International Vaca Expenses--- anything I'm forgetting

[Soror]

We're working on finalizing our vaca and I'm wracking my brain trying to think of everything.

We have paid and/or budgeted for-

-wall adapters

-sim cards

.-covid tests for exit and entry

-travel insurance

- flights

-travel while overseas- subway/buses/trains/car- gas/diesel+ tolls for car

-accommodations

-food

-attractions

10% of total in misc fund for anything that might come up. 

We'll be going through clothes before we leave and order anything we need.

I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting because I keep thinking of things but thought asking here would be quicker.

[MEmama]

Where are you going? That’s going to make a difference.

[Laura Corin]

The only thing I would say is to be aware about the petrol prices at present in the UK.  Last time I filled up the car, it cost me almost 70 pounds (USD 95).  The car is just a Volkswagon Golf.

[Soror]

9 minutes ago, MEmama said:

Where are you going? That’s going to make a difference.

Scotland and London--- maybe Paris for a couple of days but only if testing restrictions are lifted as with 6 people that is a huge headache.

6 minutes ago, Laura Corin said:

The only thing I would say is to be aware about the petrol prices at present in the UK.  Last time I filled up the car, it cost me almost 70 pounds (USD 95).  The car is just a Volkswagon Golf.

I had heard that- I think I have budgeted enough but need to double check the mpg of what we are looking at renting. Currently we're trying to figure out the most cost effective time to rent it. We prefer to use public transport when we can.

[HomeAgain]

I'm not sure how it is in the UK, but if you're going to mainland Europe I'd add the small item of restroom money.  You're looking at 6-12 Euros for a public bathroom encounter for your family.

[Laura Corin]

2 minutes ago, HomeAgain said:

I'm not sure how it is in the UK, but if you're going to mainland Europe I'd add the small item of restroom money.  You're looking at 6-12 Euros for a public bathroom encounter for your family.

You do have to pay at some toilets.  Change is also helpful for parking, although many locations use this app: https://ringgo.co.uk/

[Starr]

Good phone charger for when you are out and about.

[Faith-manor]

Have you paid for travel, medical insurance? This is really important since U.S. medical insurance policies usually do not pay outside the U.S 50 states and certain territories. The travel insurance pays out, after the fact,neo you have to be able to pay up front with credit cards. My friend whose son needed an emergency appendectomy in Europe with an emergency evac from a cruise ship had to pay for everything by credit card and then was reimbursed through the policy. This is because others countries do not possess any billing systems for U.S. insurance and are of course, out of network. Thankfully, other countries do not price gouge US citizens traveling abroad. Their medical services are very reasonable. If memory serves, the whole thing came to less than $6000, and the EMS who did the evac, and the hospital was willing to take visa.

My mom is in France right now and ended up falling and knocking a bone out of place, extreme pain. The orthopedic doctor took her in immediately, popped it back in place, and then had his assistant give her a full, therapeutic massage. She paid about $55 US for this. So I wouldn't be worried about the price of the medical care per se, just ability not pay for it or for reimbursement later. With our medical policy, if we pay out of pocket for care when traveling outside the US, we cannot even count it towards our deductible when we get back nor can we pay it from our HSA at the time of service. So if something major happens, it is a major financial slap. I always recommend that travelers buy a policy that will reimburse, and then have multiple credit cards with them with fairly high limits plus someone stateside authorized to go to your bank, get money, and send Western Union wire transfer in case any of the medical practitioners do not accept credit cards. I just did this for my mom. She broke a tooth and needs a crown. French dental care is not nearly as expensive as here. She is getting a root canal and crown for $550 ($1500 at her dentist here), so I wired the funds to her.

[Soror]

29 minutes ago, HomeAgain said:

I'm not sure how it is in the UK, but if you're going to mainland Europe I'd add the small item of restroom money.  You're looking at 6-12 Euros for a public bathroom encounter for your family.

Thanks for the tip. We didn't run into any paid toilets on our trip last time, but good to know just in case.

9 minutes ago, Starr said:

Good phone charger for when you are out and about.

We've got chargers and battery packs- Thanks.

