Handy Parking Tips
Have you ever found yourself racing to the airport, only to face a stressful parking situation? If this sounds familiar or if you’re worried it might happen to you, our practical parking tips are here to help. Discover some effective strategies to avoid parking hassles and ensure a smooth start to your journey. Let’s explore these tips to make your airport parking experience as stress-free as possible.
Book ahead
One of the main ways to avoid parking stress is by taking a few minutes to book your airport parking ahead of time. Many airports such as Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, provide different types of parking options. There are usually multiple service providers at each airport, so using a parking comparison site is super helpful.
Being on top of the parking game means that it is easier to find a parking spot closer to the airport. Whether you have a mountain of luggage and small children in tow, avoiding lengthy shuttle bus rides is the dream. Booking ahead makes it far more likely that you will find a closer spot. It can also save you the dreaded no available parking space scenario.
Self-parking
When heading to the airport, you might consider various transportation options such as buses, trains, or taxis. However, self-parking remains the most popular choice. With self-parking, you choose a parking facility and usually take a shuttle to the terminal. Selecting the right self-parking option involves more than just finding a spot, as there are several factors to weigh.
Long-term or short-term?
For extended trips, such as a month-long vacation, opting for long-term parking is often more economical than short-term options. Long-term parking facilities are generally located farther from the terminal, which means a longer shuttle ride. While this might be less convenient, the cost savings can be significant.
Covered or outside parking?
Your car may be your pride and joy. The mere thought of parking it outside for an extended period, exposed to nasty winter weather, could well ruin your holiday mood. In that case, paying more for indoor or covered parking, such as that provided in Zurich airport, may be well worth it. You can rest easier knowing that your car will be well protected from the elements.
Valet parking: a little luxury
If you feel like treating yourself or your significant other, valet parking is the way to go. The valet service of dropping your car off at a designated spot, usually at the terminal. When you return from your trip, you simply make a quick call and your car will be returned to sometimes within minutes.
Valet parking is of course more expensive than self-parking. But it reduces all the hassles typically associated with parking your car yourself, such as the shuttle journey and the inevitable waiting around. Valet parking at Nice airport can at times save you an hour.
Additionally, a valet service is also very helpful for travellers with mobility issues, especially in airports with poor accessibility in parking areas. Starting your trip with this valet service is certainly a time and stress-saving win.
Park and sleep
Early morning flights can prove to be extra tough. Instead of starting your trip exhausted before you even get on the plane, check out parking options at hotels close to the airport. If you happen to be visiting the lone star state of Texas, Dallas-Forth Worth airport has numerous hotels in the vicinity that provide a shuttle service.
Shuttle service schedules may vary, with some shuttles departing on the hour and others on demand. Regardless, a park and sleep option can massively reduce travel stress by combining your rest and parking into one.
Book your airport parking now
With many parking options available to cater for all needs and budgets, planning ahead of time can save you time, money and stress. Parking yourself will save you money compared to valet options, but you do have the added inconvenience of taking a shuttle and handling your luggage. That being said, there are many car parks to choose from and provided you don’t book last minute, you will find the right parking place for you!
