The benefits of travel are manifold. Whether youre going on a multi-country adventure or getting some R&R at the beach, theres real value to unplugging from everyday life, connecting with new people and enjoying a change of scenery.

But what people arent always sure about is the monetary value of the experience.

I think theres an assumption that travel has to be expensive because until fairly recently it has been more of a luxury and certainly more expensive, said Katie McIntosh, a travel blogger and creator of The Katie Show . While its a privilege and still requires some money-saving dedication, the cost has been significantly reduced now that we have access to many different price-checking websites, apps, and platforms.

Indeed, there are lots of ways to cut down on costs as you plan a trip some more effective than others. Below, McIntosh and other experts share their favorite hacks for saving money when they travel.

Rethink your default airport

It makes perfect sense that when booking a vacation, youll select to depart from your nearest airport, but its worth comparing prices first, said Blake Walsh, a travel expert at Travel Lens . Vacation costs can differ when traveling from different airports, so carry out some research to see if you can save money by flying from an airport which isnt as close to where you live.

If you live in Miami, for example, you might find cheaper options if you expand your search beyond Miami International Airport and look at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as well. Similarly, if youre a New Jersey resident, you might have better luck flying out of Philadelphia than Newark.

While you may have to drive a little extra, flight prices could be hundreds of dollars cheaper at the next-closest airport, said Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer .

Find a local car service

Pre-planning things as much as possible is a great way to save costs, said Laura Ratliff, senior editorial director at TripSavvy . For instance, while I used to rely mainly on big global rideshare services in most cities, now I take a few extra minutes to find a local car service wherever I go.

Think about how many Uber s or Lyfts you take during a typical vacation and how those costs add up. Compare their prices with other ride options, and you might be able to save a significant amount of money on a trip. Ratliff noted that local car services have other benefits.

Many of them are cheaper, have nicer vehicles, and offer services like pre-scheduled, in-person airport pickups, which can be handy when youre struggling with lots of luggage or arriving late and want the reassurance that you can safely get to your hotel, Ratliff said.

Prioritize free parking

Whether youre driving your own car or renting one, dont overlook the related costs that can add up like parking.

If I have a rental car, I look for a hotel that offers free parking for guests, said travel blogger and TV host La Carmina . Otherwise, the hotel parking rate can cost you $40-50 a day.

She also tries to choose a hotel thats within walking distance of great food and amenities to cut down on transit time and gas costs.

When I was in Miami with a rental car, I stayed at AC Dadeland Hotel because it is connected to an upscale mall and has plenty of free parking, which checked off all these boxes, she noted.