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Affordable Island-Hopping in Croatia? What Could Go Wrong?
A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected.
By Elaine Glusac
A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected.
By Elaine Glusac
On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. The tally: 2,200 miles, five national parks, numerous hot springs and one excellent reindeer hot dog.
By Elaine Glusac
Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.
By Elaine Glusac
A new agreement by Visa and Mastercard to reduce fees charged to merchants may drain the lucrative rewards that grant free travel to many credit card users.
By Elaine Glusac
We put the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the frugal test, combining a hefty dose of stunning nature with affordable restaurants, budget lodgings and a few splurges.
By Elaine Glusac
American Airlines recently announced new restrictions on point allocation based on how you book a flight. What does that mean for loyalty members?
By Elaine Glusac
Some states and resorts offer discounted passes for children and teens, knowing that those who start young tend to keep coming back.
By Elaine Glusac
Can a thrifty traveler afford this “end-of-the-road” Florida hot spot? Getting around on a rented bike and staying in a four-person dorm room helps.
By Elaine Glusac
Bargain shoppers will find discounts on hotels, resorts, far-flung tours and cruises. The key is to act quickly before they disappear.
By Elaine Glusac
The heat, mobs and high prices of recent summers are making off-season travel more popular — perhaps too popular, some say, as they watch prices rise and crowds grow.
By Elaine Glusac
Getting a vacation rental with a good kitchen is a must for many budget travelers and those who explore destinations through cooking.
By Elaine Glusac
The Colorado town associated with glitzy ski trips also draws summer visitors who love hiking, biking and cultural festivals. Here’s how to craft an affordable vacation in this famously expensive enclave.
By Elaine Glusac
The newly expanded subway may not go everywhere, but for $5 a day it offers a gridlock-free way to get to plenty of great places.
By Elaine Glusac
Google Flights is joining other booking platforms that aim to assure travelers they’re getting the best price.
By Elaine Glusac
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From the Catskill Mountains in New York to the deserts of Utah, new or expanding hotel companies are creating affordable accommodations for those who love the outdoors.
By Elaine Glusac
Like everything else these days, the cost of a family vacation is rising. With spring break season upon us, here’s how to keep costs under control.
By Elaine Glusac
Fliers on some airlines can upgrade at a discounted rate to avoid what could be a cramped flight. With some cruise ships and even Amtrak getting in on the act, is bidding up worth it?
By Elaine Glusac
Alpine gear is expensive, but online dealers of used jackets, boots, skis and more are enticing newcomers with bargain prices and promoting recycling in an era of climate change.
By Elaine Glusac
Whether you embrace the chill or want to flee it, save on your next vacation with these 10 tips for affordable cold-weather travel.
By Elaine Glusac
Not all age-related deals are equal. Here are some perks to look for and pitfalls to avoid, along with tips on how to stretch your budget.
By Elaine Glusac
For music fans, songwriters’ nights at often unassuming venues provide an inexpensive and illuminating glimpse into Music City’s most celebrated business.
By Elaine Glusac
No longer just for the flying elite, these havens from chaos are easier to get into now, with the crowds to prove it.
By Elaine Glusac
As companies bring their full fleets back online, many ships still have room. That means bargains are being offered outside the winter “wave season,” making some sailings unexpectedly cheap, even in an era of inflation.
By Elaine Glusac
The strong American dollar is the upside of a volatile economy. For U.S. travelers headed abroad, that may help make up for the rising cost of travel.
By Elaine Glusac
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As inflation puts a crimp in travelers’ plans, here are some affordable suggestions for trips focused on wine, culture, food, the outdoors and more.
By Elaine Glusac
Inflation is here and it’s wreaking havoc on travel budgets. Our Frugal Traveler columnist on how to strategize in a world of rising prices.
By Elaine Glusac
A post-Omicron travel boom has encountered headwinds from fuel costs and the war in Ukraine. Here’s how changes in the airline industry could affect the cost of your next trip.
By Elaine Glusac
Earning airline status gets both harder and easier as airlines retool their loyalty programs.
By Elaine Glusac
During one frantic week, incredible travel offers emerged, only to evaporate as soon as the reality of taking advantage of them during a pandemic was weighed.
By Elaine Glusac
Safari deals at Costco; discount lift tickets at Sam’s Club. Add AARP and AAA into the mix of memberships that offer savings on travel.
By Elaine Glusac
In the British Virgin Islands, get cheap maritime thrills and rub shoulders with locals on one of the region’s most convenient ferry systems.
By Elaine Glusac
All those points you’ve been saving have a purpose: a stay at a fabulous resort in the Caribbean or another warm-weather destination.
