Money

Here's a scene I've seen repeated more than once. A young couple stands at a tourist information center looking despondent. "Isn't there anything cheaper?" one asks. "No, and that's a good price," responds the staff person behind the desk. "You won't find anything better."

Budget travelers are in for a bit of sticker shock in northern New England, at least during peak travel seasons. In midsummer, there's simply no such thing as a cheap motel in the most popular areas, such as Winnipesaukee, southwest Vermont, Camden, or Bar Harbor. Even no-frills chain motels on the commercial strips outside of some cities can and do get $90 to $100 a night. (To be fair, many innkeepers in these northern latitudes need to reap all their profits in what amounts to a 2- or 3-month season.) To save money on accommodations, consider these alternatives:

Travel in the off season. Inexpensive rooms are often available in April, May, November, and early December. Granted, it's a bit bleak then (winter may be out the door in Apr, but it still hasn't left the driveway), but you can find good deals if you're just looking for a quiet retreat. If you'd like to spend more time exploring, consider the period between Memorial Day and Fourth of July, when you can still often find discounts or budget packages as innkeepers ready themselves for the crowds of high summer. The best "off-season" period to my mind is September. The weather is great, and many inns and hotels cut their prices for 2 or 3 weeks between the summer and foliage periods. Early fall is growing more popular with travelers each year, however, and you may find it harder to find discounts than in the past.

Commute from lower-priced areas. If you're willing to drive a half-hour to an hour to reach prime destinations, you can often find cheaper lodging in less glamorous settings. Rutland isn't far from Killington, and Bangor is within striking distance of Acadia National Park. Study a map and be creative.

Camp out. All three states offer ample camping opportunities at both public and private campgrounds, with prices ranging from about $9 to $25 per night. Because the region is relatively undeveloped, you can often find camping within a short drive of even major cities. Camping out for a few nights should also free up some cash for a much-earned splurge at a nicer spot.

The three northern New England states fall somewhere in the middle of the price range for the United States. Meals, rooms, and day-to-day expenses are certainly less than you'd pay in major non-New England cities -- for example, you can find excellent entrees at upscale, creative restaurants for under $20, compared with similar dishes at some larger-city restaurants topping $30. On the other hand, this region is more expensive than many other parts of the United States (see above about the paucity of cheap motels) and can prove a challenge for budget travelers.

ATMs

ATMs (automated teller machines) are easy to find in New England's more populated areas and in regions that cater to tourists. The machines are even making their way to the smaller villages, but don't count on finding them in the more remote parts of the region. Stock up on cash when you can. As in many locales these days, most ATMs assess a fee of about $1 or $1.50 for each transaction.

ATMs are linked to a network that most likely includes your bank at home. Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) are the two most popular networks in the U.S.; call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your four-digit PIN before you leave home, and be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM. Keep in mind that credit card companies try to protect themselves from theft by limiting the funds someone can withdraw away from home. It's therefore best to call your credit card company before you leave and let them know where you're going and how much you plan to spend. For foreign travelers, you'll get the best exchange rate if you withdraw money from an ATM, but keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at an ATM in a different city or bank. On top of this, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks are something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash accessible at any time. Traveler's checks used to be the only sound alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash. They are as reliable as currency, but, unlike cash, can be replaced if lost or stolen.

These days, traveler's checks are less necessary because most cities have 24-hour ATMs that enable you to withdraw small amounts of cash as needed. However, keep in mind that you will likely be charged an ATM withdrawal fee if the bank is not your own, so if you're withdrawing money every day, you might be better off with traveler's checks -- provided that you don't mind showing identification every time you want to cash one.

You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank. American Express offers denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and (for cardholders only) $1,000. You'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%. You can also get American Express traveler's checks over the phone by calling tel. 800/221-7282; Amex gold and platinum cardholders who use this number are exempt from the 1% fee.

Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide, as well as at several other banks. The service charge ranges between 1.5% and 2%; checks come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel. 800/223-9920 for a location near you.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are invaluable when traveling. They are a safe way to carry money and provide a convenient record of all your expenses. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at any bank (though you'll start paying hefty interest on the advance the moment you receive the cash). At most banks, you don't even need to see a teller; you can get a cash advance at the ATM if you know your PIN access number. If you've forgotten your PIN number, or didn't even know you had one, call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank to send it to you. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell them your mother's maiden name or pass some other security clearance.

Cards widely accepted in New England include American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.