Whether you are headed on a business trip or you are taking a vacation with your family, traveling can be exciting, especially if you don’t get many chances to do it.
But, there are many things you need to do before you take off on your flight. One of them is finding a safe and secure place to park your car. It will be one less thing that you worry about when you are traveling. However, finding a good spot, which is also affordable, is not easy.
To give you an idea, here are some tips for a stress-free long-term parking experience.
1. Research Your Options
Like you would do with anything, you need to research your long term parking options. You can look up all the parking options available at your departure location. Most airports, train stations, and ports offer several long-term parking options, including on-site lots and off-site facilities.
You can start by checking their websites for details on pricing, security features, and shuttle services. But, you should also look into online reviews to get some insights into the experiences of other travelers.
However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to these options. You can also look into other long term parking facilities. You can park your vehicle a day before your departure.
2. Book in Advance
Once you have found the right long term parking option, book your spot in advance. This not only guarantees you a space but can also save you money. Many parking facilities offer early bird discounts or promotional rates for online reservations.
Not to mention, booking ahead can give you some peace of mind, knowing that you have a guaranteed spot waiting for you. This is especially important during peak travel times, such as holidays or busy weekends, when parking lots can fill up quickly.
3. Consider Off-Site Parking
While many people consider parking in the airport, you should look into other options as well.
Off-site parking lots can be a great alternative to on-site airport parking. They are often cheaper and can offer similar security features, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and 24/7 staff. Many off-site lots provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, which makes them even better.
You can search for off-site parking facilities just you would for other services, like checking reviews and making sure they have high-security standards.
4. Prepare Your Car
One of the most important things you need to do is prepare your car before you leave your car in long term parking. You need to take some precautions to make sure it is in good condition.
First, remove all valuables from the car, including personal items, electronics, and important documents. This reduces the risk of theft and keeps your belongings safe.
Next, check your car’s maintenance needs. This includes making sure the tires are properly inflated, the battery is in good condition, and all fluids are at appropriate levels. If you are going to be away for a long time period, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent it from draining.
You should also think about covering the car with a quality car cover that can also protect it from dust, bird droppings, and other environmental factors.