13 Ridiculous and Unnecessary Travel Splurges: How to Save Your Money

Traveling is a wonderful way to explore new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. However, it can also be a huge drain on your wallet if you’re not careful. Here are 13 things travelers often waste money on, along with some smart tips to help you avoid these unnecessary expenses.

Include tips for solo travelers.

How to avoid ridiculous and unnecessary Travel Splurges: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I avoid unexpected travel expenses?

Plan ahead, set a budget, and research your destination thoroughly. Use travel apps and websites to compare prices and find the best deals. Always have a contingency fund for emergencies.

Is it worth it to buy travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance can save you a lot of money and stress in case of emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage. Always read the policy details to know what’s covered. Some credit cards also offer travel insurance as a benefit, so check your card’s perks. I have been using SafetyWing as I found it to be the best for what I need. I have recently found TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER , a great site to compare different insurance companies. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase

What’s the best way to find affordable accommodation?

Use comparison websites, book in advance, and consider alternatives like hostels, Airbnb, or vacation rentals. Staying slightly outside tourist hotspots can save you money while providing a more authentic experience.

1. Airport Food and Drinks

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Airport food and drinks are notoriously overpriced. You pay premium prices for mediocre meals and bottled water.

How to Avoid It:

Pack your own snacks and an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re past security. Many airports have refill stations, and bringing your own snacks ensures you have something you like. For example, bring granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit.

2. Overpriced Souvenirs

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Souvenirs can be fun, but they often end up as clutter or gifts no one really wants. They are also usually marked up significantly in tourist areas.

How to Avoid It:

Look for unique, locally made items that are useful and meaningful. For instance, a handwoven scarf from a local market can be a beautiful reminder of your trip.

Set a budget for souvenirs and stick to it. You can also take photos as mementos instead of buying physical items. Or ask your landlord or the hotel staff where locals go and buy. A great example is the colorful Portuguese sardine cans, one of the most popular Portugal souvenirs to take home.

They are also of a convenient size and don’t break in the suitcase. Well, the ones you find in the souvenir shops are extremely expensive, but if you check in a common supermarket, they have the same colorful packages, and they are actually what the locals eat. That makes a more authentic souvenir but at a decent price.

3. ATM Fees

Why It’s Ridiculous:

ATM fees can add up quickly, especially if you withdraw cash frequently. You could end up paying $3-$5 per transaction, a waste.

How to Avoid It:

Use a debit card that reimburses ATM fees or find a bank that partners with international ATMs for no-fee withdrawals. Some credit unions and online banks offer accounts with no international fees, making them a great option for travelers.

Extra tip: When you pay by card or withdraw, you will get a message asking you to accept the rate exchange. Always say NO. This way, your bank exchange rates will be applied, and they are usually more convenient than the bank you are withdrawing from.

4. Expensive Tours

Why It’s Ridiculous:

While tours can be informative, and sometimes they are the only way to see a place, they are often overpriced and rigid in schedule. You might not get the flexibility to explore at your own pace. If you are exploring on your own, you can take more time on a place and have a better experience.

For example, when visiting Mayan Ruins in Mexico, you can get there on your own by car and then hire a guide at the entrance. This way, you get the best of both worlds, you learn about the site from an expert, and when the explanation is done, you have the rest of the time to make your own schedule.

How to Avoid It:

Research and plan your own tours. Use local guides, apps, or travel blogs to discover places on your own. For example, instead of paying for a guided city tour, you can download a self-guided tour app or follow a walking route from a travel blog.

5. Excessive Taxi Rides

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Taxis, especially in tourist areas, can be very expensive compared to public transportation. You might also get overcharged if you don’t know the local rates.

How to Avoid It:

Use public transportation, ride-sharing apps, or even rent a bike. In many cities, public transportation is efficient and much cheaper.

6. Currency Exchange Counters

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Exchange counters in airports and tourist areas often offer poor exchange rates and high fees. You end up losing money right from the start.

How to Avoid It:

Use your debit card to withdraw local currency from ATMs. You’ll get a better exchange rate and fewer fees. If you must use an exchange counter, do it at a reputable bank or in town rather than at the airport.

7. Hotel Mini-Bar

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Items in the mini-bar are marked up significantly compared to local stores. A small snack or drink can cost three times more than it would in a supermarket.

How to Avoid It:

Buy snacks and drinks from a nearby store and stock up your own mini-fridge if you have one. This way, you have your favorite treats at a fraction of the cost.

8. Phone Roaming Charges

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Roaming charges can be exorbitant and add up quickly if you’re not careful. You could end up with a hefty bill upon your return.

How to Avoid It:

Get a local SIM card or an international phone plan. Use Wi-Fi whenever possible for calls and data. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi, saving you from roaming charges.

9. Fancy Restaurants Every Night

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Dining out at high-end restaurants every night can drain your budget fast. Plus, you might miss out on local culinary experiences.

How to Avoid It:

Mix it up with street food, local eateries, or even cooking your own meals if you have access to a kitchen. Street food markets are great places to try a variety of local dishes at a fraction of the cost. For example, in Bangkok, you can get a delicious pad Thai for just a couple of dollars.

10. Overpacking and Baggage Fees

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Extra baggage fees are unnecessary expenses that can easily be avoided. Overpacking can also make traveling more cumbersome.

How to Avoid It:

Pack light and smart. Use packing cubes, and only bring what you need. Check your airline’s baggage policy before you pack. Plan versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched, and leave room for any items you may buy during your trip.

11. First-Class Upgrades

Why It’s Ridiculous:

While tempting, first-class upgrades can be an unnecessary splurge, especially for short flights. The extra comfort might not be worth the cost for a few hours.

How to Avoid It:

Stick with economy and look for ways to make your seat more comfortable with travel pillows and other accessories. For long flights, consider premium economy, which offers more comfort at a lower price than first class. If you use an airline frequently, you can sign up for miles rewards.

12. Guided Shopping Trips

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Guided shopping trips often take you to overpriced stores where guides get a commission. You might end up paying more than if you shopped on your own.

How to Avoid It:

Shop on your own. Visit local markets and shops where you can find better deals and unique items. Research popular shopping areas and plan your route. For example, instead of joining a guided tour in Marrakech, explore the souks yourself to find the best prices and unique goods.

13. Resort Fees

Why It’s Ridiculous:

Resort fees are extra charges that can significantly increase your hotel bill without much added value. They often cover amenities that you might not even use.

How to Avoid It:

Look for hotels that don’t charge resort fees. Always read the fine print before booking. If a hotel charges resort fees, ask if they can be waived, especially if you won’t be using the included amenities.

Extra Bonus Tip for Solo travelers like me out there: Single Room Supplement

Usually, hotel rooms are charged by the room and not by the number of people, which means 1 or 2 people would pay the same price for the room. It’s not ridiculous because Hotels need to make revenue and it makes sense. But some hotels have single-room rates as well that are cheaper than double-room rates. It’s rare and requires a little extra research, but there are quite a few.

This also applies to Liveaboard and we have done the work for you and found Liveaboard with single cabins for you 🙂

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Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. By being mindful of these common splurges and following these tips, you can save money and make the most of your adventures. Happy travels, and get back to us for more useful tips.