Travel Smart & Save Money
Last March, I landed in Bangkok with $47 in my checking account.
Not ideal. Especially when I had a three-month shoot scheduled across Southeast Asia. But here’s the thing—I’d been here before. Years of traveling for film projects taught me something most travel blogs won’t tell you: the expensive mistakes aren’t the obvious ones.
It’s the $8 airport coffee. The “convenient” hotel that costs triple what a spot two metro stops away would run you. The rental car you absolutely didn’t need. Those invisible budget killers add up faster than checked baggage fees.
I’ve spent the better part of a decade flying to film sets, chasing stories, and figuring out how to stretch a production budget across continents. Not because I wanted to go broke for my art (though that happened a few times), but because I had to get creative or go home.
The Real Problem: You’re Hemorrhaging Money Before You Even Board
Most people think they’re being smart travelers. They book flights in advance. They skip the minibar. They share a hotel room.
But they’re still coming home with maxed-out credit cards and wondering what happened.
The problem isn’t that travel is expensive. It’s that nobody taught us how to spot the actual money traps. Travel companies have spent billions perfecting the art of making you spend more while feeling like you’re getting a deal.
I learned this the hard way on a shoot in Iceland. Thought I was being clever by renting the cheapest car. Didn’t realize until I got the bill that I’d been charged for “gravel insurance” (apparently all of Iceland is gravel), winter tires, airport pickup fees, and something called a “young driver surcharge” even though I was 32.
Total damage? $847 for a four-day rental. I could’ve hired a driver and still saved money.
Why This Happens: Travel Is Designed to Make You Overspend
Here’s what I’ve figured out after shooting in 30+ countries:
Travel companies profit from three things: your lack of time, your lack of knowledge, and your fear of missing out.
You’re rushed, so you take the expensive taxi instead of figuring out the metro. You don’t know the local SIM card situation, so you pay $10/day for international roaming. You’re scared you’ll miss the “authentic experience,” so you book the overpriced cooking class instead of just eating where locals eat.
The entire industry is built on information asymmetry. They know the tricks. You don’t.
Until now.
The Solution: Think Like a Local, Not a Tourist
When I’m scouting locations or prepping for a shoot, I don’t ask where tourists stay. I ask where the crew stays. The sound mixer who’s been working in the city for 20 years? He knows which neighborhood has great food, cheap rent, and isn’t crawling with pickpockets.
That’s the mindset shift.
Tourists are trying to maximize every second, spending money to save time. Locals are maximizing value—time, experience, and money.
On my last trip to Mexico City for a documentary shoot, I stayed in Roma Norte. Not the fancy hotel zone. A neighborhood Airbnb where the production assistants lived. Cost me $28/night, walking distance to incredible street food, and the local market had fresh juice for 50 cents.
Compare that to the $200/night hotel in Polanco where the executive producer stayed. Same city. Different mindset. $5,000 difference over three weeks.
How to Actually Save Money (The Stuff That Works)
Alright, enough philosophy. Let me give you the 20 strategies I’ve actually used to save thousands on the road—tested on everything from two-week film festival runs to six-month production schedules.
1. Travel During Off-Season (But Pick Shoulder Season)
Everyone says “travel off-season,” but they don’t explain the nuance.
Peak season in Paris? June through August. Prices are insane, crowds are unbearable, and every photo has 40 tourists in it.
True off-season? January and February. Hotels are cheap, but half the restaurants are closed, it’s freezing, and everything feels dead.
Shoulder season? April-May and September-October. Perfect weather, 40% cheaper, and the city actually functions.
I shot a short film in Prague during April. Hotel was $60/night instead of $180. Same room, better experience, and we could actually get reservation at restaurants without booking three weeks ahead.
Pro move: Check the local festival calendar. Sometimes “off-season” overlaps with a major event that drives prices back up. I almost booked a trip to Edinburgh in August—sounds like summer, perfect timing, right? Turns out that’s Fringe Festival. Accommodation prices quadruple.
2. Book Flights on Sunday Evening After 6 PM
This one sounds like internet folklore, but it’s backed by data.
