Cheap Meals While Traveling

Whether your traveling on a limited budget, frugal, or just want to try something new, there is another cheap meal option available while abroad that is oft overlooked, the neighborhood grocery store. There are a wide variety of markets throughout Europe that can provide an interesting peak into the life of a local or provide a respite from the flood of tourist fare. The options contain within might just turn out to be some of your favorite gastronomical delights, which will drive you mad trying to find at home (Crabby's Ginger beer, I'm looking at you!).

I've had several occasions to wander into foreign grocery chains looking for components of a meal and all have turned out interesting at the least. In the UK, I found a lasagna sandwich (Tesco speciality) and in France I discovered my love of Kinder Bueno. I've gone in search of lunch, snacks, and in the case of an interesting bring your own drink Indian restaurant, beer.  For a long train ride from Inverness to Edinburgh, my family bought an interesting assortment of food from Tesco. Between the view and the interesting nature of the food, nothing was wanting.

So if you're looking to put together a picnic or just want to try something different, don't forget about checking out the local neighborhood grocery store. Here are a few to get you started...