Avoid these expensive travel mistakes

Photo by Patrick Tomasso | Unsplash

By Daniel Bortz
Posted on July 08, 2026

Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache.

Here are six steps you can take to save money on a trip:

1. Buy travel medical insurance

Nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company.

Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S.

One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, which provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events such as heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in severe cases.

Travelers spend on average $103 per policy on Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website, with an average trip length of 20 days. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

2. Check your bags in advance

Some airlines charge customers more if they check a bag at the airport, rather than paying to check a bag in advance.

For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure. Make sure to pay for bags before you arrive at the airport.

3. Check fees carefully

Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym fees — hotels today charge guests no shortage of surcharges. It’s a widespread problem: Nearly four out of 10 U.S. adults encountered a hidden or unexpected hotel fee in the previous two years, according to a Consumer Reports 2023 survey.

Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees for guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick.

In general, hidden fees should now be less of a problem since the Federal Trade Commission instituted a rule last year prohibiting hidden “junk fees” for live events and short-term lodging.

Book directly through the hotel or rental company, not through a third-party, to ensure you’re seeing the full costs (and because your trip is typically better secured that way).

4. Shop around for car rentals

When you’re renting a car, keep an eye out for add-ons and extra fees. For example, as Kiplinger personal finance writer Rachael Green explained, “most people can safely decline supplemental coverage, since your regular car insurance likely applies to a rental car in the U.S., and many travel credit cards offer rental car protection through the card.”

Stores such as Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts on certain rental cars. In addition, several credit card companies offer discounts from specific companies.

AARP members save up to 35% on base rates at Avis and Budget, and AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

Finally, check third-party sites such as Expedia or Booking.com for deals.

You might also be able to nab a lower rate for your car rental by prepaying when you book a reservation. Some rental car companies offer limited-mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option for a short trip.

5. Double-check your bill

Stop at the front desk before you leave a hotel and ask to see a copy of the bill. This only takes a few minutes and could save you a hassle if you catch a mistaken charge after you’ve left.

To avoid unnecessary fees when renting a car, always review the list of charges before you accept the keys. By doing that, Kiplinger editor Alexandra Svokos has caught and avoided tacked-on fees. She also recommends simply asking what services you really need.

“I’ve asked the desk agent if the prepaid-toll fee was worth it, based on where I would be driving, and they’ve told me honestly when it wasn’t,” she said.

6. Join the loyalty club

Most airlines and hotels have loyalty clubs where you earn miles or points from your bookings. You can then use those points towards future trips. Additionally, many of these loyalty clubs offer automatic discounts when booking.

Sometimes you can get discounts and freebies such as upgrades and discounted checked-bag or change fees.

Joining these loyalty clubs is typically free. When booking a hotel or flight online, sign in as a member first or add your frequent-flyer or loyalty number.