25 minutes ago, Laura Corin said:

You do have to pay at some toilets.  Change is also helpful for parking, although many locations use this app: https://ringgo.co.uk/

We'll download that.

We'll primarily be using CC's but will be carrying some cash(pounds and Euros) and already have some from our last trip to start us off.

[Soror]

Just now, Faith-manor said:

Have you paid for travel, medical insurance? This is really important since U.S. medical insurance policies usually do not pay outside the U.S 50 states and certain territories. The travel insurance pays out, after the fact,neo you have to be able to pay up front with credit cards. My friend whose son needed an emergency appendectomy in Europe with an emergency evac from a cruise ship had to pay for everything by credit card and then was reimbursed through the policy. This is because others countries do not possess any billing systems for U.S. insurance and are of course, out of network. Thankfully, other countries do not price gouge US citizens traveling abroad. Their medical services are very reasonable. If memory serves, the whole thing came to less than $6000, and the EMS who did the evac, and the hospital was willing to take visa.

My mom is in France right now and ended up falling and knocking a bone out of place, extreme pain. The orthopedic doctor took her in immediately, popped it back in place, and then had his assistant give her a full, therapeutic massage. She paid about $55 US for this. So I wouldn't be worried about the price of the medical care per se, just ability not pay for it or for reimbursement later. With our medical policy, if we pay out of pocket for care when traveling outside the US, we cannot even count it towards our deductible when we get back nor can we pay it from our HSA at the time of service. So if something major happens, it is a major financial slap. I always recommend that travelers buy a policy that will reimburse, and then have multiple credit cards with them with fairly high limits plus someone stateside authorized to go to your bank, get money, and send Western Union wire transfer in case any of the medical practitioners do not accept credit cards. I just did this for my mom. She broke a tooth and needs a crown. French dental care is not nearly as expensive as here. She is getting a root canal and crown for $550 ($1500 at her dentist here), so I wired the funds to her.

Your poor mom 😞

Yes, on insurance and CC's with high limits too.

 

[wintermom]

Ferries if you are heading to any islands. Factor in both the cost (which can sometime be crazy expensive) and the time to wait for a place on the ferry.

Enjoy your trip!! Sounds really exciting!

[TheReader]

If you might be buying a lot of souvenirs, I'd budget for adding an extra bag on the return trip &/or going overweight on the return trip (unless you are packing extra light to accommodate that already). 

I'd add in a "covid contingency fund" as well -- what happens if someone tests positive on arrival, or before departure (do you have to test to come back?) and the trip gets extended or something. Depending on length of the trip, if someone gets sick over there and you have to stay put until they recover....could add up. 

Also same thing in case of flight cancellations for any reason. 

[Soror]

12 minutes ago, TheReader said:

If you might be buying a lot of souvenirs, I'd budget for adding an extra bag on the return trip &/or going overweight on the return trip (unless you are packing extra light to accommodate that already). 

I'd add in a "covid contingency fund" as well -- what happens if someone tests positive on arrival, or before departure (do you have to test to come back?) and the trip gets extended or something. Depending on length of the trip, if someone gets sick over there and you have to stay put until they recover....could add up. 

Also same thing in case of flight cancellations for any reason. 

Yes, for sure, buying insurance that specifically covers Covid related issues. The current rules are we have to test before leaving and coming back.

[Laura Corin]

49 minutes ago, Soror said:

Yes, for sure, buying insurance that specifically covers Covid related issues. The current rules are we have to test before leaving and coming back.

Yes. It needs to include being forced to isolate because someone you bumped into tested positive.  Those rules will have been removed in England before this summer but we don't yet know about Scotland.

[Bootsie]

travel to and from your departure airport--uber costs or parking fees

currency exchange fees

parking fees if you rent a car

[Soror]

26 minutes ago, Laura Corin said:

Yes. It needs to include being forced to isolate because someone you bumped into tested positive.  Those rules will have been removed in England before this summer but we don't yet know about Scotland.

Yes, trip delay/quarantine is one thing we specifically we looked for coverage for--

6 minutes ago, Bootsie said:

travel to and from your departure airport--uber costs or parking fees

currency exchange fees

parking fees if you rent a car

Good points. We've got these on the list. Looking like we can avoid parking fees while overseas as we have a relative not far from our departure airport. Got some built in for parking etc and have been looking into parking fees around where will be to get a better idea on how much to estimate.

