You think you’ve clearly and concisely budgeted for your trip. Whether it’s a two-week foray into the wilderness or a weekend in the wilderness of a major metropolis, it’s sensible to plan just how much money you’re going to need. One savvy traveler recently budgeted meticulously—or so he thought. Once he was checked in for his return flight from Florida to Boston, he smiled—realizing that he was actually going home with $100 in his pocket. Then he arrived in Boston, and went to pick up his car.
“That’s $78.50,” the attendant at the parking garage gate said. “Oh, yes—plus the tax.”
Needless to say, by the time this savvy traveler sprung for a few gallons of gas and a fast-food meal en route to his abode—he arrived virtually broke. Is there a better way? There is. And more and more frequent travelers are heeding this sage advice.
1. Check out businesses with names like “Park and Fly” or “Shuttle and Fly.” An online search using these words and the name of the airport you’re using should turn up at least one or two such places. Larger cities will undoubtedly have more options. These places charge significantly less money—sometimes less than half of what it costs to park per day in the airport parking garage—and most are manned around the clock. They shuttle passengers to their airport terminal and return to pick them up when the passenger calls upon their return flight. The only real inconvenience is awaiting the arrival of the shuttle bus. Luckily, in most cities the longest wait is about a half hour. For the amount of money you save, it’s well worth the wait.
2. Check the rates at local hotels. Often for the price of one night’s lodging, many of the major chain hotels will allow patrons to leave their car there for the length of their journey. Explain this to the front desk clerk when making a reservation. Don’t speak to someone at an 800 number. Be sure to arrange this directly with someone at the hotel. You may very well find it’s worth the splurge to spend a night at a hotel near the airport. If, for example, the rate for staying one night is $100, but ten days at the airport parking garage is nearly $300—the smart choice is obvious.
3. Explore the option of taking a coach bus from your hometown directly to the airport. Some bus companies offer special rates to and from airports and even better rates for frequent fliers. Again, depending on the length of your stay, this option may in fact cost quite a bit less money than parking for several days at the airport parking garage.
4. Don’t disregard public transportation. If your region has public transit in the form of busses or subways—and if they go to or even close to the airport—you’ll undoubtedly save big bucks by choosing this option over paying the astronomical prices of parking. Do the math!
5. There’s always the good old fashioned way of saving money—by asking a friend or relative to drive you to and from the airport. Most people find that if they spring for a tank of gas and maybe a meal in either direction, most people are more than willing to come to the aid of a friend. After all, they may be the next ones off on vacation—and they might feel good doing the favor knowing you will probably reciprocate.
6. Finally, airline parking garages charge ridiculous rates. They don’t keep your car from being hit and they don’t prevent it from being vandalized. Check your local Yellow Pages or city directory for nearby attended lots run by a private company. Look into how they prevent break-ins and if the parking is covered.
Run down your list of family and friends. Or make a reservation for a quiet night at a hotel. The savings will amaze you—and your travels will become that much more pleasant—as well as less expensive.
