What to Expect to Pay In Destination

Victoria Ogier
Apr 30
2 min read

As you prepare for your upcoming travels, it's helpful to know what expenses you might encounter while you’re at your destination—and what’s already been taken care of. This page is here to help you feel confident and informed before you go!

🧾 Double-Check Your Trip Documents

Before departure, take a few minutes to review your trip itinerary and travel documents. These will clearly indicate what has already been paid in full and what (if anything) is due on arrival. Look for notes on:

Hotel/resort balance due
Transfer or transportation costs
Activity or tour payments
City or tourism taxes

If anything is unclear, we’re always happy to review this with you!

💳 Credit Cards vs. Cash

Most destinations—especially popular tourist areas—accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. However, you may still run into small vendors, taxis, or local shops that only accept cash.

Our Advice:

Bring about $300 USD (or the local equivalent) per traveler. This is generally enough to handle minor expenses, emergencies, or instances where cards aren’t accepted.
Be mindful of foreign transaction fees on your cards. If your debit or credit card charges fees, it may be better to use a travel rewards or no-foreign-fee credit card whenever possible.

💵 Where to Get Local Currency

For countries where U.S. dollars aren’t widely accepted (like parts of Europe or Asia), you’ll want to have some local currency with you.

Options include:

Your local bank before departure (best exchange rates)
Currency exchange counters at the airport
ATM machines in destination (note possible international ATM fees)

Tip: Avoid airport exchange kiosks if possible, as they often have the worst rates.

💡 Additional Expenses to Plan For

Even if you’ve booked an all-inclusive package, it's a good idea to budget for a few extras:

Tips and gratuities (some may not be included)
Souvenirs or local shopping
Meals/snacks off-property (if not all meals are included)
Taxis or extra transportation
Optional activities or excursions booked on-site

🧠 Pro Tip: Make Copies

Always travel with copies of your credit cards and passport, just in case something is lost. Keep one in your luggage and one on your person.

Questions? Just Ask!

If you're unsure what's been paid or what to budget for, don't hesitate to reach out to your advisor. We’re here to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch!