TRAVEL ~ SNEAKY FEES

Reality has forced many people to reconsider travel.  Getting away with friends for the weekend seems to not be as popular. The summer trips with families are dwindling. 

Last summer was the summer coined "STAY-CATION!"  Really odd terminology, but it was catchy.  Therefore, I have decided to put the luxury all-frills on the back burner.

This doesn't mean that you must sacrifice everything to just get away.  Below, we will look at ways to consolidate expenses that add up on the back-end of your vacation budget dollars.  

~ HM

AVOID SNEAKY TRAVEL FEES:

Those annoying fees that seem to pop up out of nowhere!

BOOKING FEES:  

Airlines "convenience fees" can range from $5 to $45 per ticket. Almost every major carrier adds a surcharge for non-Internet bookings, so avoid this sneaky fee by booking online. 

SOLUTION: BOOK ONLINE

SEAT SELECTION FEES:

I am not talking about First Class vs. Coach seats.

JetBlue charges for six "extra legroom" rows. Surcharges can range from $5 to $350. Don't be picky about the seat, bring your iPod, and listen to a book or music on your iPod. Before you leave for the airport, see if other desirable seats have opened at no extra fee. If that is not the case, at the airline counter, or at the airport kiosk, a representative is usually there to guide you. Smile sweetly, make small talk about the excitement of the trip . . . and voila, they have codes that they input to check to see if there are better seats.

SOLUTION: TAKE THE CHEAPER SEAT ONLINE, AND MAKE SURE TO HAVE (sweet and kind) FACE TO FACE INTERACTION WITH AN AIRLINE REP.

BAGGAGE FEES:

These are the most annoying fees. 

PER BAG FEES:

The carriers are charging fees for EVERY checked bag! Fees range from $25 to $60 per bag,        and if you dare bring a second or third bag ~ watch out! 

OVERWEIGHT FEES:

Now this doesn't include the oversized/overweight charge. The fees attached to overweight          bags can range from $25 to $175 per bag, in addition to the extra bag fee.

CHECKING IN LUGGAGE AT AIRPORT FEE:

How many people know this? You can check in your bags from home at a cheaper fee. You          still incur a fee, but it is discounted if you do it online with the carrier.

SOLUTION: Less is more! Pack with common sense. There is a strategy here: less shoes, those tried and true tested mix and match weekender outfits. Pack smart! Try to do a carry-on, and if you must bring in a checked bag - pre-check from home.

RENTAL CAR FEES:

Collision-damage waiver (CDW) can cost as much as the actual car rental. 

SOLUTION: Check with your credit card company AND auto insurance companies before you leave home, and make sure you are already covered. Then when you get to the rental counter, DECLINE - DECLINE - DECLINE! 

HIDDEN HOTEL FEES:

When I am in Washington, DC, I know that the hotels charge for parking, and in and out fees.  If I can, I go into Virginia, and eliminate such charges, Don't become a victim of hidden hotel fees at check-out. Make sure, when booking, to confirm what services are included with the hotel rate. Things to be on the lookout for, are;

Wireless Connections 

Hotel amenities ~ pool, fitness center, or business center

Free breakfast ~ full or continental

Mini-Fridge 

Bottle of Water ~ Looks free, but they charge between $1.50 to $3.00 per bottle 

       of warm water 

      on the counter.

Movies and Games 

Parking ~ valet, overnight, and in & out charges

SOLUTION: Call ahead to confirm what is included in your rate. Ask for specials, and utilize hotel reward programs. Sign up online with the hotel chain BEFORE making your reservation - they are free for basic memberships. Use your AAA, or Super Club memberships, and don't forget to check with your HR department for discounts. Then check online with google, and see how many people will point you in the direction of discounts.