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Top 10 Most Sneaky Hidden Travel Fees
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It is always important to ask about possible fees before you travel. Asking can save you from the headache of paying extra for unnecessary services, as well as help you plan and prepare for your trip. This article discusses ten hidden travel fees. By Jim Warren If you plan to travel, it is always important to ask about possible fees in advance. Asking can save you from the headache of paying extra for unnecessary services, as well as help you plan and prepare for your trip. Below are ten sneaky hidden fees you may encounter while traveling. Car Rental Fees 1. Drop-Off Fee Charged for returning a vehicle to a spot other than the pick-up location, 'drop-off' fees are a catch most often associated with one-way rentals. These fees can be costly, with some places charging hundreds of dollars per drop-off. 2. Fill the Tank Upon returning a rented vehicle, make sure to refill the gas tank since companies can charge up to double the local price per gallon of gasoline. Make sure that the tank is full before you leave, and ask a rental attendant to fill it up if necessary. Cruise Fees 3. Go Your Own Way Your brochure may showcase ship-sponsored tours like scuba diving or swimming with dolphins, but these can cost anywhere from $30 to $350 per person. Your guide will expect to be tipped 5% in addition to the tour price. To avoid these types of costs, find local tour operators or take the family to the closest beach. 4. Beverage Bummer Drinks on cruise ships are not free. Despite what you shelled out for your trip, you can expect to pay even more each time you take a sip. Everything from alcohol to bottled water will be added to your tab. In addition, ordering drinks from a bar comes with an automatic gratuity charge. Hotel Fees 5. Beware of Resort Fees Hotels can charge you up to $50 per day for extra facilities. These include tennis courts, gyms, and pools. You might also pay a 'housekeeping fee' to cover cleaning costs and 'energy and fuel' surcharges to cover electricity. 6. Beware of 'Extra' Fees Daily 'telephone' fees can be charged whether you use the phone or not. The same goes for 'Internet access' fees. 'Mini-bar restocking' fees usually run about $10. Getting a fax may land you a 'fax' fee of up to $5 a page. Aside from meals, 'bottled water' fees of up to $5 per drink also apply. Airline Fees 7. Live Person Convenience Fee Airlines can charge anywhere from $5 to $20 to book flights in person or over the phone. 8. Recycling Frequent Flyer Miles You can be charged from $50 to $100 if you trade in your miles, then do not use your ticket. The fee covers the supposed cost of sticking the miles back into your account. 9. Not Enough Advance Fee For frequent flyers, some airlines allow you to book a flight up to the day of departure at no cost. However airlines such as Continental, Delta, and American charge fees up to $100 for insufficient advance notice. 10. Lap Children Fee Did you know you may have to pay from $10 up to 10 percent of the adult fare (international flights) if you travel with a child on your lap? If there is a fuel surcharge on your flight, you can wind up paying nearly $90 each way for your child as well. About the Author: Jim Warren is a consumer advocate who loves to write about dirt cheap airline tickets. He reveals insider secrets that hotels, airlines, car rental agencies, and cruise lines will hide from you. For more info visit: http://www.costlytravelmistakes.com. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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