Tempted by that heavily discounted airfare to Rome or Madrid, or the hotel's offer to throw in an extra night or two for free? In an attempt to woo the recession-weary traveller, seemingly irresistible deals seem to be popping up everywhere. But before you pull out your credit card, SmarterTravel.com warns about these 6 potentially budget-busting travel costs.

Booking fees. Nearly every major carrier now charges a 'convenience fee' for booking in-person or over the phone, ranging from $5 to $45 per ticket. The easiest solution to avoid the fee: book online. Many online travel agencies have eliminated their booking fees (at least temporarily), so you can save even if you don't book directly with the airline. Note: Even if you book online, airlines often charge a fee for any itinerary charges made over the phone. If you're in any doubt about the airline's policy, ask the representative at the start of the conversation if you will be charged and the amount. (See Up, up and away with airline fees.)

Other considerations:

-- Frequent-flier fees. Before you get too excited about those frequent-flier points, keep in mind that airlines often tack on extra fees for taxes and baggage. These fees can range from $40 to $150 a ticket, depending on the carrier and destination - so make sure to read the fine print. The best way to avoid these fees is to book as far ahead of time as possible. For instance: In addition to a $25 ticket ‘processing' fee on every flight, United Airlines charges $75 for tickets bought seven to 20 days before the flight, and $100 for tickets bought six or fewer days before departure.

-- Online booking restrictions. Some of the best online deals come with heavy restrictions. Make sure you know the details such as how much extra you'll have to pay for luggage or the number of beds in the room.

Seat selection fees. It's a good idea to select your seat in advance not only for better comfort, but to improve your chances of not getting bumped -- but these days, even this convenience often comes at a cost. Before you choose a seat, be sure to read your carrier's fine print to make sure doing so is free. (Surcharges can range from $6 to $349, depending on the airline and desired seat.)

Baggage fees. Many airlines charge extra for checked luggage, with fees ranging from $15 to $50 for the first and second checked bag. If you add a third bag, the rates climb even higher. In addition, some airlines require you to check your bags in advance online or pay an additional fee at the airport.

Clearly, if you can swing it, the cheapest way to fly is with a well-packed carry-on bag.

But if you do have to check a bag, make sure to pack as efficiently as possible. Overweight bag charges can add an extra $25 to $175 to your bill - so generally speaking, it is more cost efficient to check a second bag than to pay a hefty overweight tab for an overstuffed suitcase. (See Tips for lightening up your luggage and packing smart.)

Hidden hotel fees. Save yourself any nasty surprises at check out, by finding out what services are free -- and which ones incur extra charges -- when you check in. Be sure to ask about:

-- Any charges to use Wi-Fi in your room or common areas.

-- Any fees associated with the business centre, pool, fitness room or sauna.

-- The charges for in-room movies and the mini-bar.

-- The fee, if any, to park your car.

(For more hotel tips see Avoid the latest hotel scam.)

Rental car insurance charges. Collision-damage waiver insurance (CDW) is a big profit-maker for rental car companies. In fact, the extra CDW fee is often as expensive as the actual car rental charge. Before signing up, make sure your credit-card insurance doesn't already cover this. Don't let the rental service pressure you into paying for a policy you already own.

Currency exchange surcharges. Generally, you'll get the worst exchange rates and the highest transaction fees by changing money at an airport kiosk or other institution that exists solely to exchange money. As an alternative, experts advise using your debit card to get cash from a local ATM and your credit card for retail purchases.

However, even these options may come with hidden surcharges. Call your bank and credit card provider ahead of time to find out which fees, if any, are associated with overseas use. Be sure to ask how your financial institution determines exchange rates, what surcharges are added to standard transactions such as ATM use and in-store purchases, and any other fees you should be aware of. (See Credit card fraud and money safety abroad.)

Other tips

-- Many U.S. airlines, including Southwest, United Airlines and Jet Blue, no longer accept cash for food, drinks or duty-free items bought on board. To purchase any of thse items, you'll need a debit or credit card.

-- Be sure to do your math - and your research - before being drawn in by two-for one hotel offers or promotions that ask you to commit to additional nights for free. These may not always be the best deal.

-- Vacation deals found on online auction or listing sites such as eBay or Craigslist often offer no guarantee. Before booking any trip online, be sure you are dealing with a reputable source or website. Travel scams are on the rise; in fact, they cost consumers more than $10 billion in 2008, according to the Better Business Bureau. (See Vacation scams: what you need to know.)

Sources: SmarterTravel, Forbes.

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