Obviously it depends on the country and how much you spend on your meals (grocery store vs. roadside stand vs sit down cafe vs 4 star restaurant…). Most guidebooks have a little section in the front of a country’s sights breaking down the estimate cost for meal whether you chose budget, moderate or expensive. They might have that listed on their online sites.

http://www.letsgo.com/dest/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/

Don’t forget the alcohol budget! It can surpass your food budget in many Western countries.

Thanks a lot for the links and advice folks. One last question: Does anyone have a rough estimate of money to allot for food…… any number would do… We’re talking not extravagant meals, probably 2 a day or so… any help?
THANKS! and I love everyone on this site. its a godsend.

Supermarket snack – about $3
Takeaway meal – about $6
Simple restaurant dinner – about $10

For London add an additional 50-75 percent

quote: Don’t forget the alcohol budget! It can surpass your food budget in many Western countries.

You mean some people spend more money on food than drink? Priorities, people!

Thats funny. I felt like such a wino sometimes digging for alcohol money.

yeah i couldn’t agree more clunker… how are the drink prices over there? about the same as here?

Here’s the official 2005 MasterCard (Approved by Sunskin) weekly budget for travelling Europe…

Airfare & Eurrail pass: $1,155

Food & Vitamins: $220

Souveniers, Postage, Hygiene prod’s: $70

Bier & Wine: $1,600

Few memories & experiences you can recall: PRICELESS!

* For the irreplaceable memories, experiences, & stories we can tell when we are old & gray… Well, you know… For everything else – there’s Matstercard Platinum!!! (Accepted at Pubs, Bistros, and clubs who sell good, strong bier everywhere)…..

The drink prices in London can be extortionate, in most night clubs you can expect to pay £3-£5 for a drink, but sometimes, as with most places, you can pick up a flyer for a free drink or that, better yet just down a bottle of gin before you go in…

quote:Don’t forget the alcohol budget! It can surpass your food budget in many Western countries.

The alcohol budget is no joke…..however there is somewhat of a grey area in between drinking and food. If you’re drinking beer you can easily put down over 2,000 calories in a night and that can carry you well into the next afternoon.

I like your style and thought process Nadrazi!

quote:
I like your style and thought process Nadrazi!

You haven’t been following his advice then!

Why else would all those monks brew such delicious beers? If you’re going to fast, may as well be able to drink something that can sustain you(and taste great as well).