Planning and budgeting for your upcoming trip is one of the most integral parts of your vacation because most of your activities will revolve around your final budget. Everyone knows the main expenses you plan for on your trip, such as airfare, accommodations, entertainment, and food and drinks. But what about those hidden travel expenses that always seem to crop up when you least expect?
Here are some common travel expenses you might forget to budget for.
Bank Fees
Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee each time you use your debit or credit card in another country. The fees are about 3%, which can add up if you make a lot of purchases using your card. You can avoid these bank fees by looking for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Another option is to convert your cash to the local currency.
Wi-Fi & Data Roaming Charges
Another travel expense you might not consider is having to pay for Wi-Fi or data roaming charges for your mobile phone. To avoid this, turn your phone on airplane mode and use free Wi-Fi when available. If free Wi-Fi is not available, consider purchasing a plan for mobile internet access service through a company such as Verizon or Boingo.
Cruise Expenses
While most things on your cruise are included in your fare, there are some expenses on a cruise you might not think about. For most cruises, you will have to pay out of pocket for amenities such as spa services, shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. And if you plan on dining at the ship’s premium restaurants as opposed to the dining rooms, in many cases you will pay a surcharge. Lastly, it is customary to tip your room steward on your cruise, so you should budget approximately $10 – $12 per person per day for gratuities. Learn more about cruise line beverage packages 2021.
Parking
If you are driving, you may have to pay parking fees depending on where you are staying. Some hotels may charge a fee for parking, or you may have to pay parking or valet fees at some of your planned activities. The best way to avoid unexpected expenses is to research your destination for the best parking options.
Transportation Expenses
Whether you are using public transportation, taxis, or a service like Uber and Lyft to get around, you will have transportation expenses at your destination. If you will be using a lot of public transit, find out if you can purchase a daily or weekly transit pass to keep expenses down.
Vaccinations
Some countries require you to have certain vaccinations in order to travel there. The most common required vaccinations are for polio, yellow fever, and malaria. Be sure to research if vaccinations are required at your destination and plan for those expenses.
Baggage Fees
Another hidden travel expense is airline baggage fees. Depending on the airline, you may have to pay a fee for your checked baggage. Also, check the weight limits for your luggage so you can avoid paying any overage fees.
Local Taxes & Fees
Certain cities– Venice for example– have instituted a daily “tourist tax” to enter the city. As of 2019, tourists must pay €3 to enter Venice. Dubai charges 7 to 20 AED per day depending on the category of hotel you are staying in. And cities like Paris & Dubai, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Rome charge a “city tax” to be added on to your hotel bill. In London, there is a “London congestion charge” of £11.50 per day to drive your vehicle in certain parts of the city during peak times.
Travel Companion Expenses
This doesn’t normally apply to couple unless they are each paying their own way, but when traveling in a group, it’s easy to get stuck with a bill for food, or having to cover more than your share of a bill, when someone traveling with you doesn’t have exact change. It’s best to try to plan in advance, but if we realize that not everything can be accounted for in advance, so consider tracking the expenses during the trip so that you can settle up at the end. Read our blog Best Apps to Split Travel Expenses.
