Booking fees. Baggage fees. Hotel fees. Resort fees. Car rental fees. Museum fees. Taxes and surcharges. The list of fees, both hidden and expected, can be rather prolific and dizzying (or dizzyingly prolific, you might say). But it doesn’t always have to be that way. While some can’t be avoided, there are tons of ways to make your travel budget go the distance. All it takes is a little planning and research, or simply taking these foolproof tips to heart.
Read the fine print
Let’s start with the most obvious: Read before you book. Whether it’s for flights, hotels, or booked tours, read the terms and conditions of your booking prior to sealing the deal. It’s the only way you’ll know for sure which services (and fees) are included with your reservation. Some people tend to skip this very important rule because, well, they think once you’ve read one, you’ve read them all. Unfortunately, that is not case. Different companies have different terms and conditions. Case in point: While you can rebook your flight on Cebu Pacific up to 4 hours before your scheduled departure for free (as long as you haven’t checked in), changes can only made 24 hours prior for Philippine Airlines and 48 hours for Air Asia.
Travel light
We know it’s easier said than done, but packing light can save you a lot in baggage fees, and all it takes is a little restraint (because, unless you’re working in the fashion industry, who needs 10 pairs of shoes for a weekend holiday?). If you are going on a beach holiday to Palawan or Phuket, skip the full-price airlines and opt for budget flights, which offer up to 7 kilograms of free cabin luggage weight. Because, let’s be honest, you’re only going to need your swimsuits, a few shirts and shorts and your flip-flops on the island.
Book everything online (and do it fast)
The universe benefits not the indecisive. Should you book your in-flight meals? Should you get more baggage allowance? Should you book this cool, cheap place you found on a holiday rental site? If you really need these extras, book them online since they will usually be cheaper online than bought in-flight or at the counter. As for the accommodation, we say yes, if it’s the right look, location and price for you, book now because there is no way a good deal like that will last for too long.
Familiarize yourself with the prices (you can’t argue with “free”)
You can save on museums, concerts or attractions by simply doing your research. Entry to a lot of museums is free of charge on certain days; Sundays for the Philippine National Museum in Manila for example, or first Sundays of each month from October to March for Paris, France’s Musée du Lourve. Speaking of Paris, the Eiffel Tower not only offers cheaper rates for those willing to take the stairs (just 600 steps, no big deal) instead of the elevator, but the ticket counter queue for the stairs is waaay shorter, too.
Confirm with the concierge
Hotels and hostels alike are the temples of hidden fees—from resort fees, Internet usage fees, telephone calls, gym fees, luggage storage fees, the list goes on. While a lot of hotels offer some of these services for free, it’s best to ask the concierge before requesting. That way, you’re not caught off guard when you see your bill upon check out. Also, stay away from that over-priced mini-bar. You’re better off getting those snacks at a nearby convenience store.
Public transpo over car rentals
In cities like Manila and Kuala Lumpur, where 30-minute distances can turn into a three-hour crawl, sometimes it’s best to take public transportation. But, if you really must rent a car for your holiday, keep in mind the following: Check if you need to return with a full tank to avoid fuel refill tariffs, see if there are any surcharges for renting on weekends, public holidays or after business hours, and remember to return in the same condition you borrowed the vehicle.
Download the free Cheapflights app
Dodge card fees
Banks such as BDO and Bank of the Philippine Islands charge $3.50 (approximately P$165) for every withdrawal and $1 (approximately P$47) for every balance inquiry. Meanwhile, fees that go up to %3.25 are imposed on overseas purchases made with your credit card. Indeed, credit and ATM card fees can really put a dent on your travel budget if you don’t play it safe, so remember to check with your bank about their fees before your trip and, if you can, use credit and debit cards sparingly.
Main image: istockphoto/petek arici
