10 Hidden Travel Costs That Can Wreck Your Budget

1. Transportation (Not Just Flights)

Once you arrive, getting around can eat into your budget faster than expected.

Trains to the city center, airport shuttles, subway passes, and local buses often aren’t included in initial planning. And in some cities (hello London), a week of transit can cost more than you think.

👉 Always research how people get around at your destination and check the price of passes or tickets in advance. Add a buffer for Ubers or taxis too, especially on arrival days when you’re tired or arriving late.

Want to make sure none of this catches you off guard on your next trip? This is exactly why I use a Travel Budget Tracker.

2. Luggage Fees

This one gets me every time.

You find a great deal on Skyscanner, think the trip will cost €200, and by the time you select a seat and add a checked bag, you’re up to €350.

👉 Always check what’s included in the base fare before adding it to your budget. If you’re flying with low-cost airlines, assume nothing is included, even carry-on might cost extra. If you’re traveling light, budget for a small personal item only, or plan for the extra baggage cost from the start.

Most of the time, I only travel with a hand luggage only 😂

3. Taxes Not Included in Prices

If you’re not used to it, this one’s a shocker.

In some countries (like in the US or Canada), prices shown on menus, websites, and even hotel bookings often don’t include taxes. So that $15 t-shirt actually costs closer to $18 when the bill comes. It applies to shopping, dining, hotels, and even activities.

It’s not a huge deal on one purchase, but it adds up quickly across a whole trip.

👉 When planning your shopping and restaurant budget, factor in an extra 10–15% on top of listed prices.

4. Tips 

Tipping can totally throw off your budget if you forget about it.

In the U.S., it’s standard to tip 15–20% at restaurants, plus a few dollars for drivers, bellhops, and hotel staff. In other countries, tipping may be optional, but in places where it’s expected, skipping it can feel awkward.

👉 Before you go, look up the local tipping culture and build it into your daily budget. I usually round up restaurant bills or keep a stash of small cash for service tips just in case.

Eating a pizza in Arcachon France… Tipping is optional here!

5. Roaming Charges or SIM Cards

Roaming fees are one of the sneakiest hidden costs if you’re not covered by your phone plan.

Just checking Google Maps a few times abroad could end up costing you more than you expect.

👉 Always check your provider’s policy before you leave. What’s included varies a lot by provider and country. If it’s not included, consider buying a local SIM or eSIM on arrival. Services like Holafly are super easy to set up and can save you money and hassle.

6. Parking Fees

If you’re renting a car, don’t assume parking will be free or cheap.  In cities, even small towns, paid parking is often the rule, not the exception (especially in Europe).

I learned this on my road trip through Andalusia and ended up spending nearly €300 just on parking. It’s the kind of expense that creeps up slowly, €15 here, €25 there, until your budget is wrecked.

👉 Always check if your hotel or Airbnb includes parking, and take a look at the cities you’ll be visiting (some places are far more expensive or limited than others).

7. ATM or Card Fees

Not all cards are made for travel. Some charge a foreign transaction fee, others tack on ATM withdrawal charges, and some give you a bad exchange rate.

👉  Check the terms of your current card before your trip. If it’s not travel-friendly, I recommend getting a no-fee travel card (like Revolut, Wise or N26) or at least setting aside a small buffer in case your bank slaps you with unexpected charges.

👉 Also, avoid currency exchange booths in airports as they often offer the worst rates.

8. Entrance Fees for Sights & Activities

You’ve probably budgeted for flights and hotels, but what about the actual experiences?

Entry fees for museums, monuments, national parks, and guided visits aren’t always obvious upfront. And they can quickly eat into your budget if you haven’t planned for them.

👉 Look up ticket prices in advance (on Get Your Guide) and include them in your budget. You might even find special deals or skip-the-line offers online that aren’t available on-site.

Plus, for popular places, booking ahead is sometimes the only way to get in.

9. Snacks, Coffee, and “Little Extras”

It’s easy to overlook, but buying drinks, snacks, or the occasional gelato adds up, especially if you’re traveling in hot weather or walking all day.

One coffee in the morning, bottled water, a quick pastry while sightseeing… It doesn’t seem like much, but you could easily spend €10–15 a day just on little things.

👉 I usually build a small “daily extras” category into my budget to cover these without guilt.

I had a big snack in Copenhagen 😋

10. Emergency Expenses

No one likes to think about it, but emergencies do happen. Missed connections, surprise dental visits, stolen phones…

Me? I learned it the hard way. While traveling in Bosnia, my backpack was stolen with everything inside: my camera, passport, and personal stuff. It was stressful, expensive, and completely unplanned.

👉 My personal rule is simple: if I don’t have enough of a buffer to handle a flight change or medical bill, I don’t go. The peace of mind is worth it. You don’t need a huge emergency fund, but even a few hundred euros set aside can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown panic moment abroad.