Phoenix, Ariz. May 6, 2011. Surprises often evoke feelings of excitement and anticipation. However, for those footing the vacation bill this summer, being surprised by an unexpected travel cost will elicit the contrary. That’s why when it comes to trip budgeting this summer, research and planning are critical, according to AAA Travel.

“When travelers find a trip price within their budget only to find the actual price to be much higher, they feel like they’re being taken for a ride,” said Jim Prueter, travel spokesman for AAA Arizona. “However, through adequate planning and research, travelers can uncover and mitigate or budget accordingly for travel fees that may otherwise cause them to exceed their vacation budget.”

For the first week of the Summer Travel Series, AAA would like to discuss hidden vacation costs:

Airline

• In the reservation process, consumers will pay more if they want preferred or choice seating ($6 to $25 per flight), priority boarding or early check-in ($10 to $25 per flight).
• Once at the airport, travelers may pay $20 to $25 to check their first bag, and even more to check a second. Travelers can also expect to pay more if their bag is oversized or overweight ($50 to $100+).
• Aboard the plane, consumers will pay for in-flight snacks and meals ($1 to $12), WiFi ($5 to $13) as well as pillows and blankets ($7 to $15).

Rental cars

• Location! Renting a vehicle at an airport costs more than an offsite location, as rental agencies pass along airport taxes, concession fees, and the cost of shuttles that take travelers to and from the rental car facility.
• Insurance can be a confusing – and costly – rental fee. Loss damage waivers range from $9 to $36 per day while liability coverage ranges from $9 to $16 per day. Should a collision occur in the rental vehicle, a rental policy will prevent the incident from hitting your personal insurance.
• Travelers who pre-pay for fuel have the luxury of being able to return their rental on empty. However, those who refuse this option must remember to fill up before returning their rental or risk a charge that is more than double the going fuel price.
• Additional rental car extras may include child safety seats ($10 to $15 per day per seat), GPS devices ($8 to $15 per day), additional drivers ($13 or more per day), as well as drivers under the age of 24 ($25+ per day).

 Hotel/Resort

• Resort fees ($10 to $30 per night) typically grants travelers access to the gym, spa, and business center.
• Free parking? Don’t assume skipping the valet will allow you to skip parking fees. Many hotels and resorts charge for self-parking ($10 to $30 per day).
• Hotel and resort guests will pay to stay connected while away from home. The cost of Internet access and WiFi can range from $10 to $20 per day.

To help travelers navigate hidden travel fees, AAA travel experts recommend the following:

• Use a travel pro. Privy to the ever changing travel industry, travel agents can help travelers budget for added fees as well as mitigate fees by making travelers aware of travel deals not advertised to the general public.
  
  
• Take advantage of discounts. With savings at more than 130,000 participating locations, AAA’s Discount program helps members save an average of $93 per year and make the most out of travel and every day budgets. Hertz, for example, offers AAA members the first child safety seat free, 50 percent savings on Hertz Neverlost® and will allow a second free driver so long as they are a AAA member and qualify for the rental.
  

• Know before you go. Before booking, research your travel carrier to budget true travel cost. In addition, before renting a vehicle, check with your credit card and personal insurance to see if you have personal coverage that extends to the rental vehicle.
  
  
• Read the fine print before signing. Understand contracts and total fees up front, before you decide and commit. Be sure to be especially clear on refund and cancellation policies.
  
  
• Consider alternatives. When it comes to renting a car, consider obtaining insurance coverage through a third party. Access America, for example, offers “Rental Car Protector” through AAA Travel that offers primary coverage of up to $35,000 collision/damage waiver for $9 per day.
  

• Earn free travel. Many credit cards have rewards programs that allow consumers to earn points on purchases in exchange for rewards. AAA Member Rewards Visa Signature® card provides triple points on qualifying travel and AAA purchases, double points for gas, grocery and drug store purchases and one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. Cardholders can redeem points for a variety of rewards, such as vouchers good for travel on major airlines with no blackout dates, hotel, car rentals and more.
  

AAA’s Summer Travel Survival Series will be distributed each Friday in May leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer.

Throughout May, travelers can share their tales of a vacation gone wrong for a chance to win a picture perfect summer getaway at The Wigwam, a AAA Four Diamond property. Valued at $1,200, the package will include a two-night stay for four, unlimited access to the resort’s children’s program, a Mommy & Me manicure and pedicure at the resort spa, family tee time on one of three championship golf courses, a one-on-one tennis lesson and dinner for four at Red Allen’s. Entries should be sent to publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com. For more information, visitAAAaz.com/summergetaway.