Growing up, like most families, we had strict travel budgets that our parents adhered too. This included meal times. Meals can quickly get out of control, especially if you have littles that dislike to eat/ won't eat the food put in front of them. Restaurant meals are expensive enough, without having to spend the extra money on food that will go to waste!

We often traveled with a cooler, sandwiches, and stopped at rest areas for our meals. I still do this on occasion, even as a single adult, because it makes it a lot easier to stop at a rest area for a break and sandwich, rather than the extra time it takes to get into a fast food location and eat. 

Yet, there are times when you will need to eat out. Maybe your destination doesn't have a room kitchenette (a good feature to look for, especially for breakfast and lunches). Maybe you have special food concerns. 

Whatever the reason, you might be wondering how you can find the best deals for restaurants and fast food places.

1) Use your apps for both fastfood and restaurants. Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, McD's, Dunkin' Donuts, and the likes often have rewards apps. I just swung through Wendy's for lunch yesterday, and I'm not comfortable with their app. The guy saw me fumbling, told me to take my time, and then told me to keep using it because he had one lady earlier in the day get $40 in free meals! If you have a family of 4, those rewards can build up quickly! In fact, my sister often sends me rewards because she can't use all hers before they expire. Did you know you could that with Chick-fil-A too? You could always check with your family and friends to see if they can give you freebies here and there!

2) Plan your stops in advance. While it's easier to go on the fly, you are more likely to get better deals if you figure out where you want to go in advance. Free Kid's Meals, BOGO Deals, and specials are often found on websites and socials. You wouldn't necessarily know unless you look it up in advance. Here's a few to keep in mind!

• Texas Roadhouse: Some locations may offer a $1.99 or $2.99 for your 12 yr and under kiddo with the purchase of an adult entrée either on Monday or Tuesday nights. 

• Ruby Tuesday: Kids 12 and under may eat free on Tuesdays from 5pm - close, with the purchase of an adult entrée. 

• BurgerFi- Kids 12 and under may grab a Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders, or a Hot Dog for free when their adult purchases a meal. 

• Denny's: Join the rewards program and your kiddos can eat free when adults purchase a meal ($6 minimum). 

• Brusters Ice cream: children under 40" tall may receive a free baby cone. 

• Zaxby's Kidz Nights: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, days varie depending on location.

• Moe's Kids Eat Free: Sundays at participating locations with the purchase of an adult meal. 

• Bob Evans: With the use of their app, kids eat free on Tuesdays. Must use the app to place orders and must purchase an adult entrée. Max is 3 kids meals per 3 entrées. 

• Chili's Rewards Members can obtain a free kids meal.