[Catwoman]

6 hours ago, TheReader said:

If you might be buying a lot of souvenirs, I'd budget for adding an extra bag on the return trip &/or going overweight on the return trip (unless you are packing extra light to accommodate that already). 

I'd add in a "covid contingency fund" as well -- what happens if someone tests positive on arrival, or before departure (do you have to test to come back?) and the trip gets extended or something. Depending on length of the trip, if someone gets sick over there and you have to stay put until they recover....could add up. 

Also same thing in case of flight cancellations for any reason. 

I was just about to post about souvenirs, but you beat me to it!  😃

[TheReader]

1 hour ago, Catwoman said:

I was just about to post about souvenirs, but you beat me to it!  😃

Well, I have learned the hard way 🙂

Once stumbled on a quilt shop going out of business, in the final days of their closing sale. Fortunately we were driving that trip, but I  make it a habit to take some kind of collapsible bag that we can use as a carry on for souvenirs on the way back (and pack the clothes, other "carry on" stuff into the checked baggage on the return trip). 

[elegantlion]

If anyone wears glasses or contacts, either a copy of your prescription or extra glasses. I'm planning an international trip for the fall and I recently ordered a 2nd pair of glasses from Zenni Optical. I'm quite near sighted so I really can't see well w/out glasses. 

Sounds like you've traveled before, but I'd check carry-on luggage dimensions if there is any doubt.

[TheReader]

14 hours ago, elegantlion said:

If anyone wears glasses or contacts, either a copy of your prescription or extra glasses. I'm planning an international trip for the fall and I recently ordered a 2nd pair of glasses from Zenni Optical. I'm quite near sighted so I really can't see well w/out glasses. 

Sounds like you've traveled before, but I'd check carry-on luggage dimensions if there is any doubt.

Oh, and weight limits. some countries have higher/lower limits than others. 

[KungFuPanda]

I read vaca as cow and now I think everything is funny. Ignore me. I haven’t had my tea yet. 

[elegantlion]

21 minutes ago, TheReader said:

Oh, and weight limits. some countries have higher/lower limits than others. 

Yes! This week I was cautioned about checking weight restriction on your RETURN flight. For instance, I'm in the US and going to London. Apparently, some European carriers have weight restrictions that apply when you leave the country - you want to save room & weight for all souvenirs. or should we save soooo-voo-ners (cue the cow sounds).🐄

[MEmama]

I’m a list maker and planner and while I'm a minimalistic traveler I also want to be prepared for everything. The struggle is real, lol. 
 

Regarding that dilemma, the most valuable thing I've learned about traveling is that *everything is available* at your destination(s). There really is nothing that you might bring from home that can’t be acquired there, especially in countries like you are planning. 

[Soror]

2 minutes ago, MEmama said:

I’m a list maker and planner and while I'm a minimalistic traveler I also want to be prepared for everything. The struggle is real, lol. 
 

Regarding that dilemma, the most valuable thing I've learned about traveling is that *everything is available* at your destination(s). There really is nothing that you might bring from home that can’t be acquired there, especially in countries like you are planning. 

Yes, that's me. Plus trying to do it on the cheap (which is another level of challenge with a family of 6). I'm making good use of my vacation planning spreadsheet.

 

36 minutes ago, TheReader said:

Oh, and weight limits. some countries have higher/lower limits than others. 

 

15 hours ago, elegantlion said:

If anyone wears glasses or contacts, either a copy of your prescription or extra glasses. I'm planning an international trip for the fall and I recently ordered a 2nd pair of glasses from Zenni Optical. I'm quite near sighted so I really can't see well w/out glasses. 

Sounds like you've traveled before, but I'd check carry-on luggage dimensions if there is any doubt.

Hmm, good thought. Dh is our only glasses wearer but isn't blind without them. 

Dh says he's building a box for everyone's bags to make sure they fit and we will be weighing them too. 

We are not big on souvenirs or shopping in general so we won't be buying much.

