# Stop Overpaying on Vacation: Eat Well Without Getting Gouged

> Travelers can save money on food by using Reddit, asking locals, and avoiding tourist traps.
- Title: Stop Overpaying on Vacation: Eat Well Without Getting Gouged
- Summary: Travelers can save money on food by using Reddit, asking locals, and avoiding tourist traps. reddit, local food, tourist traps · reported by Kiplinger.
- Keywords: reddit, local food, tourist traps, travel tips, food costs, service fees, credit card perks, street food, Stop, Overpaying, Vacation, Eat
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/personal-finance/travel/stop-overpaying-on-vacation-the-secrets-to-eating-well-without-getting-gouged
- Published: 2026-10-09T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: reddit, local food, tourist traps, travel tips, food costs, service fees, credit card perks, street food
## Do some detective work
Use Reddit to find local places away from tourist traps.

> type that phrase into Google with 'Reddit' at the end
## Ask the locals
Consult Uber drivers, bartenders, or friends for food recommendations.

> a colleague recommended a place that served one of the best Chinese meals
## Smart money moves for every meal
Avoid tourist traps, pay in cash, and use credit card perks to save on food.

> many places in Miami add an 18% to 20% service fee on top of credit card processing fees
## Embrace street food
Street food is often cheaper and more authentic than sit-down meals.

> Tamales in San Antonio. Hot dogs in Chicago. Tacos in Mexico City. Doner in Munich
## Resy for the win
Use The Platinum Card for $400 back annually at Resy restaurants.

> earn $400 back annually (broken down into $100 quarterly) for using your Platinum credit card at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants
## Check your cards
Travelers can save money on food by using Reddit, asking locals, and avoiding tourist traps.
## Key takeaway

Travelers can save money on food by using Reddit, asking locals, and avoiding tourist traps.