Airlines release their inventory for the week on Monday morning. Business travelers lock in their bookings throughout the week. By Sunday evening, airlines can see which flights are undersold and adjust prices to fill seats.
I’ve saved anywhere from $80 to $300 on international flights just by waiting until Sunday evening to pull the trigger.
Tools I use: Google Flights and Hopper. Set price alerts for your route. When you get that notification on Sunday night, that’s your window.
3. Break Up Your Flights (Open-Jaw Booking)
This is straight from my film festival circuit playbook.
Instead of booking a round-trip ticket (LAX → Paris → LAX), book an open-jaw route (LAX → Paris, Berlin → LAX). Often cheaper, way more flexible, and you don’t waste time/money backtracking to your starting city.
When I was doing the European festival tour, I flew into Amsterdam, worked my way south through Belgium and France, then flew home from Barcelona. Saved $400 and added three cities to the trip.
Bonus: You can combine budget airlines in the middle. RyanAir and EasyJet have routes for like $20 if you book smart.
4. The 21-Day Booking Window Actually Works
For domestic flights, booking 21-60 days out tends to hit the sweet spot. For international, 49-80 days.
Too early? Airlines haven’t started competitive pricing yet. Too late? You’re competing with desperate travelers willing to pay whatever.
I track my flight purchases in a spreadsheet (yeah, I’m that guy), and my cheapest international bookings have all been 6-8 weeks out. Not two days before. Not six months before. Right in that window.
5. Get a Local SIM Card Immediately
First thing I do when I land? Buy a local SIM card.
International roaming will destroy you. $10/day adds up to $300 on a month-long trip. Meanwhile, a local SIM card in Thailand costs $8 and gives you unlimited data for 30 days.
I use my US phone for calls home (over WiFi), and my local SIM for everything else—maps, rideshares, restaurant recommendations.
Where to buy them: Not at the airport (markup is insane). Go to a 7-Eleven or local phone shop. In most countries, there’s one on every corner.
If you’re in Europe, check out Orange Holiday or Three—they work across multiple countries.
6. Avoid Taxis; Master Public Transit
Every city I work in, I spend the first day learning the metro system.
Sounds tedious. Saves thousands.
A taxi from JFK to Manhattan is $70+. The AirTrain + subway combo is $10.75. That’s $60 saved before you even check into your hotel.
In Tokyo for a shoot, I bought a 7-day metro pass for $28. Rode it everywhere. Local crew told me if I’d taken taxis, I’d have spent $300-400 on transport alone.
Apps that help: Citymapper, Google Maps (transit mode), and local transit apps like RATP for Paris or Suica for Tokyo.
Exception: Late at night or if you’re carrying gear. I’m not lugging camera equipment on the Bangkok metro at 11 PM. Safety first.
7. Stay in Neighborhoods, Not Tourist Districts
Hotels near landmarks are a scam.
You pay triple for the privilege of being walking distance to something you’ll visit once.
On a shoot in Rome, the producer booked a hotel near the Colosseum. €250/night. I booked an Airbnb in Trastevere, a local neighborhood 15 minutes away by tram. €60/night, surrounded by incredible restaurants, and I got to see actual Romans living their lives.
Same strategy in New York. Stay in Queens or Brooklyn, not Times Square. You’ll save $100-200/night and actually enjoy yourself.
Research hack: Look up where university students live in the city. Those neighborhoods are usually affordable, safe, and have good food options.
8. Cook One Meal a Day
Eating out three meals a day will bankrupt you.
Even on film shoots where we have a food budget, I still cook breakfast. Hotel breakfast buffets are $25-30. I can grab bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market for $8 and eat for three days.
When I was in Portugal for a month, I’d cook dinner at the Airbnb. Pasta, local vegetables, cheap wine. Cost $5-8 per meal. Eating out was $20-30 minimum.
The rule: Cook one meal, eat street food for one meal, splurge on one nice meal. Keeps costs down without feeling like you’re depriving yourself.
9. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle
This saved me probably $500 last year alone.
Bottled water in tourist areas is $3-5. Multiple that by 3-4 bottles a day over a month. That’s $300-600.
