4 Overlooked Travel Costs You Should Budget for This Summer
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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With summer only a few short months away, you’ve probably started planning your travel itinerary. Organizing a trip is no easy feat. Not only do you need to consider destination, transportation and lodging, but you also need to ensure you stay within your budget.
Despite all the hard work you put into planning your trip, there may be some costs you forget to consider that can throw a wrench into your budget. Consider these often-overlooked costs before you travel, so you aren’t met with surprises when you’re on summer vacation.
Baggage Fees
If you’re flying to your destination, don’t forget to check your airline’s baggage fees. Some airlines charge for checked bags or only allow carry-on luggage for certain fare classes. If you don’t look into these things beforehand, you may find yourself at the check-in counter or the gate paying extra money just as your trip starts.
On top of regular baggage fees, airlines typically charge more for overweight items. If you don’t leave extra room in your luggage for souvenirs, you may pay more to check your bag on the way back from your trip.
Trip Add-Ons
Don’t forget there’s more to a trip than just the expense of getting and staying there. If you want to take a tour or an excursion, it’s going to cost you extra.
To help keep your budget in check, look into free tours that cities may offer or online guided tours you can do on your own.
Cell Phone Fees
Traveling abroad this summer? Depending on where you’re headed, your wireless service plan provider will probably charge you more for a data plan in another country.
Be sure to call before you leave to set up your international plan and figure out the fees before you’re stuck without service in a foreign country.
Foreign Exchange and Transactions Fees
Another one for international travelers is foreign exchange and transaction fees.
If you’re paying with credit cards, be sure to check if your card includes foreign transaction fees, as you’ll be charged each time you use your card abroad.
You may not want to rely on credit cards to pay everywhere you go and should have some foreign currency in case you need it. There are fees for exchanging your local currency for foreign currency. It’s a good idea to check the exchange rate beforehand and look into the best ways to exchange your money. You may find some airport exchange kiosks available, but these are notorious for charging high fees, so it pays to plan ahead.
Local Transportation
You’ve booked your flights, but have you considered the cost of traveling around your destination? You may need to rent a car, which would add additional fees. If you plan on relying on cabs or hired vehicles, factor in the cost, including tips.
Keep these overlooked costs in mind when planning your summer trip, so you won’t be surprised by unexpected expenses while trying to enjoy your time away.
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