Top 10 Hidden Costs of Travel (and How to Plan Ahead With Instalments)

When you’re dreaming about your next getaway, it’s easy to focus on flights, hotels, and tours — but the hidden costs of travel can quickly catch you off guard. From unexpected fees to overlooked essentials, these extras can add hundreds to your total spend.

The good news? With PlanPay’s travel payment plans, you can spread your costs into manageable instalments, keeping your travel budget predictable and stress-free.

Understanding the Real Impact of Travel Hidden Costs

Even the most carefully planned trips can go over budget when you don’t account for the smaller, unexpected charges. These “hidden” costs — like baggage fees, insurance, or city taxes — can make a big difference to your total travel spend. Planning ahead with instalments helps make every dollar visible and manageable.

1. Baggage Fees

Airlines often charge extra for checked luggage or overweight bags. These fees can range from $50 to $150 per bag each way — a hefty surprise if you’re traveling with family.

Plan ahead: Check baggage policies before you book and use instalments to include these costs upfront in your total travel budget.

2. Airport Meals & Drinks

Airport food is notoriously overpriced. Add a coffee and snack during a delay, and you might spend $30 before you even board.

Plan ahead: Budget a small buffer for meals or pack snacks. Instalment payments make it easy to add this buffer to your pre-trip plan.

3. Currency Exchange Fees

ATM withdrawals and card transactions abroad often include foreign exchange markups or conversion fees.

Plan ahead: Use a low-fee travel card and plan your spending money in advance with instalments — so you’re not hit with surprise charges.

4. Tips and Gratuities

In many destinations, tipping isn’t optional — it’s expected. Hotel porters, tour guides, and restaurant staff rely on it.

Plan ahead: Research tipping norms and build them into your travel budget to avoid awkward moments or unplanned costs.

5. Travel Insurance

Insurance is essential — but often overlooked until it’s too late. The cost depends on your age, destination, and coverage.

Plan ahead: With a payment plan, you can add your insurance premium into your instalments and avoid a big upfront hit.

6. Transfers and Local Transport

Airport shuttles, taxis, and ride shares can quickly add up, especially in cities with limited public transport.

Plan ahead: Estimate your local transport costs when booking and pay for them gradually with instalments.

7. Resort Fees and City Taxes

Hotels sometimes add mandatory “resort” or “city” fees that aren’t shown in the advertised price.

Plan ahead: Always check the fine print — or ask your travel provider to include these in your PlanPay instalment plan so you won’t be surprised at check-out.

8. Excursions and Add-ons

A sunset cruise or guided hike can elevate your trip — but they come at a cost.

Plan ahead: Include activities you know you’ll want to experience in your travel instalment plan for a smoother budgeting process.

9. Roaming and Connectivity

Using your phone overseas can be expensive. Even short calls or data use can lead to shock bills.

Plan ahead: Purchase a local SIM or travel eSIM and add it to your instalment plan so it’s covered in your pre-trip budget.

10. Laundry and Essentials

Whether it’s hotel laundry, sunscreen, or forgotten chargers, small items add up fast.

Plan ahead: Build a small “essentials” fund into your travel plan — easily covered with instalment payments through PlanPay.

Make Your Travel Budget Predictable

Hidden costs can derail even the best-laid plans — but with PlanPay’s travel payment plans, you can stay in control. Break down your total trip cost (including those sneaky extras) into instalments that fit your lifestyle.

Ready to plan smarter?

Explore our travel merchant partners to start your journey with a flexible payment plan today.