You’ve booked the flights, secured the hotel, and arranged transfers. You’ve even created a foolproof daily food budget and set limits on souvenirs. Your holiday budget? Rock solid. Or so you think—until those hidden travel costs creep up and throw everything off balance.
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While most travellers are familiar with the extra fees that airlines charge for checked baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding, there are plenty of lesser-known costs that can catch you by surprise. Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre Travel Group, shares six of the most common—and how to plan for them.
1. Tourist taxes
Also called a “visitor tax,” “city tax,” or “tourism levy,” these are fees that many destinations charge visitors for staying in their city or region. In Europe, it usually ranges from €1–7 per person per night (though it varies widely by destination) and is charged separately from your hotel booking.
Some destinations have introduced day-visitor taxes too. Venice, for example, now charges visitors over the age of 14 a €5 entry fee on peak 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.”
According to Flight Centre’s 2025 Global PR report, most South African travellers are actually in favour of these fees—82% said they’d be willing to pay if the money supports sustainable tourism.
“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.”
2. Resort fees
Particularly common in North America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, resort fees are daily charges for amenities that South Africans might expect to be standard, like wi-fi or room cleaning. In the US, these are often referred to as “junk fees,” and they’ve been controversial enough to spark government action.
“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?”
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3. Cash passport and ATM fees
Cash passports, offered by many banks, allow you to preload a travel card with funds at a fixed exchange rate. They can be useful for budgeting but usually involve a loading fee.
“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.”
4. Beach club minimum spend
From the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia, swanky beach clubs tempt travellers with daybeds, umbrellas, and poolside lounging. The catch? Many implement a minimum spend requirement during high season—meaning your party has to spend a set amount on food and drinks to use the facilities.
The minimum can vary by destination, season, or even time of day. Do a little research in advance so you can enjoy the vibe without overspending.
5. Tourist fines
A growing number of destinations have introduced hefty “tourist fines” to curb bad behaviour. In Malaga, Spain, for example, penalties of up to €750 now apply for things like walking around the city in swimwear, excessive noise, or littering.
The aim is to protect local culture and ensure everyone enjoys their visit. If you respect the rules, you’ll avoid unnecessary costs (and embarrassment).
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6. Tipping cultures
Tipping norms differ around the world, and they can seriously impact your budget.
- South Africa: Around 10% is common, though optional.
- USA and Canada: 15–20% is expected and often added automatically.
- North Africa: Small tips, or “baksheesh,” are customary for services ranging from taxis to hotel staff.
- Japan: Tipping is generally not practiced and may even be considered rude.
- Thailand & Indonesia: Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas.
Understanding local customs is about more than money—it’s also about showing cultural respect.
Plan ahead
These sneaky fees don’t have to derail your travel budget. With a little research and some expert advice, you can plan for them in advance.
“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.”
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