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The journey was supposed to take place the next morning, so Sophia got busy in the kitchen as soon as the children had been tucked into bed. 45 minutes later and a container of fried chicken, a filled food flask and a covered plate of fruit salad, she was ready to hit the road. When tomorrow comes, Ogadinma will be pleasantly surprised at what she has accomplished.
“She told me to put aside money for food because the children and us will have to stop at some point to eat. So I budgeted N5, 000,” said an elated Ogadinma Ugboru,a civil engineer and husband to Sophia. Their two little were playing nearby.
The family has recently taken measures towards cutting down on their expenses and save for a house they both have wanted to buy for a while. Among them was taking a flight only when it was absolutely necessary, like travelling for an engagement on a short notice. Planned trips like the one they just had was in the list “absolutely unnecessary”.
Since they started cutting down on their expenses, the family have saved 15 percent of income they allocate to household and personal items.
“I cannot recall agreeing to also save food,” said Ogadinma smiling. Sophia confirms this adding that it was entirely her idea.
Travelling is an activity that takes place on a daily basis across the length and breadth of Nigeria. People are either moving from one state to another or leaving the country or coming in. Once you are away, one of the biggest financial challenges is food. How do you avoid spending, when you are without the contents of your cupboard and the convenient tools of your kitchen?
Whether you are travelling by road or air, spending money on food is a necessity that sometimes leaves a gaping hole in your wallet and the bills pile up.
Sophia’s strategy is not new. It has worked for many families over the years, and it was a tradition for her mother.
“When I was young, we never bought food while on a journey. My mother always cooked the night before. During the journey she will dish the food out to us the children. The days my father was driving, we will stop at a popular town or restaurant along the way for him to eat before carrying on,” she recalled.
“Apart from the cost implications, it is very healthy and I will recommend it for any family. I study a lot about nutrition and I know that there is no way you can compare food from home with food made in a restaurant in some town,” said Ogadinma.
Take note, you may not save as much when you travel by air. First, airport officials will not you to board any airline with homemade food. If you are travelling outside the country, you can ask for restaurants that offer discounts. Whether you are able to find a discount eatery or not, keep your order small rather than go for large food portions. If you are really hungry, look for a buffet.
FRANK ELEANYA
