You know that feeling when you score an insanely cheap flight and feel like you’ve outsmarted the entire travel industry? Well, not so fast, because you’re about to find out why sometimes, that victorious “cha-ching” might turn into a wallet-draining “uh-oh.”

Today, we’re uncovering the hidden costs of budget travel—and what you can do to avoid them.

Hi fellow travelers! Let’s dig deep into the real side of travel, especially for those of use that want to explore the world without spending a fortune.

Now, I know budget travel sounds like the holy grail for us wanders, but what if I told you that cutting corners could actually cost you more in the long run?  From dodgy accommodations to sneaky fees and hidden time. So today, I’m breaking down some counterintuitive ways that trying to save a buck can end up costing you more than you think.

#1  The Unexpected Costs of Cheap Flights

First up are those budget flights that seem too good to be true. Well, they often are! Think about this

• extra fees for baggage (even carry-on bags if they are overweight)
• seat selection
• check-in charges
• last year an elderly couple travelling with Ryanair went viral when they had to pay 129 euros to have their boarding passes printed at a airport check-in
• most airlines will not offer refunds and we all know life is unpredictable
• some airlines don’t include food in the price of the ticket, even long haul flights

And don’t forget those far-flung airports that are miles from the actual city you’re visiting. Sure, you saved $100 on the ticket, but you spend twice that on transportation and fees. Suddenly, that cheap flight isn’t so cheap.  So be sure to check the airlines regulations to ensure you are not surprised.

#2  The Hostel and Hotel Headache

Next, lets talk about accommodations. Hostels and budget hotels might save you money upfront, but consider what you’re sacrificing:  privacy, comfort and sometimes even safety, but it doesn’t stop there; here are some additional hidden costs:

• early check in you need to confirm if you make it there prior to the check in time when you booked
• additional person fee hotels room rates are based on double occupancy but for your girls trip of three, hotels will often charge $20 to $50 per additional adult, per night
• housekeeping gratuity (cleaning fee) check your bill before you leave a well deserved tip as some hotels add a 10% gratuity and you end up paying twice
• we all expect to pay for valet parking but some hotels charge for self parking and you are not aware until after check out and you’re in the taxi on your way back to the airport 
• Top-floor surcharge happen when some hotels ask if you want a room on higher floor but you are not aware that there’s a fee (so always ask)
• many hotels offer a certain number of complimentary bottles of water and K-cups but they also put extras in your room that aren’t free.  Always ask the front desk before consuming!
• Finally, late checkout can cost an additional $20 to $50 at some hotels, so ask up front

#3  The Transportation Trap

Depending on your travel plans, you may want a rental car so you can get out and tour the local countryside but this can come with its own pitfalls:

• rental insurance is often more expensive and unnecessary. Check your own insurance or credit card company policy prior to renting
• replacing a rental car key is very expensive, so keep it safe
• gas for the rental car can come with fees such as the rental car company offering to refill the car for you which will surely cost more than you doing it or you refilling the tank outside the mileage parameters of the rental policy (make sure you confirm with the rental car company so you know where the nearest fueling station)
• additional drivers can mean extra fees (per day, per driver)

#4  Currency Conversion

Some of the worst hidden fees come with currency conversion and it’s almost impossible to understand what you are paying when you convert

• airport currency exchange have some of the highest hidden commissions
• never use your home currency when purchasing with your credit card when abroad, just say NO
• using a credit card at an ATM should always be a last resort, because the advance fee is just the beginning of the fees.  You will be hit with compounding interest from the day you make the withdrawal
• using a debit card seems like the best route but again, most banks hit you with a hidden currency conversion fee but the good news, it’s often the lowest conversion rate

#5  The Price of Time

Last but not least, time is money. Budget travel often means taking the long way around overnight buses, multiple layovers, and endless waits. Sure, you saved on that cheap flight, but did you factor in the lost time and energy of the 3 layovers? Those hours could have been spent enjoying your destination, not dragging your luggage through multiple airports.

So, whats the takeaway? Budget travel can be great, but only if you are smart about it. Don’t just look at the sticker price, think about the hidden costs.  Be a savvy traveller and not a cheap one.

If you found this informative share it with a fellow traveler.  Thanks for reading and remember to keep Enjoying the Journey.