With inflation driving up many of the costs associated with travel, travelers are seeking out whatever ways they can to save money. One sure fire way to cut down on costs while traveling is to book accommodation with self-catering kitchen facilities. Not only will this save you a great deal of money not having to eat out for every meal, but it will also likely see you eating healthier and experiencing more authentic local culture.

While hotels may offer convenience, luxury, and a range of amenities, there is something to be said for gaining the flexibility to plan meals on your own schedule as opposed to needing to adhere to restaurant hours or the availability of reservations. It can also be a lifesaver in instances where you have special dietary needs or wish to maintain a healthy diet.

Let us explore the many benefits of booking accommodation with kitchen facilities so you too can start making your travel budget go further and not starve yourself in the process.    

Top Benefits of Staying in Hotels with Kitchens While You Travel

Financial Savings

 

Whether you’re a backpacker looking to seek out a hostel with shared kitchen facilities or desire the convenience and comfort of having your own private kitchen, staying in hotels with kitchen facilities can lead to significant savings. This is especially true when needing to book long-term stays whether for business or leisure travel.

I have often tried to create my own makeshift kitchen in fancier hotels by lugging a microwave in my luggage along with maybe a rice cooker, electric frypan, dishes, and utensils. I can say from experience it’s a hassle trying to make your own kitchen, especially when it comes to washing up after meals and being restricted to the small space and sink of a hotel bathroom.

You’re far better off simply booking accommodation with dedicated kitchen facilities for the simple ease it brings.  Having a dedicated space to cook is especially beneficial when having to cook for a travelling family or group of people.

Dining out for every meal can quickly add up, especially in tourist areas with pricey restaurants. Not only will shopping at local grocery stores and markets allow you to get more food for less, but it also allows you to engage with locals and get a bit of authentic culture living as the residents do.

Cooking your own meals also allows you the ability to minimize waste by saving and storing leftovers in a fridge, so as to make the next day’s meals even easier and reduce costs further.

You also do away with restaurant gratuities, automatic service charges, or surcharges for dining during major holidays which can add up quickly.

Healthier Eating Options

Beyond the savings, choosing hotels with kitchens can ensure healthier eating options. You get to control ingredients, how meals are prepared, and portion sizes. You can shop at local markets for fresh organic produce void of unhealthy additives and preservatives.

Both restaurant chefs and fast-food chains are all about creating flavor and making diners happy, and this sometimes means adding unhealthy levels of salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats to meals.

When preparing your own meals, it’s often easier to serve up well-balanced meals featuring a proper mix of vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, rather than relying on the often-imbalanced options available at restaurants.

Kitchens also make it easier to prepare healthier snacks as opposed to relying on the offerings of a hotel mini bar or convenient store that’s maybe down the street from the hotel. You can pick up fruits, veges, nuts, yogurt, and other healthier snacks while shopping for the meals you plan to make and then properly store them in your accommodation’s kitchen.

Convenience and Flexibility

Staying in hotels with kitchens offers unmatched convenience and flexibility for travelers. It not only simplifies meal preparations, but also allows adjustments to individual schedules.

Hotels with kitchens provide the freedom to plan meals to your needs, whether that means planning early breakfasts in order to catch booked tours that depart in the early AM hours, or when you return late from a long day trip and need to cook a late dinner when restaurants may have already stopped serving for the evening.

Travel often means unpredictable schedules, so being able to adapt your meals around your desired travel activities as opposed to your activities around meal needs leads to more rewarding travel and added experiences.

Preparing and eating meals in your own private space is also just plain more relaxing. Many times, after a long day of exploring a new destination, I simply want to return to my accommodation to unwind, and having kitchen facilities allows me to do this.

I can get comfortable in pajamas or loungewear and don’t have to worry about getting dressed up or ready again for a dinner reservation, not to mention having to spend precious travel time waiting to be sat, served, and given the bill in a restaurant which can prove burdensome at especially busy establishments.

