You saw that travel ad – 4N/5D Maldives only ₹19,999. Your brain whispered, “Bro, book it!” But your wallet cried later, when cab charges, entry fees, meals, taxes and one shady “resort fee” showed up like uninvited guests at a wedding.
Let’s break the truth — hidden charges are real, and they can ruin your vacation vibe. Before you fall for clickbait travel offers, here’s what you really need to know. We’ve seen it all – from “unlimited buffet” being 3 soggy parathas, to “all-inclusive trip” turning into a series of extra payments. So let’s dig in and see where these traps are hiding, and how to dodge them smartly.
1. That Price You Saw? It’s Usually Just for Breathing Air
Online travel companies often highlight the base price. It’s the shiny sticker that lures you in. ₹15,000 for 5 days in Manali? Sounds like a dream – but what are you really getting? Most of the time, it's just hotel stay (and not even a good one), and sometimes just partial day use.
What’s usually not included?
- Airport transfers
- Early check-in/late check-out
- Any sightseeing fees
- Lunch, dinner, snacks
- Entry tickets for monuments, safaris, boat rides
- Taxes (yes, sometimes even that!)
The booking page won’t shout about these missing pieces. Instead, you’ll find a polite “customizable on request” or “optional add-on available.” But let’s be real – none of these are optional if you want an actual trip. You're paying extra whether you plan for it or not.
2. “Breakfast Included” – But It’s Just Toast & Tea
“Breakfast included” sounds great until you realise it means dry toast and a cup of overly sweet chai. Some hotels are generous and offer a decent spread, but many give you the bare minimum, just enough to say it was included.
And then what? You spend more on proper breakfast outside. So it’s important to check the property reviews, ask for sample breakfast menus, or at least call the hotel and confirm. Don’t assume all breakfasts are equal – especially when you’re booking via third-party platforms.
Also, in many places, breakfast is only complimentary on the first day or gets cut out if you reach late. Be sure you’re not skipping meals and paying extra because of fine print.
3. Cab Charges – The Sneakiest Trap Ever
Biggest scam in budget packages?
“All sightseeing included” In small font: Transport cost extra
You get to the destination and realize there’s no cab to pick you up. Then they give you a list of “partner vendors” charging twice the local rate. Or worse – they offer shared vehicles that don’t match your plan.
More red flags:
- “Only drop included, no return”
- “Cab only till parking, you walk from there”
- “Shared cab with strangers”
That’s not what a peaceful vacation looks like. Always confirm transport terms. Ask: Is it a private cab? Round trip? With driver charges and tolls? If they dodge these questions, run.
4. Guide Fees, Parking, and Entry Tickets – Surprise!
Another trick: “All sightseeing covered.” Sounds perfect, right? But wait till you actually get there. The guide demands ₹500, the monument has an entry fee of ₹250, and the driver says, “Sir parking extra.”
Imagine doing this daily for a week. That’s ₹2000-3000 out of your pocket on things you assumed were covered. A lot of online packages never specify whether these site-specific costs are included. Most of the time – they aren’t.
Want to avoid this? Get a list of inclusions in writing. If they can’t provide clarity, that’s a red flag. Don’t let your budget leak because of silent exclusions.
5. The GST Trap & “Final Payment” Surprise
This one’s painfully common. You finalize a package for ₹25,000. You’re mentally sorted. Then comes payment time, and bam! ₹28,500.
Where did the extra come from?
- 5% to 18% GST (not shown initially)
- Service or “convenience” fees
- Payment gateway fees (credit card users, beware)
Sometimes, they also ask for an extra “advance” to “confirm booking.” And if you cancel? Refunds are partial or delayed.
Avoid this by ensuring you get the final inclusive price before transferring any money. If they can’t confirm total price in writing (with tax), something’s fishy.
6. Hotel Ratings Are Just for Show
“3-star hotel included.” Great! But whose rating is it?
Turns out, the property is far from clean. The photos online were taken 10 years ago. Reviews are fake. The room? One small window, no ventilation, and noisy fans. Online operators often mark any basic hotel as “3-star” just to make the package look fancy.
To avoid this:
- Ask for the hotel name before paying
- Cross-check on Google, VistasVibes
- Look at latest guest photos, not just promo pics
Some platforms even show “star ratings” based on internal criteria – not actual hotel certification. Don’t fall for it.
7. Itinerary Gimmicks – So Much Written, So Little Done
They hand you a jam-packed itinerary:
Day 2: Fort visit, spice plantation tour, beachside lunch, cruise ride, shopping, cultural dinner with bonfire.
Woah! That’s a lot in a day. But here's reality:
- Fort opens late, you miss the plantation
- Lunch isn’t included, cruise is cancelled
- Shopping? Only 30 mins in a crowded spot
- Dinner is basic and without the promised vibe
It’s not a plan; it’s a brochure fantasy. Don’t fall for wordy itineraries. Ask for:
- Realistic timelines
- Whether entry fees, meals, and bookings are covered
The more detailed and honest the itinerary, the better the experience.
8. Emergency Costs: You’ll Be Alone in Trouble
“Extra charge for rebooking.”
This is where most cheap tour operators ghost you. Once they’ve got the payment, you’re on your own. Support is vague or unreachable.
But real travel partners – like VistasVibes – stay connected. We’ve helped guests reroute, reschedule, and even find emergency stays without drama or extra cost.
Support after the booking matters more than the flashy price. Travel with someone who stays accessible.
Final Word: Don’t Be a Discount Junkie. Be a Smart Traveller
That ₹10,000 deal may tempt you. But if the trip ends up costing ₹25,000, and you feel cheated throughout – was it really a deal?
Next time, ask smart questions:
- Is the cab private and included?
- Entry fees and parking covered?
- Meals or only breakfast?
- GST and taxes shown upfront?
- Hotel name and actual guest reviews?
If the answers are shady or too vague, walk away. You deserve better.
Choose someone transparent. Someone like VistasVibes – who tells you the good, the bad, and the reality. Because for us, your trip isn’t just a booking – it’s a memory you should smile about, not regret.
Now go plan that trip. Smartly. With eyes wide open.
