There are obvious fixed costs related to travel, including accommodation, airfare, meals and transportation. But there are some hidden costs such as unknown fees, that should be considered as well in your planning and travel budget.
1) CAR RENTAL
– Picking up a car at an airport or major train station can add 15 – 20% to your rental price. Some countries like the U.K., Spain and France charges flat fees. – Picking up a car in one country and dropping it off in another, can also lead to a Border Crossing penalty. Yip, anything from $70 to $4,000! Make sure to check each country.
– Be on the look-out for a Road Tax of $5 to $10 a day to offset vehicle permits. If you are more than 29 minutes late to drop off a vehicle, expect a one-day penalty charge.
-Not topping up the gas tank, will not only lead to inflated per liter rate, but also an additional penalty!
2) DEPARTURE FEES
One can understand smaller countries such as Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic charging a departure fee on airlines or cruise ships. Tourism is a big part of their economy and such a fee contributes to the overall economy. But they are not the only ones. Make sure to do your research.
– The U.K. charges $16 to $240, pending the distance travelled and passenger class used to fly out of the country.
– Sweden has the same model. Expect a fee that varies between $6.50 and $40. Strangely, private planes with less than 10 passengers are exempt.
– Austria charges a value added tax that can cost between $8 and $39 to fly out of their country.
– Australia, one of the world’s most popular destinations, will set you back $45 per person when leaving the country.
3) AIRPORT FOOD
Expensive, unhealthy food is the norm at airports. But when you are charged an arm and a leg for it, packing a sandwich might be a better option! According to a 2017 study that looked at 10 metrics, including getting to/from the airport, ticket prices, amenities such as Wi-Fi and food prices, the Top 5 most expensive airports are no surprise:
– Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey
– John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York
– Washing Dulles International Airport, Dulles, Virginia
– Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota
– Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles
The five least expensive airports are:
– Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
– McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada
– Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida
– Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, Arizona
– Tampa International Airport, Tampa, Florida
Seems like Florida is doing something right!
TIPS: Plan on the following:
1. Make sure you know the cost of parking per day at an airport.
2. Plan for tips and have some cash on hand.
3. Check with your credit card for international fees on charges.
4. Check with resorts (especially in the Carribean), for electrical charges in rooms or units.
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