6 Big travel rip-offs you absolutely want to avoid!

This picture of me was taken in Labadee, Haiti in December of 2013. I absolutely LOVE-LOVE-LOVE Labadee, Haiti. It's a little bit of heaven here on Earth! If you've not yet, been GO!! You will be absolutely amazed!

6 Big Travel Rip-offs to Avoid! These are some of my own tips and some I've found to help me in my travels.  I hope they're helpful to you too!

Hey, it’s really fun to splurge from time to time, especially when you’re on vacation. However, the following “extras” are actually huge rip-offs that add up and may not be worth it in the end.

 

1. Save Your Money- Don’t get Charged for Excess Baggage-

Most of the time, you won’t wear everything that you pack anyway. When you’re preparing to leave for sweet vacation, you may think that you need 4 outfits for every day. In truth, though, most of your clothing will go un-worn and you’ll pay high fees for extra luggage. If you can wash your clothing at your hotel, this will help you pack less.


2. Don’t go into Unmarked Cabs-

Never, ever get into an unmarked cab. On top of being a rip-off, they’re also not safe. Unmarked cabs are infamous for charging extra high rates, taking longer-than-necessary routes, and giving you the wrong change back. Try to travel in pairs, avoid going alone in a cab ride, if possible.

 

3. Tourist Dining-

When traveling, eat like a local instead of like a tourist. Tourist-heavy areas come with high prices. Talk to locals to find out where the best restaurants and eateries are that offer a bit of a local flair.

 

4. Avoid Airline Clubs-

The idea of an airport’s airline club can often be a lot nicer than the actual club itself. Members-only airline clubs are often just as loud and crowded as the rest of the airport. Unless you’ve had a great experience in the past and travel all the time, these clubs don’t offer a great return on your investment.

 

5. High Taxes on Alcohol-

Some countries carry extremely high tax on alcohol, which is a good reason to skip over cocktails when dining out. One drink can cost more than $15 (watch out on the cruise ships for these pricy drinks)! To keep costs down, try to stick with water (if it’s safe depending upon which country you are in) or order a virgin drink. I personally suggest a smoothie or fruit juice which will keep you healthy and full of energy while you are traveling and seeing the world!

 

6. Avoid Pricy Hotel Rooms in Major Cities-

By staying smack in the center of an exciting, thriving city, you’ll likely pay big bucks for a tiny room. Hey, why not instead, consider staying a few short blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds or on the outskirts of the city. Lodging rates will very likely go down and the room space will also possibly expand.


What rip-offs have you been able to avoid on your travels, share them below!