Do you have a travel plan and you would like to know what extra fees to add? If yes, in this blog post, you will get answers.
According to Nerdwallet, airlines always seem to have one more trick up their sleeve for adding fees to the cost of airfare.
Most times, the budget-friendly price you see when you book fares is just the basic airfare. There are other extra fees you will need to pay that you may to be aware of initially.
Knowing these fees and preparing for them ahead will save you a lot of stress.
Here are 7 extra fees you should consider adding to your travel plan.
1. Excess baggage fees
Some airlines do offer free checked baggage for passengers before. But with the growing costs of things, that is no longer the case.
While some airlines allow you to carry one or two checked baggage free. Then they charge you for any extra baggage.
You can only avoid these extra fees if you fit all your items in one carry-on/ personal bag.
The extra fees also depend on when you pay. You pay less extra baggage fees online when booking than at the airport.
2. Travel insurance
Travel insurance costs up to 3 to 10% of the total cost of the trip. Travel insurance though not compulsory is very necessary and worth saving extra fees for.
If you are considering whether to get a travel insurance or not, look at the benefits. Travel insurance will cover medical emergencies, and travel risks like loss of passport, baggage, trip disruptions etc.
It is particularly important when you are traveling abroad. It is going to save you a lot financially if the worst happens.
Medical emergencies during international trips can be very expensive if you are not insured. This is one of the reasons why having travel insurance is very important.
Perhaps you also have some health challenges, don’t joke with travel insurance. It is an extra fee but worth paying for.
3. Extra charges for missing your flight
Some airlines do charge extra fees to rebook a missed flight. You may pay extra fees to get on another flight.
While other airlines charge extra fees to change or cancel your flight.
You won’t also get a refund for the flight you missed. And you may need to book an entire flight again.
All these are extra fees that you need to plan for when traveling.
Nobody wishes to miss a flight but several things can result in missed flights. Unforeseen circumstances, medical issues, and even traffic can all result in missed flights.
4. Emergencies
Emergencies may come up along the way that are not covered by your travel insurance. We do not pray for emergencies to happen but we must be prepared if they do.
This could be sustaining an injury not covered by your travel insurance, not satisfied with your accommodation, etc.
If you forget to bring some needed items with you, you will need to pay to get them.
Have extra fees intact as a backup for any emergency that may surface during your travels.
5. Foreign transaction fees
Foreign transaction fees are the extra fees added whenever you make any debit or credit card purchase in foreign currency.
For International trips, you are going to experience currency conversion fees.
If you pay in the local currency of your destination city, you will incur some conversion fees.
If you pay in your local currency, you may be charged transaction fees. They mostly charge you 3% of the price of whatever you purchase.
Now, if you purchase something of $1000, you have incurred extra fees of $30. This can be a huge amount depending on how long you will be staying.
You can only avoid this by getting a credit card that does not charge transaction fees. Many banks in Nigeria offers this, especially Providus Bank in Lagos.
If you are paying in cash in the local currency, you must factor in the conversion fee. If you are using the ATM, extra fees are likely inevitable.
Variance in exchange rates at different locations can quickly add up into something big.
Whatever options you choose, make sure you plan ahead. Also, ensure to make a very smart choice that costs less.
Extra fees are unavoidable but you can reduce them if you plan your travel in advance.
6. Hidden Hotel/ resort fees
Some hotels charge hidden fees that may not be so obvious. Yet, they can significantly impact your journey if they meet you unawares.
Other hotels charge extra fees for different usages. For instance, using the pool, gym, internet usage, etc.
Some hotels also charge fees for parking cars in their garage. Some cities charge you tourist tax which you have to pay in your hotel or rental home.
Most of these extra fees are not usually included in the price they advertise. You need to inquire thoroughly and do good research.
Know which luxuries are in the basic price and those you will need to pay extra fees for. This will make you plan ahead and not be caught unawares.
7. Excursions
Traveling is another way to see the world and enjoy new experiences. You may want an opportunity to go to some beautiful places in your destination.
It is natural for you to want to have some fun and adventure.
You may want to visit places or do stuff unique to your destination.
These trips or activities can cost you a fortune if you do not plan ahead.
You may want to get tour guides which are usually more expensive than others. Make sure you do your research before booking anything. That way, the extra fees you may incur won’t come as a surprise to you.
Conclusion
We have considered 7 extra fees you should consider adding to your travel plan. You must be aware of them if you truly want to save cost.
Some of these fees may not be mandatory and you may avoid them. Sometimes, some airlines may make them look mandatory.
Remember it is better to prepare for them and not later use them than to be caught unawares. The right information will save you a lot of stress.
