The costs of traveling to the United States seem pretty straightforward, right? You’ve probably considered your air ticket costs, accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. However, you may be surprised that there is much more to budget for. Here are a few unnecessary hidden expenses to look out for.
1. Laundry
You will likely need to consider this ongoing expense when traveling. Dirt clothes pile up fast, especially when you are on the go. The cost of laundry services can get high over time.
Luckily, you can do a few things to keep the costs low. One of the most obvious ones is to do your laundry. However, it isn’t always possible as you may not have much time. If you stay in a hostel, there may be competition for the clothesline.
Another option is doing as much laundry as you can if you find laundry services at a low cost. Do not rely on the first laundry service you find. Research to ensure you are paying only what you need to. Instead of relying on hotel laundry services, consider getting the opinions of the locals.Â
2. Use a Credit Card That Doesn’t Have Foreign Transaction Fees
Consider getting and using a credit card without foreign transaction fees. A credit card is one of your best options. Foreign transaction fees are among the most common ways travelers waste money. These expenses add up fast and can translate to up to 3 percent of your international purchases.
Usually, banks apply these fees to your hotel bookings, credit or debit card purchases, and online purchases. You must have a credit card with foreign transaction fees to avoid these charges.
3. Transportation to and From the Airport
How do you plan on going to and from your airport? Your most economical bet depends on your specific needs. If you’ll be away for a while, driving to the airport and packing for weeks doesn’t make sense. Public transportation may be much cheaper.
Consider the time of your flights and compare prices. You don’t want to land back with no way of getting home. It also helps to consider how you’ll get to your accommodation in the United States. Most hotels are happy to suggest the best forms of transportation.
4. Wi-Fi
Does your hotel offer free Wi-Fi? If it doesn’t, this is another expense you may need to deal with. This is information that you need to get before booking your hotel. If they don’t, you should consider exploring other accommodation options. Incurring a daily charge for Wi-Fi for a week can be more expensive than you imagine.
If finding a different hotel isn’t an option, consider bringing a pocket Wi-Fi. This way, you can access the internet without spending a fortune. You don’t need to spend much of your holiday looking for free Wi-Fi.
5. Currency Exchange
Currency exchange isn’t always simple. It can cost you more than you know. Do you plan on using your ATM when you get to your destination or exchanging money before you travel?
Before traveling, do some research on the exchange rates. Some currency exchange places repurchase your foreign currency for free when it is time to go back home.
ATMs abroad can incur significant fees every time you make a withdrawal. Find out if your bank partners with international networks to lower fees.
Understanding the hidden expenses of traveling can help you avoid them. With the above tips, you can get more value for your travel money and avoid financial surprises. Depending on when you need to travel, do some research and stay ahead of the game.