$20 a Day - San Diego

I am a big fan of Rachel Ray's $40 a day show because she always finds the good bargains in various cities in the US and around the globe. However, when one is on a budget, even $40 a day, per person, is a lot of mullah. So, in my never-ending quest to find good deals, I decided to start a $20 a day blog on a monthly basis. I'll start with the easiest, which is San Diego, where I am from.

BREAKFAST

I have to agree with the experts that this is the most important meal of the day. A good, hearty breakfast is essential if you're a very active traveler and especially if you are on a budget.

• High to mid-priced: influx cafe - 1948 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102

  The Traditional is a bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, tomato and capers. $5.95 + $1.50 coffee

• Budget: La Posta - (corner of 3rd/Washignton) 3980 3rd Ave. San Diego, CA 92103

  The best freakin' burritos ever! Try the breakfast burrito with eggs, ham and cheese, $2.95

LUNCH

• High to mid-priced: Phil’s BBQ - 4030 Goldfinch St. @ Washington, San Diego, CA 92103

  This place is always packed and that's because they have the best BBQ west of the Colorado River. For a light, yet delicious lunch, try their Rib Tickler. It includes 3 pork ribs, 2 onion rings, cole slaw, and fries for $5.95.

• Budget: Roberto's Taco Shop - 2206 Carmel Valley Road, Del Mar, CA 92014 (or any taco shop in San Diego)

  Carne Asada Fries is the epitome of gluttony. It consists of fries topped with carne asada, guacamole, cheese, salsa and sour cream. $4.95. One order can feed 2 people.

DINNER

• High to mid-priced: Hodad's - 5010 Newport Ave. Ocean Beach, CA 92107

  This beach joint is famous for their burgers and it has a California cool ambiance of no shoes, no shirt, no problem! Try their special cheeseburger basket, which is an enormous burger, thick-cut fries, and tea, coffee or lemonade, all for $6.25.

• Budget: Dao Son Noodle House - 2322 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

  The service is so-so, and the restaurant is "quaint" but the food is incredible. Prices range from $2 to $9. My all-time-favorite is the Garlic Fish. It is well-seasoned catfish marinated with garlic, lemongrass and simmered in a deep rich sauce. $5.99. They go by spicy levels of low, medium and hot. The medium in *incredibly* hot...you've been warned!