11 Travel Costs That Have Quietly Increased This Year

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If you’re planning a trip soon, you might want to sit down for this: travel costs are creeping up across the board. From grabbing a quick burger at the airport to stashing your suitcase in the hold, prices are up. We’ve broken down some key areas where you’ll feel the pinch, so you can budget a bit better and avoid any nasty surprises.

1. Checked Baggage Fees

Remember when checking a bag didn’t cost as much as your seat? Those were the days. Recently, checked baggage fees have jumped up by about 10–20%. For instance, Ryanair used to ask for around £20 a few years back, but now they’re charging between £25 and £40. It’s a good reminder to pack light or consider if you really need that extra pair of shoes.

2. Seat Selection on Flights

Choosing where you park yourself on a plane is getting pricier. British Airways, for example, is now charging £10–£30 per leg on short-haul flights just to pick your seat, and that’s about a 15% increase from before. It adds up quickly, especially if you’re flying with family or friends and want to sit together.

3. Airport Food Prices

Got a craving for a burger before your flight? That’ll cost you roughly 30–40% more than it used to. At places like Heathrow, what used to be an £8 meal is now more likely to run you £12 to £15. It’s worth thinking about packing snacks or a meal for the airport, especially if you’re watching your budget.

4. Hotel Resort Fees

Staying at a hotel, particularly in US destinations like Las Vegas, now often includes a resort fee—and it’s not cheap. These fees have jumped about 40% and now average between $35 and $50 per night, up from around $25. It’s something to consider when comparing hotel prices since it can make a big difference in your total bill.

5. Car Rental Prices

Hiring a car? In some hotspots like Florida, rental prices are sticking around 25–40% higher than what they were pre-2020. With prices staying high, it might be time to look into other transport options or find rental deals that bundle things like insurance.

6. Fuel Surcharges on Flights

Just when you thought your flight ticket covered everything, airlines have brought back fuel surcharges. Depending on where you’re headed, this could add £50 to £150 to the cost of your ticket. It’s a hidden extra that can catch you off guard if you’re not ready for it.

7. Tourist Taxes

Heading to Amsterdam? Watch out for the tourist tax, which has been bumped up to about 12.5% of your hotel stay’s cost. This little extra helps cities maintain the tourist-heavy areas, but it does mean your accommodation bill will be higher than you might expect.

8. US National Park Fees

If you’re visiting the US and planning a trip to one of the national parks, prepare to pay a bit more. Entry fees for international visitors have increased by about 10–25% in some locations. It’s still worth it for the amazing views and nature experiences, but something to add to your travel budget.

9. Currency Exchange Rates

With the pound buying less in the US than it used to, your money won’t stretch as far, increasing overall trip costs by about 10–15%. It’s a good idea to monitor exchange rates and maybe even buy some dollars ahead of time if a good rate pops up.

10. London Transport Fares

Getting around London? Tube fares have risen around 5% this year. While not the biggest increase, it’s still something that’ll make a dent in your wallet over several days. Consider getting an Oyster card or looking into other savings options like travelcards if you’re staying a while.

11. Travel Insurance Premiums

With the world feeling a bit uncertain, travel insurance premiums have climbed by about 15–25%. While it might be tempting to skip it and save some cash, this is one cost that can actually save you a lot in the long run if something unexpected happens during your trip.