Travel expenses can quickly accumulate, even for those who are budget-conscious, with some costs being unavoidable. For instance, expensive roaming charges for your phone might not cross your mind while planning a trip, and surge pricing on ridesharing apps is beyond your control. Regardless, these costs can add up, leaving you with a hefty bill at the end of your journey.

One effective way to prevent unexpected charges on your credit card is by subscribing to travel services that offer upfront savings.

1. Blade Plus

Imagine reaching the airport in just minutes – Blade offers this convenience by transporting passengers to LAX and major New York City airports via helicopter for $195 per person. Considering car services, taxis, and ridesharing apps can charge around $100 per ride, the aerial view could justify the additional $95. Moreover, saving at least an hour of travel time is invaluable.

For those who find this appealing, the annual Blade Airport Pass is available for $795, reducing the helicopter fare to $95 per ride and saving $100 each time. This pass also includes a $50 discount on a companion seat if both passengers are on the same flight and provides 24/7 access to a dedicated specialist. Using the pass just five times a year makes it cost-effective.

Blade also offers a Hamptons pass, commuter services, giftable passes, and other options.

2. Priority Pass

Airport lounges not only offer free Wi-Fi but also provide a retreat from crowded gates and overpriced refreshments. With Priority Pass, travelers can access these lounges for as little as $99 annually, with entry fees set at $35 per visit at over 1,400 locations globally.

The Standard Plus annual package, costing $329, includes 10 free visits, with additional visits at $35 each. The Prestige package, at $469 per year, grants unlimited free visits for members. Guests can join for $35 each under any membership.

Given that United Club lounge access costs $59 and a decent airport meal can exceed $35, Priority Pass memberships can result in significant savings. While frequent flyers often receive complimentary lounge access based on their status, Priority Pass is useful when flying with different airlines.

3. Lyft Pink

For some, paying $9.99 a month for Lyft Pink, which offers 5% off Standard, Preferred, XL, and Lux rides, is worthwhile. This subscription also includes free Priority Pickup upgrades, valued by Lyft at $3-$4 per ride. The company estimates that most users save around $23 monthly, though this doesn’t account for the subscription fee, so actual savings may vary.

Additional perks include a limited number of free bike or scooter unlocks in select cities, surprise offers, and more flexible cancellation policies.

4. Google Fi

Traveling abroad doesn’t mean you have to be disconnected or pay exorbitant fees for phone calls. Thankfully, with a Google Fi plan, you can avoid these hassles. Google Fi’s premium plans are designed for frequent travelers, offering extensive international features. These include complimentary calls from over 50 countries worldwide, such as Australia, Ireland, Peru, and many others. Additionally, these plans provide free data access in 200 destinations.

The advanced plans also feature unlimited hotspot tethering, ensuring you can work while on the move. Plus, with 100 GB of Google One storage, you’ll have ample space for all your vacation photos.

5. Inspirato

Inspirato offers a subscription service starting at $2,550 monthly. With this membership, you gain access to a selection of thousands of five-star hotels, luxurious experiences, and cruises.

The monthly fee covers all nightly rates, taxes, and fees associated with Inspirato Pass trips. Remarkably, there is no cap on the number of trips you can take. Whether you wish to embark on a breathtaking South African safari or enjoy a picturesque cruise along the Seine River in France within the same month, Inspirato makes it possible.

However, be aware that costs for airfare, car rentals, food, activities, and other add-ons are your responsibility. Despite the initial high cost, given that a single night at these luxury destinations is worth thousands of dollars, the membership can quickly pay for itself. Therefore, this service is most suited to certain types of travelers.

6. TSA PreCheck/Global Entry

For many travelers, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry memberships are nearly indispensable. Both programs facilitate quicker passage through airport security, making for a smoother and less stressful experience.

Global Entry, ideal for international travelers, expedites customs clearance and costs $100 for a five-year membership. TSA PreCheck, perfect for domestic travelers, allows you to speed through security lines and is priced at $78 for five years. Many travel credit cards offer complimentary memberships to these programs, typically reimbursed as statement credits.

7. AAA

If you enjoy road trips, whether within your state or across the country, a AAA membership is invaluable. AAA is renowned for its roadside assistance services, which include help with flat tires, jumpstarts, towing, and more.

Beyond emergency services, AAA provides additional benefits such as motorcycle and bicycle assistance. Members also enjoy numerous discounts on rental cars, dining, theme parks, movie tickets, museum entries, and more.

8. Going

Formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, Going is a service that helps you find the best airfare deals. Subscribing to Going gives you access to alerts for discounted flights. You can start with a free plan to test the service, but the real advantages are found in the paid subscriptions. These provide alerts a day or two earlier, increasing your chances of securing better deals.

Paid plans range from $49 to $199 annually, and depending on the plan you choose, you can receive alerts for international flights, mileage and points deals, mistake fares, and more.