I carry a filtered water bottle (Lifestraw or Grayl). Fill it from taps, drink from fountains, stay hydrated without contributing to the plastic problem or my broke-ass budget.
Exception: Countries where tap water isn’t safe. Then I buy 5-liter jugs from grocery stores and refill from there. Still way cheaper than buying individual bottles.
10. Free Walking Tours Are Genuinely Great
I was skeptical at first. “Free” usually means bad, right?
Wrong. Free walking tours (tip-based) are often better than paid tours because the guides actually have to earn it.
I’ve done free walking tours in Berlin, Prague, Buenos Aires, and Medellín. Every single one was led by a passionate local who gave us history, context, and recommendations that no guidebook could match.
How to find them: Google “[City Name] free walking tour” or check GuruWalk, Freetour.com, or local hostels.
Tipping guide: €10-15 is standard if you enjoyed it. Still cheaper than a $50 bus tour where you learn nothing.
11. Don’t Rent a Car Unless You’re Leaving the City
Cars in cities are a nightmare. Parking is expensive, gas is expensive, and you’ll spend half your time looking for a spot.
Only rent a car if you’re doing road trips or heading to rural areas. Even then, check if trains or buses are an option.
When I shot in Scotland, I rented a car for the Highlands portion but took trains everywhere else. Saved myself the £15/day parking fees in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Alternative: Use car-sharing services like Zipcar or car rental apps for day trips. Rent only when you need it.
12. Use Credit Card Points (But Be Strategic)
Travel hacking is real, but it requires discipline.
I have three travel cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve (for flights), AmEx Gold (for food), and a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for everything else.
Points paid for my last two international flights. Not because I’m rich—because I put all my business expenses on cards that give me 3-5x points.
The trick: Pay off the balance every month. Credit card debt interest will negate any points you earn.
Where to start: Head to The Points Guy or NerdWallet for beginner guides.
13. Buy Travel Insurance (Yes, Really)
I know it feels like a waste. Until it isn’t.
On a shoot in Thailand, I got food poisoning bad enough to need a hospital. Without insurance, the bill would’ve been $3,000. With insurance? $0.
Travel insurance costs $50-100 for a two-week trip. That’s peace of mind and protection against trip cancellations, lost gear, medical emergencies, and more.
Providers I trust: World Nomads, VisitorsCoverage, and Allianz.
14. Negotiate Everything (In the Right Countries)
In Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa, negotiation is expected.
Tuk-tuk rides, market goods, street food, even some hotels—everything is negotiable.
I was in Marrakech buying spices. Vendor quoted me 200 dirham. I offered 80. We settled at 120. That’s how it works.
Exception: Don’t haggle in countries where it’s not part of the culture. Doing this in Japan or Norway will just make you look like a jerk.
15. Avoid Airport Currency Exchange
Airport exchange rates are a scam. You’re losing 10-15% automatically.
Use ATMs when you arrive. Withdraw local currency directly from your bank account. Way better rates.
Best cards for this: Charles Schwab (reimburses all ATM fees), Fidelity, or any no-foreign-transaction-fee debit card.
Pro tip: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize ATM fees.
16. Join Loyalty Programs (Even If You Travel Once a Year)
Hotels, airlines, rental car companies—they all have loyalty programs. And they’re free.
I joined Marriott Bonvoy three years ago. I’ve stayed in their hotels maybe 10 times. But those points got me three free nights in Barcelona.
The secret: Even if you don’t travel often, points accumulate over time. Sign up for everything, consolidate your bookings to a few brands, and let it build.
17. Check for Student/Senior/Military Discounts
This one’s obvious, but people forget.
Museums, trains, tours, even some restaurants offer discounts if you ask.
When I was shooting a doc in Europe, our 22-year-old PA saved us hundreds by flashing her student ID at every museum. We didn’t even think to ask. She did.
Exception: Some countries (looking at you, Europe) don’t extend senior discounts to Americans because the U.S. doesn’t reciprocate. But it’s always worth asking.
18. Travel Slow, Spend Less
The faster you move, the more you spend.
