Photo: Wyatt Fowler
Other than wave quality, the most important piece of any surf trip puzzle is how hard it hits your bank account. In a lot of countries, eating out every meal can get expensive. Of course, the most tried and true method of cutting back on expenditures is always going to be to cook your own food. Here are five tips that can help you save a little money.
1. Take inventory:
Most places that have a kitchen also have various items in the cabinets such as spices, oil, vinegar, etc. Check out what you are working with as far as cook wear goes. Next, be sure to check for dish soup. Having a grill is a big plus too.
2. Shop where the locals shop:
One of the best ways to save money on food is to shop where the locals shop. Skip the grocery store and hit up the fruit stands and fish markets.
3. Negotiate the price:
In many places, haggling over the price of something is perfectly acceptable, if not expected. Before buying something watch what other people do. If they are negotiating the price you should at least try to do the same. The worst that can happen is you’re told no.
4. Keep it simple:
This is not the time to showcase your cooking skills. The more complicated you get, the more things you will have to buy. Plus, you will make more of a mess. If you can grill your meat, then do it. Meat on the grill = minimal cleanup. For side dishes, cook inexpensive and simple things like rice and beans, pasta, or baked potatoes and steamed veggies.
5. Invite a local:
This is not necessarily a tip to save money but, one of the best ways to improve your relationship with the locals is to break bread with them. Who knows? Maybe it will improve your wave to cost ratio.
While this may not be the definitive traveler’s guide to saving money on a surf trip, it can definitely help. So pick your destination, buy your ticket, and cook up some grub on your next surf trip.
