5 Unexpected Travel Expenses You Should Avoid

It is very easy to spend money on things you hadn’t budgeted for when you are on holiday. For instance, you might be compelled to buy a valuable souvenir or enjoy too many local delicacies. Whatever you do, it is an extra expense you choose to incur. If you are not careful about how you spend money while on holiday, you will end up hurting your wallet and ruin your vacation.

The best way to ensure that you do not go over your budget while on vacation is to understand the various unforeseen expenses and how to avoid them. Here are 5 of the most common unexpected travel expenses that you should avoid.

Baggage Fee

If you are flying multiple carriers during your vacation, you are likely going to experience unexpected variation in your baggage fees because different airlines have different cargo weight and size measurements. These variations might end up dilating your budget.

The best way to avoid these additional charges is to carry only the most important luggage. Do not stuff your suitcases to the brim. Also, check the weight and size prerequisites for each airline you plan to fly before you load your suitcases. You should even weigh your luggage before you head to the airport just to make sure it is not overweight.

Hotel Booking Fee

When you are booking a hotel for your accommodation, it is wise to check the available packages carefully because some unscrupulous hotels offer attractive packages with hidden costs that will only become apparent when you arrive at the hotel. For instance, many hotels do not include things like service fees and cleaning charges in their packages but they will charge you for the services.

What is more, some cities require hotels to charge tourist taxes. In most places, you will be required to pay this tax the moment you get to your hotel. So, make sure to check if the hotel you are booking has tourist taxes. Another way to avoid these surprises is to try booking the room online to see the total amount you are required to pay. Also, read online reviews and feedback from other travelers to know if the hotel is reliable.

Tipping

Some hotels will add tips to your bill automatically. This can be frustrating if the tips are more than you had budgeted for. To avoid such surprises, ask in advance if the hotel applies tips automatically. Alternatively, you can add a certain percentage of your tips to your budget for all the meals you plan to have.

Currency Exchange

Converting your money to local currencies can be very expensive. Furthermore, currency exchange shops do charge a fee for every coin you convert. This can be very shocking and frustrating if you are not well prepared. To avoid such setbacks, use an online converter beforehand to check how much it will cost you to convert your currency when you get to your destination.

Emergencies

Some emergencies can ruin your vacation if you are not prepared. For instance, you might get injured or become infected and therefore require medical attention. Since you can’t predict how serious an emergency might be, it is advisable to have a travel insurance cover. Alternatively, you should carry your credit card to help you take care of the emergencies.

These are just some of the strategies you can use to identify and minimize unexpected travel expenses where possible. Keep in mind the fact that vacations come with their share of unseen costs. Even though you should plan ahead, always give yourself some cushion just in case of unanticipated expenses.