Wherever you plan to roam, budget your money and time ahead. Watch out for roaming telephone charges and avoid letting loose these 5 budget breakers that can burst your happy bubble once you get home.
- Big, Budget-biting Little Things
Not all hotels offer the same complimentary amenities. Ask when you book about charges for microwaves, refrigerators, morning newspaper delivery, roll-away beds, towels from the pool, WiFi, television, cable channels, resort fees, and parking fees. Take advantage of group and membership benefits for hotels, meals, and car rentals with military discounts, automobile club discounts, seniors, teacher, or student rates, and professional or civic memberships.
- Baggage, Transportation, and ATMs, Oh, My!
Checked baggage curbside, overweight, or additional bags cost from $5.00 to $25.00 or more each. Shipping instead of bringing purchases home as checked baggage is more cost-effective. Staying near the attractions and area where you will be spending most of your time may be less expensive than the money you might save by booking a hotel father out.
ATM fees and currency exchanges are most expensive at airports and kiosks. Check with your bank ahead to find out about any foreign ATM or charge card fees that apply. Decline merchant offers to transact your credit purchases in dollars. Most likely they, not the charge card company, will calculate the exchange rate. The rate can vary and they will charge a merchant fee.
- Charge Card Purchases
Notify your bank if you'll be visiting other countries so you don't risk having unusual card activity flag and freeze or cancel your account. Foreign countries and merchants charge a myriad of charge transaction fees, some of which can be negotiated down or waived. Many banks and hotels will waive this fee, but you have to ask when you book. Your own bank may have foreign transaction fees.
- Feasting Over Budget
Who doesn't want pampering and a break from cooking? Plan nice meals out for different times of your days, but not all three meals each day. Since you verified that your hotel serves a hearty, complimentary breakfast repast, make it more special by first taking a brisk walk outside to get that morning newspaper for which you opted not to pay a delivery fee.
Enjoy your biggest meal at lunch, when the same dinner-sized portions cost less. Monitor your drinking so you do not become more vulnerable to being robbed.
Avoid sampling tempting sidewalk cuisine on every corner. Purchase your favorite snacks from a local market or grocery. Pack frozen juice boxes and snack-size zip lock bags filled with heart-healthy seeds or nuts and dried fruit for delicious, portable snacks. Cheeses, breads, fresh fruit and a bottle of local wine make a refreshing, light meal.
- Curb the Urge to Splurge Early
Set aside spare funds when you arrive for unforeseen expenses and souvenirs. Pay cash for food, parking, admission tickets, and anything for which you will not need a receipt for possible returns or expense reimbursement claims.
