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June 05, 2019 | Posted in:

Watch Out! 5 Vacation Costs that Sneak up on you

Going on vacation is a time to relax and enjoy new experiences, but extra costs can put a damper on things. Here are five fees to watch out for:

1. Covert airfare increases.

Airline pricing algorithms are programmed to store your browsing history, and if you have been researching flights online they will bump up the price. Before searching, clear your internet history
and switch to private (or incognito) mode on your web browser. Also, use a different computer when booking to avoid this artificial price increase.

2. Stealthy resort fees.

The nightly base rate for a resort often compares favorably to a standard hotel, but don’t be fooled! These same resorts add a daily resort fee on the back end of your bill. Understand the full cost of the stay before booking.

3. Rental car extras.

Rental car companies charge an extra daily fee for a second driver, so commit to one driver on vacation. They will also try to sell you insurance to cover damages. Check with your auto insurance company to see if your policy extends to rental cars.

4. Bloated baggage fees.

Most airlines charge hefty fees for heavy bags. Check your airline’s limits and weigh your bags on a bathroom scale before you go.

5. Crafty parking costs.

Downtown hotels in big cities charge as much as $75 per night for parking. Research alternative lots near your hotel or consider using ride-share options instead.

 

This article was published in Alloy Silverstein’s Summer 2019 Newsletter. Click here for more content or to subscribe.

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