Having kitchen facilities also becomes a lifesaver when traveling in more remote areas where restaurants are not readily available or when travelling during peak travel periods or public holidays when it may prove difficult to get reservations, especially if you leave planning reservations until the last minute.

Comforts of Home

 

Being able to cook and eat within your own accommodation also allows you the ability to personalize your environment. Restaurants can prove to be too noisy, too hot or cold, or too dark or bright. You get to create the dining conditions that are most desirable to you and can choose to eat meals while watching a movie, listening to your favorite music, or simply gazing out at a sea view from your oceanfront balcony.

Cooking your own meals in a kitchen provides a sense of routine and normalcy, making the environment feel more familiar and comforting which can be easier on children. Self-catering kitchens also enable families to better socialize with each other without distractions from large numbers of other diners.

Hotels rooms with private kitchens also often come with laundry facilities which means you can easily clean up soiled clothing if you have kids with messy eating habits or happen to tip that delicious glass of red wine on your favorite white top.

Family-Friendly Benefits

As any parent can tell you, traveling with kids can be a tedious job, especially when it comes to meals times and keeping tantrums at bay. Kids can be picky eaters, so being able to shop for their favorite meals and snacks they may normally eat at home can provide them with familiarity and comfort.

With a kitchen, traveling families can easily store and prepare healthy snacks throughout the day, keeping children satisfied between meals without needing to resort to less healthy foods out of convenience. And of you are traveling with an infant or toddler, having kitchen facilities makes it a breeze to prepare formula and heat bottles, not to mention providing a more comfortable space to breastfeed.

Eating in your own hotel room also eliminates the struggle to keep your kids entertained and well-behaved as they wait for restaurant meals to be served. You can occupy their minds while you cook by putting on the hotel TV or letting them play in a safer dedicated space. And speaking of space, accommodations with kitchens are often much bigger than standard hotel rooms, providing dedicated dining and living areas in addition to sleeping rooms.

You can celebrate special occasions much more easily and cost effectively as well, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday. You can bake or purchase an economical cake at a local grocery store for a fraction of what a restaurant would charge you and avoid the potential of having to pay a cake cutting charge if you bring in your own cake to a restaurant which is quite common these days.

Lastly, kids can also get sick often. This can prove challenging while traveling, especially when you still need to eat meals. Having the ability to dine in your hotel room means you don’t have to force anyone in the family to go out when they aren’t feeling well.

Ideal for Specialized Diets

If you’re a traveler with specialized diet needs or food intolerances, preparing your own meals is the only guaranteed way to avoid complications. While many restaurants these days are happy to accommodate food intolerances, the reality is that they can never fully guarantee there won’t be any cross-contamination or may not fully realize the full extant of various allergies.

The other issue that can arise with food allergies can come about when traveling internationally and there is a language barrier.  A slight miscommunication can lead to serious complications if you happen to consume food you’re allergic to or at the very least may leave you with a great deal of discomfort during your trip.

Having kitchen facilities and the ability to cook you own meals means you can ensure your needs are met, whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or have another intolerance.

And for others that don’t have intolerances, there may simply be a desire to sick to a specialized diet for health, religious, or personal reasons. This can include diets such as vegetarian, vegan, low-sodium, low-carb, low-sugar, keto, or others. It’s not uncommon for there to be hidden ingredients and additives that may be present in meals ordered in restaurants, cafés, or from street food vendors.

In other instances, you may simply feel comfortable cooking with specific brands or products you trust and know are safe for your dietary needs. People with IBS often have restrictive diets unique to each individual, so being able to hand-pick your known “safe foods” provides peace of mind.

Staying in hotels with kitchens offers convenience, flexibility, the ability to save money, and in some instances ensures you stay healthier while traveling. Whether your personal goal is to save money, eat healthier, or simply enjoy the comforts of home while traveling, self-catering accommodation provides the perfect solution.