Flights, trains, buses—transportation adds up. So does constantly checking in and out of accommodations.
On longer trips, I try to stay 1-2 weeks minimum in each place. Gives me time to find the cheap spots, cook at home, and not feel rushed.
Plus, you get weekly/monthly rental discounts. A hotel that’s $80/night might offer $450/week.
19. Download Offline Maps
Google Maps lets you download entire cities for offline use.
This has saved me so many times. No data? No problem. I can still navigate, find restaurants, and avoid getting lost in a city I don’t know.
How to do it: Open Google Maps, search for the city, and tap “Download” on the city overview page.
20. Don’t Buy Travel Adapters at the Airport
$25 for a universal adapter at the airport. $10 on Amazon.
Same adapter. Different location. Massive markup.
I pack adapters before I leave. If I forget, I find a local electronics store—still cheaper than airport shops.
People Also Ask
What is the most expensive travel mistake?
The most expensive travel mistake is roaming charges and not buying local SIM cards. International data roaming costs $10-15 per day, adding up to $300-450 on a month-long trip. A local SIM card typically costs $5-15 and provides unlimited data for weeks. Second biggest mistake? Not having travel insurance—a single medical emergency abroad can cost thousands.
What is the most forgotten item when traveling?
Phone chargers are the most commonly forgotten travel item, with 34% of travelers leaving them behind. Toothbrushes and toothpaste follow closely at 22%. Other frequently forgotten items include travel adapters, medications, reusable water bottles, and portable phone chargers. Create a master packing list and check it twice before leaving.
Is $10,000 enough to travel for 6 months?
Yes, $10,000 can cover 6 months of travel if you choose budget-friendly destinations like Southeast Asia or South America. Travelers report spending $6,000-8,000 for 6 months in these regions, covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities. For expensive destinations like Western Europe or Australia, you’d need $15,000-20,000 for the same duration. Your style (hostels vs. hotels, street food vs. restaurants) makes a huge difference.
Do you have any tips for saving money while traveling?
The biggest money-savers are: (1) Travel during shoulder season for 30-40% savings, (2) Use public transportation instead of taxis—saves $50-100/day, (3) Cook one meal daily to cut food costs in half, (4) Stay in local neighborhoods instead of tourist areas, (5) Buy local SIM cards instead of using roaming, and (6) Use credit card points strategically. These six strategies alone can cut your travel costs by 50% or more.
Final Thoughts
Bangkok wasn’t the last time I’ve traveled on fumes. Probably won’t be the last either.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Smart travel isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being intentional.
You don’t need to stay in hostels or eat instant ramen to save money (though both have their place). You need to stop falling for the traps designed to extract maximum cash from tourists who don’t know better.
Every dollar you save on overpriced taxis, airport meals, and tourist trap hotels? That’s money you can spend on experiences that actually matter. The cooking class with the grandmother in Oaxaca. The dive trip to that remote island. The extra week you get to spend somewhere because you’re not bleeding cash.
Travel is expensive. But it doesn’t have to bankrupt you.
Pack light. Think local. And for the love of all that’s holy, buy your SIM card at 7-Eleven.
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About the Author:
Trent Peek is a filmmaker specializing in directing, producing, and acting. He works with high-end cinema cameras from RED and ARRI and also values the versatility of cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema.
His recent short film “Going Home” was selected for the 2024 Soho International Film Festival, highlighting his skill in crafting compelling narratives. Learn more about his work on [IMDB], [YouTube], [Vimeo], and [Stage 32].
In his downtime, he likes to travel (sometimes he even manages to pack the right shoes), curl up with a book (and usually fall asleep after two pages), and brainstorm film ideas (most of which will never see the light of day). It’s a good way to keep himself occupied, even if he’s a bit of a mess at it all.
P.S. It’s really weird to talk in the third person
Tune In: He recently appeared on the Pushin Podcast, sharing insights into the director’s role in independent productions.
For more behind-the-scenes content and project updates, visit his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@trentalor.
For business inquiries, please get in touch with him at trentalor@peekatthis.com. You can also find Trent on Instagram @trentalor and Facebook @peekatthis.
