Most travelers are looking to save money in today’s economic climate, but it’s getting more difficult than ever. Not only have domestic airfare prices jumped more than eight percent over the last year, but airlines, hotels and car rental companies have come up with some downright sneaky ways to add to your travel bill.

Here are 10 ways to avoid adding extra costs to your trip:

1. Be aware of outrageously expensive Internet access in many hotels.
   Sure, you’re taking your laptop along on your trip – but don’t assume because computers are now part of everyday life that Internet access is included in the cost of the room. Be aware that many major hotel chains charge as much as $15 a day for high-speed Internet access in your room. So ask what the fees are when you make reservations and find out if free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel coffee shop or lobby.
2. Put down the phone and save some bucks.
   It seems simple enough: you make a call to place your flight reservations. But what you may not know is that most major airlines tack on $25 to $35 to your ticket price if you book by phone. Use the Internet instead to avoid this “booking fee”.
3. Cheaper fares can be hidden in plain sight.
   Surf the major airlines’ websites before you buy tickets. It’s true – the very best travel deals are often listed on the airlines' websites and may change frequently.
4. Do-it-yourself-boarding passes.
   Last fall, some airlines began tacking on a $5 fee per flight to simply print a boarding pass at the airport. That means you could be charged an extra $10.00 for a round-trip ticket. You can save that money by simply printing your boarding pass at home and bringing it with you.
5. Convenience will cost you.
   Sitting in the first rows in coach where you’ll have more leg room or boarding your plane early so you don’t have to jostle with fellow travelers for overhead bin space can make a long flight more enjoyable. However be aware that many airlines are now charging a surcharge of around $20 to $40 each way for these privileges. In addition, if you want to select the seat where you prefer to sit, some airlines (including Spirit and AirTran) will add on $6 to $20 to your ticket price.
6. Think twice – make that three times – before you check luggage.
   Now’s the time to get serious about traveling as light as you can with just a carry-on bag. Unless you are an elite member of a major airlines’ frequent travelers club or headed to certain international locals, you are going to pay a hefty fee for checking luggage. For example Delta and American Airlines are now charging $25 for one checked bag. If you check one more, it’s an additional $35.
7. If you have to check a bag, you still need to lighten up to save money.
   If you think fees for regular checked bags are a bit hefty, wait until you are hit with a charge for luggage that is overweight. Expect to pay most airlines up to $90 per bag for one that weighs 51 to 70 pounds.
8. Free pillows on flights? You must be dreaming.
   If you request a pillow to help you get comfy as you nap on your flight, realize you’ll probably have to pay for it. Some airlines are charging $7 to or $8 for a sack that contains a small pillow, as well as a light cover, eyeshades and earplugs.
9. Credit card surprise surcharges on international trips.
   If you are traveling out of the U.S., you could end up paying an extra three percent when you use your credit card due to a surcharge some credit card companies add on to foreign purchases. However there’s a way to sometimes avoid these fees. Not all credit cards add this surcharge so check first to see if you have credit card that won’t charge extra for currency conversions and purchases made in other countries. You can also look into prepaying your hotel and car rental costs before you leave on your trip.
10. Rental car insurance: reasonable or rip-off?
    Car rental companies encourage travelers to opt for a collision-damage waiver (CDW) – and no wonder. CDWs are a huge moneymaker for car rental companies; a CDW can add $15 to $25 a day to the cost of a car rental. These optional policies do insure you if you’re in a wreck or the car you rent is damaged in some other way. But do you really need this insurance? Probably not. Before heading out on a trip, contact your insurance agent to see if you are already protected by your auto insurer. You may also have protection through your credit card company.

Good news on deciphering travel fees

Starting on January 26th, a new U.S. Transportation Department rule requires airlines to be far more upfront about all their taxes and fees. Specifically, their advertised fare will have to include the total price. In addition, the mandate means airlines must disclose baggage fees when passengers buy tickets and the same fees must apply throughout a trip with those airlines.

If you’d like to compare how much specific airlines charge for a variety of standard and “extra” fees, check out smartertravel.com’s free, downloadable Airline Fees - The Ultimate Guide: http://i.slimg.com/sc/sl/graphic/u/ul/ultimate-guide-to-airline-fees.pdf