We've all made this mistake before - found the cheapest flight deal, grabbed a bargain hotel and crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. It's no surprise that we return home wondering how we spent so much.
So I've broken it down for you, and I guarantee that this will help you to stretch your budget and cover all bases for your travel spending escapades!
1. Pre-Travel Glam
This is easily the most commonly overlooked expense! Before you even set foot on a plane, the pre-travel-glam phase is an essential part of any trip. But let's be real, those costs soon add up! So whether it's a fresh hairstyle, a top-up of your skincare products, a quick mani-pedi treatment, a new holiday wardrobe, some new lashes, keep these costs in check by setting a “glam budget” a couple of months before you go. Plan which treatments and essentials will really add to your trip and skip the stuff you can DIY at home.
Top Tip: Check what outfits, bikinis and products you already have at home (I also need this reminder 😂 ) Not EVERY trip needs a brand new wardrobe and toiletry set.
2. Visas and Medical Requirements
Visa costs can sneak up on you, especially for long-haul or multi-country trips. And the prices vary wildly! Some visas are free, others are around £50, and then there are the ones that can go up into the hundreds. There are also some destinations that require medical test results and vaccinations to travel, so make sure you check those to confirm your eligibility.
How to Prepare: Before booking any trip, research the destination visa requirements as soon as you start planning. Websites like iVisa and the official embassy sites are lifesavers here. Some visas can be done online in minutes, while others require an in-person appointment and take weeks to process. Plan ahead to avoid pricey rush fees, and consider these costs as part of your base budget for any international trip.
3. Transportation to the Airport
I've had some dramatic experiences getting to and from the airport - they usually happen when I book the cheapest flights I can find. Honestly, by the time you take into account how shockingly easy it can be to blow your budget before even taking off - the benefits of including this in your budget will take the heart palpitations out of your airport experience. Depending on where you are, it might be cheaper to Uber, use public transport, or maybe even pay for an airport parking spot.
Cost-Saving Tips:
Early Flights? Look at booking an airport hotel with a shuttle to avoid peak rush hour prices.
Public Transport can be a great option if it’s safe and convenient, but factor in your luggage situation.
Driving For the ultimate convenience, driving can be a great option, but not unless you consider traffic and the daily price of your parking space
Bring snacks! Airport you’re traveling with friends or family! Splitting an Uber or Lyft saves cash and lets you start the trip together.
4. International Phone Data
Unless you’re planning to go off the grid, staying connected abroad is a must! Roaming fees have become significantly better over recent years, but there's always a grey area. So check with your phone provider about the charges to your data plan while you're away, or explore one of these options:
Your Options:
Local SIM Card: (My personal favourite!) You can usually grab one at the airport once you touchdown or at local shops. This is a super budget-friendly option and great if you’ll be in one country for a while.
Roaming Plans: Some carriers offer international plans that let you use your regular phone number abroad without the insane fees. Check with your provider to see if it’s worth it.
eSIMs: More popular now than ever, eSIMs let you purchase data plans without needing a physical SIM card. You can buy one online and switch it on as soon as you land - and you can start using right away.
5. Insurance (It’s Not Just for Your Stuff!)
Travel insurance isn’t the most exciting pre-travel purchase, but it's the safety net you need to have a smooth trip! Travel insurances covers anything from medical care, to lost luggage, to cancelled flights and personal belongings and lots in between.
The Breakdown: (the important part!) Travel insurance typically provides basic coverage, however paying the premium rate will often cover a LOT more and provide a much more affordable excess cost. To make it easier, some credit cards offer travel insurance perks when you book through them. Just make sure you check the fine print!
6. Currency Exchange and Bank Fees
This one’s tricky because, depending on where you go, the currency exchange rate can work for you or completely go against you. Getting foreign currency can be an unexpected expense if you’re not careful. ATMs abroad may also charge ridiculous withdrawal fees, so a little planning here goes a long way.
Pro Tips:
Avoid Airport Exchanges AT ALL COSTS Rates there are notoriously bad. Instead, find a bank with reasonable rates, or even better, plan ahead and get some cash before you leave.
Use a Travel-Friendly Credit Card - Monzo is my favourite! It has no foreign transaction fees to avoid paying that extra 3-5% on each swipe and the instant payment notifications also help to keep track of you cash. I also create "Money Pots" on my Monzo account to help me save money before each trip
Notify Your Bank if you’re planning on using your card abroad! This can help avoid any of those “your card has been blocked” surprises when you're trying to live your best life in a beach club.
Destination essentials
Every trip is going to be completely different, but here's a checklist that I use as my base when putting together the items that I need for my adventures. Adjust this as needed for you, but use this as a guide to start preparing what you need for your trip!
Wardrobe Essentials (Based on a week-long trip)
Tops: 10 (mix of tops, one long-sleeve, a dressier top)
Bottoms: 5-8 (comfies (leggings), shorts, skirts, beach cover-ups)
Outerwear: Light jacket, hoodie
Shoes: Walking shoes, sandals, heels or dressy-shoes
Accessories: Scarf, sunglasses, jewelry, beach towel
Underwear (More than you think you'll need)
Toiletries & Health
Basics: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant
Skincare: Sunscreen, face wash, moisturizer
Mini first aid: Pain relievers, plasters, prescriptions, diarrhea tablets, antiseptic cream
Sanitizer & Tissues: For hygiene on the go
Feminine hygiene products
Tech Must-Haves
Phone & Charger
Portable Charger
Universal Adapter
Headphones
Day Bag Essentials
Lightweight backpack or cute day bag
Water bottle
Snacks
Documents & Money
Passport (and a photocopy)
Travel Insurance Info
Cash & Card
Pen
Weather Flex Items
Raincoat/umbrella
Hat
Swimsuits/bikinis
Top Tip: Pack lots of layers and keep it light! A little pre-planning means you're ready for anything—rain, shine, or surprise adventure
Wrapping Up: Travel Costs – Consider Yourself Prepared!
The key to avoiding these hidden costs is planning. Give yourself a little pre-trip pep talk and ask, “What could come up that I haven’t planned for?” Set aside a “just in case” fund, and remember: the goal is to focus on creating memories, not counting pennies.
So it's onnnnnnn, enjoy your travels girl! International data, once-in-lifetime activities and all 🌍💖
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