Lifestyle
How to avoid hidden summer travel costs from the UAE
Baggage fees, tourist taxes and dynamic currency conversion can significantly inflate your travel budget if you are not prepared.
A summer trip to popular destinations like the UK, Thailand or Italy can incur unexpected costs that significantly inflate your budget. UAE residents can avoid these fees by planning baggage, understanding local tourist taxes and always paying in the local currency.
UAE residents planning summer travel can face a series of hidden costs that may substantially increase their trip budget. Fees for checked baggage, local tourism taxes, and unfavourable currency conversion rates are common issues. A family of four flying to London, for example, could pay an extra AED 1,200 in baggage fees alone on some budget carriers. By planning ahead, travellers can mitigate or entirely avoid these unexpected expenses. Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying and reducing hidden travel costs for your next vacation. ## Step 1: Pre-book and weigh your baggage Most airline budget fares, and even some standard carrier fares, no longer include free checked luggage. Paying for baggage at the airport check-in desk is significantly more expensive than booking it online in advance. A last-minute 20kg bag can cost AED 150-300 per flight, whereas pre-booking it online might cost AED 70-120. - **Action:** Use a home luggage scale to weigh your bags before leaving for the airport. If you are over the limit, either remove items or pay for the extra weight online, where it is cheaper. Airlines like Flydubai and Air Arabia have clear online calculators for baggage fees. -…