Travel Costs They Don’t Always Mention: A Guide on What to Expect
Eager to see more of the world but worried about the expenses? No worries! We’re here to give you an easy-to-understand rundown of travel expenses you’ll encounter. Whether you’re an expert adventurer or stepping into new grounds for the first time, this guide is a friend to help you navigate the financial complexities of traveling and how you can manage them with ease.
Airfare: Snagging the Best Deals
Airfare is of course at the top of the list of the costs you’ll encounter. Prices can fluctuate wildly based on the time of year, your target destination, and how far in advance you book. To maximize savings, it’s best to keep an eye out for deals and consider flying during off-peak season. When booking a flight, you’re paying for multiple components, all contributing to the total spending cost:
Base Fare: This is the cost of reserving your seat. They’re often available at reduced rates when a special promotion is running like Piso Fares and sales.
Airline Taxes and Fees: This is the cost that will cover the charges for using airport gates and its facilities, city-imposed taxes (which vary by city), and extra fees the airline obliges you to comply with.
Accommodations: Feeling at Home Away From Home
Choosing the right place to stay is crucial for a comfortable trip. Whether you’re leaning towards luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or Airbnb rentals, accommodation can significantly impact your budget. Here are the key factors that influence this cost:
Hard Product: The rate of the place often reflects tangible elements like the room’s appearance, quality, and the overall amenities offered.
Proximity to City Center: Staying at a good location can save both time and money on transportation.
Breakfast Inclusion: Some hotels may not include breakfast in their rates to present you with lower rates and Airbnbs do not typically include breakfast as their standard offerings. So be sure to factor this into your budget!
Tours: Must-See Sights and Must-do Activities
Tours offer a great opportunity to explore new destinations and immerse yourself in local cultures. Whether it’s a guided city tour, a nature hike, or a historical excursion, these experiences can enhance your overall trip experience. There are two common types of tours for you to consider:
Join-in Tours (JIC): Also known as Seat-in-Coach (SIC), these are a cost-effective option because the expenses are divided equally among all the participants. So the more people, the lower the costs. They’re great for meeting other travelers, although they come with a fixed schedule so there’s less flexibility to go beyond the initial itinerary.
Private Tours: These tours offer a customizable and personalized travel experience, bespoke just for you. It allows you to craft the itinerary according to your interests and at the pace you want to go through them, making it a stress-free experience. Your guide will be more focused on you and you’ll get to enjoy an intimate and flexible trip without thinking of anyone else’s schedule. But of course, this kind of comfort is more expensive yet if the budget fits, it’s worth the price.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preference and budget. If you’re not interested in tours, you can always opt for DIY Travel so you can have the utmost freedom in planning your itinerary, you get to choose where to splurge or save. However, DIY Travel requires more energy to plan and you may encounter problems like getting lost in an unfamiliar place or worse, getting scammed. So be sure to be cautious!
Land Arrangements: Mastering Local Transportation Seamlessly
Land arrangements cover everything from airport transfers to local transportation. These costs can add up quickly, especially in regions with limited public transit options. It’s important to note that transportation styles and rates vary by country. For example, in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, traveling by car is relatively cheaper. Train fares in Japan on the other hand can be quite high, you’ll be paying an average of 800 Yen which is approximately 350 Philippine Pesos.
Dining: Enjoying Each Meal Without Worry
Sampling local cuisine is one of the highlights of every trip, but it can also be a significant expense. From street food to fine dining, your food costs will depend on your preferences. To estimate your budget for food, calculate the average cost of a meal in the place you’re staying at and multiply it by the number of meals you’ll be having during the whole trip. This way, you’ll get a clearer picture of your overall spending and help you plan better.
Taxes: Avoiding Hidden Costs
Don’t overlook travel taxes, they can easily catch you off guard! These often include departure taxes, visa fees, and other government-imposed charges. For group tours, taxes are sometimes itemized separately, especially for European group departures. It’s also best to note that tipping your driver and guide is usually expected when you’re availing of a group tour.
Additionally, you need to pay city taxes, airline fees, and Philippine travel taxes. Being aware of these costs in advance can help you allot your finances more accurately and avoid surprises.
Need some help navigating these travel costs?
We know it may seem overwhelming, but two great options can ease the planning. Fiyahe Guided Group Tours caters to group departures, helping you manage expenses, transfers, and other arrangements in that area. On the other hand, Hand Carried is perfect for those who prefer a DIY approach, we’ll help you build a personalized itinerary to save you time on research and arrange private tours so you can have a more flexible and stress-free trip.
We offer packages based on your destination, preferred dates, and budget to secure you the dream adventure you crave. We ensure that all expenses are transparent and manageable, helping you sidestep unnecessary problems so you can just enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Contact Hand Carried today and take one step further to reaching your target destination!
