When planning a trip, you obsess endlessly about saving every single penny. You make sure that you get the best deal on airfare, whether by paying cash or using your miles. You’ll look all around town to find the hotel that offers the best value. You use Autoslash to make sure you get the cheapest rental car. You’ve undoubtedly done all your homework to get the most out of your vacation budget, right?
Maybe not.
Hotel Fees
One of the most significant unseen expenses might be the dreaded hotel fee. No matter if it’s called a “resort fee,” a “destination fee,” or a “we just want to charge you more money fee,” the result is the same — you’re going to have extra money added to your bill.
We’ve explained why hotels add on these fees, an easy way to see if your hotel charges these fees and how much they’ll be, and we even found a list of over 200 hotels in one of the biggest cities in the U.S. that don’t charge hotel fees.
Even non-resort hotels are increasingly adding “urban” or “destination” fees, so it’s more important than ever to check before booking — especially since the rules around junk-fee transparency are still being sorted out.
Transportation
Here’s an area where there are so many different ways you can get tripped up.
- If you’re renting a car, the hotel might charge parking and/or valet fees — and those can often cost more than the rental car itself.
- If you’re driving on toll roads, besides the tolls themselves (check here to find out), many rental car companies now charge daily fees for using their transponder, even on days you don’t hit a toll road.
- Look carefully at your options when traveling from the airport to your hotel. If you’re flying into JFK in New York or one of the major airports in London, you’ll have several choices — some faster and cheaper than others.
- Trains and public transit may charge more during peak times. Waiting even 30 minutes could save money if your schedule is flexible.
- Rideshare pickup procedures (and fees) vary by airport and may involve shuttle buses or designated lots. Have the Uber, Lyft and local taxi apps downloaded before you arrive — sometimes a cab is both easier and cheaper.
Food
One expense that’s easy to overlook is eating. At home, you’ve got snacks and drinks available. In a hotel, not so much.
- Stop by a store for snacks and drinks for the room. It’s much cheaper than raiding the minibar at 2 a.m.
- If you have access to a hotel lounge, take advantage of it — breakfast and snacks can add up to real savings.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. In many major cities, tap water is perfectly fine, and refilling can save several dollars a day.
- Restaurants in tourist zones often charge premium prices. Walk a block or two away and you’ll probably find better food for less money — and maybe a more authentic experience.
Entertainment
Planning can make a big difference when paying for tourist activities.
- In cities like New York or London, a tourist pass may make sense and include a long list of attractions at a reduced total cost.
- Even for one attraction, buying tickets in advance can help you avoid both long lines and higher gate prices.
- Beware of tourist scams. Even locals get caught sometimes.
- Many museums — like the British Museum or Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., including the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture — are free, though some require timed reservations.
- Last-minute tickets for shows or sports events can sometimes be a good deal if you’re not picky — just make sure to use a reputable vendor.
- Be cautious with hotel concierge ticket desks. Some concierges are fantastic… others are simply salespeople earning commissions.
Final Thought
If the only things you think about when planning a trip are your flights, hotel and maybe a rental car, you’re leaving out many possible costs you’ll incur. The so-called incidental charges may end up costing more than your core plans. Knowing what these charges are — and minimizing them whenever you can — may help avoid buyer’s remorse when you’re back home.
You want to remember the good things about your travels — not dread paying off the bills before you’re even unpacked.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
