Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
You think youve clearly and concisely budgeted for your trip. Whether its a two-week foray into the wilderness or a weekend in the wilderness of a major metropolis, its sensible to plan just how much money youre going to need. One savvy traveler recently budgeted meticulouslyor so he thought. Once he was checked in for his return flight from Florida to Boston, he smiledrealizing that he was actually going home with $100 in his pocket. Then he arrived in Boston, and went to pick up his car.
Thats $78.50, the attendant at the parking garage gate said. Oh, yesplus 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 abodehe 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 youre using should turn up at least one or two such places. Larger cities will undoubtedly have more options. These places charge significantly less moneysometimes less than half of what it costs to park per day in the airport parking garageand 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, its well worth the wait.
2. Check the rates at local hotels. Often for the price of one nights 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. Dont speak to someone at an 800 number. Be sure to arrange this directly with someone at the hotel. You may very well find its 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 $300the 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. Dont disregard public transportation. If your region has public transit in the form of busses or subwaysand if they go to or even close to the airportyoull undoubtedly save big bucks by choosing this option over paying the astronomical prices of parking. Do the math!
5. Theres always the good old fashioned way of saving moneyby 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 vacationand they might feel good doing the favor knowing you will probably reciprocate.
6. Finally, airline parking garages charge ridiculous rates. They dont keep your car from being hit and they dont 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 youand your travels will become that much more pleasantas well as less expensive.
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