Kate Roff shares her top five most frustrating ways to lose money while on the move — and tips to navigate them.
AIRPORT TAXES
Although the UK has the world's highest airport taxes, it doesn't seem so bad if it's included in your fare. It's the on-the-spot taxes that bug me the most. Christchurch's $25 departure fee always surprised me (don't worry — they got rid of it) but there are far more expensive departure taxes elsewhere. The good news is Kiwis don't incur reciprocity fees in some countries, like Chile (where the Aussies are landed with a $61 bill, and the Americans have to pay $131).
Tip: Check the airport taxes before you book, it usually pays to shop around for fewer stopovers and to compare alternate flights. Try to take cash, many airports don't accept cards.
It's such a let-down to find a great rental car deal, only to be hit with extra fees and insurance when you pick up the keys. A recent Australian trip to Darwin saw us wrestling with Budget car rental over extra location fees, insurance, additional mileage and reduced liability (to name a few).
Tip: There's really no avoiding this without wading through masses of fine print before you book a car, so it is mainly a case of doing as much homework as you can (read reviews) and then just "take it on the chin".
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCES
I should probably admit culpability here; it's not the flight attendant's fault that I couldn't decide whether to bring tennis shoes or stilettos — resulting in both being shoved, along with the kitchen sink, into my suitcase. But that doesn't make it hurt any less when being slapped with an overweight baggage fee.
Tip: Take luggage allowances into account when booking — it's often worth paying a little extra for a higher ticket category. I also usually take a lightweight duffel bag with me, in case I am asked to split or lighten my luggage.
TIPPING
Plan ahead and ask a local what is customary to tip. Photo / Getty Images
All through the US, I am sure I left a wake of disgruntled waiters after forgetting to leave tips — it's a difficult concept to get your head around when you didn't grow up with it. It does become understandable, however, when you realise the wait staff are paid only a couple of dollars per hour. More annoying, however, are the taxes added to food cost at the end of your bill (even in the supermarkets).
Tip: Plan ahead and ask a local what is customary to tip. In the US it's standard to tip 15-20 per cent on a restaurant bill.
PASSPORT PROBLEMS
Ever tried getting a new passport expedited to a remote area in an unpronounceable country that doesn't have a New Zealand embassy? I have. It is expensive.
Tip: Carry a certified copy of your passport with you (in a safe place) and try really, really hard not to put your passport through the wash.
