhabited by people. As the landscape and water differ slightly between each island, what is attractive to most divers in Okinawa is the variety of sites, each of which has slightly different characteristics. You can also experience and enjoy the slightly different culture and habits of the people of each island.

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10 Reasons 2013 Is The Time To Visit Albania

1) Affordability

Albania remains relatively inexpensive, at least by European standards. Prices are around 30% to 50% cheaper than in neighboring Croatia, Greece or Italy so in these times of unsettled economies, Albania is a bargain.

Albanian Beach

2) Timing

Albanian roads and resorts aren't choked by tour buses -- yet. While a few adventure or cultural tours do visit, the country mostly lacks the mass tourism found elsewhere along the coast. But this won't last, and the country's relatively small size means crowding is bound to happen. Go now -- you'll have much of the country to yourself.

 3) Adventure

Koman Lake Albania

It has been said that Albania is Europe's next adventure destination, in part because of its natural beauty but also because there's so much to do. The seas are empty and many tiny beaches are secluded. It is a paradise for mountain biking, rafting and kayaking, and the best yet: you'll feel almost alone because there simply aren't many people around. 

4) Diversity

Layer upon layer of civilizations have provided Albania with an interesting population dynamic. During the latter part of the 20th century, religion was banned by the Enver Hoxha regime and Albania became officially atheist. Religion is back, but not with a vengeance. Although half the population is Muslim, Albania is a proudly secular state with a laid back approach to religion.

 5) Safety

There were serious safety concerns in the 1990s when pyramid schemes ruined families and took their life savings, prompting violence in the streets and the arming of the population. Things quieted down and today, even the 'badlands' of Bajram Curri, known for some of the worst violence, are about as dangerous as an ice cream parlor on a warm weekend.

 6) Friendly Locals

Mass tourism hasn't overrun the country yet so people are still warm and welcoming -- and mostly curious. During an impromptu visit to a family home in the Albanian Alps, a huge spread of well over a dozen local dishes appeared from nowhere. Long kept isolated from the world around them, Albanians are keen to reach out and meet visitors. They're also keen to dispel their country's reputation for danger and strife. 

 7) Contrasts

Part of Albania's charm is its stumbling progress into the 21st century. Pristine deserted beaches vie with overcrowded resorts while litter and environmental protection efforts live side by side. Communism is mostly dead and almost conspicuous by its absence, and Albanians have rushed to embrace capitalism. In the capital Tirana you'll be hard-pressed to find someone without a cellphone.

 8) Cultural Treasures

Elbasan Albania

The country is full of ancient ruins, the best-known of which is Butrint, protected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The far less-explored Apollonia was once a Corinthian port but the water has since receded and it is now inland. More recent in history are Berat and Gjirokaster, whose unique Ottoman architecture is also protected by UNESCO. And then there are the delightful churches of Voskopoje in the mountains near the southeastern town of Korça. Unfortunately, they are crumbling and in bad need of attention, hardly protected at all despite their beautiful fragility.Every city  have a castle from the Ottoman period.

 9. Natural Beauty

Albania's beauty is stark and savage and lonely, from the towering Alps in the North to man-made Lake Komani or the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It's a wild beauty that makes you almost question whether you should be there at all -- since no one else seems to be.

Albanian Alps

10.You must  find it .......
















http://wertravel.blogspot.gr/2013/02/explore-albania-albania-travel-guide.html

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Satisfy Your Senses Let the Greece you’ve been imagining fill your senses

Satisfy Your Senses
Let the Greece you’ve been imagining fill your senses, whether it’s through the pulsing nightclubs of Mykonos or the solemnity of Meteora; the grandeur of Delphi or the earthiness of Metsovo; the rugged Cretan hillsides and the lush wildflowers of spring. You’ll quickly become acquainted with the melancholic throb of rembetika (blues songs) and the ability of the ancient sights to unleash an imagination you might not have realised you had. You’ll also encounter thought-provoking modern art and a vivacious contemporary music scene, stumbling across galleries, live music and impressively modern museums in the most unexpected places. Greece balances its past, present and future in a way managed by few other countries. The result is a country with endless cultural pursuits.

Pireus

Tempt Your Appetite
Greeks pride themselves on their cuisine and as some of the most hospitable people on the globe, they will go out of their way to ensure you are well fed. The tang of home-made tzatziki and the aroma of grilled souvlaki are just the beginning. The Greek menu is filled with scrumptious cuisine that offers an adventure at every mealtime. Basic ingredients like feta and olive oil are at home in kitchens across the country, but it’s the regional dishes and styles of cooking that make travelling around the country such a culinary joy. Turkish and Italian legacies are woven throughout many dishes and you’ll discover islands or towns known for distinct ingredients. Cheeses, herbs and mountain greens you might never have heard of compliment local seafood, meat and veggie dishes. The secret of Greek cooking is often found in the back garden where many of the ingredients are freshly gathered and produced. These days, a renaissance in traditional cooking means that chefs are increasingly taking time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights.
Stretch Yourself
It’s easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants originated in this vast and varied landscape, with wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands, where days melt from one to the next, while you relish the white-sand and palm-fringed beaches. But Greece offers endless activities and is a magnet for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Wander along cobbled, Byzantine footpaths, hike into volcanoes, watch for dolphins and sea turtles and cycle through lush forests. Greece also offers some of the world’s top kitesurfing, diving and rock-climbing locations. Be brave. Be passionate. Be Greek.
Ready to go?

lonelyplanet

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