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Man Adamant About Not Eating Out On Vacation, Says He’s Ok With McDonalds, Wife Is Livid
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Man Adamant About Not Eating Out On Vacation, Says He’s Ok With McDonalds, Wife Is Livid

Interview With Expert
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Traveling is an enriching experience, and everyone has different things they want to accomplish when on a trip. Some want to try new cuisines, while others want to explore the gorgeous sights. The only obstacle that can possibly affect a person’s travel plans is money.

Couples often bicker about how much to spend or how much to save when going to a new place. This husband and wife were no different and had completely different mindsets about how to enjoy their Italy trip, so much so that they even reached a standoff.

More info: Mumsnet

Every person’s priority while traveling is different, but it can become a problem when a couple can’t seem to compromise on what to do

Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The poster explained that she and her partner were going to Italy and that it was a lifelong dream of hers to try the delicious food and wine the place had to offer

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Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

She explained that her husband does not want to go out and eat food as he thinks it’s a waste of money, and he’s fine staying in their hotel room eating pot noodles

Image credits: Ron Lach / Pexels (not the actual photo)

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She told him about Italy’s food traditions, but realized that her partner only wants to eat cheap noodles or go to McDonald’s, and he’d rather see the sights than enjoy the cuisine

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Image credits: Astridastro

The poster doesn’t want to compromise on her dream, so she’s thinking of leaving her husband alone in the hotel room to have his noodles while she and the kids go out for nice meals

This OP and her husband obviously have different ideas of the ‘right’ way to travel. He’s willing to spend money on the trip and see the sights of the place, but doesn’t want to dole out any extra cash for food. He does not consider it a priority, whereas his wife has been dreaming about Italian cuisine for years. She knows exactly what she wants to sample and is excited to do it. 

To get an expert’s perspective on what to do in such situations, Bored Panda reached out to Christina Guan, a Canadian travel blogger and YouTuber from Vancouver, BC. She specializes in practical tips from someone who has ‘been there, done that.’”

Christina told us that “there are so many ways to travel on a budget without eating pot noodles the whole time! Splurging at lunch vs. dinner, for instance (and looking out for lunch specials) can be an easy way to save on meals out. Most destinations will almost always have budget-friendlier eats as well, like street foods that can be filling and delicious without breaking the bank.”

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“Budget travelers can also look out for websites/apps like First Table (which gives you 50% off your food bill if you dine early) or Too Good to Go (which saves food from the landfill by selling it at a steep discount). Of course, prioritizing free attractions and tours, or opting to walk and use public transport vs. taking taxis can free up a lot of cash as well to spend on food,” she told us.

Image credits: Stefano Ponis / Pexels (not the actual photo)

With the wife wanting to go out for delicious meals and the husband only wanting to eat cheap food, it may be tough for them to figure out what to do next. Christina told us: “I’m a big believer in compromise when traveling as a couple, but I do think it’s important that couples realize it’s perfectly healthy to do things separately while on vacation as well.”

“With situations like these, I think the most important thing is having an open and honest discussion about preferences and priorities. If, for instance, the poster’s husband is more worried about money and would actually enjoy dining out if it was affordable, the two could work together on setting a food budget and seeking out well-rated cheap eats together,” she added.

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Based on the OP’s story, it seemed like her husband isn’t willing to compromise. So Christina said that “if he genuinely has zero interest in local food and is happier eating pot noodles, then the poster should take herself out for nice meals if she wants to, and they can focus on doing other stuff (like sightseeing) together. This way, everyone is happy!”

It truly seems like compromise is the key to a good trip based on Christina’s advice and the couple’s experience. The OP and her husband could enjoy the sights of Italy together, and she could later take the kids out for nice meals without him. That way she would still be able to have her dream Italy trip without getting into a petty squabble with her partner.

Who do you think is right in this situation, and do you have any suggestions for what the couple could do to solve the issue? 

Most commenters urged the author to find a middle ground with her husband and to also take it upon herself to do the things she enjoys

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Beverly Noronha

Beverly Noronha

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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You can call me Bev! I'm a world-class reader, a quirky writer, and a gardener who paints. If you’re looking for information about tattoos, Bulbasaur, and books, then I'm the NPC you must approach.

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Beverly Noronha

Beverly Noronha

Writer, BoredPanda staff

You can call me Bev! I'm a world-class reader, a quirky writer, and a gardener who paints. If you’re looking for information about tattoos, Bulbasaur, and books, then I'm the NPC you must approach.

Denis Krotovas

Denis Krotovas

Author, BoredPanda staff

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I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. While studying at Vilnius Tech University, I learned how to use Photoshop and decided to continue mastering it at Bored Panda. I am interested in learning UI/UX design and creating unique designs for apps, games and websites. On my spare time, I enjoy playing video and board games, watching TV shows and movies and reading funny posts on the internet.

