Looking at family dynamics in response to stress
We know: chocolate is oh-so-good! But don't buy it at the airport, and certainly not in the Duty Free shop.
Take a look at the prices, and you’ll see you’re usually paying two or three times more than you’d pay at the supermarket.
Sources: (Reader's Digest) (The Discoverer)
See also: Don't make these airport mistakes
Universally, it's almost always overpriced, not very tasty, or not very good for you. Sometimes it's even a combination of the three.
Tempted to buy a new charger or headphones? Think again! Electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time.
It’s always a good idea to eat a good meal before you fly. Whatever you do, don’t buy your food in the airport.
In fact, according to travel experts, electronics are about 34% more expensive at the airport than what they would be online.
Given the lack of competition among currency exchange booths at the airport, unprepared travelers are charged with high fees. Wait until you arrive at your destination and take out money from an ATM there. You'll get a much better exchange rate that way.
While the options at the airport are attractive, you'll definitely pay a premium price.
It's probably one of the last things you'll think about when planning a trip, but don't exchange your money for foreign currency at the airport.
Anticipating doing a lot of shopping at your destination and thinking of buying an extra suitcase at the airport? Don't!
Whatever medications you think you might need for your trip, don't buy them in the airport. The prices are always inflated at the airport.
The ones at the airport are overpriced, plus they've been touched by many travelers walking through the airport...
Airport parking garages tend to overcharge for long- and short-time parking.
While your brain needs books and magazines, don’t wait until you get to the airport to think of this!
There are, however, a lot of privately owned parking garages near airports that are way more affordable. Some even provide free shuttles to the airport, so check them out.
Try your best to plan ahead, and have what you need on hand in your carry-on.
If you're going on a long flight, make sure you purchase your neck pillow before your trip.
If you wait until you get to the airport, you’re limiting your choices, and the higher prices will reflect that.
If you want to get the nicest car, at the best price, and with the least hassle, arrange this before you arrive at your destination.
Bring your own reading material with you from home. Otherwise, you may be paying that extra hike-up charge to be entertained for a short period of time.
Air travel can dehydrate you, among other physical side effects, but seasoned travelers know not to buy water at the airport.
Instead, plan ahead and get your souvenirs at the destination, rather than while in transit.
Airport Wi-Fi is slow and can be shockingly overpriced. So instead of checking your phone, consider reading or sitting quietly. Then again, more and more airports are offering free Wi-Fi these days.
Instead, bring your own empty water bottle. This way you can just fill it up at one of the water fountains and avoid paying for an overpriced drink.
Whatever you do, don't buy souvenirs at the airport. They're known to have an astronomical markup.
Just like most people, you probably feel dependent on all that online connectivity. However, just say no to paying for Wi-Fi in the airport.
However, the reality is that the small tax savings doesn’t make up for the markup in prices, especially when it comes to alcohol.
Many people stop at Duty Free because of the common misconception that they will save a fortune on taxes.
We can all agree: flying is already expensive enough without falling for those pre-flight temptations. And while you can find practically anything and everything past security, your time waiting at the airport can quickly add on extra costs. This is especially true if you spend on certain things without thinking it through. From drinks to neck pillows, some things are simply not worth buying, be it for your wallet and even your health.
So before you fly, check out this gallery for the things you should always avoid spending money on at the airport.
Smart travel: items to avoid buying at the airport
You can save a lot of money not buying these things
LIFESTYLE Travel
We can all agree: flying is already expensive enough without falling for those pre-flight temptations. And while you can find practically anything and everything past security, your time waiting at the airport can quickly add on extra costs. This is especially true if you spend on certain things without thinking it through. From drinks to neck pillows, some things are simply not worth buying, be it for your wallet and even your health.
So before you fly, check out this gallery for the things you should always avoid spending money on at the airport.