Incidental expenses are minor costs, such as gratuities, that are incurred in addition to business expenses. Incidentals ancillary to the costs of transportation, meals, and lodging are most common when an employee travels for work. Reimbursement of incidental expenses, if any, is a matter of company policy.

Small incidentals refer to the minor, secondary expenses incurred during travel or a hotel stay that are not included in the primary room rate or ticket price. Common examples in 2026 include minibar snacks, bottled water, high-speed Wi-Fi upgrades, valet parking fees, laundry services, or small "resort fees" that cover pool access and gym usage. In a broader business context, incidentals also include small tips for bellhops, taxi surcharges, or baggage storage fees. Hotels typically manage these by placing a "security hold" on your credit or debit card at check-in (often ranging from $50 to $200) to ensure these costs are covered if you use them. While individually cheap, these small charges can add up significantly over a week-long stay. Travelers are advised to review their final "folio" or itemized bill before checking out to ensure no accidental charges—like a minibar sensor being tripped—were added to their account incorrectly.