Parking your car anywhere in a big city is a pain in the behind. In fact, it can be one of the least pleasant aspects of owning a vehicle. There’s never any space, and when you do manage to find one (miles away from your destination), you have to squeeze into a spot that didn’t seem designed to fit your car. Here is how to Save Money Parking.
However, it is something you have to do. Sadly, parking lot owners also know this. As a result, you will either have to go around the block ten more times, or you will accept exorbitant fees so you can leave your car for a few hours in a not-so-safe location.
This is why vehicle owners always look for better ways to park. And, it seems the technology and the times are in accord. So, if you’re interested in paying less for parking, here are a few methods to use:
#1: Use a Parking App/Platform
Yes, we finally have dedicated platforms that tell you where you can find open parking spots, the cost, and the features & conditions available. Such a platform is Parkopedia – an encyclopedia of parking spots that’s available in 89 countries and over 15,000 cities all over the world.
Moreover, these platforms also have reviews from previous users, so you can check if people are happy with the service.
#2: Hotel Parking vs. Airport Parking
Here is a great option to Save Money Parking. Hotels nearby the airport usually allow their guests to leave the car in their parking lot for a longer period of time (until they return from their trip, for example). So, before you look for a parking spot at the airport, have a look at the nearby hotels.
For instance, if you leave from Houston (IAH), you should try parking at the Hilton IAH. The fare is more affordable and you can spend the night close to the airport. When it’s time to leave, you can take the shuttle and make the boarding process a lot easier.
#3: Book in Advance
Some parking lots (like those at the airport) allow drivers to book their parking spot in advance. In fact, the earlier you book the spot, the better it will be for the final cost. However, it may be problematic if your flight gets canceled at the very last minute and you don’t get to cancel the parking reservation. In this case, you will have to pay the amount agreed on, which may be a bit of an inconvenience.
#4: Hire Someone’s Driveway
While it’s not the best option (if you don’t know the person), when it comes to parking in a crowded area, where the fees are through the roof, it actually works. People who own houses in the area and have a big driveway get to make a quick buck by offering the space to other drivers.
Still, it’s best to make sure you know (or at least trust) the person so you don’t get into other types of troubles. Also, don’t forget to perform regular maintenance before parking the car on someone’s driveway. This way, if something goes wrong, you know it wasn’t because of your car.
#5: Park at the Edge
Sometimes, when you have to drive through a crowded city, it’s best to park on the outskirts and use the bus or subway to get where you need to go. This way, you should find a cheaper parking space (if not free) and you won’t have to worry about driving through the craziness of a crowded city.
Wrap Up
When it comes to parking, it’s important to think out of the box. Luckily, in a few years, we will have better-organized cities. But for now, we have to make do with the current situation.