Ten hidden holiday fees you need to watch out for

The holiday season is here and, with the cost of living continuing to rise, keeping your holiday budget under control has never been more important.

After spending hundreds, or even thousands, on flights, accommodation and spending money, the last thing you want is to come home and discover you've paid far more than you expected.

Many holiday costs aren't always obvious when you book. Some only appear once you're at the airport, checking into your hotel, or using facilities you assumed were included.

To help you avoid any unwelcome surprises, here are some of the most common hidden holiday fees you should watch out for before you travel.

Swimming pool and resort fees

You might assume that facilities such as swimming pools, spas, saunas and fitness centres are included in the price of your stay, but that's not always the case.

Many hotels and resorts charge mandatory ‘resort fees’ or daily facility fees that can range from £15 to £50 per person, per day. In some cases, you'll only discover these charges when you arrive.

Before booking, ask the hotel to confirm exactly what's included in the room rate. If you're planning to use the pool, gym or spa regularly, making sure these facilities are free could save you money.

Ryanair's £8 family seat fee

If you're travelling with children aged between two and 11 and flying with Ryanair, you should be aware of the airline's family seating policy.

Currently, at least one adult in your booking must pay an £8 seat reservation fee to ensure children are seated with a parent or guardian. While the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the policy, it's still something you may need to budget for when booking flights.

When comparing airline prices, remember that the cheapest headline fare doesn't always reflect the final cost.

Airline luggage charges

Baggage fees remain one of the biggest holiday budget traps.

Every airline has different rules regarding baggage size, weight and allowances, so it's worth checking these carefully before you travel. Fees can range from £15 to £75 per bag if paid in advance, but charges can be even more if you pay at the airport or exceed weight limits.

In some cases, travellers can pay more than £140 for oversized or overweight luggage.

Before you leave for the airport, weigh your bags at home and double-check your airline's baggage restrictions. Spending a few minutes checking could save you serious cash.

Airport transfer costs

Getting from the airport to your accommodation can be surprisingly expensive, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Before you travel, research your options. You could save money by:

• booking airport transfers in advance
• using shared shuttle services
• taking public transport
• using local ride-hailing apps where available

A little planning before you travel could save you far more than arranging transport when you land.

Card and ATM charges

Using your bank card abroad can trigger a range of extra charges.

Many banks charge foreign transaction fees of around 2% to 3% every time you make a purchase overseas. You may also face ATM withdrawal charges from both your bank and the local cash machine provider.

If you're travelling abroad, consider using a fee-free travel card from providers such as Monzo, Starling or Revolut.

It's also worth remembering that when a card machine or ATM asks whether you'd like to pay in pounds or the local currency, choosing the local currency is usually the cheaper option.

Data roaming charges

Since Brexit, many mobile phone providers have reintroduced roaming charges for UK customers travelling in Europe.

These charges can be £2 to £3 per day and sometimes even more, depending on your provider and destination.

Before you travel, check your provider's roaming policy and consider whether purchasing an international data package would be cheaper. Downloading maps, entertainment and travel documents before you leave can also help you avoid unnecessary mobile data costs.

Excursions and attraction fees

Day trips, tours and attractions can quickly become one of the biggest expenses during your holiday.

You may find that tickets purchased online in advance are cheaper than those bought on the day. Some hotels also offer discounted tickets or package deals for local attractions.

Before you travel, research the activities you're most interested in and compare prices across different booking platforms.

Restaurant service charges

Service charges aren't always included in restaurant and bar bills, and customs vary widely from country to country.

In some destinations, a service charge is automatically added to the bill. In others, tipping is expected even when no charge has been included.

Doing a little research before you travel can help you avoid accidentally over-tipping or paying twice.

Tourist taxes

Many destinations now charge tourist or city taxes that aren't always included in the headline accommodation price.

These charges can range from a few pounds per night to much more in popular tourist hotspots.

You'll often be required to pay these fees directly to the hotel when you check in or check out, so it's worth checking the small print before you book.

Hotel safe and Wi-Fi charges

While less common than they once were, some hotels still charge extra for services you might expect to be included.

These can include:

• using the room safe
• premium Wi-Fi access
• early check-in
• late check-out
• extra towels or beach towels

Before you arrive, check what's included in your booking so you know exactly what you'll be paying for.

How to avoid hidden holiday costs

The best way to avoid unexpected holiday expenses is to do a little research before you travel.

Before booking, make sure you:

• read the terms and conditions carefully
• check baggage and seating fees
• confirm what's included in your hotel rate
• research local transport options
• review your mobile roaming charges
• check whether tourist taxes apply
• compare excursion prices in advance

A few minutes spent checking the details could save you hundreds of pounds and help ensure your holiday budget stays on track.

After all, the only surprise you want on holiday is discovering a hidden beach, not a hidden fee.