It’s no small feat: you’ve booked the flights, secured the hotel and arranged transfers. You’ve set a daily food budget after researching all the best spots. You’ve even limited souvenir requests in the face of volatile exchange rates. Your budget? Iron clad! Until those sneaky costs nobody warned you about start appearing.
Today, most of us are well-versed in airline fees (with many carriers charging extra for checked baggage, seat selection and priority boarding). But what about other unforeseen costs? Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre Travel Group, says these are among the most common traps to be aware of:
Tourist Tax. Also called a “visitor tax”, “city tax” or “tourism levy” this is a fee that many destinations charge visitors for staying in their city or region. In Europe, it usually ranges from €1-7 per person per night (but varies widely by destination). It’s separate from your hotel booking, so it’s a surprise cost that many travellers don’t budget for.
And they’re becoming more common. Venice’s new day-visitor tax (separate from the overnight tax) has been particularly controversial – as they charge visitors (over the age of 14) €5 to enter the city centre on busy days.
“Tourism levies are a way to fund various tourism initiatives, including the maintenance of tourism infrastructure and facilities,” says Turner. “These days, they’re also used to discourage overtourism in destinations like Venice – and support eco-tourism initiatives.”
As Turner explains, the majority of South African travellers are in favour of destination fees, with Flight Centre’s 2025 Global PR report showing that 82% of South Africans polled would be willing to pay an entry fee if it funds sustainable tourism efforts.
“Just make sure to ask your travel expert about applicable destination fees or tourism levies,” advises Turner. “It can be a shock if you’re a family travelling on a budget.”
Resort Fees. Particularly common in North America, the Caribbean and Mexico, resort fees are daily charges for amenities that South Africans might consider standard, including wi-fi and room cleaning. In the US, they’re commonly called “junk fees” and there’s been a significant backlash – so much so, that a Federal Trade Commission rule went into effect in May 2025 preventing resorts, hotels and holiday rentals from hiding fees – or tacking any extra costs onto the final bill.
“Ideally, what you see should be what you get,” says Turner. “Always confirm exactly what your final accommodation quote covers. This goes for all-inclusive rates too, for example, is it an open bar, or are tropical cocktails an added extra?”
Cash Passport or ATM Fees: Cash passports (obtained through your bank) allow you to ‘pre-load’ a travel card with funds – at a locked-in exchange rate – making it easy to stay within your travel budget. However, loading a card does come at a fee, so always confirm exactly how much directly with your bank.
“Cash passports are quickly becoming the most popular way to take money overseas,” says Turner. “You can check your balance at ATMs, top up online, and avoid currency fluctuations by locking in a rate prior to departure. Yes, there is an upfront charge for the card, but it may still cost you less than your standard debit or credit card – which will incur higher fees at international ATMs and are impacted by the exchange rate. Chat to your bank and make the right decision for you.”
Beach Club Minimum Spend. Whether in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Southeast Asia, swanky beach clubs offer enticing settings for lounging, drinking and dining. What could be better than a sun lounger and umbrella perched in front of the turquoise waters of Italy’s Tyrrhenian Sea? Just be careful. During high season, many beach clubs (in Europe and across the world) implement minimum spend policies – the amount your party must spend on food and beverages to use the day beds, loungers, pools and cabanas. These minimums vary by location, season and even time of day, so research can help you find options that align with your budget.
Tourist Fines. Brand-new and seriously hefty (up to €750, depending on the transgression), a number of European destinations have introduced so-called “tourist fines” to crack down on unruly behaviour – especially in hotspots already groaning under the weight of tourist numbers. The fines (for example, those just introduced in Malaga, Spain) hope to encourage visitors to dress respectfully (keeping bikinis for the beach), avoid littering and limit noise. Ultimately, it’s to ensure that everyone enjoys their time in a destination, and if you behave, you’ll be fine (excuse the pun).
Tipping. Know Before You Go.
In South Africa, a tip of around 10% for service at a café, bar or restaurant is fairly standard but remains optional. When travelling abroad, tipping culture can often come as an unexpected whammy.
In the United States, tipping upwards of 20% of the bill is expected and often constitutes a significant portion of the server’s income. The practice is so embedded across North America that many establishments automatically include gratuity in your bill.
In countries like Morocco and Egypt, tipping is deeply cultural, with small gratuities (sometimes referred to as “baksheesh”) expected by everyone from waiters and taxi drivers to hotel concierges and bathroom attendants, though practices vary between different North African nations.
This isn’t universal, however. In many Asian countries, particularly Japan, tipping is not customary and can sometimes be perceived as uncomfortable or inappropriate, while in others like Thailand or Indonesia, it’s becoming more accepted though not expected.
Understanding local tipping customs isn’t just about budgeting, but about cultural respect. Research about tipping expectations is important before departing on your next adventure.
Speak to a Travel Expert
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. A travel advisor will be able to help you navigate any and all costs while maximising holiday enjoyment.
“Ask your travel advisor about all-inclusive packages, or ways to bundle flights, accommodation and activities,” says Turner. “In addition, they’ll be able to offer advice on public transport, like the UK’s Oyster card, secure advance bookings for major attractions, and suggest the best way to travel without breaking the bank.”
