Travel Tips to Keep You Sane, Getting to the Airport and Parking

Getting to the Airport and Parking is Not that Expensive

We say here in the US, “If you want something right you better do it yourself!”. I couldn’t agree more, especially when it comes to travel -throw in a third party, or a middle man, this is when the problems and delays start. There’s no room for error with travel. Getting to the airport and parking is a bitch.

I think I’m stating the obvious here when I tell you I travel a lot. When I started out as a travel writer it was always a pain to get someone to take me to the airport. Living in Sarasota certainly has its perks, proximity to an international airport is not one of them. Nowadays I am a total convert to driving myself to the airport. This conversion was the product of an absolute disaster. This is a cautionary tale people, are you sitting comfortably?

Picture the scene – a woman with crusty eyes and wild hair, due to having to get up at stupid o’clock for an early morning flight, sits waiting for an airport shuttle that is scheduled to arrive at 2 am. Continue with the said scene until 3 am, when a crusty eyed and wild-haired woman is still sat waiting for the said coach, but her face has now taken on a look of horror on top of everything else. Yes, my coach didn’t arrive. Luckily the coach company did get me there by the skin of my teeth, by taxi no less, but the stressful start to my busy travel day was enough to sprout a grey hair! It was certainly enough to stop me from booking airport coaches again.

Now when I am departing from home (usually Tampa International Airport which I love), I use this sweet little boutique car park just across the street from the airport terminal called A-1 Express. They have a shuttle, they give me bottled water, they know my name, they are cheaper than parking at the airport, shoot they even have books you can borrow for your flight. I love it. They can even wash your car for you when you’re gone!

I recently got an email from a follower asking me about this very matter but in Scotland. So, when I made my way there in October I set out with my rental car to find the best spot. I discovered ParkBCP car parking for Edinburgh Airport parking and just like that, just like at home in Florida, I was handled with care and on my way to my 2-day jaunt in Dublin (and without having to return my car that was cheaper by the week than by the day).

Trains really aren’t much better in my eyes. The cost of rail travel has shot through the roof lately, and you also have the rather stressful and occasionally violence-inducing process of getting your large and heavy suitcase across the station and onto the correct platform, whilst also carrying a rather heavy hand luggage bag, and hoping you’re actually going to be getting on the right train. Of course, then comes the fun bit of actually getting your luggage on the train. I say ‘fun’ with a total dollop of sarcasm of course.

No matter where you’re flying from, I’d recommend checking out what parking services are available to you, rather than put yourself through unnecessary stress and physical trauma. Most large airports offer parking services at fantastic rates, often cheaper than the cost of public transport, and regional airports also offer services too, so it’s really a matter of just checking and booking.

Don’t make the same mistake as me and risk ruining the start of your vacation. It’s just not worth the stress.