News & Trending Travel News

Travel Agents Share 14 Things Most People Overpay for on Vacations

Avoid overpaying by knowing where travelers waste money.

By Calista Headrick , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated May 1, 2026

Add Us On Google

Planning a vacation is exciting, but costs can add up quickly if you're not careful. From flights and hotels to tours and extras, it's easy to spend too much without realizing it. That's why we all look for ways to save money on travel whenever possible.

Travel agents, who book trips every day, have an inside perspective on what we're overpaying for. These expert insights can help you spot common mistakes and make smarter choices, allowing you to get the most out of your globetrotting.

Refundable airfare

Too many travelers are paying too much for the peace of mind that allegedly comes with refundable airfare, shares Susan Blume, Founder at luxury travel agency Personal Escape Travel.

"Many airlines provide these options as an upgrade during the booking process, but if you have reliable travel insurance, your airfare might already be refundable," she says. "Avoid paying for the same benefit twice."

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Airfare in general

It's not just refundable airfare that you could be saving money on, according to Kendyl Grender, Owner at Kendyl Travels.

"First, compare your home airport to what we call positioning airports," she says. "Just by taking a quick 90 minute flight for $100 you could save $700 on your long haul flight."

She adds that you should never book basic, as often with economy pricing and up, you can rebook and secure a credit from the airline if the fare drops later.

Airport rides

Taxis and rideshares aren't as necessary as you may think. Other options are often cheaper and just as safe, per Christian Petzold, founder and travel and tourism expert at TheTeamTrip.

"Although it may seem convenient, the rates are usually two to three times higher than the price of the local alternative," he says. "I always tell my clients to book a reputable shuttle service or use public transportation."

Earn a travel bonus worth $250 with this incredible card

With the Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Attractions and museums

Everyone wants to see the Eiffel Tower and the Sagrada Família, but Michelle Jensen, Founder of Travel HerStory, doesn't want you to overpay for the experience.

"Typically, a tourist card offers discounts on popular attractions and, in the case of the Salzburg Card, sometimes even free use of public transportation," she says. "The Paris Museum Pass wound up saving me €30 per person. However, always verify if the cost of individual tickets outweighs the cost of the card."

Cruise prices

While many travelers like to watch and wait for airfares to drop, don't do that with cruises, explains Brian Rooney, cruise advisor and founder of GetCruiseInfo.com.

"A lot of travelers think waiting gets them a deal, but with cruises, the opposite is usually true," he says. "Prices tend to rise as ships fill, especially for desirable itineraries and cabin types. Booking early locks in better pricing and often better perks."

Drink packages on cruises

Unless you plan to drink very heavily, the drink package on your next cruise might not be worth it, per veteran travel journalist David Yeskel, aka The Cruise Guru.

"The current model (which is typically applied industry-wide, except for luxury brands that include alcohol in the fare) covers either unlimited (or a max of 15) alcoholic beverages per guest, per day," he says. "Since the average cost of that package is about $100, the breakeven point is about 7-8 drinks per day."

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Shore excursions

Speaking of cruises, you may be overpaying for shore excursions if you default to the cruise line's options, notes travel advisor and analyst Bobby Laurie, host of the travel TV show "The Jet Set."

"In many ports, a vetted independent operator can offer a smaller, more customized experience for less money," he says. "Yes, it's true that booking with the cruise line comes with a 'back-to-the-ship' guarantee, but most tour operators also come with the same guarantee and their pricing is cheaper."

Resort activities and excursions

If you're staying at a resort, booking directly with excursion operators is also the way to go, as noted by Petzold.

"Resorts raise the costs of activities because they provide convenience," he says. "If travelers take a few minutes to find a local tour operator and reserve the activity/excursion through them, they can receive the identical experience, albeit for a lower amount."

Rental cars

If you've ever rented a car, Blume knows that you've probably been confronted with a variety of pricey add-ons you might not be sure you need.

"Often, upon reaching the car rental counter, guests are asked if they would like to add insurance or additional coverage," she says. "These options, such as damage waivers, can cost over $20.00 per day each." So before you go, call your auto insurance provider and see what's already covered.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Souvenirs

While souvenirs aren't a necessity, travelers enjoy bringing home keepsakes. However, you can easily pay too much for them, according to Petzold.

"Tourist gift shops charge high premium prices for products that are easily obtainable from local markets for a small percentage of what a tourist pays," he says. "Search out side streets and look for local markets selling handmade products." You may end up supporting more authentic vendors, too.

Luxury hotels

For those planning high-end vacations at 5-star hotels, using a travel agent can secure perks that direct booking may not, per Andrew Satkowiak, Executive Vice President of The Luxury Travel Agency.

"Most high-end travel agencies have contracts that allow them to book the hotels at the same exact rate," he says. "But they give the clients benefits such as daily breakfast for two, USD $100 hotel credit, upgrades when available, early check-in/late check-out when available, welcome amenities, and VIP status."

Currency exchange

Currency exchanges at airports are notorious for overcharging, explains Evelyn Duran, Sales Manager at travel company Ecuador & Galapagos Insiders.

"They apply rates that are 8-12% lower than the ones offered at bank ATMs in the destination city," she says. "This could lead to a loss of $80-120 on an average transaction of $1,000. Instead, withdraw cash in local currency after clearing customs." That translates to a mere 1-3% in transaction fees.

Grow Your $$: 9 things you must try when your savings reach $50,000

Tourist traps

We all get lured in by tourist traps in our travels at some point. But Steven Vigor, travel advisor and CEO at destination management agency Revigorate, doesn't want you to overpay for the ones you shouldn't.

"The most common examples are restaurants in prime locations and tours sold on the streets," he says. "The easiest solution to get better value is to step outside tourist hotspot areas to find more authentic spots and offers."

Tipping

Tipping is an ingrained custom in the U.S., but it doesn't work the same way all over the world, according to Blume.

"In numerous countries, the tip is included at the end of the bill without informing the guests," she says. "As a result, people often tip twice because they are unaware that the tip was already added."

Also note that you might not want to use coins in some locales, as that can be read as offensive by waitstaff.

Bottom line

It pays to make informed travel decisions, which help you get more out of your trip while paying less for it. Small changes, like comparing options, being savvy with timing, and planning ahead, can make a noticeable difference.

It's also worth maximizing your spending during the rest of the year with rewards programs and the best travel credit cards. With a bit of strategic budgeting, you can have the trip of a lifetime without going broke in the process.

More from FinanceBuzz:

$0 annual fee
Simple, flat-rate rewards
Flexible redemption options
Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
Apply Now

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants, including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card

4.4

Apply Now

on Bank of America's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

Why we like it