7 unexpected hidden fees to avoid when travel planning
Get a travel-friendly credit card so you don’t get hit with hidden fees at the ATM — Photo courtesy of RgStudio / E+
When planning a trip, it’s easy to dream big. However, hidden costs can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. As a travel journalist, I’ve had my fair share of unexpected expenses and hidden fees. Learn from my mistakes and watch out for these hidden costs when traveling. Here are seven of the most overlooked.
Foreign transaction fees
Using a credit card to pay for meals, excursions, and souvenirs is easy and convenient. Plus, if you use a credit card to cover vacation expenses, you don’t need to worry about finding ATMs or losing cash. But before you whip out your credit card on a trip, look closely to see if your bank charges foreign transaction fees.
These fees typically cover converting a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. If you aren’t careful, you might be hit with a fee every time you swipe. These fees can add up quickly.
Luckily, there is a workaround. Many credit cards geared toward travelers don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Even if you pay an annual fee, the savings can quickly outweigh the cost. I use a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees when I travel abroad. Even though I pay an annual fee for the card, it’s under $100, and the savings easily outweigh the costs. One of the best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees is the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Roaming fees
Avoid roaming fees by checking your cell phone plan before traveling — Photo courtesy of Oleh_Slobodeniuk / E+
Even if you are going on vacation to disconnect, chances are you don’t want to stay totally off the grid. Before taking off on your next adventure, check your cell phone plan to see if it covers service wherever you go. If it doesn’t, roaming charges can add up quickly.
To save, you may want to switch to a more comprehensive plan, even if it’s just for a month or two. Some cell phone plans allow you to add international service for an extra daily charge. However, these charges can add up fast, especially on longer trips.
Another option is getting a local SIM card for your trip, which I usually use to stay connected. With many phones, you can use an eSim with a local number and data plan when not connected to Wi-Fi, but use your number when you are on Wi-Fi.
I have a budget cell phone plan that doesn’t offer international service. I use Airalo to purchase international eSIMs to stay connected without spending a fortune. Many eSIMs can be activated for a few days or up to a month, depending on your needs. On an extended trip to Iceland, I spent about $30 for a month’s coverage. On a short trip to the Bahamas, I spent under $10 for two days of coverage.
Excess rental car costs
Read the small print before signing a car rental agreement — Photo courtesy of mixetto / E+
Renting a car is often a necessary expense when traveling. However, it’s essential to read the fine print to know exactly how much you will pay for a set of wheels at your destination.
Many car rental companies charge additional fees for renting a car at the airport. A workaround is to find a rental agency nearby. The savings may make the extra trip worthwhile even if you need an Uber to pick up your car. Some car rental companies charge extra for adding a driver and for drivers under 25. Look into these fees before signing on the dotted line.
Another hidden cost of renting a car is gas. In some places, gas can be much more expensive than you are used to at home. A quick look at average gas prices at your destination can help avoid sticker shock. Recently, I was close to renting a car in Europe but decided not to once I realized gas would cost nearly triple what I was used to paying. Filling the tank before returning a rental car is also advisable since many companies charge exorbitant fees if the tank isn’t topped off.
Moreover, many rental car companies require their drivers to carry insurance. If you own your car, your existing plan may offer coverage, but it’s important to confirm this ahead of time. I always use a travel credit card with additional car rental insurance.
Vacation rental cleaning fees
Staying in an Airbnb or other vacation home can be a good value. However, watch the bottom line. Many vacation rentals tack on hefty cleaning fees that may not be clear until you are ready to check out.
While the idea of staying in a vacation home appeals to me, on a couple of occasions, I’ve opted to stay in a hotel instead because vacation rental cleaning fees cost as much as staying an additional night, and I wanted to stretch my dollars.
Hotel amenity fees
Before booking a hotel, know how amenity fees are factored into the total cost of your room — Photo courtesy of Anchiy / iStock Via Getty Images
Some hotels have fantastic amenities, including pools, gyms, and rooftop decks. Many guests use some of these amenities daily, while others don’t.
Whether you plan on using hotel amenities or not, the resort may still charge an amenities fee or resort fee on top of your nightly rate. These fees are typically charged for each night of your stay and can add up quickly.
After being surprised by fees well over $100 for relatively short hotel stays, I started paying attention to the fine print before booking a hotel and factoring amenities fees into the total cost of a stay before booking. I also consider whether I will use any of the amenities I will pay for before booking a hotel. I don’t like paying a fee to use a pool when I have no intention of swimming during my stay, but I’m often willing to pay a little more for amenities to make my stay more enjoyable.
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Hidden cruise costs
Understand what’s included in your base price for that dream cruise — Photo courtesy of Rawpixel / iStock Via Getty Images
Cruises are fantastic vacations where almost everything you need is covered. Most cruise lines include access to several restaurants, professional shows, games, pools, port stops, and more. During a recent trip on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, I was impressed by how much there is to do without spending additional money on board.
However, I realized that several extras can make your trip even better. Many first-time cruisers do not realize what is not included in the base price before they board. It’s important to look into these extras ahead of time so that you can budget appropriately.
If you must work during your cruise, some extras, including Wi-Fi, might be necessary rather than a bonus. When it comes to food and beverages, many cruises include water and coffee all day and fountain drinks with meals. However, alcoholic beverages usually cost more.
The best cruise ships also offer premium dining on board at an additional cost. Moreover, most cruises don’t include excursions in ports when the ship docks. Although having a great cruise without leaving the ship is possible, excursions are a great way to see somewhere new.
Tips are another hidden cost of cruising. The staff aboard many cruise lines depends on tips. Some cruise lines include tips in their base price, while others don’t. It’s important to factor in tips as part of your cruise expenses.
I looked at the bottom line for a recent cruise to factor in the cost of adding the internet, a drink package, tips, and excursions. If I hadn’t considered these costs beforehand, I would probably have been surprised by an unexpected bill at the end of my week at sea.
Parking fees
Whether traveling by land or air, you must park your car somewhere. Parking fees at the airport are higher than most garages. Similarly, hotels often charge high rates for parking on-site during a stay. It’s easy to overlook parking fees when planning a trip, even though parking can be expensive.
When I travel, I consider whether taking an Uber to the airport is cheaper than paying for parking. Similarly, I often opt to stay in areas where I can park on the street instead of paying high hotel parking lot fees.
