Real Life of an MSW

What’s the biggest money mistake I can make while on vacation?

The biggest mistakes don’t happen while you’re on a trip, it’s what you did (or didn’t do) before you left, according to Pamela Holt, travel expert, executive producer and host of “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel.” To avoid costly oversights, add these to-dos to your pre-trip checklist.

1. Understand your cell phone coverage abroad. “Forgetting to change or update my cell phone plan while traveling abroad has cost me a pretty penny,” says Holt. Check your plan’s international coverage and roaming costs. Some carriers charge a modest fee to access a network overseas (think $5 to $10 a day), which can add up depending on how long you’re gone. For longer trips, you might consider a monthly international planor getting an eSIM data plan.
2. Consider additional insurance options. Your own health insurance might not be sufficient if you need medical care when traveling abroad. Purchasing a travel health insurance policy that includes emergency medical coverage, like for medical evacuation, can safeguard you from shockingly high bills. Otherwise, “you’re potentially looking at spending thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency,” says Holt.
3. Double-check baggage allowances. “Many airlines are tightening their baggage allowance policies, and, in some cases, this applies to carry-ons, too,” says Holt. “Make sure you confirm your baggage allowance in advance, and pack accordingly” to avoid getting slammed with additional fees once you get to the airport.