Your bags are packed and you’re ready to go. You have your airline boarding passes in-hand, hotel reservations made and a rental car reserved.
Have you considered additional, perhaps less obvious, expenses?
To avoid unpleasant surprises once back home, know before you go the true cost of your vacation.
If you have booked a tour or cruise, learn what the fee you paid does not include. You may need to pay extra for airport transfers, meals and snacks, alcohol, tips, sundries, and other expenses.
Additional costs to consider when planning your trip include:
Ground Transportation. Once at your destination, you will need to get around. Public transportation costs for many cities are available on line. If you are renting a car, don’t forget to budget for gas. For travel within the US, consult AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com.
Rental Car Insurance. Should you buy it? Generally, if your personal insurance includes collision and liability, you don’t need it. To be certain, check with your insurance company. Many credit cards offer rental auto insurance. Coverage may be limited so call your credit card company to learn the details.
Tips. Individuals who are customarily tipped include airport porters, hotel bellmen and doormen, concierges, maids, and taxi and courtesy shuttle drivers. Two apps provide advice on how to tip abroad: GlobeTipping for Apple and Global Tipping Guide Pro for Android.
Shopping. Here you decide how much you want to spend browsing the stores. The key is to stick to your budget! It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the trip and overspend. Before buying anything, think about whether you will want that item once home. If there is a specific thing you plan to buy, research the cost in advance.
Travel Insurance. This specialized insurance will protect you should you need to cancel your trip or return home early. Consider a company such as Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com; telephone 800-454-7107). Read any insurance policy before you buy to learn what is covered and when. If you are uncertain whether a policy will cover your specific situation, call the company to verify.
Contingency. Cushion your travel budget for unexpected expenses. You never know when you will have an emergency or need to pay for extra baggage at the airport. I recommend 5 to 10 percent of your total budget.
Having a good idea of the total you will spend – before you leave home – can help prevent stress and anxiety during and after travelling. Make your trip more pleasurable! Add up all your anticipated expenses before you depart.
Bon Voyage!
