In our daily lives, we often encounter various pesky fees when it comes to travel, dining, and shopping. These fees can add up quickly and eat into our budgets. However, with a little knowledge and planning, we can avoid many of these charges. Here are 17 of these fees and ways to avoid them.
- Airport Checked Bag Fees
How to Avoid: Pack light and try to fit everything in a carry-on bag. If you must check a bag, compare fees across different airlines and choose the one with the lowest cost. Some credit cards offer perks like free checked bags. - In-Flight Meal Fees
How to Avoid: Bring your own snacks and meals on the plane. Many airlines now charge for in-flight meals, so be prepared and save money. - Hotel Resort Fees
How to Avoid: Research hotels carefully and look for ones that don’t charge resort fees. Read reviews to find out if there are any hidden charges. You can also call the hotel directly and ask if they can waive the fee. - Hotel Wi-Fi Fees
How to Avoid: Look for hotels that offer free Wi-Fi. Many budget hotels and some upscale ones now provide this as a standard amenity. You can also use your phone’s hotspot if you have a data plan. - Rental Car Insurance Fees
How to Avoid: Check if your own auto insurance or credit card provides rental car insurance coverage. If so, you can decline the rental company’s insurance and save money. - Gasoline Surcharges on Rental Cars
How to Avoid: Return the rental car with a full tank of gas to avoid high gasoline surcharges. Plan ahead and find a gas station near the rental return location. - Parking Fees at Hotels and Attractions
How to Avoid: Look for hotels that offer free parking or choose accommodations in areas where street parking is available. For attractions, research alternative transportation options or look for free parking areas nearby. - Service Charges at Restaurants
How to Avoid: Read the menu carefully and ask if the service charge is mandatory. If it’s not, you can decide whether to leave a tip based on the quality of service. Some restaurants add a large service charge for large groups, so be aware of this when dining out. - Delivery Fees for Food Orders
How to Avoid: Order directly from the restaurant if possible and pick up the food yourself. Some restaurants offer discounts for pick-up orders. You can also look for food delivery apps that offer free delivery promotions. - Surcharges on Credit Card Payments
How to Avoid: Pay with cash or a debit card if a business charges a surcharge for credit card payments. Some businesses may also offer discounts for cash payments. - ATM Fees
How to Avoid: Use your own bank’s ATMs or look for ATMs that are part of a network that doesn’t charge fees. You can also plan ahead and withdraw enough cash before traveling to avoid using ATMs in unfamiliar locations. - Exchange Rate Fees
How to Avoid: When traveling abroad, use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. You can also exchange currency at a bank or a reputable currency exchange service before you leave to get a better rate. - Late Fees on Bills
How to Avoid: Set up automatic payments or reminders to pay your bills on time. If you’re unable to pay on time, contact the company and see if they can waive the late fee. - Cancellation Fees for Reservations
How to Avoid: Read the cancellation policy carefully before making a reservation. If possible, choose reservations that can be cancelled without a fee or with a reasonable cancellation window. You can also consider travel insurance that may cover cancellation fees in certain circumstances. - Membership Fees for Shopping Clubs
How to Avoid: Consider whether the savings offered by a shopping club membership are worth the fee. You can also look for free trial periods or promotions to try out the club before committing to a membership. - Shipping Fees for Online Shopping
How to Avoid: Look for free shipping offers or promotions. Some retailers offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount. You can also combine orders with friends or family to reach the free shipping threshold. - Price Markups on Tourist Areas
How to Avoid: Shop and eat away from tourist hotspots. Locals often know where to find better prices and more authentic experiences. You can also research prices in advance and be prepared to negotiate.
By being aware of these pesky fees and taking steps to avoid them, you can save money and have a more enjoyable travel, dining, and shopping experience.
