Meet Lucas Peterson: New York Times Frugal Traveler's Expert Budget Travel Tips
Budget travel doesn't mean enduring noisy dorms or cramped overnight buses. Lucas Peterson, The New York Times' Frugal Traveler and renowned budget expert, emphasizes maximizing memorable experiences at the best possible prices.
With the release of our new book The Best Things in Life are Free, we spoke with this savvy globetrotter about his top money-saving hacks, the value of tourist hotspots, and even how a giant fish forever changed his love for childhood spaghetti.
Where was your last trip?
My last trip was to Russia, visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg for a work assignment.
Where is your next trip?
I'm not set yet—trips often come together last-minute—but I'm eyeing Central and South America.
What is your first travel-related memory?
My parents took me to Italy at age four. I recall buying seed from elderly ladies in Rome's St. Peter's Square to feed pigeons that landed on my hand. Looking back, it was unhygienic, but thrilling at the time.
My favorite food then was plain spaghetti with red sauce. One evening in Rome, a restaurant served a massive plate topped with a giant fish—a traumatic twist that ruined it for me.
Aisle or window seat?
Aisle for me—I'm tall. On long flights, window works if I stock up on essentials and settle in.
Do you have any travel habits or rituals?
I underpack drastically, often unintentionally as a last-minute packer. It means buying toiletries or socks en route—not ideal for a pro traveler.
Favourite city or country or region?
None stands out. Every destination offers unique adventures and personal connections that defy ranking.
What does budget travel mean to you?
It's not about rock-bottom prices like multi-stop budget flights or $1 dives. Comfort matters for enjoyment. I show readers how to access exceptional experiences affordably.
Travel is often called elitist, but prioritize it, and it's accessible. A friend skipped a $250 trip for $250 sunglasses—travel first changes everything.
Is there a standout budget destination in your mind?
Bulgaria impressed me recently. With its stunning Black Sea coast, low costs, and few tourists, it could be next after Prague and Croatia's booms.
What is your best hack for saving money on the road?
Use portals like Priceline for last-minute deals on popular routes—airlines and hotels fill empty seats at great discounts.
Is there anything you simply refuse to pay for while travelling?
Hotel Wi-Fi. I'll seek free alternatives, even if inconvenient.
What are you most likely to splurge on while travelling?
Street food delights me. For fine dining on a budget, bar seating at Michelin spots offers the same quality via shorter menus at lower prices.
What is your best or worst travel souvenir?
A beautiful hookah from Syria years ago.
What is the best or worst piece of travel advice you’ve received?
‘Always say yes’—with common sense. Seize novel opportunities.
What’s your biggest travel fail?
At 16, as a Dutch exchange student, I bused to Prague without my passport. Detained at the German-Czech border, I spent a day in jail watching a fingerless officer clean his gun. Lesson learned: always carry ID.
What advice would you give a first-time traveller?
Visit tourist sites. Icons like the Eiffel Tower draw crowds for their beauty and significance—don't skip them.
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