3 hidden costs of travel & 7 ways to save money

Inspiration Postcard #6

Hi friend, welcome back to Itchy Feet. Thanks a bunch for being here! Part of this article is for paid subscribers only, so consider upgrading your account to read it all. 

Also, shout out to Chris! He’s already taken advantage of my new-look referral bounty program.

He received an exclusive solo travel checklist for referring one person to my newsletter. Refer a friend if you want the checklist too!

Ok, let’s dive in.

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This week we’re going to talk about a very important travel topic:

Three hidden costs of travel

Consider a few unexpected costs while saving up for a trip. Knowing these ahead of time will keep your wallet happy. As my favorite saying from GI Joe goes, knowing is half the battle!

Tourist taxes: 

Many cities and countries around the world charge additional fees to visitors. You typically find these fees in your accommodation. However, certain places like Bali, Indonesia, have an upfront $10 fee when you arrive on the island.

These costs can be hard to plan for and secretly add up. Research what these are for your destination in advance. 

Sunscreen:

Photo by Byeonghoon Jeon on Unsplash

If you’re checking a bag for your next trip, then absolutely bring plenty of sunscreen. Ok, so maybe this isn’t a hidden cost, but the outrageous cost of sunscreen can be a surprise.

You can buy bottles of sunscreen anywhere but expect to pay a massive premium. 

Transit:

After arriving somewhere, budgeting for local transportation has always been my biggest challenge. The fairs for Uber rides, tuk-tuks, train rides, and city bikes are always changing.

Also, you never know when an impromptu excursion will happen. In all my trips, extra transit fees have always popped up unexpectedly. 

Bonus: Dynamic Currency Conversion

According to Investopedia, dynamic currency conversion is one of the worst hidden costs to travelers. If you are abroad and pay for something with a credit card, the merchant might give you the option to pay the equivalent in US dollars rather than the local currency.

This may sound like a good idea, especially when we don’t know the exchange rate. However, you end up paying more because the exchange rate they offer is usually unfair. So, don’t accept dynamic currency conversion when paying with a card abroad. 

Effective ways to save money while traveling

Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

If you don’t follow Nomadic Matt, you’re missing out. He’s one of my favorite travel writers. His website is loaded with information to help travelers.

These ideas are inspired by Nomadic Matt and two other Substack writers,

Ashleigh Bugg

, and

Red Solo Traveler

. 

Buy a city pass

City tour passes are one of the best ways to save money while on vacation. Most major cities around the world offer a dynamic pass that’s loaded with perks. You can get discounts and lots of free stuff.

For example, the Seattle CityPASS gives you access to five major attractions for 50% off. A city pass is an ideal investment if you want to see a city’s top attractions.

Free walking tours

A few years ago, some friends from Spain (Lola, Manuela, and Elena) visited me in San Francisco. We took a free walking tour and I was amazed at how much I learned. It was amazing to explore my home city from the lens of a vacationer.

These are cost-effective ways to get your bearings in a new city or learn more about the place you live. Although it’s best practice to leave a tip, you get invaluable information for free.

Tours bring travelers together (great if you’re solo) and guides are often kind enough to answer your questions afterward. You get a lot and invest very little. It’s a win-win.