15 Ways To Stop Paying These Travel Fees Before You Even Pack & Five Travel Fees I've Personally Avoided Just By Asking (Includes Hidden Travel Fees Checklist & Polite Travel Scripts)

15 Ways to Stop Paying These Travel Fees Before You Even Pack (Includes Hidden Travel Fees Checklist & Polite Travel Scripts)

By Vanessa Parker | The Single Sick and Broke Traveler

You save for months. You compare hotel prices, watch for airfare sales, pack your own snacks, and even choose a less expensive destination.

Then the hidden fees start.

A $35 resort fee.

A $40 checked bag.

A $25 parking charge.

A surprise cleaning fee.

Before you know it, the vacation you carefully budgeted has quietly become hundreds of dollars more expensive than you expected.

The good news? Not every travel fee is set in stone.

Some fees can be avoided with a little planning. Others can be reduced through memberships or loyalty programs. And some can even be waived simply because you asked politely.

If you're traveling while single, living with a chronic illness, caring for someone else, or watching every dollar, these savings can make the difference between taking the trip and staying home.

Let's look at the travel fees you shouldn't automatically accept.

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1. Resort Fees

These are among the most frustrating charges travelers encounter.

Many hotels advertise one nightly rate but add a mandatory "resort fee" at checkout. It may cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access, fitness centers, beach towels, or bottled water—even if you never use them.

What you can do

Ask before booking.

Questions to ask:

- Is there a resort fee?
- What does it include?
- Is it mandatory?
- Are there any rooms or packages without the fee?

If you arrive and discover amenities are unavailable—for example, the pool is closed, the fitness center is under construction, or the Wi-Fi doesn't work—politely explain the situation and ask whether the fee can be reduced or removed.

Try saying:

"I noticed several of the amenities included in the resort fee weren't available during my stay. Would you consider waiving or reducing that charge?"

Many hotels will say no.

Some will surprise you.

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2. Parking Fees

Hotels in major cities sometimes charge $20 to over $70 per night just to park.

Before booking:

- Ask if self-parking is available.
- Look for nearby public parking garages.
- Check if free street parking exists.
- Ask whether loyalty members receive complimentary parking.

Sometimes simply asking if there is a less expensive parking option can save quite a bit.

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3. Early Check-In and Late Checkout Fees

Many hotels charge extra if you arrive before standard check-in or need additional time before leaving.

Instead of automatically paying:

Ask politely.

"If a room is available, would it be possible to check in a little early?"

Hotels often waive these fees when occupancy is low.

If you have a chronic illness and need additional rest after traveling, it's worth mentioning your circumstances without expecting special treatment.

Many front desk employees genuinely want to help when they can.

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4. Checked Bag Fees

Airline baggage fees add up quickly.

Before paying:

- Check whether your airline credit card includes free checked bags.
- Review your frequent flyer benefits.
- Weigh your luggage before leaving home.
- Pack lighter whenever possible.
- Consider shipping bulky items if staying for an extended trip.

Even saving one checked bag each way could keep $60–$160 in your pocket.

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5. Seat Selection Fees

Many airlines charge extra simply to choose your seat.

If sitting together isn't essential—or you're traveling solo—you may be perfectly happy with the seat assigned during check-in.

If you have a medical need for an aisle seat or another accommodation, contact the airline before your trip. They may be able to assist depending on your circumstances and available seating.

Check out my article, Get the best deal when booking an airline ticket. It will help you get the best deals when purchasing an airline ticket.

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6. Hotel Wi-Fi Fees

Believe it or not, some hotels still charge for internet access.

Before paying:

Ask if complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Sometimes joining the hotel's free rewards program immediately unlocks free internet.

That takes about two minutes.

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7. Additional Driver Fees

Rental car companies often charge daily fees for additional drivers.

Depending on the company:

- Spouses may drive free.
- Domestic partners may qualify.
- Certain memberships include free additional drivers.
- Loyalty programs sometimes waive the fee.

Always ask before assuming you must pay.

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8. Rental Car Upgrades

If your reserved vehicle isn't available, never assume you'll have to pay more.

Most companies will upgrade you at no additional cost when they can't provide the class you reserved.

Politely ask:

"Since my reserved vehicle isn't available, would it be possible to receive a complimentary upgrade?"

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9. Hotel Cancellation Fees

Life happens.

