The Travel Fees I Refuse To Pay

Hey babes — Happy Wednesday! Greetings from Barcelona! This morning started with a cappuccino and a flaky pastry at the cutest little café tucked into the winding streets of El Born, which got me thinking about one of my favorite travel topics: keeping more money in the vacation budget for the things that actually matter.

Because while I fully support splurging on the extra martini, the dreamy boutique hotel, or the perfect vacation outfit... I have zero interest in paying sneaky fees that add absolutely nothing to the experience.

So today, we're talking about a few of the hidden travel costs that are surprisingly easy to avoid.

👇 Scroll down for my quick guide to keeping more euros in your pocket on your next getaway.

Cheers & martinis! Frances @GalOffDuty🍸

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💳 A Quick Guide to Avoid Rookie Mistakes (and Save € While You Explore)

Whether you're hopping ferries in Ibiza, shopping in Madrid, or sipping wine in Montpellier, navigating foreign payments can get confusing real quick.

After a few trial-and-error moments on my latest Europe trip (yes, I did accidentally pay in USD once — never again), I’m sharing my top 5 money tips to keep your trip smooth, chic, and stress-free. Your wallet will thank you later.

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1. 💳 Always Pay in Local Currency (Not USD!)

At restaurants, boutiques, and beach clubs, the card reader might ask: “Euros or dollars?” Always choose euros.

Why? Because if you pick dollars, the machine uses their exchange rate (aka dynamic currency conversion), and it’s usually not in your favor. Let your bank do the math — you’ll get a better rate.

(I learned this the hard way at a beach bar in Formentera. )

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2. Use a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Cards like Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture are your besties abroad — no extra fees on purchases.

Pro tip: Let your bank know you’re traveling, especially if you're island hopping. You don’t want your card frozen while trying to book a last-minute boat transfer in Ibiza.

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3. Skip the Airport Exchange Booths

I get it — you land, you want cash. But those airport currency exchange counters? Overpriced.

Instead, grab cash from an ATM once you're settled in town. Rates are better and the markup is way less.

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4. Use Bank ATMs, Not Tourist Traps

Look for ATMs inside banks, not random machines at souvenir shops or near nightclubs (especially in Barcelona ).

The fees add up, and the vibes? Questionable.

5. Check Your Receipts for “Conversion Fees”

Some restaurants and shops sneak in extra charges if you pay in USD. A quick peek at the receipt can help you catch terms like “markup rate” or “conversion fee.” If you see them? You overpaid.Trust me, it adds up — especially when your dinner was already €98 with sangria and three desserts. (No regrets.)⸻

Bonus Travel Tip:

If you're splurging — say, on a hotel, cute shoes in Madrid, or an unexpected second round of oysters in Ibiza — screenshot your bank’s exchange rate that day. It gives you a baseline to compare charges and avoid surprises.

Cheers & martinis, Frances @GalOffDuty

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