Eating well while on the road is one of travel’s great joys — but it’s also an area where your choices can significantly impact both your wallet and the environment. From reducing food waste to supporting local producers, small decisions about what and where you eat make a real difference. The good news? Eating sustainably while traveling doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or experience. In fact, it often leads to more authentic and satisfying meals.

Here’s how to make smarter, greener dining choices on your next adventure — while keeping an eye on your budget, too.

Embrace Local and Seasonal Foods

One of the simplest ways to eat sustainably is to enjoy what’s grown locally and in season. Foods that don’t require long-distance shipping have a much smaller carbon footprint, and they’re usually fresher and more flavorful. When traveling, explore local markets for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties. Not only will you support small-scale farmers, but you’ll also get a true taste of the destination.

Many cities host weekly farmers’ markets that showcase local produce. Websites like Local Harvest can help you find markets and farm stands at your destination.

Cut Down on Single-Use Packaging

Fast food and takeaway meals often come with a pile of plastic packaging. To minimize waste, carry reusable essentials like bamboo cutlery, a collapsible food container, and a reusable water bottle. These small items make it easy to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics, whether you’re grabbing a street food snack or packing lunch for a day trip.

Having your own container also allows you to safely take leftovers back to your accommodation, reducing food waste and saving you from spending on an extra meal.

Use Cashback Apps for Smart Savings

Eating sustainably doesn’t have to mean spending more. Cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta help you save when dining out or buying groceries. With Fluz, you can purchase discounted gift cards for major grocery chains and dining spots in advance, earning instant cashback that you can reinvest into your next meal.

Rakuten and Ibotta also offer deals and rewards for grocery purchases and even select restaurants. Stack these apps for even more savings, allowing you to invest in quality, local foods without stretching your budget.

Dine at Independent Restaurants

Locally owned restaurants often source their ingredients nearby, which reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy. Seek out neighborhood cafés, family-run eateries, and spots known for farm-to-table menus.

Websites like Eat Well Guide or apps like HappyCow can help you locate sustainable dining options, especially if you’re also looking for vegetarian or plant-based meals.

Choose Plant-Forward Meals When Possible

Plant-based dishes typically have a lower environmental impact than meals centered around meat or dairy. Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, choosing plant-based meals a few times a week can reduce your carbon footprint and introduce you to delicious, local specialties you might otherwise miss.

Try regional vegetarian options like falafel in the Middle East, vegetable paella in Spain, or hearty grain salads across Europe. Local plant-based cuisine is often both affordable and filling.

Minimize Food Waste on the Go

Order realistic portion sizes and don’t hesitate to take leftovers with you. Apps like Too Good To Go help travelers rescue surplus meals from restaurants and bakeries at a discount, reducing waste while saving money.

You can also shop smarter by planning your meals and snacks ahead of time, ensuring you only buy what you’ll actually eat during your trip.