Ready to Book Your Next Big Adventure? Here’s What You Need to Watch Out for
We’ve all been there – the thrill of booking a ticket online, only to hit a few unexpected hidden fees later. Let’s break down the common tricks that airlines, hotels, and even rental car agencies use to sneak in extra charges, and what you can do to stay one step ahead.
1. Baggage Fees
When you book a flight, it’s not uncommon to see baggage fees tacked on to your ticket. If you don’t have a bag to check, you might not think twice about these fees – but they can really add up. For example, if you pay $200 for a flight and a bag fee of $60, suddenly you’re out $260. To avoid this, book your flight during sales periods (like Black Friday or Cyber Monday) or consider carrying on your own bags. If you must check a bag, check if you can book it ahead of time to avoid paying more.
2. Flight Change Fees
If something comes up and you need to change your flight, it can cost you dearly. Many airlines charge a change fee of anywhere from $100 to $500. Even if you don’t need to change your flight, it’s still smart to protect yourself. Some airlines offer a policy that lets you change your flight for free within a certain number of days after booking. Just be sure to check the details before booking your flight.
3. Rental Car Add-ons
When you rent a car, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of getting behind the wheel. But there are some sneaky charges you can’t afford to miss. For example, many rental car companies charge for mileage over 100 miles a day. If you plan on traveling more than 200 miles in a day, be sure to ask about the mileage charges before you rent a car. And don’t forget about the fees for additional drivers. In the end, you could be looking at a $100 fee to add an extra driver to your rental.
4. Hotel “Resort” Fees
When you book a hotel, you might be surprised by an extra charge you didn’t see coming – a “resort fee.” This can be anywhere from $25 to $40 per night and includes things like pool access, fitness centers, and Wi-Fi. The problem is, you may not have even needed these services. Before booking, check if there are other nearby free services that could fulfill your needs. Or, simply check for a hotel that doesn’t charge these extra fees.
5. Credit Card Booking Fees
If you book a flight or hotel through a credit card company’s travel rewards program, you might be charged a booking fee of up to 10% of the cost. To avoid this fee, book your flight and hotel through the airline or hotel directly, or book through a travel agency. While this might seem like a hassle, it could save you hundreds of dollars over time.
Stay One Step Ahead and Avoid These Sneaky Fees
Booking your tickets and travel plans with a little extra attention can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run. By being aware of these fees and how to avoid them, you can keep more of your hard-earned money and focus on making your next big adventure a success.
Get Out There and Explore the World
It’s time to embrace the thrill of traveling and all it has to offer. With a little research, you can avoid the sneaky fees that are out to make your trip more expensive than it needs to be. So go ahead, book that flight, hotel, and rental car – but make sure to check for hidden fees first. And when you do find those fees, know that you’re in control of your travel budget. Happy travels!