Unexpected Traveling Expenses And How To Avoid Them

Traveling involves lots of expenses. Some are what you planned for, while others are unexpected expenses when you least expect them. These side expenses or additional fees make you spend above what you budgeted for.

The good news is that you can avoid them if you want to, although some are inevitable. But no matter what, you can skip most of the side expenses we face.

Below are some unexpected traveling expenses and how to avoid them:

1. Extra Baggage Fees

Extra Baggage can increase your charge fee. It might look insignificant, but it will cost you more to transport it, mostly when you are traveling with multiple airlines. Airlines always charge a fee based on the size of your baggage. They also carry limited weights and luggage sizes.

Research the weight and size of baggage you are limited to traveling with before stocking your travel bag. You should also check your ticket to see if you are permitted to travel with luggage.

2. Patio fees

A patio is a paved outdoor area adjoining a house used for dining or recreation. In Europe, it is more expensive to sit outside a restaurant.

It is very common for some places in Italy to charge you for sitting outside while drinking coffee. Even in Spain, people are charged for sitting on the patio outside rather than the one inside.

Some restaurants would indicate the additional Patio charge at the bottom of their menu. You can use sites like Yelp to check for patio, but it’s a charge.

3. Debit/Credit card fees

Debit and credit cards come with charges, too. Most banks charge non-customers. Travelers without travel cards pay more. However, some international trips incur charges for purchases.

The easiest way to avoid these extra expenses is to get a traveler’s card that covers your withdrawal or other bank transactions.

4. Emergency

An emergency can come up anytime; this is one thing you can’t skip. Traveling emergencies can arise at any time. You might fall ill or have an accident. This incident are unpredictable, you have to plan for it incase it happens.

To be safe when you travel, buy travel insurance and take preventive drugs and vaccines to avoid contracting infections.

5. Transportation

Find out what transport means are available for your location so you can plan your budget. Check if a train or metro is available, how they run their local bus, and what kind of transport facility they have. Are there private cabs? Can someone hire a motorcycle for personal use?

Make proper enquire online to avoid being stalked when you are about to travel. Be informed and know their popular and most accessible means of transportation. Also, they should ask why they use a particular means of transportation more than the rest.

ALSO, READ Common Travel Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

6. Trip cancellation

Cancelling trips is also an additional expense, although it’s not always and most times beyond your control. A lot of things might be the reason: maybe the business meeting was later postponed, bad weather conditions, a volcano eruption, a sudden landslide, altered plans, etc. These and many more are unforeseen circumstances that may lead to trip cancellation.

To avoid wasting money, ask if the airline will refund your money if the trip is canceled and also for the hotel/resort reservation you wish to book.

Some airlines, transport companies, and hotels have straightforward processes for handling such cases. You can just place a call or visit them in person if need be. While others may ask for an additional fee for rescheduling your flight, you usually pay a small fee. There are still a few that refund your ticket fee; it all depends on their traveling policies.

Hotels also have terms and conditions. Some even request an insurance fee or persuade you to buy hotel insurance if your flight is canceled. This will save you money. Make inquiries first before you book.

7. Hotel booking fees

Hotel booking also comes with extra fees at times. Some hotels add charges for services they render to you apart from the usual hotel booking fee. This might be shocking, especially when you have a specific target.

So, before you finally book, make sure you go through all the processes involved to avoid unexpected extra charges. The fees are always broken down; check the total price before you make a payment.

8. Hotel city taxes

Some places, like Europe, charge for hotel accommodation together with city taxes. This is called the “Tourist tax.” The price range differs depending on the number of persons. Most times, it’s paid when you arrive at your residence.

Instead of paying for what you never budgeted for, ask the host if they have a tourist tax fee they charge their customers.

9. Tipping

Tipping is another unexpected charge, although it’s not common. Some hotels add charges to the bill, which might alter your budget. Confirm if they add tip charges to the booking fee or to the food you buy from them.

10. Uber charges a fee

Uber charges are more expensive compared to published fares. You wouldn’t want to spend extra after making a budget for your trip. There might be an additional charge on Uber fees and even for cabs during seasons of city unrest, riots, etc. Uber and cabs can charge higher.

To avoid being a victim, ask for their tax fare. They all have a particular rate that they follow. Familiarise yourself with their charges so you won’t be scammed. Also, ask if there is a present incident that might warrant an increment. If the charge is high, then take a public transport fare like a shuttle or bus.

11. Currency Exchange

Currency exchanges charge a fee, which differs between countries. Don’t travel with your country’s conversation fee in mind only.

Use a currency exchange converter to get the exchange rate of your destination. It’s less expensive to exchange money in the location where you are traveling than doing it at your place of residence. The charge is less within the area than in other places.

ALSO, READ Fully Funded Scholarships For International Students

Originally posted 2022-04-21 11:25:08.