Unexpected travel expenses and how to avoid them

Nobody likes to spend extra money, even when it comes to the things we really enjoy, because a penny saved goes towards an experience gained. When looking at traveling on a budget, whether it’s lemonade or champagne, you will want to make the most of every coin. There’s no point just throwing it away when you can use it for something else extraordinary, like another holiday later in the year or an upgrade on your flight.

That’s why we’re going to be looking at unexpected travel costs and how you can avoid them. You be kicking yourself, but if you didn’t think about some of them, that’s OK because Tripening already has them covered.

What to bring

First Aid.

Travel insurance is vital. Whatever things that don’t require a hospital trip,  you should be ready up to take care of them yourself. Taking a first aid kit could be invaluable, especially if you’re the kind of person that likes to go out into the wilderness and find adventure. We know that there isn’t going to be as much room as you might like, so here’s a list of things you might want to include. And don’t forget; when packing one to check what you are allowed to bring into the country. You can always make a list of things to pick up at the airport once you arrive if something you need can’t be imported.

·       bandages and antiseptics for wound care

·       headache and minor pain medication

·       medications for stomach ailments such as nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea

·       bug spray

·       sunscreen, and lip balm

·       items to treat bug bites and sunburns

·       allergy and sinus medications

·       hand sanitizer

·       plugs

·       thermometer

Vehicle needs

If you are going by car, make sure to have a full service before you go. It’s easy to forget, but it could be critical. There is so much on your mind with packing (and, of course, excitement about your upcoming trip) that it might seem easy to brush off or neglect. You will have a lot more on your mind, however, if your car breaks down abroad. Your holiday could be over before it even gets started.

Even if your insurance does cover you in other countries, getting hold of them will cost you a considerable amount on your phone bill, and not to forget, time wasted is going to be time off your trip. This isn’t the only thing you should consider when it comes to cars.

Whether you bring your car or a rental, you should always check out the parking fees, particularly in Europe. By planning where you’re going to put your vehicle, you could save between $6 and $10 every hour. That’s a lot of money or just a one-day trip! And it’s also something that you may not have accounted for in your budget. Remember that planning is everything when it comes to enjoying a great trip because if you get it done before you go, you can coast along and chill for about your entire holiday.

Another recent change within Europe comes with Brexit, so if you are originally from England, you’ll need additional paperwork. Regardless of where you are from in the world, this now means that there are a lot of items you cannot take into a country. Fresh fruit and vegetables, unpackaged meat and some packaged meat, anything with dairy in it, and most liquids are on the ban list.

The above is particularly important if you’re looking to travel around in a vehicle that will remain your living space for a lot of the time because you’re going to need to stock up on food for each country. Whatever is left at the border, you are going to have to get rid of. This requires some extra planning. On top of that, if you’re going to need gas for fuel oil heating in your van or car, please be aware that you need to have European certified gas, which means you are more than likely going to have to fill up at the borders, rather than in your own country. This also applies to rental vehicles if you are crossing borders between countries.

Medical needs

Again, insurance will be a top priority here, but there are all the things you will have to check for yourself.

For example, some medications are legal in one country and not in another. Whether it is prescribed to you or not, this does not always legalize it in another area. A prime example is marijuana. In several States in the US and some countries in Europe, medical marijuana is perfectly legal; going into a country where marijuana is banned in all forms, you will not be able to take it with you - regardless of whether you need it. You may even be rejected from coming into the country, which could possibly be the shortest end to a holiday you could experience. On top of this, you won’t get your money back. It isn’t the only drug that is illegal in certain countries, so do your research. Codeine is another that is quite widely varied and its legality around the world.

Some medications are illegal to bring but require additional paperwork, which is something you will want to check out before you embark on your trip, or tell your Tripening advisor about so they can tell you what to do to take away bad anxiety of not knowing;  This includes things that would not usually be allowed on the plane like aerosols and liquid. Those of us who use inhalers or require insulin injections to be held by the cabin crew, and we’ll have to come with a letter from your doctor. You will also have to tell the airline in advance. This one is less of a problem if you are taking a cruise. However, it is always beneficial to let the cruise line know just if there’s going to be an issue.