Read less »

Denis Krotovas

Denis Krotovas

Author, BoredPanda staff

I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. While studying at Vilnius Tech University, I learned how to use Photoshop and decided to continue mastering it at Bored Panda. I am interested in learning UI/UX design and creating unique designs for apps, games and websites. On my spare time, I enjoy playing video and board games, watching TV shows and movies and reading funny posts on the internet.

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arthbach
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people really enjoy the whole experience of going out to eat, especially when the food is glorious. (I'm with them.) However, there are others who could not care less. They'd far prefer to eat quickly, and then move on to the next activity/task. It's two very different ways of eating. Neither is right, and neither is wrong. It's the equivalent on one person loving sports and the other loving books. But a compromise needs to be found to allow them both to engage in the aspects of travel/holidays they enjoy.

RAM31280
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If DH would rather eat prepackaged noodle than fresh handmade italian noodles, leave him in the hotel and go out and enjoy your meals. Either he will get tired of vacationing in a hotel room alone or he will join you on your adventure.

Roma Korsakaite
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How people manage to get married and have a children with person they know so little about? How, why? Food is very important and unavoidable part of our lives, did they never talked about eating preferences and habits before? Are they strangers?

Joanne Mendonza-Earle
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are avid road trippers and we absolutely can't wait to try out restaurants! We aren't into the fancy/fusion places w/ tiny portions of pretentious food. We look for the local steakhouses, restaurants and cafes. We try not to eat in too many chains unless we have to. It's one of the best parts of our trips! I look up all the restaurants in advance.

Stannous Flouride
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people see dining as a sensual, pleasurable, savory experience. Others see only as a necessary fuel stop. I pity the latter but wouldn't let it interfere with my enjoyment.

Guess Undheit
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will eat breakfast in my room with a kitchenette (e.g. oatmeal, fruit, etc.) while on holiday, but that's more to save time than money (i.e. no need to go out for breakfast, come back, go out again). Trying new food is a big part of the reason to go abroad. If he's THAT much of a skinflint, he should stay home and borrow library books with pictures.

M O'Connell
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I couldn't stand the idea of wasting hours and hours of my vacation time just eating dinner. I would rather get it done quickly so I can go to bed and enjoy the sunrise.

Ace
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's really missing out, so yeah, she should insist on going out to eat with or without him. Eating out in Italy is much cheaper than many surrounding countries, especially given that in most places you can choose from various parts of the menu and aren't restricted to 'starter' and 'main course'. So you can have a salad followed by pasta, or pasta followed by a steak, with or without accompaniments. Side dishes are known as 'contorni' and are very rarely included, so you only pay for what you get. It may not be as cheap as diner-style places in the US, but it doesn't have to be expensive.

AR
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What nutcase goes to Italy of all places and NOT EAT THE FOOD?! It’s one of the greatest parts of Italy!

Alexandra
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are your own person: if you want to taste the local cuisine, go ahead without your ball-and-chain of a husband.

G Bono
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF ... Italy is a food capital and that is a big part of the experience. I have a friend who used to be frugal, but now is just cheap. He brings a suitcase of cereal and ensures when traveling. OP should have learned a long time ago to say nothing to her husband prior to the trip (avoid arguments) and then do what she wants once there. He can complain to others upon return, but they should immediately shut him up, but minimally, OP will have an inclusive holiday and enjoy the local customs. She can change her seat on the flight back while she contemplates her future being married to someone with low taste and no class

Reviewer01
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I'm with him. Not on the McDonald's, I don't like that, but I don't derive enjoyment from eating out in restaurants, it's dinner but more expensive, more constricted choice in a loud place. I don't think it's anyone's business to tell others what the "whole point" of a trip is because that's a personal thing. For me the point of a trip is often to ride an unusual train or something incredibly nerd. So what? It's what I want to see and do. If I go alone I take my own food. If I travel with my husband (who does enjoy eating out) we agree in advance that I'll accompany him sometimes and other times he'll go alone and other times we'll stay in. Both sides need to compromise here and neither side is objectively right. Of all the places I'd hate to be for food it would be Italy because I don't eat tomatoes, I just hate them all in all contexts and the more "authentic" the worse they are because they taste even more like tomatoes i.e. repellent.

Yu Pan
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad is the same way, but he's not saving time for other activities; he just doesn't want to spend money and always consider eating out a waste of money. Ever since I have the means to get myself food, I just eat and do what I want. If he wants to eat bread only, so be it. I'm going to enjoy what I want to eat.

The Doom Song
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to slap the husband. Going all the way to Italy to eat 2 min noodles and McDonalds? Stay the f**k home. OP can take me to Italy!

Snow_White
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree with most of the comments saying that no one is in the wrong here. The husband is wrong here. Who eats like that?! Any sane grown a*s person would understand that eating proper meals is a priority, especially when traveling. Noodles aren't very nutritious and you would be faint quickly especially in heat. Eat a vegetable and fruit at least.

