Originally Posted by
flwrlover1
We had intended to visit a nice restaurant 1x per day and to eat on our own for the other 2 meals. I assumed we could do that in room, but now realize that we can't, so we'll just grocery shop more than normal. We aren't trying to travel for free.... We're staying in a castle on Christmas Eve and downtown for New Year's! Trust me, we aren't doing this for free. We are just trying to juggle the costs so that we can see and do as much as possible.. I don't want to spend $30 on a breakfast that can be had for $5, that's all.
I don't think you're trying to travel for free, just being smart about how you spend your money. I'm the same way. My parents taught me a lesson when I was young...everyone has a certain amount of money to spend and they have to make choices on what to spend it on.
What you're going to find is that the range of food prices will be the same you have at home. Just like you can find a passable fast food breakfast in ATL for $6, you can find a passable breakfast on your trip for that price. But it will be more fast food style.
The hotel breakfasts will be enticing, they may have American-style buffets, and they're so convenient. Unless it's included in my room rate, I avoid hotel restaurants in most of Europe. You'll find something just down the street at a more comfortable price.
I know it's not the UK or Ireland, but I just got back from Krakow, where I had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, cured meats, cheeses, a basket of fresh bread, and coffee for $8 US...two doors down from my hotel. Another day I stopped in a bakery for a breakfast pastry and if I recall it was about $1.
If you're at a total loss, ask at the hotel where you can get a cheap meal. I'll sometimes ask the person working at the front desk rather than a concierge. Ask them where they go for their lunch break for example. Most people, anywhere you go, prefer a decent lunch at a low price when they're working.