Have you ever booked a cheap flight or hotel, only to realize later that the final price was way more than you expected? Ugh, I’ve been there, and let me tell you—it’s the absolute worst. Hidden fees can sneak up on you and wreck your budget if you’re not careful. But don’t worry! You can spot these sneaky charges with a little know-how before they catch you off guard. From extra baggage fees to mysterious “resort charges,” I’m spilling all my secrets to help you avoid those pesky surprises and keep your travel plans stress-free.
Watch Out for Airline Baggage Fees
One of the most common hidden fees when booking flights is baggage charges. Many budget airlines have super low ticket prices but charge an arm and a leg for checked bags—and sometimes even for carry-ons! Double-check the airline's baggage policy before you hit that “book now” button.
I always travel light and stick to a carry-on, but some airlines will charge for overhead bin space even then. Pro tip: use a backpack that fits under the seat—it usually counts as a personal item, and you can avoid the fee entirely. Always weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid overweight charges at the airport.
Be Aware of Seat Selection Costs
Gone are the days when choosing your seat was free. Many airlines charge for seat selection, even for standard seats. If you’re not picky about where you sit, skip the selection process and let the airline assign you a seat for free.
But if you’re traveling with friends or family and want to sit together, factor in the seat selection fees when comparing ticket prices. I’ve also noticed that some airlines charge more for seats near the front of the plane, even though they’re not technically premium seats. Don’t fall for it unless it’s worth it to you!
Avoid Booking Through Third-Party Websites
Third-party booking sites might seem like they offer great deals, but they often have hidden fees that aren’t obvious until checkout. Plus, dealing with a middleman can be a nightmare if something goes wrong (like a cancellation or delay).
Whenever possible, book directly through the airline or hotel’s website. They’re more transparent about fees, and you’ll have better customer service if you need to make changes. Bonus: some airlines and hotels offer discounts or perks for booking directly with them, like free Wi-Fi or extra loyalty points.
Read the Fine Print on Hotel “Resort Fees”
Resort fees are one of my biggest travel pet peeves. These sneaky charges can add $20–$50 (or more!) per night to your hotel bill, and they’re often not included in the advertised room rate.
Always check the fine print before booking. Many booking sites will list resort fees under “additional charges,” but it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. If you’re unsure, call the hotel directly and ask. And if the resort fee includes amenities like Wi-Fi or gym access, decide if you’ll actually use them—otherwise, it might not be worth staying there.
Check for Parking Fees
If you’re renting a car or driving to your destination, don’t forget to check for parking fees at your hotel. Some hotels, especially in big cities, charge upwards of $50 per night for parking.
To save money, look for hotels with free parking or nearby public lots with lower rates. I’ve also parked in residential areas and taken public transport or a short walk to my hotel. Just make sure to check local parking rules to avoid tickets.
Skip Prepaid Hotel Breakfasts
Hotel breakfast buffets sound convenient, but they’re often overpriced—especially if you’re booking a “bed and breakfast” rate. Unless breakfast is included for free, skip the hotel option and grab something from a nearby café or grocery store instead.
I’ve had amazing (and way cheaper) breakfasts from local bakeries and markets while traveling. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore the local food scene! If you’re staying in a place with a kitchenette, you can save even more by making your own breakfast.
Beware of Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Fees
Arriving early or leaving late? Many hotels and airlines charge fees to accommodate these requests. If you know your check-in or check-out times won’t align with your schedule, contact the hotel in advance to see if they can accommodate you for free.
Some hotels are flexible, especially if they’re not fully booked, but others will charge extra. If the fee is too steep, you can always store your bags at the front desk and explore the area until your room is ready or your departure time arrives.
Decline In-Flight Extras
In-flight extras like snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi can quickly add up if you’re not careful. To save money on flights, I always pack my own snacks and a reusable water bottle.
As for Wi-Fi, I usually skip it unless I absolutely need to stay connected. If you’re on a long-haul flight, download movies, TV shows, or books in advance so you’re not tempted to pay for in-flight entertainment.
Know the Currency Conversion Rates
Watch out for poor conversion rates or hidden fees when booking hotels or flights in a foreign currency. Some banks and credit cards charge extra for foreign transactions, so use a card with no foreign transaction fees whenever possible.
Also, if offered, avoid choosing the “pay in your home currency” option—it often has a worse exchange rate. Paying in the local currency is almost always cheaper.
Avoid Dynamic Pricing Tricks
Some airlines and booking sites use dynamic pricing, which means the cost of your ticket or room can change based on demand—or even how many times you’ve searched for it!
To avoid this, clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode when searching for flights or hotels. Another tip: search for flights on weekdays, as prices often increase over the weekend when more people are booking.
Bundle Packages Wisely
Vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals can look like a great deal, but make sure to read the details carefully. Sometimes, these bundles include extra fees or less flexible cancellation policies.
I always price out the individual components to ensure the bundle is a better deal. And if the bundle locks you into specific dates or times, weigh the savings against the loss of flexibility.
Avoid Mini-Bar and Room Service Fees
Hotel mini-bars are notorious for inflated prices, and room service isn’t much better. A tiny bottle of water can cost $5, and snacks are marked up like crazy.
Instead, hit up a local grocery store or convenience shop for snacks and drinks. You’ll save tons, and you can stock up on local goodies while you’re at it. I always pack a reusable travel mug and coffee sachets to skip overpriced hotel coffee, too.
Traveling doesn’t have to be full of unexpected costs! These tips have saved me countless dollars over the years and made my trips so much smoother. By staying alert and planning ahead, you can focus on enjoying your adventure without stressing over surprise fees. Safe travels, and happy exploring!
