Stretch your vacation dollars by buying groceries, shipped right to your hotel

If you like the cost-saving benefits of [% 2525502 | | hotels with kitchenettes %], where travelers can save big by cooking their own meals, you’ll love this idea: grocery delivery services, shipped right to your hotel or vacation rental.

On a recent trip to [% 2514396 | | Disney World %], Executive Editor Anne Banas took advantage of Garden Grocer, a Florida-based grocery delivery service.

If you’re traveling to a major metropolitan area, Peapod may offer delivery service. Areas served include Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., among many others. Delivery fees range from $7 to $10, depending on order size; you can also use coupons and take advantage of weekly specials, just like at a regular grocery store.

Beyond groceries, JetSetBabies delivers the essentials for your little ones, such as diapers, formula, and more, so you don’t have to pack and lug all the extras. Item categories include food and drink, bath time, bottom care, and baby toys, among others. Place your order and the supplies will be waiting for you upon arrival. This may be an especially useful service for those traveling by air, as you won’t have to deal with the [% 1623760 | | liquids and gels ban %].

And don’t forget to ask at your hotel itself. Residence Inn, for example, offers free grocery delivery, as does Homewood Suites. Groceries are typically added to your hotel bill.

Have a great travel tip you’d like to share? Send your insider travel strategies to editor@smartertravel.com.