I still remember the trip Lisbon in June. I had booked this adorable Airbnb with a little balcony overlooking the Alfama rooftops. Each morning, I’d sip coffee while the city woke up beneath me, thinking, “This is exactly why I travel.”
But when I got home and checked my bank account, reality hit harder than jet lag. Somehow, I’d overspent by nearly $600 and I hadn’t even done anything “fancy.” No Michelin-star dinners, no luxury tours, not even a big shopping spree.
So where did it all go?
It took a painful evening with my receipts and credit card statements to figure it out. Little things I didn’t think twice about were quietly draining my budget: overpriced airport taxis, buying bottled water every day, paying foreign transaction fees, splurging on room service just once because I was “too tired to go out.” Each decision felt harmless in the moment. But together, they added up fast.
That trip was a wake-up call. Since then, I’ve learned how to travel without falling into these money traps and believe me, I still enjoy every cappuccino, every street market, every hotel view. I’ve just become more mindful about how I spend.
So in this guide, I’m breaking down the 11 biggest ways I used to waste money on trips plus exactly what I do now to avoid them. Whether you’re planning your first international vacation or trying to stretch your travel budget further, I hope these lessons save you from the same “how did I spend so much?” moment I had in Lisbon.
Let’s get into it.
1. Foreign Transaction Fees on Credit Cards
I used to swipe my regular credit card everywhere when I traveled. Coffee in Madrid? Swipe. Train tickets in Berlin? Swipe. Dinner in Bangkok? Swipe. It wasn’t until I got back and started combing through my bank statement that I noticed those tiny charges 1.5%, 2%, 3% next to almost every purchase. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but on a two-week trip, it ended up being over $70. That’s like two dinners and a museum pass down the drain, all because I didn’t pay attention to the fine print.
I finally got smart and signed up for a card with no foreign transaction fees. I use the Wise card mostly, and I also carry a backup card from my regular bank just in case. Some places don’t accept certain cards, especially in smaller towns or local markets, so having options helps. I also always check if I’m being charged in the local currency sometimes the card reader will ask, and I used to just click through without thinking. Now I always choose local currency. The conversion rates are way better, and I don’t get hit with double fees.
Look for travel cards that also don’t have annual fees. And remember to notify your bank before traveling so they don’t freeze your card after a purchase in Croatia.
2. Overpaying for Airport Transfers
I’ll admit it I was tired, jetlagged, and not in the mood to figure out a subway map in a new language. So when I arrived in Lisbon, I just got into a taxi at the airport. No questions, no comparison. I just wanted to get to my Airbnb and take a shower. That ride cost me €55 and I found out later that the metro would’ve taken me to the exact same area for less than €2. Painful.
What I Do Now:
Now I always research airport transportation ahead of time, even if it’s just a quick Google search at the gate before boarding. A lot of cities have express buses, airport shuttles, or even Uber or Bolt options that are way cheaper than airport taxis. Some places (like Bali or Morocco) do require pre-arranged pickups to avoid being overcharged, but in Europe and most of Asia, public transport is often faster and more reliable than you think.
Rome2Rio is a lifesaver. Just type in “Lisbon Airport to Alfama” and it gives you every option from bus to taxi to train with prices and times. Total game-changer.
3. Roaming and Data Charges
This one was a rookie mistake. I was in Bali and forgot to turn off roaming before I left the airport. I figured I’d just use my phone to grab an Uber real quick and then turn it off. But I ended up checking directions, Instagramming a waterfall, looking up a lunch spot… and by the time I got back to my hotel and connected to Wi-Fi, the damage was done. When my phone bill came, I had over $80 in roaming charges. It was embarrassing.
Before I even leave the airport, I pop into one of those SIM card booths and buy a local card if I’m going to be in the country more than a few days. In countries where that’s trickier or I’m just passing through, I use an eSIM like Airalo. It’s super easy to activate, and it keeps me connected without burning a hole in my pocket. Worst case, I stick to Wi-Fi and download offline maps.
Tip:
Before your trip, check if your current phone is eSIM-compatible. And always download offline Google Maps for your destination you’ll thank yourself when you’re lost with no signal.
4. Eating in Tourist Areas
You know those restaurants right next to the big tourist sights? Yeah, I fell for it. I was starving after walking all morning in Venice and didn’t want to wander aimlessly. I sat down at a place right near Piazza San Marco, ordered a simple pasta and a Coke, and paid €18 for something that tasted like it came from a microwave. The food was forgettable, the atmosphere was meh, and I left annoyed at myself.
Now, unless I’m absolutely desperate, I avoid eating near major landmarks. I usually walk a few streets away and look for spots with handwritten menus or locals eating lunch not just tourists taking photos. Some of my best meals have been found this way, and they’ve often cost half as much. I also save food spots on Google Maps before I go, based on blogs, YouTube videos, or recs from locals.
Ask your Airbnb host or hotel receptionist where they eat lunch. Nine times out of ten, it’ll lead you to better food, cheaper prices, and an experience you’ll actually remember.
5. Overpacking and Baggage Fees
On a 10-day trip to Italy, I packed like I was moving there. I had outfit changes for every occasion, two pairs of heels (why?), three jackets, and way too many “just in case” items. At the airport, I had to pay $75 for an overweight checked bag. And worst of all? I wore less than half of what I packed.
