Attention traveler: a cheap fare can cost you (very) much.

When planning a trip, there are numerous factors that determine its success or failure. Choosing the right travel method, the route, booking a flight or train ticket, choosing accommodation, or planning activities during the trip isn't always easy. It requires dedicating time to, in most cases, achieving our goals at the most attractive price possible. In other words, designing the best trip without spending more than strictly necessary.

When we manage to get a fare at a bargain price, our satisfaction level increases. However, we can't lose sight of the fact that, beyond the price, there are collateral factors that could end up making the trip more expensive. For this reason, before any decision, it's vital to weigh the pros and cons. Sometimes, cheap can end up being expensive, not just from a financial perspective.

The choice of flight

We often opt for a flight lured by the lure of a reduced price. However, before finalizing the reservation, we must carefully consider exactly what the ticket includes and doesn't include, as some extras could substantially increase the fare.

You want to make the most of your time during your trip and opt for a late-night or early-morning flight (or train ride), which is cheaper than other time zones. The idea is good, but you may not have considered that you'll arrive at your destination at a time when some of the services you need aren't yet operating. Have you considered how you'll get to the airport or from the airport to the city or your accommodation? Public transportation may run less frequently than usual, which would force you to take a taxi or a van, which are more expensive options. And if you plan to rent a vehicle, are you sure the rental office will be open?

Airlines' baggage policies (not just those of low-cost airlines) are increasingly restrictive, so carry-on bags are no longer the economical solution of the past. Many airlines have reduced the size of their luggage (this varies from one to another), and passengers must stick to small bags that can be placed under the seat in front of them. This makes it almost obligatory to pay—even a small amount—for carrying luggage. If you don't take this into account, the amount you'll have to pay at the airport if you exceed the established weight or measurements will be much higher.

Another source of income for many airlines is seat selection. During the booking process, you're offered the option to choose your seat for a fee. If you don't pay, you run the risk of ending up in a seat that doesn't meet your expectations. For example, you might be forced to sit separately from your companions, in the middle of a row, at the tail end of the plane, or next to the bathroom, which can be a headache on long flights.

On a related note, have you thought about food? Some airlines don't include it in the fare on these long-haul flights either. You should plan ahead: remember that buying it on board will cost you extra.

If your trip involves a stopover, take precautions. Make sure there's enough waiting time between one flight and the next. A delay on the first flight could cause you to miss your connection, forcing you to buy a new ticket.

Some companies have chosen to prosecute those who engage in 'skiplagging'.

Finally, if you're thinking of buying a ticket to any destination with a stopover at the airport you really want to travel to—that is, you want to get off mid-flight without completing the final connection because the price is cheaper—this decision can lead to problems. This practice or trick, known as the "hidden city" or skiplagging method , It does not have the approval of companies and some have chosen to sue those who use it.

Choosing the hotel

Before booking a hotel, compare prices, keeping in mind that the difference in rates for the same establishment on one website and another is sometimes (incomprehensibly) huge.

Don't be fooled by appearances or a tempting price without analyzing some basic questions. One of them is its location. In cities where transportation is especially expensive or where infrastructure is poor, you'll want to check how to get there from the airport: whether public transportation is available, the price, and the time it will take to get to your destination. What you saved on the room could end up being spent on the trip.

In any case, before choosing one establishment or another, check the comments and ratings that other travelers have posted online, whether on the accommodation's own website, on specialized portals, or on various social media platforms. A verified experience from someone familiar with the hotel can be very helpful.

When choosing your mode of transportation, also consider whether you'll be traveling with a lot of luggage and whether you'll have to overcome obstacles, such as stairs, crowds during rush hour on the subway or buses, or whether you'll have to navigate unsafe areas. If the hotel has good connections to your points of interest, you'll save not only time but also money.

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Another aspect to consider is the services offered. Check them out and carefully analyze any additional fees. You may get a breakfast at a bargain price, or you may be able to enjoy a morning feast for free.

Finally, shared rooms are an affordable option, especially in large cities. If you opt for this type of accommodation, weigh the risk and decide accordingly if you're particular about things like quietness and hygiene.

Be careful with car rentals

Are you planning a trip to your destination and don't want to rely on public transportation? A very interesting option is to rent a vehicle to travel at your own pace and reach places you might otherwise miss. In this case, be sure to check the pick-up and drop-off location. If it's far from anywhere, getting there, as in the case of a hotel, can also be a handicap , as it will force you to find a way to get there and waste valuable time.

Furthermore, before formalizing the contract, carefully analyze the conditions, type of insurance, and deductibles you qualify for. Cover yourself to minimize risks and avoid additional expenses in case of unforeseen events.

Most tourist sites, art shows, and museums sell tickets online.

Make sure the vehicle's capacity meets your needs (number of passengers and luggage capacity). Also, be sure to know where you should return it. Some companies penalize you if you return it to a different location than the one you picked it up from, requiring you to pay an additional fee.

Book tickets

Can you imagine traveling to Paris with the intention of visiting the Eiffel Tower and ending up right at the gates? You'll agree that it would be a real disaster. To avoid this, there's nothing better than planning ahead and getting your tickets before you leave, as tourist attractions, art shows, and museums often sell tickets online. This advice is especially applicable in summer, when peak tourism is reached and demand outstrips supply.

If you haven't planned ahead, don't despair. Most venues reserve a limited number of tickets for same-day ticket sales. Getting hold of one can be difficult, but not impossible. Another option is to purchase tickets through an intermediary, at an additional cost. As with everything, the choice is yours.