By Sarah Firshein
Take the bus, look for daytime performances, eat tacos and splurge on museums that immerse you in Vegas lore.
By Elaine Glusac
During the annual deal-making ritual, cruise-goers can snap up savings that generally aren’t available the rest of the year.
By Elaine Glusac
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Looking for seasonal cheer without inflated prices? Then take your holiday spirit on the road — after Christmas.
By Elaine Glusac
To get nitty-gritty, budget-saving tips, we turned to ski-town locals and winter fanatics for advice.
By Elaine Glusac
The post-Thanksgiving sales frenzy isn’t just for gift-shopping. Travelers can find significant discounts on hotel stays, tours and even cruises.
By Elaine Glusac
Does a Saturday-to-Monday weekend mean savings and fewer crowds? We tested the model in four cities.
By Elaine Glusac
It’s a golden age for price alerts, which have expanded from emails touting sales to fare predictions and deal disseminators.
By Elaine Glusac
An analysis of six trips in North America evaluates which method is quicker, cheaper and easier.
By Elaine Glusac
Our writer tested a new service that wants to rent you everything you’ll need for your camping trip.
By Elaine Glusac
From Toronto to British Columbia: culture, beauty, great food and savings everywhere you look.
By Elaine Glusac
There are bargains aplenty in hurricane-prone areas, but make sure you have your bases covered in case of a storm.
By Elaine Glusac
Who cares if it’s 100 degrees? Pools, spas and air-conditioned luxury with stunning views are a bargain at these desert resorts.
By Julie Halpert
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Budget cruises abound these days. For the price of a one-night stay at a moderately priced hotel, we decided to check one out.
By Elaine Glusac
Some flights are trickier to book than others. For these, budget travelers need to go beyond the major search engines.
By Elaine Glusac
The food is so good at these six restaurants, you’d want to go even if their prices weren’t so low.
By Alexander Lobrano
Finding the lowest airfare has become a favorite frugal pastime, and there are websites to help you nail down cheap fares. Some strategies, however, are dicey.
By Elaine Glusac
Everyone knows off-season is the cheapest time to travel, but who wants lousy weather? A month-to-month guide to when and where to book to save money.
By Elaine Glusac
A train trip is one way to experience the natural beauty of the country, even if you have only a few days. But advance planning is essential.
By Lucas Peterson
This progressive country has long been off the radar for North Americans. But it has some of the best beaches in South America and discounts for foreign travelers.
By Nell McShane Wulfhart
The present-day version of Chennai in South India dates back to only the 1600s, so a relatively youthful exuberance should not come as a surprise.
By Lucas Peterson
India’s largest city is known for both the poverty of its slums and the richness of its history, museums, nightclubs, restaurants and street food.
By Lucas Peterson
When you need to use your visa, how to get around on public and private transportation and what to think about all that tantalizing street food.
By Lucas Peterson
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Tips and strategies for singles and families who want to enjoy warm weather on a sandy beach or on the deck of a cruise ship, and still not pay too much.
By Lucas Peterson
This city is more relaxed than some of its modern Indian counterparts, and residents claim a strong relationship to its colonial past.
By Lucas Peterson
In the Ladakh region of northern India, the town of Leh is known for its beauty and culture, and for the experience of buying a cashmere scarf.
By Lucas Peterson
The apps and strategies for singles, families and flexible travelers who want to beat the crowds to the slopes, and still not pay too much.
By Lucas Peterson
The city can be pricey, but there are exceptional hiking and outdoor activities, and some of the finest national parks in the country not far away.
By Lucas Peterson
Nebraska’s largest city has a vibrant music scene, a coffeehouse that includes a church (or vice versa), and many ways to experience the American West.
By Lucas Peterson
The Asian side of the Turkish city, oft overlooked by travelers, provides plenty of charms — and a better chance to get maximum enjoyment from a minimal amount of lira.
By Lucas Peterson
It’s never fun. But there are things you can do to mitigate the pain.
By Lucas Peterson
Our columnist sets out on a road trip to take advantage of what the Irish countryside had to offer — and finds that it more than delivers on its promises.
By Lucas Peterson
The beautiful capital city of Ireland has theater, literature and music emanating from its pores. But the city is also a victim of its own success.
By Lucas Peterson
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The quirky Bay Area city has changed a lot over the years, but its particular brand of nonconformity is still on view for travelers — including those without a lot to spend.
By Lucas Peterson
The five writers who have contributed to the Frugal Traveler column over the last 25 years share stories, travel philosophies and plenty of tips.