[Lanny]

One thing I had my DD do before she went to the "Semester Abroad" program in Germany last August was to check (very hard to read) the specifications on the Chargers for your Laptop and Cell phones. Very high probability they will work on the AC Line Voltage in Europe or the UK, as long as you have a set of Adapter plugs for the wall outlet.  DD bought a Set of Adapter Plugs which included a Charger, which was nice because the Charger for her very old cell phone had died.  It was about $15 including shipping in the USA on eBay and she was happy because she had no issues in various EU countries. I'm not sure if she used it during a connection in Heathrow Airport on the way home in December but it worked in the EU countries she was in.

Oh. A childhood friend who travels frequently (pre COVID) said that he takes an electric extension cable. I think about 5 meters in length. He said he takes it on trips within the USA too. That could prove to be VERY helpful...

If you have a recent phone with lots of LTE Bands it will probably work fine.  DD has an old Moto G4 and she has used it here in Colombia and in Europe (she bought a Telekom Prepaid SIM in Germany) and she uses it in the USA. 

On the other hand, my  low end Motorola phone would not work in the USA or in Europe. It doesn't have the technology they use for LTE and I'm not sure it has the technology for the old fashioned Voice calls.  (Hint, AT&T in the USA will phase out 3G service this month if they stick to their schedule because they are moving to 5G)  You can check your phone (and the sub-model) on a web site. I think FrequencyCheck.com can do that.

[YaelAldrich]

The extension cord or better a power strip or two is a very good idea I take with me.  Obviously you will need a transformer to use it if you bring a US one.  Or you can buy one over there but many places don't have a ton of outlets and with phones and computers and whatever it is very helpful.  You can get the kind with the USB charging slots that would free up plug spaces.

[MEmama]

We ended up not needing to use our converter on our most recent trip to Dublin because our hotel had USB ports throughout the room (on all the light switches, lamps, etc). It had been recently renovated, but I’m guessing this will become more common in the future. USB ports are common now in airports as well.

[TechWife]

Make sure your budget is using the correct currency. ATM fees if you get cash out of your account while you are there.  The conversion fee & ATM fee together that my US bank charges for this was less than the conversion fee as a money exchange on one trip to the UK. On another trip to other locations, the conversion fee for exchanging US dollars for euros at an exchange window was less. So, YMMV.

[Lanny]

3 hours ago, YaelAldrich said:

The extension cord or better a power strip or two is a very good idea I take with me.  Obviously you will need a transformer to use it if you bring a US one.  Or you can buy one over there but many places don't have a ton of outlets and with phones and computers and whatever it is very helpful.  You can get the kind with the USB charging slots that would free up plug spaces.

No. My friend who does that does not have a Transformer.  He said that in many hotels the AC outlet is hidden behind the bed or somewhere and the cables that come on laptops and cell phones are usually very short.  He has an extension cable that has the 2 prongs for U.S. style AC plugs (no Ground Pin).  If he is overseas he uses a Plug Adapter so he can plug in the U.S. style plug.

He said for example if he wants to take his laptop into the bed to use it there, or, on top of the bed (better idea), with the extension cable he has "wiggle room" to do that and be much more comfortable than with the cable that comes with his laptop or cell phone.

[Lanny]

Two things that my DD has discovered: The first is that it is NOT a good idea to prepay for optional services when buying your ticket. She had paid for a Seat Assignment on a Delta Airlines flight (actually it was on a "CodeShare" operated by KLM) from Amsterdam (AMS) to Atlanta (ATL). She paid almost 30  Euros for that seat assignment. Because of the COVID issues in Europe, she decided to come home to Colombia instead of going from Germany to NC, so she cancelled her flight. Delta gave her a Credit for the 900 Euros she paid for the ticket, but they did not give her a Credit for the 30 Euros for the Seat Assignment.   Had she paid for extra Checked baggage or something, we assume, but are not positive, she would have lost that money too.  I believe that it is a good idea to select a seat assignment that one likes, especially on a long westbound trans Atlantic flight like that, and that paying for a Seat Assignment on those flights is a good idea. But not paying in advance of departure for other things. Better to pay more at the check-in counter and have less chance of losing your money.

