I have never been a substantial morning eater. A simple bowl of fruit or porridge with a hot beverage is perfectly sufficient for me to start the day. However, when I am on vacation, the usual rules do not apply. After finishing my morning meal at the hotel breakfast buffet, I frequently return for a second round. I collect another plate, selecting fresh rolls, cheese, ham, salad items, and perhaps a piece of fruit or a muffin—but this second serving is expressly intended for lunch.
A Long-Standing Family Tradition
For as long as I can recall, the hotel buffet has served a dual purpose: not only to begin the day but also to prepare for it. You might say this practice is in my DNA. During my childhood, I observed my parents discreetly buttering rolls and wrapping them in napkins to place in our beach bag or my father's backpack. Later, while seated on the sand or a park bench, we would unwrap those same rolls for lunch, enjoying them with fruit and a drink. It felt like a cherished holiday ritual during our trips to destinations like Majorca or Cornwall. Now, as a mother of two children myself, I proudly continue this tradition.
Practical Benefits and Discretion
I absolutely refuse to feel ashamed about this habit. If my family and I are spending the day by the hotel pool or at the beach, I might even choose items like tuna or smoked salmon with rocket and lemon from the breakfast selection. I then store the prepared rolls in the mini fridge in our hotel room. This approach saves us a significant amount of money on lunches. With two children who invariably request snacks shortly after they have supposedly finished at the buffet, it is a complete game-changer.
This is not theft—I have already paid for the food. Instead of allowing it to go to waste, I am ensuring it works harder for our family. Of course, I am always discreet. I do not shovel piles of food onto a plate or walk away clutching handfuls of pastries. I assemble the rolls at our table and pack them neatly into reusable sandwich bags and collapsible containers that I bring from home. This method is fuss-free and creates no mess.
Mixed Reactions and Online Debate
Occasionally, I might notice a raised eyebrow from another guest, but I am not embarrassed in the slightest. Hotel staff have never made a single comment to me about it. Over the years, I have experienced some truly sensational buffets. In Corfu, Greece, at the Marbella Hotel in 2021, there were generous chunks of feta, olives, and beautifully baked bread that created a perfect rustic mezze. In Sardinia, Italy, back in 2015, I layered prosciutto and mozzarella into small ciabatta rolls, drizzling them with olive oil for a delicious treat. In Villamoura, Portugal, in 2022, the pastry table was incredible, and I could not resist taking a pastel de nata or two for an afternoon snack with coffee.
It is wonderful to taste and experience local cuisine, especially when much of it is available at your hotel breakfast buffet. While this routine has been part of my holidays for years, it was not until a recent trip to Cyprus with my husband that I decided to share it online. I filmed a short video demonstrating how we save money on lunches while traveling and posted it, thinking it might inspire a few other families to try it.
Viral Response and Controversy
The response was intense. Thousands of people applauded the idea, labeling it clever, thrifty, and even eco-friendly. Many admitted they had done the same, sharing anecdotes about sneaking bananas into beach bags or filling flasks with hotel coffee. People also shared their own holiday hacks with me. One woman mentioned taking mini Tupperware containers to feed stray cats and dogs later in the day. Another brings sandwich bags to prepare healthy snacks for the journey home from the airport.
However, there was also significant backlash. Some accused me of stealing; others claimed that behaviors like mine are the reason hotels charge high prices for breakfast. A few even warned that my 'hack' could potentially harm the hospitality industry. I had no idea my simple rolls for lunch could be so powerful. I never take more than we can reasonably eat. I despise food waste, so I would never pile our plates high, and I am always respectful toward staff and fellow guests.
A Defiant Stance on Frugal Travel
If anything, this practice feels like a win-win situation. We save money, we avoid food waste, and we get to enjoy lunch wherever we please. To my critics, I say that unless you are clearing out the buffet trays or acting greedily, no real harm is done. I am not about to stop just because a few people are outraged over a cheese roll.
For me, holidays are about relaxation, exploration, and finding simple ways to make life easier. My breakfast buffet routine accomplishes all three. It is not about being stingy; it is about making the most of what is available to you. We are living through a cost-of-living crisis, and holidays are not inexpensive. If you can embrace methods to reduce costs while you are away, then why would you not? You could even start saving for your next holiday while on your current one, just through these lunchtime savings.
