🧾 Hidden Costs While Travelling & How to Dodge Them
You’ve booked the flights, found a dreamy hotel, and maybe even scored a cheeky deal—but somehow, your “budget trip” ends up costing way more than you expected. Sound familiar? Hidden travel costs have a sneaky way of creeping up on even the most seasoned travellers. But fear not! With a bit of know-how, you can dodge most of them and keep your budget in check. 💸
Here’s a list of common hidden travel costs—and how to avoid them.
💼 1. Baggage Fees
The cost: £20–£80 per flight (or more!)
Many budget airlines look cheap at first glance, but then hit you with hefty fees for checked bags or even slightly oversized hand luggage.
💡 Hack it:
Travel with hand luggage only (check out our post on how to pack light like a pro).
Weigh your bag before leaving for the airport.
Book bags in advance—not at the check-in desk!
🛂 2. Visa & Entry Fees
The cost: Varies by destination—some countries charge £20–£100+ at the border.
Not all countries offer free entry. Some require a visa in advance or charge tourist taxes on arrival.
💡 Hack it:
Check entry requirements before booking.
Use government websites for the most up-to-date visa info.
Watch out for tourist tax added to hotel stays (often per night, per person).
💳 3. Foreign Transaction & ATM Fees
The cost: Around 2–3% per transaction, plus ATM fees.
Using your regular bank card abroad can rack up charges quickly.
💡 Hack it:
Use a travel card like Revolut, Monzo, or Wise with no foreign transaction fees.
Withdraw larger amounts to avoid repeated ATM charges (safely, of course).
Always choose to pay in the local currency at card machines or when dining out.
🏨 4. Hotel Taxes & “Resort Fees”
The cost: £5–£25+ per night, not always shown upfront.
You’ve found a great hotel rate—only to be hit with a “resort fee” at check-in.
💡 Hack it:
Always read the fine print.
Use platforms like Booking.com with clear pricing breakdowns.
Consider alternative stays like Airbnbs (but double-check their cleaning fees too).
🚕 5. Airport Transfers & Local Transport
The cost: Can add £40+ to your trip each way.
Taxis from the airport can cost a bomb—especially if you're arriving late or didn’t pre-book.
💡 Hack it:
Research public transport routes in advance.
Use local ride-share apps (they’re often cheaper than taxis).
Check if your hotel offers free or discounted transfers.
🥡 6. Food & Drink Extras
The cost: Hotel breakfasts, water, airport meals—all sneakily expensive.
That £10 hotel breakfast might not seem bad, until you realise you’re only eating a croissant and coffee.
💡 Hack it:
Visit local cafés or supermarkets for breakfast.
Pack a refillable water bottle (check if your destination has safe tap water).
Bring snacks to avoid overpriced airport or tourist trap food.
📶 7. Roaming Charges & Data Fees
The cost: £2–£7+ per day, depending on your network.
Using your phone abroad without a plan can be seriously expensive.
💡 Hack it:
Use an eSIM to get local data for a fraction of the price (we’ve written a full guide on this).
Download maps and entertainment for offline use.
Use hotel or café WiFi for bigger uploads/downloads.
🎟️ 8. Attraction & Activity Add-Ons
The cost: “Optional” upgrades can sneak in at the last minute.
That cheap entry ticket might not include the guided tour, audio headset, or access to special exhibits.
💡 Hack it:
Book activities online in advance—there are often discounts!
Check if city passes (like Go City or local Explorer Passes) offer value for multiple attractions.
Look out for free walking tours (donation-based and super informative!).
Final Thoughts 💭
Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s the hidden extras that can catch you out. A little planning goes a long way—from using eSIMs and travel cards to weighing your bag and skipping hotel breakfasts.
Get savvy, travel smart, and spend your money where it really counts—on making memories, not paying avoidable fees. ✈️💼🍜
Want more travel hacks like this? Follow us on Instagram and check out our other blog posts on money-saving tips, destination inspiration, and clever travel tools!