Fellfromthemoon
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, when it comes to personal preferences and taste, he is not wrong. He can't be wrong, he truly knows best what he likes. If he hinders OP in enjoying the vacation, only then he is wrong.

Load More Replies...
arthbach
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people really enjoy the whole experience of going out to eat, especially when the food is glorious. (I'm with them.) However, there are others who could not care less. They'd far prefer to eat quickly, and then move on to the next activity/task. It's two very different ways of eating. Neither is right, and neither is wrong. It's the equivalent on one person loving sports and the other loving books. But a compromise needs to be found to allow them both to engage in the aspects of travel/holidays they enjoy.

RAM31280
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If DH would rather eat prepackaged noodle than fresh handmade italian noodles, leave him in the hotel and go out and enjoy your meals. Either he will get tired of vacationing in a hotel room alone or he will join you on your adventure.

Roma Korsakaite
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How people manage to get married and have a children with person they know so little about? How, why? Food is very important and unavoidable part of our lives, did they never talked about eating preferences and habits before? Are they strangers?

Joanne Mendonza-Earle
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are avid road trippers and we absolutely can't wait to try out restaurants! We aren't into the fancy/fusion places w/ tiny portions of pretentious food. We look for the local steakhouses, restaurants and cafes. We try not to eat in too many chains unless we have to. It's one of the best parts of our trips! I look up all the restaurants in advance.

Stannous Flouride
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people see dining as a sensual, pleasurable, savory experience. Others see only as a necessary fuel stop. I pity the latter but wouldn't let it interfere with my enjoyment.

Guess Undheit
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will eat breakfast in my room with a kitchenette (e.g. oatmeal, fruit, etc.) while on holiday, but that's more to save time than money (i.e. no need to go out for breakfast, come back, go out again). Trying new food is a big part of the reason to go abroad. If he's THAT much of a skinflint, he should stay home and borrow library books with pictures.

M O'Connell
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I couldn't stand the idea of wasting hours and hours of my vacation time just eating dinner. I would rather get it done quickly so I can go to bed and enjoy the sunrise.

Ace
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's really missing out, so yeah, she should insist on going out to eat with or without him. Eating out in Italy is much cheaper than many surrounding countries, especially given that in most places you can choose from various parts of the menu and aren't restricted to 'starter' and 'main course'. So you can have a salad followed by pasta, or pasta followed by a steak, with or without accompaniments. Side dishes are known as 'contorni' and are very rarely included, so you only pay for what you get. It may not be as cheap as diner-style places in the US, but it doesn't have to be expensive.

AR
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What nutcase goes to Italy of all places and NOT EAT THE FOOD?! It’s one of the greatest parts of Italy!

Alexandra
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are your own person: if you want to taste the local cuisine, go ahead without your ball-and-chain of a husband.

G Bono
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF ... Italy is a food capital and that is a big part of the experience. I have a friend who used to be frugal, but now is just cheap. He brings a suitcase of cereal and ensures when traveling. OP should have learned a long time ago to say nothing to her husband prior to the trip (avoid arguments) and then do what she wants once there. He can complain to others upon return, but they should immediately shut him up, but minimally, OP will have an inclusive holiday and enjoy the local customs. She can change her seat on the flight back while she contemplates her future being married to someone with low taste and no class

Reviewer01
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I'm with him. Not on the McDonald's, I don't like that, but I don't derive enjoyment from eating out in restaurants, it's dinner but more expensive, more constricted choice in a loud place. I don't think it's anyone's business to tell others what the "whole point" of a trip is because that's a personal thing. For me the point of a trip is often to ride an unusual train or something incredibly nerd. So what? It's what I want to see and do. If I go alone I take my own food. If I travel with my husband (who does enjoy eating out) we agree in advance that I'll accompany him sometimes and other times he'll go alone and other times we'll stay in. Both sides need to compromise here and neither side is objectively right. Of all the places I'd hate to be for food it would be Italy because I don't eat tomatoes, I just hate them all in all contexts and the more "authentic" the worse they are because they taste even more like tomatoes i.e. repellent.

Yu Pan
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad is the same way, but he's not saving time for other activities; he just doesn't want to spend money and always consider eating out a waste of money. Ever since I have the means to get myself food, I just eat and do what I want. If he wants to eat bread only, so be it. I'm going to enjoy what I want to eat.

The Doom Song
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to slap the husband. Going all the way to Italy to eat 2 min noodles and McDonalds? Stay the f**k home. OP can take me to Italy!

Snow_White
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree with most of the comments saying that no one is in the wrong here. The husband is wrong here. Who eats like that?! Any sane grown a*s person would understand that eating proper meals is a priority, especially when traveling. Noodles aren't very nutritious and you would be faint quickly especially in heat. Eat a vegetable and fruit at least.

Fellfromthemoon
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, when it comes to personal preferences and taste, he is not wrong. He can't be wrong, he truly knows best what he likes. If he hinders OP in enjoying the vacation, only then he is wrong.

Load More Replies...
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