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We hope that these dining tips will help you save some money while traveling and make your trip more enjoyable.

Eat before you get to the airport as food prices in the departures section are much higher than what you might expect.

Restaurants listed in local phone books are divided according to type of cuisine, so you can easily find an Italian or French restaurant.

The food in bars is usually reasonably priced in comparison to restaurants.

When traveling, try to eat healthy, stay away from buttered, fried, creamed, scalloped, sugary, rich food and stick to grilled red meat, poultry and fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, milk, cereals, low-fat bread.

Do not skip meals in order to avoid eating oversized amounts of food.

Avoid large meals before bedtime.

If you are a vegetarian or on a certain diet, ask a local person (a clerk at your hotel) to write a note describing your food preferences in the appropriate language that you can show to the restaurant's waiter before ordering.

When buying food at groceries and open-air markets only shop at stalls that post prices. Some vendors charge the locals one price and tourists another. Be aware of the local weight standards. Watch the scales while your food is being weighed. Shop in the mornings for fresher produce. Watch your posessions, these places are liked by pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Look for crowded restaurants. An empty restaurant is usually a bad one. So make reservations in advance or prepare to wait for a table. Most US restaurants accept 15% as the standard tip. Bar tenders usually get 15-20%. In Europe and Asia check your dinner bills for the "service part" portion as your tip may be already included in the bill. At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.

We wish you a successful and safe trip!