15 Spending Traps Every Traveler Should Know
Through travel, you unlock a world of unlimited experiences. Nonetheless, it also empties your wallet much faster than you’d imagine. Think of cruising a lively street market only to realize you spent half your budget on overpriced souvenirs and an unwarranted tour. Does that sound like you?
Tourist money traps include hidden fees, clever marketing, and impulse buys. After reading this, you’ll know what to watch for and how to avoid these pitfalls.
As a savvy traveler, you must know these things. Here are 15 spending traps to avoid to keep more money in your pocket and feel more at ease on your trip.
Currency Exchange at Airports
Currency exchange counters at airports may be convenient, but they come with a cost—rates that can be marked up as high as 7%—15%. That’s up to $15 lost for every $100.
Consider withdrawing your cash at an ATM at your destination since that’s where you’ll get the better rates, or use currency exchange apps like Revolut, which give you competitive rates in real time.
Overpriced Travel Insurance
While travel insurance is essential, most basic packages contain items you won’t require, such as extreme sports coverage or additional destination-specific premiums.
Policies on aggregator sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip are easy to compare to ensure you get the coverage you need at a low price.
Roaming Charges & International SIM Cards
If you use your domestic phone plan abroad, roaming charges can quickly run you hundreds of dollars. Do not fall into this trap.
Register for eSIM services such as Airalo at your destination and opt for a prepaid SIM card. Airalo offers several international data plans starting at just $5.
Convenience Food at Tourist Spots
Near popular traveling attractions, restaurants and food stalls charge up to 30% more. Just a few streets away, authentic meals are half the price. Yelp or Google Maps offer good, budget-friendly, highly rated spots.
Dynamic Currency Conversion
If you use your credit card abroad, you are often given the choice of charging in your home currency rather than the local one.
This “service” usually includes fees as high as 5–7%. To avoid these useless fees, never pay in anything other than the local currency.
Tours you could Do Yourself
Tours are convenient, but they always come with steep premiums for something one can do equally well on one’s own time.
For example, if you don’t fancy forking out $50+ on a city walking tour, download free itineraries on apps like GPSmyCity or Rick Steves Audio Europe.
Overpacking and Excess Baggage Fees
Airlines like Spirit charge up to $99 for overweight bags. But you can pack smarter using a carry-on-friendly packing system or buy a lightweight luggage scale to ensure you never exceed your weight limit.
Souvenirs at Tourist Traps
Trinkets sold near major landmarks usually attract a hefty markup. Local markets and artisan shops offer the same souvenirs at lower prices, and you will likely get more authentic items.
Unnecessary “Skip-the-Line” Tickets
Skip-the-line passes can save time for $30–$50 per ticket (or more), but only during peak times. They are not usually worth it, particularly if you can avoid the peak. Research when it is quiet time or book into the park by purchasing entry tickets via official websites to avoid inflated prices.
Hotel Mini Bars and Room Service
Even grabbing a snack from your hotel room’s minibar could cost four times as much as buying it at the local store.
Instead of counting on room service for water and snacks or relying on the snacks on hand, why not stock up at a nearby grocery store?
ATM Withdrawal Fees
Fees between local and home banks can add up to $10 per transaction on out-of-network ATMs. Get a travel-friendly bank account, such as Schwab or Revolut, which reimburses or waives international ATM fees.
Car Rental Insurance You Don’t Need
Renters companies usually force you to purchase insurance that duplicates coverage you have through your credit card or personal car insurance policy. Make sure you compare your existing policies carefully before renting and avoid having redundant costs.
Peak-Time Flights
Weekends and holidays are good days to book flights, but the airfare is often inflated on these dates. Regarding flights, sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights have flexible day search tools; fly midweek to save up to 20%.
Wi-Fi and Parking Charge at Hotel
Most hotels charge hidden Wi-Fi access or parking fees, adding $20–$50 daily to your bill. Before going, check review sites, such as TripAdvisor, to find which hotels offer these amenities for free.
Prepaid Tours or Attractions You Skip
Booking too many prepaid activities is an expenditure trap, especially when you change plans or get delayed. Flexible tickets or pay-as-you-go options give you greater flexibility without forfeiting money.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
The 10 Most Dangerous Waterfalls in the World. Would You Venture?
The 10 Most Dangerous Waterfalls in the World. Would You Venture?
African Christmas Traditions: Do People Celebrate Christmas in Africa?
African Christmas Traditions: Do People Celebrate Christmas in Africa?
15 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
15 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
