When travelling, it's easy to go over budget. It could be for that last-minute souvenir or because you had one too many drinks at dinner one night. Whatever it is, these are extra expenses that you chose to pay for, so what happens when you don't expect them? Those pesky hidden fees can put a serious dent in your wallet and cause your vacation to be ruined.
Here are a few examples of unexpected travel costs and what you can do to avoid them.
Baggage Charges
Baggage fees can be confusing, especially if you're flying with multiple airlines. They all have different weight and size requirements that, if not met, can cost you a lot of money.
Find out the weight and size requirements for each airline you'll be flying before packing your suitcase to the brim. Also, double-check your ticket to ensure that luggage is included. Budget airlines and tickets don't always come with free checked luggage or even a carry-on!
Hotel Reservation Charges
You find the ideal hotel in the ideal location at a price that is within your budget. You return to buy the room, but as you check out, you notice the hotel has added "service" and "cleaning" fees, making the total price higher than you expected.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, proceed as if you were actually booking the room, all the way to the point where payment is required. Don't enter any payment information, but make a note of the total cost. You will be shown the total amount due, including all fees.
Hotel City Taxes
In some places, such as Europe, lodgings will levy a city tax. This is referred to as the tourist tax. This could be anything from 2 euros per person to a percentage of the total bill. This is usually paid when you arrive at your lodging, and I was frequently asked to pay only in cash. Don't be a fool; simply ask your hotel or host if there are any additional tourist taxes or fees, and how much they will cost.
Debit/Credit Card Charges
Non-members face fees because there are thousands of different banks around the world. You'll almost certainly have to pay ATM or withdrawal fees if you don't have a travel card. Some cards may even charge you a small percentage for each purchase if you're travelling internationally.
The best way to avoid these fees is to have a travel card that reimburses them or one that can be used worldwide with no ATM or purchase fees.
Remember to notify your bank whenever you travel out of the country to avoid having your card declined or worse, eaten up by a machine.
Roaming charges
We're glued to our phones and want to be able to use them anywhere. However, this isn't always possible when travelling.
To avoid hefty bills when you get home, turn off roaming on your cellphone. When possible, use Wi-Fi or consider purchasing a SIM card at your destination.
Patio Charges
In the EU, sitting down or sitting outside at a restaurant is frequently more expensive. It is common practice in Italy to charge for sitting and drinking coffee. If we wanted to sit outside on the patio rather than inside, we were frequently charged an extra fee in Spain.
The additional charge is usually noted at the bottom of the menu or on a sign. If you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask or look it up on a website like Yelp.
Uber/Cab Charges
There could be additional charges for the taxi ride from the airport. This mostly applies to Uber, but it can also happen to Cabs in times of unrest in a country. During the Paris strikes, for example, cab scammers charged up to 150 euros to get into the city from the airport. Uber will raise ride prices during peak hours.
To avoid overpaying for a taxi, be aware that there are flat rates for taxis that must be adhered to. To avoid being taken advantage of, become familiar with these rates. If Uber prices are prohibitively expensive, consider using public transportation such as the metro, bus, or shuttle.
Currency Exchange
I had no idea how expensive currency conversion could be on my first trip abroad. Currency exchange places usually charge a fee for their services, which adds to the overall cost.
To ensure you're getting the best rate, use a currency converter. It is also frequently less expensive to exchange money in your destination country than it is to do so before your trip at home.
Emergency Situations
When you're on vacation, the last thing you want to think about is an emergency, but it's something we have to consider. If you travel frequently, accidents can and will inevitably occur.
Purchase travel insurance for each trip or keep a credit card on hand in case of an accident to ensure you're covered.
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