The Wirecutter Show Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal Traveler
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Oct 8, 2025 Elaine Glusac, a seasoned travel journalist and author of The Frugal Traveler column at The New York Times, shares invaluable budget travel strategies. She reveals the best times to book flights and effective tools like Google Flights for tracking deals. Elaine emphasizes the importance of flexibility with travel dates and directly negotiating with rental hosts for better prices. Additionally, she discusses navigating Black Friday travel sales and how to leverage favorable exchange rates abroad, equipping listeners with savvy tips for frugal adventures.
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Budget Travel Enhances Authentic Experiences
- Traveling on a budget can deepen cultural contact and enhance experiences rather than diminish them.
- Elaine argues that mindful, lower-cost travel often promotes sustainability and closer ties with locals.
Prioritize Flexibility Over Tiny Savings
- Avoid basic-economy tickets you can't change; always book fares that at least return a credit if you must cancel.
- Use airline-branded credit cards to get perks like free seat assignments and checked bags to offset fees.
Cheap International Budget Carrier Example
- Elaine flew the Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris to Mexico City for about $200 round-trip and had a professionally run but bare-bones experience.
- The flight was cheap and serviceable despite limited amenities like no free water.