Taxes, surcharges significantly increase holiday price tag

Taxes and other surcharges added to car rentals, airfare and hotel accommodation leave many vacationers stunned when they find out how significantly these fees can increase a holiday’s final price tag. Tom Parsons, a columnist for the Dallas Morning Star, noted that the initial fee advertised by airlines, car hire firms and hotels often seem very reasonable and competitive, but when a range of surcharges are calculated in, the traveler finds him/herself disappointed by the much higher total sum, which shows that sometimes what seems like a deal, or not such a good bargain after all.

There are, however, several ways to save on these extra fees and keep the price of a holiday closer to the originally determined budget. For example, many airlines in Europe and North America now charge for most on-board snacks and meals. Sandwiches in the United States and Canada usually cost between $4 and $6. Although many airlines now accept credit cards as a form of payment for these in-flight purchases, passengers should still stick to paying with cash. Studies have suggested that those who use their credit cards onboard tend to spend significantly more on these in-flight meals.

Traveling with as little luggage as possible is also a good way to save money. The usual weight restriction is 50 pounds for checked luggage. In the US, if a passenger surpasses this limit even by a single pound, he/she can expect to pay a $50 surcharge. If the bag is 20 pounds above the limit, the extra fee jumps to $100.