How to Eat While Hosteling

Hosteling is an affordable way to travel, and many hostels offer kitchen facilities or cafeteria services that can save you even more money. Just figure out your food budget before you leave home and follow these guidelines that will help you eat well and stay healthy throughout your trip.

1. Find out in advance if your hostel has a communal kitchen that you can use.

2. Ask if any prepared meals are available at the hostel, free or otherwise. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast, while others have cafeterias where you can buy two or even three meals a day.

3. Ask about the house rules when you arrive. Is food allowed in the sleeping area? Is anything in the kitchen off-limits? Is there a specific area of the fridge that you are supposed to use?

4. Follow common-sense food safety guidelines: Don't travel with perishable foods, don't defrost meat on a counter in the hostel kitchen, and don't forget to wash all utensils and preparation surfaces before and after you use them.

5. Label anything you leave in a communal refrigerator or pantry ' otherwise, people may think your food is fair game.

6. Cook small portions of food, so you won't have to worry about storing leftovers, or ask two or three other hostel guests to pitch in for a group meal.

7. Try to connect with other hostel guests if you want to eat out. You can save money at restaurants that offer "family style" dining or serve dishes suitable for sharing.

8. Ask the hostel staff about the best places to get good, cheap food in the area.

Tips & Warnings

· Find out if your hostel membership card will get you discounts at local restaurants or pubs.

· Always carry a bag of nuts, dried fruit or trail mix in your backpack, just in case you miss a meal because the hostel kitchen, local shops, or restaurants are closed.

· Remember that some hostels have a lockout period during the day, so you will have to pack a lunch and take it with you if you are self-catering.

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with a strange kitchen before using it, and always make sure you know where the fire extinguisher is, just in case.

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