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Feeding a big family on vacation without blowing the budget

Food can eat 30% of a family trip. Here is how to keep it under control with many mouths.

By Emma Larsson·Last updated Jun 19, 2026

For a large family, eating out three times a day is a fast way to double your trip cost. A few habits change everything.

Frequently asked questions

How much does food cost for a family of 6 on vacation?
Eating out can run $150–250/day for six. A rental with a kitchen plus one cooked meal a day typically halves that.

By Emma Larsson

Mother of 4, family-travel editor

Emma has spent 12 years travelling with her four children across 30+ countries — from minivan road trips to long-haul flights with a toddler on her lap. She writes the guides she wishes she had when she started.

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