What I Do Now:
I’ve since embraced the carry-on lifestyle. It forces me to pack smarter, not more. I stick to a capsule wardrobe where everything can mix and match, and I’ve stopped bringing things “just in case.” If I really need something, I’ll buy it locally. It’s also just so much easier to travel light no waiting at baggage claim, no hauling huge suitcases up stairs in train stations, no stress.
Roll your clothes to save space, wear your bulkiest items on the plane, and always check your airline’s carry-on weight limits they vary more than you think.
6. Ignoring Public Transportation
When I first started traveling, I relied almost entirely on Ubers and taxis. It felt safer, easier, and I didn’t have to think too much. But over time, the fares started adding up especially in cities like Paris, where a short taxi ride could cost €25. Meanwhile, I later found out the metro would’ve gotten me there just as fast (sometimes faster) for less than €2.
These days, I try to learn the public transit system as soon as I arrive. Most cities have apps or maps in English, and honestly, once you try it once or twice, it’s never as confusing as it looks. I also love walking when I can it’s free and you see so much more of the place. In Amsterdam, I rented a bike and it was probably the best way to explore. And in Tokyo, I became obsessed with how clean and efficient the trains were.
Download Citymapper or Google Maps with offline directions. And if you’re staying for more than a couple of days, look into daily or weekly transit passes they often pay for themselves after just a few rides.
7. Buying Bottled Water Every Day
This is one of those habits I didn’t even realize was costing me until I added it up. I’d buy one or two water bottles every day while sightseeing sometimes more in hot places like Thailand or Italy in the summer. I figured it was only a euro or two at a time. But on a 10-day trip? That’s $30–40 I could’ve spent on a real meal or activity.
I carry a reusable water bottle everywhere now. In most countries I visit (especially in Europe), tap water is perfectly safe to drink. I just fill up at my hotel before heading out for the day. In places where the water isn’t drinkable, I bring a water filter bottle or use bottled water sparingly. It’s better for the planet too, which is a nice bonus.
If you’re unsure whether tap water is safe, look it up before your trip or ask your accommodation. And in some airports or train stations, you’ll find free refill stations if you look around.
8. Buying Random Souvenirs (That I Don’t Even Use)
On my early trips, I bought way too many cheesy souvenirs think keychains, fridge magnets, “I Love Prague” T-shirts. I felt like I should bring back something from each place. But once I got home, most of it just ended up in a drawer, forgotten.
What I Do Now:
Now, I only buy things I’ll actually use or display. I love picking up locally made ceramics, art prints, or spices from a market. It feels more personal, and it actually reminds me of the trip when I use it. I also set a small souvenir budget before I go, so I’m not tempted to impulse-buy every time I pass a street stall.
Look for small shops or artisan markets instead of tourist traps. Ask the vendor where the item is made if they hesitate, it’s probably imported and overpriced.
9. Skipping Free Attractions
I used to assume that the best experiences required a ticket or tour. Museums, viewpoints, landmarks I was always willing to pay. But on one trip to Berlin, I stumbled across an incredible open-air gallery just walking through the city. It was completely free and way more memorable than the €18 museum I rushed through the day before.
I always look up free attractions before I arrive. A lot of cities have beautiful parks, street art, cultural festivals, and free museum days that are just as worthwhile as the paid stuff. And free walking tours are one of my favorite ways to get oriented in a new place they’re usually led by locals and run on tips, so you can pay what feels right.
Check the city’s official tourism website or local Facebook groups for free events. You might find a local food fair, night market, or music show happening during your stay.
10. Exchanging Money at the Airport
On my first trip to Europe, I made the rookie mistake of exchanging a big chunk of cash at the airport booth. The rates were awful and the fees were hidden. I ended up getting far less than I would’ve from an ATM or local bank and I didn’t realize it until I compared receipts with a friend.
Now, I almost never use airport exchange counters. Instead, I withdraw local currency from an ATM after I land. I check with my bank ahead of time to see which ATMs are fee-free (or at least lower fee), and I carry a backup card just in case. I also keep a little bit of USD or EUR with me for emergencies but rely mostly on my card.
If an ATM offers “conversion to your home currency,” decline it. That’s where they get you. Always choose to be charged in the local currency.
11. Paying for Hotel Extras I Don’t Really Need
I once paid $22 for a hotel breakfast in Paris, thinking it’d be a fancy spread. It was just instant coffee, stale croissants, and yogurt in little plastic cups. Meanwhile, there was a charming bakery across the street where I could’ve gotten a warm croissant and espresso for a third of the price.
Now I always check what’s actually included in my booking and if breakfast is extra, I usually skip it. I prefer finding a cute local café anyway. I also avoid the mini-bar, overpriced laundry services, and random charges for things like late check-out. It’s amazing how quickly those “small extras” can add up.
Before booking, check if Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, or breakfast is free. If not, compare it with nearby spots on Google Maps you might get better value just outside the hotel.
Spend Smarter, Travel Freer
I’ve made all these mistakes some more than once. But every misstep taught me something. Now, I spend less on things that don’t matter and more on moments that do.
Avoiding money traps isn’t about being cheap it’s about spending on what actually brings joy. Whether it’s a sunset kayak tour or a five-course meal in a tucked-away trattoria, your travel budget should reflect what you value.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, ask yourself: Am I paying for convenience… or experience?
