When you want to explore the country, money shouldn’t keep you from going places. With so many easy ways to shave off costs from even the biggest of trips, you can go wherever you want without putting a dent in your wallet. To help you travel smart, here are some hacks for booking excellent lodging and authentic experiences for cheap.

Top 5 Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel

1. Be Flexible

Instead of picking specific dates and times to fly, stay flexible. By traveling on a Tuesday instead of your planned Saturday, for example, you’ll save hundreds of dollars on airfare alone. Hotels also offer more affordable rooms when they have more vacancy, saving you money in that aspect as well.

2. Consider Driving

Airplane tickets cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. This means that the price of filling up the tank a few times will almost always be lower than flying. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy all the sights and sounds of a road trip as you progress toward the destination, making the ride a vacation of its own.

3. Look for Lodging with Amenities

Get the best value out of staying at a hotel by finding one that offers amenities you’ll use. For example, you can save by staying at an accommodation that offers free airport shuttles so you don’t have to rely on rideshares, taxis, or rental cars. Look for an option that also offers free breakfast, which will prepare you for a busy day at no cost to you.

4. Select Lesser-Known Locales

Between airfare, lodging, and dining, visiting high-traffic destinations can quickly add up. If you travel to a smaller town in the area you want to visit, you’ll find less expensive places to stay and eat. These also offer more authentic experiences, free of crowding and tourist traps.

5. Go Slow

Flights and high-speed trains can be much more expensive than slower methods of ground transport, like buses and commuter rail. This will save you money while allowing you to lay back and enjoy the ride, putting you in the mood for touring the location.

If you’re traveling to New Mexico, stay at Stevens Inn in Eddy County, NM, to enjoy their luxurious lodgings. With 200 rooms plus gathering spaces for groups of up to 250 people, they can accommodate everyone from single travelers to corporate groups. They also offer a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and high-speed internet to let you make the most of your stay. Find information about their rooms on their website, or call (575) 887-2851 to book your trip.