But what if someone Gets Sick?
It might as well be the fundamental law of travel: No matter where you go, how you get there or how long you stay, you’ll spend more on day-to-day costs during your trip than you would staying home. To anyone who travels for pleasure, that’s an acceptable price to pay for the benefits of a trip. But when you’re trying to determine just how much a trip should cost, the details can get blurry. Costs such as airline tickets and hotel rooms are givens: You’re likely well aware of these costs in the early stages of your trip planning.
Check the dimensions of your bag against the dimensions listed on your airline’s Web site before you pack, and you’ll be well ahead of the baggage-fee game when you reach the airport. Depending on where you’re going for fun in the sun, these might be important, cost-saving additions to your luggage. What’s in your bag? Imagine arriving at a long-awaited tropical destination. A bathing suit and sunscreen might be high on the list, but what about a light rain jacket and umbrella?
Before you travel, research transit options in your destination. There may be times, however, when a taxi or rental car will be useful. Can you travel around the region by train? Is it a city with a thorough bus or light-rail system? A large group could benefit from the logistic ease gained by renting a large van. These public-transit options often cost substantially less than car rental or frequent use of taxis, both of which could be priced to target unwary, deep-pocketed tourists.
Budget-conscious travelers may also calculate their per diem, or daily costs for food, sightseeing and other recreational activities. But what if someone gets sick? And what if the only way to get from the hotel to a must-see destination is by a cab or rental car? There are a number of unexpected — and sometimes hidden — costs that can quickly spike the total cost of your trip to an uncomfortable height. And while it’s always a good idea to have reserve funds on hand in case the unexpected occurs far from home, here are some basic tips on avoiding five of the most common sources of unexpected travel costs. Thankfully, a little awareness and wise pre-planning can help you mitigate the worst of these unexpected travel costs. What if it rains unexpectedly?
