Not a title you see very often, though, you’ll know that there isn’t a truer sentence out there. Or you’re about to find out. No matter what country you’re in, their national store is a hub to keep you going day by day.
Every country has a unique set of laws. Opening times, alcohol licensing and the contents of what the store sells. Subconsciously, we all have our favourite in which we seem to levitate. Let’s call it a leader board, because that’s exactly what it is.
If you’re backpacking on a budget, they can be a lifesaver. Being on the road for a long period. It’s not ideal to eat out at restaurants every night.
Take 7\11. They’re all over the world. But in Thailand? They’re elite
7/11 is open all night in Thailand. It’s 8 pm. You’re hungry but don’t fancy adding a big meal to your expenses for the day. You also want something healthy. Balance is essential, of course.
The toasties of Thailand. Warmed behind the counter in less than 5 minutes. While they may not be the healthiest, they are divine. Pair this with a Banana, or any fruit for that matter. Bottle of water too. You’re winning. Take it where you want, sit on the curb and watch the world go by. With some good company, that’s a cheap and memorable night.
That’s under £3. or $4 for the night. Fancy adding noodles? Well, the price just went up by about 0.40 pence or 0.60 cents for the night. Compound this maybe 2-3 times a week. You’re onto a money saver.
Who am I kidding? Southeast Asia is cheap, even to eat out at restaurants.
The real money saver is when you start doing this in Europe. Especially when it comes to Paris, London, Barcelona and so on.
AKA best sandwich ever.
Europeans will be Europeans. Early closures, opening stores at their own convenience. The customer is, in fact, not king there.
It’s part of European culture, especially in Spain, to close during the day. Life is a balance (sorry Americans).
You’ve always got to keep your eye on the opening times. Most of the time a shop will be open most of the evening.
The food quality here, especially in the markets? formidable.
Take your average dinner experience in Europe. You go to a lovely restaurant in Madrid Central. You’re backpacking. a week in. a month in. You take a look at the bill and it’s €40 each. You think, my word, i will not survive long doing this every night.
On holiday, sure. Backpacking for 2-3 months? no.
If you have the financial means to do so, congratulations.
After digesting the shock of restaurant prices in big cities in Europe. It’s time to turn to the supermarkets for 2-3 nights a week.
This is where Carrefour comes in. The mighty hypermarket across Europe (Not the UK).
Same routine as 7/11. One night, we had a hotel, a kitchen, and an empty stomach. Most hostels have them too.
Let’s cook paella, we thought. Make the most of the amenities around you when you have them. I won’t list all the ingredients here. You want to know the price, not cook with me episode 1.
After swooping around Carrefour for a while. We spent a grand total of €14 between 2 people compared to €45 each. It was huge, and we had a portion for the next day.
If you don’t have a kitchen in an Airbnb or Hostel. Or simply can’t be bothered. Just simply find less hassle meals that are equally nice.
Truth, eating out every night becomes stale after a while. Mix it up. Keep it healthy. Try local foods and expand your knowledge to take home. There is a wealth of foods around Europe for everyone’s taste.
You will save an absolute fortune, and it will compound fast if you do it frequently. You’re now equally as full and get to enjoy more experiences with your saved cash.
Solo. Together. Anywhere. 