Last-minute flights and getaways can be the way to go if your goal is to travel on the cheap. But when it comes to avoiding extra costs, it’s planning ahead that’s the guaranteed remedy. Online travel experts Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) offers here its top 10 budget-busting travel mistakes for travelers to avoid.
1. Keep it light ... don’t overpack
Fliers nowadays aren’t just dealing with ever-ballooning baggage fees. They’re also dealing with weight limits, which unfortunately have come down as the price of fuel has gone up. The penalty for going overweight is high enough that passengers are unloading clothes in airports just to beat associated fees.
Beyond that, having more bags than you can carry leads to carriage costs every time you move from A to B. Our tip: Plan ahead and pack versatile staples – like
a black dress or a nice pair of jeans–- to save luggage space.
2. Currency gotchas
Exchange rates matter, so be sure to research the currency value of whatever country you’re traveling to before making pricey flight decisions. Destinations in Canada, Australia and pretty much anywhere in Western Europe currently boast strong currencies, so instead of Paris, try Budapest; instead of London, Prague; and instead of Vancouver, why not Hanoi?
Obviously swapping Canada for Vietnam is extreme, but it pays – literally – to know how much the Vietnamese dong offers in getting the biggest bang for your buck. Also, be smart about where you change currency (ie: not the airport).
3. Weather whoops
An amazing number of people don’t check the forecast before taking off. The result: they end up the lucky owners of overpriced sweatshirts, flip-flops and umbrellas. While an I Heart London hoodie and Minnie Mouse umbrella may serve as lasting souvenirs, they also burn up your pocket change before you even leave the hotel lobby.
4. Keep in touch ... without the phone charges
Roaming, data chargers, third party carriers – there are as many ways to rack up extra costs as there will be zeroes added to your phone bill. But only if you aren’t paying attention.
Before departure, call your cell phone company to ensure you understand exactly what your provider charges its customers abroad. To avoid a devastating bill, upgrade temporarily to an international calling plan, use local Wi-Fi, invest in a local SIM card, or – if you’re really brave – just leave your phone at home.