In a survey conducted by research firm Harris Interactive, 71% of Americans said that spending extra money on travel during the holiday season is worthwhile--so long as it affords them time with family and friends. But just because traveling may be the right thing to do, that doesn’t mean it has to be the expensive thing to do. Traveling involves many hidden costs that, once you’re aware of them, are easy to spot--and even easier to eliminate.
To start, consider transportation fees. For example, if you’re driving, fill up the gas tank before traveling on the highway, where it’s much costlier, says Clarky Davis, a personal finance expert. And make sure your car is in good condition by checking your heating vents, keeping up with routine maintenance and ensuring your tires are properly inflated, all of which help the ear achieve favorable fuel economy. Furthermore, not only does a tow car(救援车) cause inconvenience; it also means extra costs.
For those opting to fly, first, be aware of how much it costs to check a bag. Most airlines are charging for every checked bag by weight, but prices vary from carrier to carrier. If you can manage to pack everything into a carry-on, you’ll save at least $15. Brooke Ferencsik, a travel expert, suggests considering secondary airports when booking your flight. These airports often are less crowded and frequently offer cheaper tickets.
And when it comes to your actual destination, don’t assume that hotels are going to cut back on fees simply because they’re desperate to draw customers. "They won’t be adding or increasing fees, but they won’t be decreasing them either," says Ferencsik. The best defense against extra fees is to read about the hotel’s rates online, before you make a reservation. "Be aware of surcharges for everything from housekeeping to groundskeeping to use of the in-room safe," says Ferenesik. Some hotels even install a sensor(传感器) within the mini bar, charging guests for simply touching the items, let alone eating or drinking them.
"From airlines to hotels to rental ears, they’ve all got hidden fees you need to be aware of," says Ferencsik. "Do your homework and ask questions.\
It is advised that everything be packed into a carry-on most probably because a carry-on ______.