Suggestion for people traveling alone:  DD has been doing this since August 2019.   She asks the airline person who checks her in if s/he can change the "Carry On" bag to a 2nd Checked Bag.  Sometimes, they will do it free. Most of the time she needs to pay, which is well worth it, but sometimes they do it free. .  Makes connections, especially long ones, much more relaxing. And, if someone needs to go into a restroom it is much easier to navigate...

[Murphy101]

Everyone’s suggestions are good. Mine are simple bc I’m not very well traveled and too much on my list stresses me out.

Pack only what you absolutely have to

Have one CC that has a significant amount available on it for emergency only use.

don’t stay anywhere that doesn’t provide a safe you can use for cash and documents.

My reasoning is simple. More often than not, you won’t need as much as you think and it’s often cheaper to get what you really need there, than to pay for extra luggage to haul across the ocean.

Always get travel insurance and medical. If something goes wrong, as often happens in life anywhere, it literally pays off.

If you know what your accommodations will be - call or email them directly (not through travel or booking agencies) and ask if they have what you need or have suggestions. For example - they may have an extension cord or fan you can borrow. You’d be surprised. And seriously they hear it all, so they probably won’t be surprised by any question.

[Soror]

12 hours ago, Murphy101 said:

Everyone’s suggestions are good. Mine are simple bc I’m not very well traveled and too much on my list stresses me out.

Pack only what you absolutely have to

Have one CC that has a significant amount available on it for emergency only use.

don’t stay anywhere that doesn’t provide a safe you can use for cash and documents.

My reasoning is simple. More often than not, you won’t need as much as you think and it’s often cheaper to get what you really need there, than to pay for extra luggage to haul across the ocean.

Always get travel insurance and medical. If something goes wrong, as often happens in life anywhere, it literally pays off.

If you know what your accommodations will be - call or email them directly (not through travel or booking agencies) and ask if they have what you need or have suggestions. For example - they may have an extension cord or fan you can borrow. You’d be surprised. And seriously they hear it all, so they probably won’t be surprised by any question.

We are booking everything directly ourselves. Mostly using AirBnB's as we can stay in larger places with kitchens and cook most of our meals. We are for sure light packers- we just do carry on and that's it. And yep- we've got travel insurance- I read reviews and different policies until my eyes bled. We also have some protection through our CC that we used that we are buying everything with (and paying off straight away so we will have multiple cards with high limits when overseas).

23 hours ago, TechWife said:

Make sure your budget is using the correct currency. ATM fees if you get cash out of your account while you are there.  The conversion fee & ATM fee together that my US bank charges for this was less than the conversion fee as a money exchange on one trip to the UK. On another trip to other locations, the conversion fee for exchanging US dollars for euros at an exchange window was less. So, YMMV.

Great idea! We have just started checking into conversion fees this time around. Last time we ended up getting some before we left but we've not done the math yet this time to determine the best time to do it. We did have a fair amount of cash left from last trip to get us started.

On 2/11/2022 at 9:47 AM, YaelAldrich said:

The extension cord or better a power strip or two is a very good idea I take with me.  Obviously you will need a transformer to use it if you bring a US one.  Or you can buy one over there but many places don't have a ton of outlets and with phones and computers and whatever it is very helpful.  You can get the kind with the USB charging slots that would free up plug spaces.

I'm pretty sure dh has got the cords/chargers/etc all covered. He ordered a handful of things from Amazon here while back. We will not be packing very many things that need to be plugged up. I don't think we had anything but phones last time- dd1 might want to bring a curling iron this time- idk. He got enough for all of our phones to charge.

[MEmama]

You might not need much to any cash. We spent 2 weeks in Dublin this fall and didn’t use cash once— I just paid for everything with my watch. They are soooo ahead of North America in that regard. Thinking on it, we didn’t use much or any cash last time we were in Europe, either. 
 

DS lives in Ireland and doesn’t bother with carrying cash at all. He just doesn’t find it necessary. 

[Starr]

2 hours ago, Soror said:

dd1 might want to bring a curling iron this time- idk. He got enough for all of our phones to charge.

Check on the curling iron because many hair things need more than just the country plug adapter you need for a phone.

