Ten Expenses Often Overlooked by Travelers

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When planning your next trip make sure to remember these Ten Expenses Often Overlooked by Travelers.

Last week I shared with you some ways on how to get the most out of your travel budget. When planning future travels there are certain costs that can easily be forgotten because they aren’t the main components of the trip.

I was reminded of this fact a couple of years ago. Derek and I were talking about a trip to Florida that was coming up. We were trying to figure out which pieces of luggage to take with us. We then started talking about how we were getting to the airport. I realized that although it had been sitting in the back of my mind, I hadn’t really contemplated the cost.

You would think that a travel professional would remember to account for something like that, but I didn’t. Each trip is different and in the craziness of everyday life, it’s easy to forget tiny details until the last minute. So, today I’m sharing with you Ten Expenses Often Overlooked by Travelers.

Luggage Fees

This is something you have to consider if you’re taking a long trip. You may not be able to get by with just a carry–on. Research your airline’s luggage requirements ahead of time. Prepay luggage fees to save money in the long run, there’s a good chance it’ll be more at the airport.

Don’t think you’re in the clear if you’re bringing just a carry–on. Some of the budget airlines and even some of the budget economy fares being offered by the major airlines do not include your carry on and may charge a fee for that, too.

Derek and I were lucky with our Florida trip. We grabbed a great fare with Southwest, who still offers two free checked bags per passenger!

Transportation between Your Home and the Airport

Are you unable to convince a friend or family member to take you to the airport? More than likely you are too courteous to ask for a ride to the airport at five in the morning, but you need to figure out a way to get there. There are taxis, Uber, and depending on where you live, even subways or trains.

If you rather drive yourself, then take into consideration the cost of long-term parking. Driving a long distance to the airport and need a pre-night stay? Some hotels offer packages that allow you to leave your car behind.

Google airport parking near your departure airport, there are some companies that specialize specifically in that. You can park your car near the airport for less money, have use of a shuttle, and know that your car is in a safe place with security.

You may also find sites that work with local hotels that offer parking on their properties for a fee. This was the most budget-friendly option for our last trip and it worked out very well for us.

This is an expense that you really need to research before departure so you’ll know the best option for you. Any offsite parking options usually require a reservation ahead of time.

Tips

Gratuity is a travel expense that is often forgotten. I’m not talking about restaurants, more like tipping the concierge and housekeeping at your hotel. If you’re going on a cruise, they now offer the option to prepay the tips. Just remember that is not included in the total cost of the cruise unless you ask it to be.

Tipping customs also vary from country to country. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to research what the tipping customs are for the countries that you’ll be traveling in.

Pet Sitter

Sometimes when you’re excited about an upcoming trip, you forget about who’s going to take care of Fido and Whiskers. Some people are lucky enough to have friends or family members take care of them, others aren’t as lucky.

Take the time to research local sitters, it may be a cheaper option than boarding them and will make your fur babies a lot more comfortable. Of course with cats, you can generally go away for a weekend and not have to worry too much about them. If it’s for a longer trip then you should probably look for a sitter. Check out sites like Angie’s List for recommendations or your vet office might even have some possibilities for you.

Coffee and Snacks

It’s very easy to spend a small fortune on beverages and snacks when traveling, especially at the airport. You can save some money by bringing your own snacks. Bring an empty water bottle to fill up at the water fountain once you get past security. If you’re like me though and have to get your coffee fix when traveling, make sure you allot for that in your budget.

Transaction and Currency Exchange Fees

One of the downsides to traveling internationally is the cost of currency exchange. If you’re using a credit or debit card then you’ll have transaction fees to worry about. Most banks charge about three percent for each transaction. If you’re sticking with cash then there’s the exchange fee. Do some research on what fees your banks charge and know to keep that in mind for your spending budget.

Resort Fees and Hotel Parking

Depending on your destination, some resorts charge fees that have to be paid in cash upon arrival. It’s imperative to look into this, especially if you’re planning to stay at a resort in destinations like Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Florida.

Some of the larger luxury hotels and resorts may also charge you for parking, especially if it’s located in a large city like New York or Boston. You may also want to check and see if they charge for Wi-Fi too.

ATM Fees

If you’re staying stateside and bank with one of the larger banking institutions, then chances are you’ll be able to find a branch to withdraw some cash at an ATM. However, if you don’t or are traveling internationally, then you need to keep in mind how much those ATM fees are going to cost you. They can certainly add up quickly, especially if it’s $5 per withdrawal.

Tolls

This has happened to me before. You’re traveling in an unfamiliar area, and then what is that you see ahead? A toll booth! You quickly start searching for any loose change you can find! It’s always a good idea to keep some extra change and cash on you for instances just like this. If you have an EZ Pass, you may want to research your route since it’s accepted in eighteen states right now.

Unknown Expenses

Even the best planners can forget things whether it’s a toothbrush or shampoo. It’s a good idea to add a buffer to the spending budget for unexpected expenses like that.

I hope this list of Ten Expenses Often Overlooked by Travelers will help you with the planning details of your upcoming trip and keep you from having a few stressful situations on the road. Do some other travel expenses come to mind that aren’t on this list? Feel free to leave them in the comments section!

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