Huh? You absolutely can get a healthy, decent meal in pretty much any town when you travel, unless you work for the slavedriver who insisted we had to fly cross-country and be at the client by mid-morning, so the company saved the cost of one hotel night. Too bad the flights were often delayed or cancelled, so we rarely made it there before lunchtime and he had to credit the client a half-day. We billed him for the overpriced airport breakfasts and lunches, along with long-distance phone charges and exorbitant internet access during the delays. Would have been less expensive to pay for the hotel room.
If you choose a job requiring travel, assume that there will be times that you'll be away from your home and family.
No, it's "If you were home, you'd spend some amount. Here's a budget of $-- to spend over that amount, to compensate you for the inconvenience."
I once drove four states away for a business trip, through pouring rain. I left in the evening, after having had to work later than planned at the office. When I got to the town, the only thing open was McDonald's and an overpriced restaurant. I chose the overpriced restaurant, which was more than $25 for the meal. (Food was great, though.) I submitted my expense report/receipts with a note, explaining the situation. It was authorized the same day and given back to me with the comment of "We know you're honest about travel expenses. No problem, but don't make a habit of it."
Per diem is NOT a way to make money off business trips. People who think that way are the ones who ruin it for everyone in the company.
That's why there are limits / caps, why companies start requiring receipts, and why some people lose their jobs.