Illness happens.

Flights are delayed.

Family emergencies occur.

Rather than accepting an automatic cancellation fee, call the hotel directly.

Explain your situation honestly and respectfully.

Hotels often have more flexibility than online booking systems.

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10. ATM and Foreign Transaction Fees

These small charges can quietly add up during international travel.

Before leaving:

- Use a bank that reimburses ATM fees.
- Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Whenever possible, choose to be charged in the local currency rather than letting the payment terminal convert it.

That one choice alone can save money throughout your trip.

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11. Cleaning Fees

Vacation rentals sometimes charge substantial cleaning fees.

Before booking:

Compare the total cost—not just the nightly rate.

A rental that appears less expensive can end up costing much more after fees are added.

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12. Extra Person Fees

Some hotels charge additional fees after a certain number of guests.

Always verify occupancy rules before booking.

Sometimes booking a different room type actually costs less than paying extra-person charges.

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13. Change Fees

Many airlines have reduced change fees, but not every ticket qualifies.

Before purchasing:

Read the fare rules carefully.

Paying $20 more for a flexible ticket could save hundreds later if your plans change.

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14. Attraction Fees

Museums, zoos, aquariums, and national attractions frequently offer discounts.

Always ask whether they have discounts for:

- Seniors
- Military members
- Veterans
- Students
- Teachers
- AAA members
- AARP members
- Local residents
- People with disabilities
The discount may not be advertised, but it never hurts to ask. Sometimes even having a library card can open up discounts as well.

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15. Pet Fees

If you're traveling with a pet, compare hotels carefully.

One hotel may charge $25 while another charges $150.

If you travel frequently with your furry companion, these differences add up quickly.

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My Favorite Travel Tip: Just Ask

I've learned something over the years.

The nicest travelers often save the most money.

Not because they're demanding.

Because they're polite.

Customer service employees hear complaints all day.

When someone smiles, treats them with respect, and simply asks if there's any flexibility, they're often much more willing to help.

Sometimes you'll hear "no."

But sometimes you'll hear...

"Actually, I can take care of that for you."

Those are wonderful words to hear.

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What You Should Never Do

Never make up a complaint just to avoid paying a legitimate fee.

Don't pretend amenities were unavailable if you used them.

Don't exaggerate medical conditions.

Don't argue with employees who don't have the authority to change a policy.

Travel with honesty and kindness.

When there truly is an issue—or when you're simply hoping for a courtesy waiver—asking respectfully is always the best approach.

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Final Thoughts

Travel doesn't have to be perfect to be memorable.

And it certainly doesn't have to be more expensive than necessary.

The more you understand the fees you're likely to encounter before you leave home, the more confidently you can budget, plan, and avoid unpleasant surprises.

A few simple questions before you book—or a polite conversation at the front desk—could save you enough money for an extra meal, a museum visit, or even another night away.

That's money better spent making memories than paying unnecessary fees.

Because every dollar you save is another step toward making travel fit your life.

After all...

Getting there your way isn't just about where you travel—it's about traveling smarter.

Five Travel Fees I've Personally Avoided

I don't ask because I expect special treatment. I ask because the worst someone can say is "no."

Over the years, I've been pleasantly surprised by how often a polite question has saved me money.

1. Resort Fees

I've had resort fees removed simply by asking. I wasn't demanding—I just asked if there was any flexibility with the fee. Sometimes the answer was no, but several times the hotel waived it as a courtesy.

2. Complimentary Room Upgrades

I've received room upgrades simply because I asked if there were any available. It doesn't happen every trip, but it happens often enough that it's always worth asking.

3. Early Check-In

After long travel days, I've asked whether an early check-in was possible. When rooms were available, hotels have often let me check in early without charging an additional fee.

4. Late Checkout

I've also avoided late checkout fees by asking politely. If occupancy was low, several hotels were happy to let me stay a little longer at no charge.

5. Parking or Other Hotel Fees

Whenever I see an unexpected fee, I ask what it covers and whether there's any flexibility. Sometimes the answer is no—but other times I've been pleasantly surprised.

Use these tools: The Hidden Travel Fees Checklist and Polite Travel Scripts to help you avoid those fees. Happy travels!

The Single, Sick & Broke Traveler

Travel stories for the brave and budget-conscious.

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nessa@singlesickbroketraveler.com

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