by Elizabeth Young

Tips for eating out - How to have fun and save money

After a long morning at the Louvre museum, tromping through room after room of priceless goodies, we were starving. My boys were in that state, "if I don't get food instantly, I'm going to turn into a growling alien with eight mouths and arms." From the museum, we headed to the rue de Rivoli.

On a side street, people streamed in and out of a sandwich shop. We ducked into the shop, and 10 minutes later, my food bag was stuffed with baguette sandwiches and cold drinks. We hustled over to the Tuileries Gardens. Despite a cool October day, the park benches were filled with local Parisians, having their lunch outdoors. We had a wonderful impromptu picnic. The boys gobbled their food standing up (atrocious table manners), while I gratefully slouched on a park bench, enjoying my sandwich - tender French ham and good cheese on a chewy baguette.

Food is one of most pleasurable and potentially most irritating aspects of traveling with kids. When kids get hungry, they get cranky or picky, and it doesn't matter where you are, it's no fun. Food is also a big chunk of travel expenses for a family. Eating out in restaurants all the time can cost a bundle and little kids may not want to wait for infinity and beyond to eat a meal. Here's some tips to help you to have fun and save money.

Start the day right

Breakfast can be a simple affair. As a cost saving, if you're traveling by car, bring breakfast supplies with you, or shop in a supermarket after you check into your hotel. Many motels or hotels have refrigerators, so all you need is milk, juice, yogurt, fruit, dry cereal, paper bowls and plastic utensils. Eating in your room, breakfast is out of the way - when you leave your hotel, you're ready to start sightseeing (instead of hunting for a place to eat). And kids can eat in their pajamas.

For a change of pace, splurge on a Sunday brunch or a big breakfast buffet. Breakfast buffets often have kids' favorites - pancakes, French toast or waffles, muffins, bagels, fruit salad, along with sophisticated dishes and local specialties.

"On the spot" picnics

Picnics are fun for everyone in the family. There's no waiting interminably for food to be served, no spilled milk dripping onto your lap, no nagging at the kids, "Put your napkin in your lap, hold your fork properly, don't squirm at the table." Whatever you're eating, it tastes delicious. Kick back and relax, while the kids run around.

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