Regardless of the means of transportation, price shock will undoubtedly come to you when you travel this summer. You’ll feel the squeeze somewhere, whether it’s higher airline fees or the risk of an increase in petrol prices. The fact that these upfront fees do not account for the additional, unanticipated costs associated with your trip—whether domestic or international—does not help, though. In this article, we’ll look at 10 travel costs you should keep in mind when you prepare your trip budget for the summer vacation season. We will also take into account some strategies for reducing these unforeseen expenses.
1. Baggage Fee
Depending on the airline you fly with and how many bags you check, baggage costs might be anywhere from $0 to over $100. In contrast to other airlines, Southwest Airlines does not charge for your first or second checked bag. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that your luggage doesn’t exceed the weight limits, which vary by airline. You may be fined an overweight bag tax of $100 to $200 if your bag weighs more than what is permitted. It is a smart and affordable decision to invest in a portable luggage scale to ensure that you don’t go over weight restrictions.
2. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can save you a lot of money if your trip is abruptly cancelled, even though it may not be at the top of your vacation to-do list. Travel insurance not only pays for your trip if you become sick or hurt, but the majority of insurance plans also offer choices to cover medical expenses. This could be crucial if you’re traveling abroad because your regular health insurance could not cover international medical expenses.
3. Currency Exchange
The most expensive option and unanticipated travel expense when traveling internationally is to exchange money once you arrive at your destination. For instance, the exchange rate offered by an airport currency exchange kiosk might be greater than the rate offered by your local bank before your trip. There might also be unstated costs. Before boarding an international flight, consider if you can convert some of your dollars to another currency at your bank to save money.
4. Emergencies
Unexpected emergencies can occur when traveling, of course. As we previously indicated, travel insurance may be able to reimburse you in certain circumstances, but what happens if you don’t buy travel insurance or your circumstance isn’t covered? Budgeting a little extra, especially for emergency scenarios, is a wise move to do to prepare for potential occurrences. You might misplace your wallet, for instance. It would be a big relief to know you have some extra cash in your duffel bag. The amount of extra cash you bring is entirely up to you and is determined by a variety of factors, including the distance and length of your trip.
5. Cellular Expenses
We need to be able to use our phones everywhere we go because we are always connected to them. It’s not always viable to do this though when traveling. To save money when you get home on exorbitant bills, turn off roaming on your telephone. When Wi-Fi is available, use it; otherwise, consider getting a SIM card when you are there. In my post on using your phone abroad, I go over how to do this and other tips.
6. Transportation
Any vacation that takes you away from home will require you to take care of three basic needs: a place to sleep, a place to eat, and a way to get from one to the other. While almost every trip requires more than just three, failing to plan for even one of them will guarantee a miserable trip. Especially with the popularity of destination resorts growing, where guests do not need to leave the premises to remain protected, well-fed, and entertained, transportation is frequently neglected. Travelers looking to experience more than one resort’s idea of the perfect vacation will discover quickly that transportation can make or break a special trip and can significantly affect the overall cost of that trip.
7. Souvenirs
Unless you unforeseen find something, you want that is significantly more expensive than a t-shirt, buying souvenirs for yourself might not be an unexpected vacation expense. The number of gifts you decide to buy for friends and family back home can surprise you. The amount you spend on gifts for children or grandkids who are going with you could be another unforeseen travel expense. You can prepare ahead of time by setting aside a budget for “play money” to use for presents and mementos.
8. Food Expenses
Typically, we only take into account how to get there, the trip itself, and how to come home when making travel plans and budgets. We frequently overlook the importance of eating both on the way to our destination and on the way back. These meals are typically consumed on the go at eateries, airports, or drive-through windows, and the expenditures quickly mount. When you can, bring snacks and meals with you to save money, and try to avoid eating at popular tourist destinations where food is expensive.
9. Trip Cancellation
Anything might occur at any time. There is a potential that a trip you have booked will be canceled. Always make sure to reserve a trip only if you are positive that you can go on it. It will relieve a lot of your stress and save you a lot of money.
10. Visa Costs
Along with departure fees, you can also have to pay visa fees, which are determined by how long you intend to stay in a certain nation. If you are taking a long journey, be sure you have these costs budgeted and paid for. Make careful to include transportation costs to and from the local embassy if you find that you must travel there to complete these activities. My acquaintance, who is now in China, had to go to three different embassies to get her visa. Sadly, the stress the task causes cannot be quantified.
The Takeaway
When you travel, especially if you’re going abroad, you may incur a number of unforeseen travel charges. You need to be ready for anything, from luggage fees to emergencies, and doing some study beforehand can wind up saving you a significant sum of money. Understanding these typical costs can enable you to better plan your budget and maximize your enjoyment of your vacation.
