With the six tips and tricks listed below, you’ll be able to navigate parking with ease and breeze through your travel experience.
Parking can be a huge hassle when you're traveling. Trying to find a spot in a busy city, or circling the airport lot for what seems like hours, can quickly put a damper on your trip. But with the six tips and tricks listed below, you'll be able to navigate parking with ease and breeze through your travel experience.
Research your destination
One of the first things that you need to do is research your destination. If you're headed to a big city, find out if there are any parking garages or lots near your hotel or attraction. This means that if you are looking for parking in downtown Cleveland, make sure that you have already scouted beforehand the locations of some of the many parking garages that are available to you. For smaller towns, see if street parking is available and what the regulations are. This way, you'll know exactly where to go when you arrive and won't have to waste time driving around looking for a spot.
Arrive early
If you're driving to your destination, try to arrive as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to find parking and avoid the rush. Getting there early also means that you'll be more likely to get a spot close to your hotel or attraction, so you won't have to walk far. More often than not, the closer you are to your destination, the more expensive parking will be and the easier it is for the parking lot to be filled by the time you arrive. But if you don't mind spending a little extra, it's worth it to not have to walk too far with all of your luggage in tow.
Avoid peak times
If you're looking to avoid a parking nightmare, try to avoid peak times. This means avoiding arriving or leaving during the busiest times of the day. For example, if you're flying into an airport, aim to land during off-peak hours like early morning or late at night. And if you're driving into the city, try to avoid rush hour traffic. By avoiding these times, you'll have a much easier time finding parking and won't have to deal with the stress of trying to find a spot during the busiest times. Just keep in mind that there are instances wherein off-peak times can be more expensive because you would have to pay for overnight parking, so be sure to factor that into your budget. It's a good idea to weigh your options and decide what works best for you.
Pay attention to signs
When you're driving around looking for parking, be sure to pay attention to the signs. This seems like a no-brainer, but many people make the mistake of not reading the signs and end up getting ticketed or towed. Each parking spot will have its own set of rules and regulations, so you must take the time to read and understand them. This way, you can avoid getting a ticket or having your car towed, which can quickly ruin your trip. In case you are in a place where the language is not familiar, don't hesitate to ask a local for help in understanding the signs.
Use your GPS
Most cars nowadays come equipped with GPS systems, which can be a lifesaver when trying to find parking. Rather than driving around aimlessly, you can use your GPS to find the closest and most available parking to your location. This is especially helpful if you're in an unfamiliar area or are trying to find street parking in a big city. Simply type in your destination and let your GPS do the rest. Most GPS applications even feature different types of parking, so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
Be prepared to pay
In many cases, parking will come at a price. Be prepared to pay for your spot, whether it's in a parking garage or a metered spot on the street. It's always a good idea to have cash on hand, as some parking meters only accept coins. And if you're paying for parking in a garage, be sure to keep your ticket with you so that you can pay when you leave. Fortunately, there are many discounts and deals available for parking, so be sure to do your research in advance. You may even be able to find a coupon for the parking garage you're using.
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
These are just some of the many parking tips and tricks that every experienced traveler should know. By following these tips, you can make your next trip a breeze. So, the next time you're planning a trip, be sure to keep these in mind and enjoy your travels stress-free.
Main image by andreas160578 from Pixabay
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
