Unexpected Vacation Expenses You May Encounter

All set and ready for vacation! What can go wrong? Encountering unexpected vacation expenses can really put a dent in your fun, your budget, and your spending money. Over the years I have gotten much more accurate with my vacation budgets, projections, and spending. Anticipating some of the things that used to trip me up (no pun intended) has helped me and my family save a bundle.

Unexpected Vacation Expenses To Consider Before You Go:

Parking: Many of us plan to use a rental car on vacation. Do NOT overlook how much your resort or hotel will charge you to park. Sometimes these fees can be $20+ per night and then they tax you! With the invention of ride sharing we have taken two trips without a rental car and stuck closer to our hotel. You may be on an adventure that requires a car, but make sure you add in your parking costs.
Hotel & Resort Fees: These are no joke! There are so many options available and many of us book our vacations online. Make sure to read the fine print as a lot of these fees are due separately from your main overnight stay payment. I stayed in a hotel that only had a pool (I thought that was pretty standard) and there was still a $9 “resort” fee per night!
Extra or Rain Activities: Make sure to research your options for rainy day activities you may want to do. With many of us in Michigan traveling to warm, sandy getaways, we can be caught off guard when we can’t lay by the pool all day. Know some options in advance and take a look at travelzoo.com or groupon.com for deals in the location your are visiting
Breakfast & Snacks: I do not even have kids yet, but I always pack snacks! I imagine this is even more beneficial if you travel with children. A box of granola bars, crackers and a few cans of soup can save you a bundle on vacation! I take special care to pack some food in my luggage if we are traveling somewhere that doesn’t offer free breakfast. Breakfast and snacks can run $20-$75 per day depending on the size of your family.