Road Trip from Houston to New Mexico on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: San Antonio Riverwalk
   3 hours (200 miles) from Houston

   Enjoy a stroll along the popular San Antonio Riverwalk, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Don't miss the iconic El Mercado Marketplace to pick up some souvenirs.

2. Day 2: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
   8 hours (480 miles) from San Antonio Riverwalk

   Explore the enormous underground cave system with a self-guided tour, and witness the flight of the bats at dusk from the cave's natural entrance.

3. Day 3: White Sands National Park
   4 hours (220 miles) from Carlsbad Caverns National Park

   Experience the unique landscape created by the world's largest gypsum sand dunes, and take a scenic drive through the park's loop road.

4. Day 4: Santa Fe Plaza
   3.5 hours (215 miles) from White Sands National Park

   Stroll through the historic Santa Fe Plaza, filled with shops, galleries, and museums. Don't miss the iconic St. Francis Cathedral or the iconic Loretto Chapel.

5. Day 5: Taos Pueblo
   1.5 hours (70 miles) from Santa Fe Plaza

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taos Pueblo, the oldest continually inhabited Native American community in the US. Explore the historic buildings and learn about the Native American culture.

6. Day 6: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
   7 hours (420 miles) from Taos Pueblo

   Take a scenic hike or drive through the stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas." Enjoy the incredible views and natural beauty of the canyon.

Time and Costs Estimates

• San Antonio Riverwalk (2 hours, $0-$50)
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park (4-6 hours, $15 per person)
• White Sands National Park (2-3 hours, $25 per vehicle)
• Santa Fe Plaza (3 hours, $0-$50)
• Taos Pueblo (2 hours, $16 per person)
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park (4-6 hours, $5 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: $61-$161 per person

Useful tips:

- If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the nearby Bandelier National Monument or the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
- If you have less time, consider skipping Taos Pueblo or Palo Duro Canyon State Park.