Flying used to be so simple – buy a ticket, check your bags and hop on board. Now it seems like every time you turn your head there’s someone else in khaki pants and a corporate polo shirt shaking you down for another $50. As airlines attempt to keep base-ticket prices stable in the face of ever-rising fuel costs, hidden fees and surcharges are hitting travelers where it hurts–the pocketbook. It’s not easy keeping track of who is charging what for which previously-complimentary service, so we’ve compiled a guide to those sneaky little fees that have travelers wondering whether or not summer vacation would be best spent in their own backyards.

Excess Baggage
Probably the most buzzed-about fee this season is the second bag charge. Most American carriers have recently implemented a $25 charge for travelers checking a second bag. Some even charge for the first. American Airlines customers can expect to pay $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for a second. Delta, United, Continental, Northwest, Virgin America and U.S. Airways all carry a $25 second bag fee on domestic flights and Jet Blue now charges $20. If you’re planning on bringing aboard any strangely shaped items, you’d better check with your carrier first. It might just be cheaper to ship that buck’s head home via UPS or FedEx.  Some antler fees—yes they do get that specific—can run as much as $300 round trip.

Peanuts and Pretzels
High school economics teachers rejoice. Americans are finally beginning to understand that there really is no such thing as a free lunch. Some airlines have taken to charging, not only for meals, but also for in-flight snacks. U.S. Airways announced just last week that it would begin charging for snacks on domestic flights, effective June 1. Other airlines with a no-free-peanuts policy include Virgin America and Northwest. And you can expect to pay for any of the three major meals on just about any domestic flight within the U.S.

Legroom of One’s Own
A couple of years ago, all you had to do for a little extra legroom was be old enough to sit in an emergency exit row. Today, airlines realize that these, and other barely-bigger spaces, are prime real estate, and they’re cashing in on every last inch. Airlines like Jet Blue, which starts Coach upgrades at $10, are taking advantage of America’s penchant for personal space. U.S. Airways’ Choice Seats program offers some window seats for as much as $30. Passengers on United, Air Tran and Northwest can also upgrade at a cost. Even budget carriers like Southwest are charging extra for the right to board the plane first. Looks like picking the right seat just got a whole lot trickier, or at the very least, pricier.

Fuel Surcharge
This one’s the big kicker, and unlike the rest of these add-ons, it’s not optional. Most major carriers charge a flat $65 each way. With crude oil prices approaching $130 a barrel, there’s a strong possibility that number will increase. There’s really no getting around this one. As long as the price of oil continues to soar, so will ticket prices.

Keeping Up Appearances
The rest of these charges may be unexpected, but airport improvement fees are truly hidden. Sanctioned by the Federal Aviation Authority, the Passenger Facility Charge program allows collection of as much as $4.50 for “every enplaned passenger.” This fee, which enables “projects that enhance safety, security, or capacity; reduce noise; or increase air carrier competition,” is included in the ticket price. It might seem relatively insignificant, but when added to a myriad of other unexpected charges, it certainly makes an impact.

There are a handful of other hidden fees and surcharges to keep your eye on this summer, like those for changing a reservation or traveling with a baby, and with oil at it’s current price anything is game. For those planning a trip this summer, or anytime in the near future, the key is to scale back on the amenities. If you want to avoid a big price tag for your plane ticket, it’s time for an exercise in moderation. Besides, excess is best enjoyed once you’ve reached your destination.

‘Tis the season for carving powder, and for those who have done Aspen, and are over Tahoe, a new crop of hip downhill destinations in some unexpected places may be the next frontier. Whether you’re a skier or prefer snowboarding, these three off-the-beaten-path locations will appeal to the adventurous and whimsical snow-lover within.

Bansko, Bulgaria
This developing resort town nestled at the base of Pirin Mountain, is an up-and-comer among international travelers who are partial to powder. With prices still very reasonable, and several compelling options in the realm of luxury accommodation, this destination will appeal to travelers who like to explore a mountain over the course of a week, not a weekend. Prices for daily slope passes are priced around 50 Leva per day (about $37) and you can hit a different part of the mountain every day while barely putting a dent in your budget. Check out the new Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, the premier luxury hotel in the area, which has advertised rates as low as $125 per night during peak season; quite a steal.

Tordillo Mountains, Alaska
If you’ve ever fantasized about jumping out of a helicopter and onto a pristine mountain range blanketed with untouched snow, the Tordillo Mountains in the Alaska Range are the place to make your dream a reality. Heli-skiing is the main attraction in this adventure destination situated between Anchorage and Denali, and many tour operators offer all-inclusive packages that bundle cozy lodge accommodations, meals, helicopter flights, and ski equipment into one per-person rate. Chugach Powder Guides offers such a package at their Tordillo Mountain Lodge, which hosts a maximum of twelve guests at a time and features some posh little amenities like wood-fired hot tubs, a unique copper bar, and a world-class on-site chef. Rates for Sunday to Sunday stays will set you back about $9000 per person.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
For the ultimate novelty snow sports experience, adventurous skiers need look no further than Ski Dubai. The Middle East’s first indoor ski resort offers the opportunity to slalom down the snowy slopes right in the middle of the arid Arabian desert, and must be seen to be believed. The resort covers a staggering 22,500 square meters and boasts five runs, varying in difficulty level, the longest of which is 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters. And they don’t skimp on ambience, with full-sized, snow-dusted evergreens and ski lodges dotting the “landscape” of this mammoth skier’s paradise. While you’re in town, you might want to check out another of Dubai’s unique attractions, the famed Burj al Arab hotel. Rates at this architectural marvel are not for the faint of wallet, but if you’re in the set that jets to Dubai for a ski weekend, it may be right up your alley.