Long Beach has a cute and compact downtown, good food, ethnic and cultural diversity, a thriving L.G.B.T. community, and some unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
By Lucas Peterson
Getting the most out of these programs can be tricky. Here’s a basic rundown of some of the more popular ones and what you can expect from them.
By Lucas Peterson
While the city certainly features a fair number of luxury options, it hasn’t lost its populist edge.
By Lucas Peterson
A sampling of the island’s beautiful vistas, ancient culture and what might be the best gelato in the world.
By Lucas Peterson
While it doesn’t attract the same kind of attention as Palermo, Catania seems to be getting ready for its moment in the spotlight.
By Lucas Peterson
The quiet neighborhood of Coyoacán captures the capital’s understated cultural soul and, in many ways, is a getaway within Mexico City itself.
By Lucas Peterson
Credit card points are generally more valuable than points or miles attached to a specific airline or hotel group. The reason? Flexibility.
By Lucas Peterson
The food is delicious. The access to natural beauty is even better.
By Lucas Peterson
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The city has all you could want — museums, green spaces, good music and exciting new restaurants — plus that distinct Midwestern friendliness.
By Lucas Peterson
An unparalleled economic powerhouse and megacity of 24 million people, the Chinese city was a frugal challenge. But it can be done (plenty of delicious dumplings helped).
By Lucas Peterson
One of the oldest cities in China proved to be one of the less expensive trips our columnist has taken in the past year.
By Lucas Peterson
Exploring one of China’s most exciting, progressive cities on a budget.
By Lucas Peterson
A handful of practical tips to help make sure your next trip to the world’s most populous country is smooth sailing from start to finish.
By Lucas Peterson
There’s always the music, of course, from the Opry to hideaways like Santa’s Pub. The food is memorable, too, including Indian-Southern fusion.
By Lucas Peterson
There is no shortage of history, sultry beauty and architectural delights. And a visit needn’t cost you much.
By Lucas Peterson
Eight tips to help keep your travel expenses nominal and your wallet fat this year.
By Lucas Peterson
Alexandria, which has reinvented itself frequently over the centuries, still delights — and provides great deals for travelers, too.
By Lucas Peterson
The Egyptian capital is as engaging as ever — and is a particularly great destination for bargain seekers.
By Lucas Peterson
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Ethiopia is one of the more exciting places to visit in the world right now: An attractive mix of ancient tradition and rapid modernization.
By Lucas Peterson
Taking a high-end itinerary in the charming South African city and, keeping its general spirit, remaking it on a more modest budget.
By Lucas Peterson
A 26-hour ride from Johannesburg to Cape Town paired perfectly with emotional visits to Joburg and Soweto.
By Lucas Peterson
Not only can the Ethiopian capital be done inexpensively, you will also find fascinating cultural landmarks, wonderful food and an almost unparalleled coffee culture.
By Lucas Peterson
Exploring Lincoln Square, Beverly and Roscoe Village as a way of rediscovering the city that played such a large part of our columnist’s childhood.
By Lucas Peterson
Not only should traveling sustainably not break the bank — it’s frequently a more enjoyable product than its nonsustainable counterpart. Some tips on how to make it happen.
By Lucas Peterson
A fishing expedition was part of a cheap getaway that centered around the states’ spectacular natural beauty — with some quality food in the mix.
By Lucas Peterson
The Rose City is full of great food, shopping and comedy — all enhanced by a legalized pot-tourism scene.
By Lucas Peterson
Through the great Polish composer, finding a deeper understanding and appreciation of a city that is an oft-overlooked gold mine for budget travelers.
By Lucas Peterson
Smaller and sometimes more out-of-the-way airports can save you a decent chunk of change and a fair amount of grief.
By Lucas Peterson
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Window-shop the high-priced stores and embrace the old-school businesses and restaurants — and maybe throw in a celebrity bus tour.
By Lucas Peterson
Enjoying the region’s rolling, campestral beauty in a three-town tour — while leaving the modest stack of pounds sterling in my pocket intact.
By Lucas Peterson
The allure of the city can be found in the work of the modernist architect, tours of which can be fueled by pintxos and an Estrella Galicia beer.
By Lucas Peterson
Go more than once, purchase tickets ahead of time and check stores for gift cards.
By Lucas Peterson
No one enjoys the process. But here is list of pointers to help keep you sailing through security as efficiently as possible, and with minimal stress.
By Lucas Peterson
Andalusia, the Sherry Triangle and the vistas of southern Portugal might be the ideal frugal corner of Europe.
By Lucas Peterson
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