I’m a Travel Agent: Here’s What Most People Overpay For on Vacations
Written by
Lydia Kibet
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Vacations are meant to help you relax and recharge. But many travelers come home and realize how much they have overspent, causing regret. In many cases, overspending often comes with small decisions people make before and during travel.
GOBankingRates spoke to Tamara Lidbom, owner of Anytime Travel Agency, who said that many vacationers overspend on the same handful of things, often without realizing it until after the trip. Here are the five common things people overpay on almost every vacation.
Currency Exchange Fees
This catches many people off guard. You’ve arrived at your dream destination country and remember you need the local currency. That’s how you end up paying currency exchange fees at foreign ATMs, which you could have done for free from your bank before traveling.
“Currency fees are a big one for anyone traveling abroad. If you wait to exchange your dollars for another currency at the airport, you will end up paying fees,” Lidbom said. “So many people lose money because they did not order the currency they need from their bank before they go on vacation.”
Transportation and Parking Fees
Getting from the airport to your hotel may seem like a small part of the trip, but transportation costs can add up quickly, especially if you don’t plan beforehand. There’s airport parking, taxis or last-minute shuttle bookings.
“Travelers spend way too much on transportation and parking fees to get to their hotel once they arrive in the country they are visiting,” she said. “Plan your parking in advance so you don’t have to park at the airport. Depending on where you travel, you might want to take a cab to your hotel or book a shuttle.”
In some destinations, public transportation can be a far more affordable option. Make sure you do your research in advance.
Hidden Hotel Fees
Many people don’t read the fine print for the hotel they plan to stay at and end up upset when they realize that their stay is way more expensive than advertised. Many hotels add extra charges such as resort fees, parking fees or other charges that can increase the cost of your stay.
“You can’t avoid hotel fees, but you can spot them in advance and find a different hotel with similar amenities and fewer fees,” Lidbom noted. “Most travel overpayments are due to a lack of planning. Planning can significantly lower your travel costs.”
Buying Essential Toiletries in a Tourist Area
We are humans, and forgetting to pack some items is normal. However, basic toiletries are very expensive at hotel shops or convenience stores in tourist areas.
“If you need to buy essential toiletries at the hotel or a nearby store in a tourist area, you will overpay. Pack toiletries and sunscreen in your suitcase before you leave,” according to Lidbom. “Don’t waste your money on things you can easily buy at home.”
And if you tend to forget things, packing essentials weeks before travel can help reduce such unnecessary expenses.
Last-Minute Flight Bookings
This is probably the most expensive mistake most travelers make. They wait until the last minute to book flights with hopes of snagging great deals and end up paying more.
“Last-minute flight bookings remain one of the biggest wastes of money for travelers. Book it six months to a year in advance,” Lidbom said. “The chances of stumbling on a super good last-second deal are slim to none.”
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