By carefully reviewing cheap travel options, including finding cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or discount travel packages, and cheap auto rentals, people can still travel quite affordably. However, even the best plans for an affordable trip can be foiled if prospective travelers are not aware of potential travel fees they will face and how best to deal with them.
The following is a list of such fees and how you can avoid paying:
Most domestic airlines are charging $25 for one checked bag and $60 for two. Your best bet is to travel with carry-on bags only whenever possible.
Ironically, high end hotels are usually the hotels that charge Wi-Fi fees that range from $9.99 to $24.99 per day. Respond by accessing Wi-Fi where it is free, which is often the case in a hotel lobby or nearby coffee shop. Many hotels, including the Fairmont and Hyatt, offer free Internet access to guests participating in their loyalty programs.
Spirit Airlines charges a carry-on baggage fee of $30 when reserved online or $45 at the gate. You can avoid this fee by making certain your bag can fit under your airline seat. If your carry-on will be too large, then try to find a different airline.
Priority boarding is being offered by many airlines for fees ranging from $8 to $30 each way. Elite levels of frequent flier programs often are also invited to board free. If you are not such a member, then simply board when your row is called and worst case your bag will be checked at the gate, usually for free.
Being assigned a better (i.e., roomier) seat costs a premium that varies widely between airlines. Unless you are able to be assigned a bulkhead or exit row seat, you will be paying more for a seat with very little extra room located toward the front of the plane. This is an offer usually worth passing on.
Allegiant Air and Ryanair have started to charge a convenience fee of $14.99 for those paying by credit card. By using a MasterCard Prepaid Debit card Ryanair will waive the fee. Otherwise look into flying on another airline.
Rental car companies try to get customers to sign up for collision damage and loss damage waiver coverage that typically costs $9 to $17 per day. Often such coverage is redundant since customers are already covered by either their own car insurance company or their credit cards often provide this protection.
Airlines are now charging in-flight fees for things like a pillow and blanket (typically $8) and $1 to $5 for headphones. If these are things you would like, pack your own lightweight blanket, buy a reusable inflatable neck pillow, and bring your own headphones.
Room service charges add as much as 25 percent to your food bill, plus guests are usually expected to pay an additional delivery fee, as well as gratuity. Instead of room service, check out the hotel restaurant or walk someplace nearby that is likely more affordable and often better.
Most U.S. issued credit cards charge a 2 to 3 percent on all purchases made out of the country. There are select credit cards, including ones issued by Capital One, which do not charge this fee. Another way to save money is to prepay hotel and car rentals. www.cheapfares.com