It’s
no secret that travelling is a particularly costly hobby – but there’s likely
some hidden costs you weren’t aware of that could impact your budget severely.
Here are just some of them to watch out for next time you fly away.
Medical costs
One
of the biggest potential costs you may run into when travelling is that of
medical bills. If you’re not prepared and insured, medical treatment in travelling
hotspots such as Thailand could cost upwards of $50,000 as echoed by
TINZ.
It’s
crucial you’re protecting yourself in every way, whether it be with insurance
or by visiting the doctor before you go. Medical costs are often the biggest
setback for travellers who don’t anticipate them – and when they’re as lofty as
mentioned above, it’s definitely worth trying to avoid them as much as
possible.
Getting scammed
Yet
another pitfall that many travellers encounter is that of the classic scam –
and when travelling, it can crop up in countless different areas. Whether it be
in a marketplace or a taxi, it’s important to remain vigilant and recognise a
scam before you’re drained of your budget.
If
you do notice someone trying to scam you, particularly in a marketplace, be
sure to haggle. It’s a common practice done by almost every tourist before you,
and you’ll knock off a major proportion of the asking price if you’re
successful. If you don’t feel comfortable paying the price, don’t pay it.
Transportation
How
are you planning on getting from A to B? Although you might want to walk
everywhere, it’s often not realistic – weather, terrain, long distances etc. –
and so it’s important you’re leaving some money spare to catch public transport
and make exploring your destination a whole lot easier.
However, don’t
get a taxi if you can help it. In many tourism hotspots, they’re dangerous
and driven by scam artists – so steer clear if you have a choice.
Foreign transaction fees
Don’t
leave getting your money out until you’re abroad. Foreign transaction fees are
a nasty surprise and, although they may not appear costly upon first glance,
they can accumulate to take a hefty chunk out of your travelling budget.
Instead,
make sure you’re exchanging your money before you fly away. High streets have
great outlets for money exchanging, often offering the best rates and allowing
you to get the biggest bang for your buck. Shop around to find the best deals –
and consider
getting a prepaid travel card to store it all upon. It’ll allow you to
avoid said transaction fees whilst also keeping your money all in one place.
Buying items you forgot to bring
Although
you might think you’ve packed it all, chances are you’ve forgotten that one
thing you really need. Deodorant, sunscreen, a toothbrush –
we’ve all done it. Be sure to prepare for the things you’ll be picking up along
the way on your travels, as there’ll almost definitely be something you’ve
forgotten.
What else should your fellow travellers prepare for in terms of
costs? Be sure to leave your tips and tricks in the comments below.