There’s no need to spend your money on expensive first class plane tickets. Save it for an upgrade to the villa with a private infinity pool. Or a hot stone massage on the beach. Or dinner overlooking Piazza San Marco. Or…well, you get the point. Here are some ways to quickly and easily find discounts on the best seats in the sky.

Y-Ups Made Easy
Whether they’re called y-ups, q-ups, or z-fares, discount prices for first class seats do exist. Available online, these seats have fare codes that typically start with a Y, Q, or Z—hence the name. Discounts vary, but if your dates are flexible, you can often find a first class ticket for the price of a coach walk up. The lower fares actually benefit the airlines, since empty first class seats are usually filled by travelers using miles upgrades. You can benefit by accruing the extra frequent-flyer miles earned in first class.

FareCompare.com provides an easy y-up search tool that lets travelers compare prices by city, coach fare, or y-up fare. Travelocity also supplies travelers with a tool that displays the flight codes and fares for all available flights by travel date.

Extra Credit
Redeeming your hard earned miles with a foreign carrier just may get you to your destination for less. FlightBliss points out that US carriers base the number of miles needed for a flight on departure and destination regions, e.g. from US to Europe. It doesn’t matter if you start from New York or San Francisco. Many foreign airlines, however, redeem miles based on the actual distance the flight covers. So if you pick the right airline, you can travel in style with some extra miles in your pocket.

It’s also worth checking out what different credit cards are offering these days. The American Express Platinum card allows members to buy two first class tickets for the price of one, and the price is often competitive with discount travel websites and the airlines.

Image courtesy of United Airlines.

In today’s world of cheap flights and abundant tourist-friendly destinations, globe-trotting is no longer a luxury afforded only to a select few. The past several decades have seen an upswing in the number of people traveling internationally, and tourism as a source of national income in developing countries has increased accordingly.

Traveling to an unknown land can be one of the most exciting experiences there is, for new and seasoned tourists alike, but the conscious traveler may wonder about the impact their itinerary will have on both the environment and the community they plan to visit. This type of thinking has resulted in a critical mass of vacationers looking for more from their holidays than just relaxation and consumption; and this trend has caught the attention of the media as the travel industry rushes to accommodate this expanding niche. The upshot? There has never been a better time to become a more responsible traveler. Below are a number of ways to lessen your travel footprint, no matter what your level of dedication.

Little Things You Can Do On Your Own
International flights, local transportation, and the waste generated by the hospitality industry all take their toll on the environment. To offset these deleterious effects, take direct flights whenever possible, and when traveling shorter distances, consider voyages by train or boat as alternatives to flying.

When you reach your destination, walk or bike when you can, and be sure to use local bus services and cab companies when you can’t. The same goes for local restaurants and hotels; supporting local businesses enriches your travel experience and puts your tourism dollars to good work by helping to cultivate and maintain the community.

Also, be aware of limited resources in the area you are visiting; many developing countries do not have an abundance of electricity or water. Little things like turning off the tap while you brush your teeth or unplugging your cell phone charger when it’s not in use can make a big difference. Ask your concierge about the best way to handle any waste you might generate while out and about, and as a general rule, leave nature as close to the way you found it as possible.

Sustainable Holidays
A more ambitious option for the environmentally and culturally savvy traveler is to book your holiday through an agency that specializes in sustainable tourism. Companies like Whole Travel and Ethos Travel are dedicated to planning vacations that minimize the negative impact of tourism on local communities while focusing on properties and activities that benefit the economy of your chosen destination.

If surrendering the details of your trip to a third party doesn’t appeal, you may want to research resort management and development companies like Six Senses. These businesses operate hotels and resorts in locations all over the world, and are committed to maintaining the ethos of responsible travel in their establishments.

Volunteer Vacations
For those who crave a more active role in aiding the communities they visit, the rapidly growing industry of volunteer tourism offers hands-on opportunities of all kinds. In the past, volunteer work was often only an option for travelers able to make a large time commitment, but increased interest in this type of travel experience has led to a wide variety of packages for more casual travelers.

Organizations like Xola Consulting have blazed the trail of volunteer tourism by assisting travelers in booking adventure trips that include plentiful opportunities to build and educate local communities in developing countries. For those who prefer a more traditional vacation with a few days of volunteering thrown in, a good option, according to an excellent article on the subject on Brave New Traveler, is researching vacations that interest you online, and then contacting tour operators to inquire about possible volunteer opportunities in the locations you wish to visit.

With so many ways to minimize your travel footprint and give back to local communities, it’s little wonder that responsible tourism is becoming the next big trend with today’s educated, world-conscious travelers. Bon voyage, and tread lightly on those happy trails.