Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to survive on instant noodles or expensive takeout. With just a kettle, a fridge, and a little creativity, you can whip up some easy, affordable, and healthy meals right in your hotel room. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or a filling dinner, here are some great options to keep you fueled without breaking the bank.
One of my favourite things about travelling is to go to the local supermarket or fresh food market and see what they have. Try some new things and grab some snacks you haven’t seen before!
Breakfast Ideas
1. Instant Oatmeal with Toppings
🥣 Just add hot water to instant oats and let it sit for a minute. Then, mix in:
✔️ Banana slices or berries
✔️ Peanut butter for extra protein
✔️ Nuts & seeds for a crunch
✔️ Honey or cinnamon for flavour
2. Yogurt & Granola
🍦 Grab a tub of Greek yogurt from the store and mix in:
✔️ Granola or crushed cereal
✔️ Dried or fresh fruit
✔️ Chia or flaxseeds for extra nutrients
3. Peanut Butter & Banana Wrap
🌯 Spread peanut butter on a tortilla or rice cake, add banana slices, roll it up, and enjoy!
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs & Toast
🥚 Many grocery stores sell pre-boiled eggs—pair them with toast or a bagel for a protein-packed breakfast.
Tip! – You can also boil an egg in a kettle, just leave the lid of the kettle open and it stays on.
Lunch & Snack Ideas
5. Rice Cake Sandwiches
🍙 Use rice cakes as bread and stack them with:
✔️ Hummus & sliced cucumbers
✔️ Cheese & tomato
✔️ Nut butter & apple slices
6. DIY Salad Bowl
🥗 Grab pre-washed greens from the store and toss them with:
✔️ Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots
✔️ Canned chickpeas or tuna (great protein boost!)
✔️ Olive oil & lemon juice as dressing
✔️ Crackers or croutons for crunch
7. Cheese & Crackers Plate
🧀 A fancy snack made simple! Pair:
✔️ Cheese slices with whole wheat crackers
✔️ Hummus & carrot sticks
✔️ Deli meat or smoked salmon (if available)
8. Tuna or Chicken Wrap
🌯 Buy canned tuna or shredded rotisserie chicken, mix it with mayo or hummus, and wrap it up in a tortilla with lettuce.
Dinner Ideas
9. Instant Couscous or Quinoa Bowl
🍚 Couscous and quinoa cook instantly with boiling water. Mix in:
✔️ Canned chickpeas or lentils
✔️ Pre-cut veggies (bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers)
✔️ Olive oil, salt & pepper
10. Instant Ramen, But Make It Healthy
🍜 Instead of just the noodles & flavour packet, add:
✔️ Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
✔️ Spinach or shredded carrots
✔️ A boiled egg (easy to find pre-cooked!)
Tip! – You can also boil an egg in a kettle, just leave the lid of the kettle open and it stays on.
11. Microwave Baked Potato with Toppings
🥔 If your hotel has a microwave, bake a potato (5-7 mins), then add:
✔️ Butter, salt & pepper
✔️ Shredded cheese & salsa
✔️ Canned tuna or beans
12. Canned Soup + Toast
🍲 Many canned soups only need to be heated up. Pair with:
✔️ Toast or crackers
✔️ Cheese slices on the side
13. Avocado & Tuna Salad
🥑 Mash up an avocado and mix it with canned tuna, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. Eat it as is or spread it on crackers.
Extra Travel Food Hacks:
✅ Buy reusable containers – Great for storing leftovers or making meals ahead.
✅ Bring a small travel-friendly knife – Perfect for slicing fruit & cheese.
✅ Use coffee mugs as bowls – They work perfectly for oats, soups, or salads.
✅ Stock up on non-perishables – Nuts, dried fruit, canned tuna, and instant rice are lifesavers!
With a kettle and a fridge, eating well while traveling doesn’t have to be hard (or expensive!). These easy hotel room meals will keep you feeling great so you can focus on your adventures.
Bon appétit! ✈️🍽️
