Travel extras that save money: airport transfers, eSIMs and tours
The flight is only part of a trip’s cost. How you get from the airport, how you stay connected, and how you book activities can each add a surprising amount — or save you time and stress. Here is a balanced look at three extras travelers often ask about.
Airport transfers: when to pre-book
In many cities, public transport from the airport is cheap and easy — the train in Lisbon, Paris or Bangkok, for example. But a pre-booked transfer can make sense when:
- you arrive late at night or very early;
- you are traveling with children, lots of luggage or mobility needs;
- your accommodation is far from public transport;
- the arrivals area is known for aggressive touts, as in some beach destinations like Cancún.
Look for a fixed price agreed in advance, clear cancellation rules, and what happens if your flight is delayed. Most transfer services ask for your flight number so the driver can track arrival.
Travel eSIMs: staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on a compatible phone, often before you leave home. Travel eSIMs sell data packages for a country or region, and they can be activated when you land, avoiding hunting for a SIM shop.
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- Compare the data amount, validity period and coverage area, not just the price.
- Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so calls and texts on your normal number may still come through your home carrier at its roaming rates — check your home plan or switch those features off.
- Install the eSIM while you still have Wi-Fi, but follow the provider’s instructions on when to activate it.
Tours and activity tickets
Booking popular attractions online in advance can save queueing and sometimes guarantees entry at sites with timed tickets. It also lets you compare reviews, inclusions and cancellation policies calmly at home rather than deciding on the spot.
- Check what is included: hotel pickup, entry fees, meals, guides.
- Look for free cancellation in case plans change.
- For official sites and museums, compare with the attraction’s own ticket office.
- Read recent reviews rather than relying only on star averages.
Comparing total trip cost
A simple way to plan: list the flight, bags, accommodation, airport transfers each way, data, and the two or three activities you most want to do. Comparing destinations with that full list often gives a different answer from comparing flights alone. Farerly’s deals pages are a good place to start for flight ideas.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance can cover medical costs, cancellations and lost luggage, depending on the policy. Coverage varies widely, so read the policy terms, especially exclusions and limits. Check whether your credit card or existing health plan already offers any cover abroad.
Comparing transfer options
Most airports offer several ways into town, each with trade-offs:
- Public transport: usually the cheapest, often fast where there is an airport rail link, but less convenient with heavy bags or late at night.
- Shared shuttles: mid-priced, with stops at several hotels, so journeys can take longer.
- Official taxis: available on arrival; check whether fares are metered, fixed or zone-based.
- Rideshare apps: widely available in many cities, with prices shown upfront, but pickup areas can be far from the terminal and prices can surge.
- Private pre-booked transfers: a driver meets you in arrivals with a sign; the price is agreed in advance. Good for groups, families and late arrivals.
Our city guides — for example Mexico City and Orlando — describe the main options at each airport.
eSIM, roaming or local SIM?
There are three common ways to get mobile data abroad. Roaming on your home plan is the simplest, but costs vary widely by carrier and country, so check your plan first. A local SIM card bought on arrival can be good value for longer stays, though you may need to show ID and find a shop. A travel eSIM is installed digitally, can often be set up before you leave, and lets you keep your home SIM active for calls or texts if you choose.
For short trips or multi-country itineraries, a regional eSIM is often the most convenient. For long stays in one country, a local SIM may offer more data. Whatever you choose, download offline maps before you go in case you land without a connection.
Avoiding common tour pitfalls
- Street touts: in busy tourist areas, offers on the street can be fine but are hard to compare. Booking with a reputable provider lets you see reviews and terms.
- “Closed today” scams: in some cities, strangers claim a sight is closed and steer you to a different tour or shop. Check opening hours yourself.
- Hidden extras: check whether entry fees, hotel pickup and meals are included.
- Responsible tourism: choose wildlife experiences that do not involve riding, handling or performing animals, and reef tours that follow local conservation rules.
A pre-trip extras checklist
- Look up how to get from the airport to your accommodation at your arrival time.
- Decide between public transport, a taxi or rideshare, and a pre-booked transfer.
- Check your phone’s eSIM support and your home roaming plan.
- Download offline maps and translation packs.
- Book timed-entry tickets for must-see attractions.
- Read cancellation terms for every booking.
- Save confirmation emails and driver contact details offline.
Ticking these off before you leave means you can step off the plane and get going without stress.
Arriving late at night
Late-night arrivals are where planning pays off most. Public transport may have stopped or be running a reduced service, taxi queues can be long, and arrivals halls may be quieter. Confirm in advance how you will reach your accommodation, share your flight number with your transfer provider or hotel, and let your accommodation know your expected arrival time so they can hold your room. Keep some local currency or a working payment card handy, and make sure your phone has data or offline maps before you land.
If you arrive very late and have an early flight soon after, an airport hotel can be simpler than travelling into the city and back. Compare its cost with a round-trip transfer and a city hotel before deciding, including the time and sleep you would save.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-booked transfer more expensive than a taxi?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on the city and the number of people. The main benefit is a known price and a driver waiting for you.
Will my phone work with an eSIM?
Most recent smartphones support eSIM, but check your model and that it is unlocked by your carrier.
Should I book tours before I travel?
For popular sights and timed tickets, booking ahead is wise. For flexible activities, booking a day or two in advance keeps your options open while still letting you compare.
Find flight ideas from Lagos, Nairobi or Johannesburg.
How Farerly helps
Farerly compares prices and links to trusted partners for flights and extras — Klook for tours and activities, Kiwitaxi for airport transfers and Yesim for eSIMs. You book directly with the partner, which handles payment, changes and refunds. Farerly may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; see our affiliate disclosure.
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