[Soror]

20 hours ago, MEmama said:

You might not need much to any cash. We spent 2 weeks in Dublin this fall and didn’t use cash once— I just paid for everything with my watch. They are soooo ahead of North America in that regard. Thinking on it, we didn’t use much or any cash last time we were in Europe, either. 
 

DS lives in Ireland and doesn’t bother with carrying cash at all. He just doesn’t find it necessary. 

I don't expect to need a lot but like to have some on hand just in case. I need to think about what is a reasonable amount. I remember needing change for grocery carts a couple of times on our last trips overseas. 

19 hours ago, Starr said:

Check on the curling iron because many hair things need more than just the country plug adapter you need for a phone.

Will do, thanks!

[Bootsie]

22 hours ago, Soror said:

I'm pretty sure dh has got the cords/chargers/etc all covered. He ordered a handful of things from Amazon here while back. We will not be packing very many things that need to be plugged up. I don't think we had anything but phones last time- dd1 might want to bring a curling iron this time- idk. He got enough for all of our phones to charge.

Be sure that you have the correct items for electrical outlets.  There are two issues:  plug adaptability and electric conversion.  The adapters simply allow you to plug a US plug in a foreign outlet.  Most charges for electronics like phones and computers work on US 120 or European 220 voltage.  If you have a laptop charger that is three-prong, make sure the adapter is for a three-prong plug (they are a big harder to find). 

If you are taking something like a curling iron, in addition to a plug adapter you need a converter to change the 220 voltage to 120 for your appliance.  IME, items that heat up like curling irons or hair dryers can act a bit wonky when using a converter.  I would try to avoid packing any converter-needing items.  I would not pack any expensive curling iron; if a curling iron is really necessary, I would pick up an inexpensive one at my destination--it probably would not be much more (maybe even less) than purchasing a correct converter and packing it.   

[Laura Corin]

1 hour ago, Bootsie said:

Be sure that you have the correct items for electrical outlets.  There are two issues:  plug adaptability and electric conversion.  The adapters simply allow you to plug a US plug in a foreign outlet.  Most charges for electronics like phones and computers work on US 120 or European 220 voltage.  If you have a laptop charger that is three-prong, make sure the adapter is for a three-prong plug (they are a big harder to find). 

If you are taking something like a curling iron, in addition to a plug adapter you need a converter to change the 220 voltage to 120 for your appliance.  IME, items that heat up like curling irons or hair dryers can act a bit wonky when using a converter.  I would try to avoid packing any converter-needing items.  I would not pack any expensive curling iron; if a curling iron is really necessary, I would pick up an inexpensive one at my destination--it probably would not be much more (maybe even less) than purchasing a correct converter and packing it.   

You can order in advance from Boots the Chemist and pick up on the high street, so you have time to think about which model is best.

 

 

[Soror]

17 hours ago, Bootsie said:

Be sure that you have the correct items for electrical outlets.  There are two issues:  plug adaptability and electric conversion.  The adapters simply allow you to plug a US plug in a foreign outlet.  Most charges for electronics like phones and computers work on US 120 or European 220 voltage.  If you have a laptop charger that is three-prong, make sure the adapter is for a three-prong plug (they are a big harder to find). 

If you are taking something like a curling iron, in addition to a plug adapter you need a converter to change the 220 voltage to 120 for your appliance.  IME, items that heat up like curling irons or hair dryers can act a bit wonky when using a converter.  I would try to avoid packing any converter-needing items.  I would not pack any expensive curling iron; if a curling iron is really necessary, I would pick up an inexpensive one at my destination--it probably would not be much more (maybe even less) than purchasing a correct converter and packing it.   

 

15 hours ago, Laura Corin said:

You can order in advance from Boots the Chemist and pick up on the high street, so you have time to think about which model is best.

 

 

Dh does electrical stuff for a living so he'll be the one checking all of that out to make sure we are good. Thanks for the heads up!. Great suggestion to consider just buying one overseas. The curling iron was just a maybe- I went without one last time and don't always use one--- dd only uses one here and there. We only have cheap curling irons so if we decide to just buy one there we'll be fine with whatever cheap one we can find.