Taking off Travel blog

In this economy, people are looking for more ways to save on the cost of travel. One good way is by using offsite airport parking. Offsite airport parking, also known as off airport parking, is parking that is removed from the main airport complex. Airport real estate is expensive, even if you’re only renting a parking space so parking on site can cost a bomb. Off airport parking lots are much cheaper and can be sited just outside the airport or a couple of miles away. With lots close to the airport, you may be able to walk to the terminal with your bags. For those further away, there is a shuttle to the airport.

Research Off Airport Parking

Once you know where you’re going, it’s a good idea to ressearch off airport parking facilities to see which one meets your needs. The services vary at each facility. Some offer self parking, where you put your car in an assigned space, while others offer valet parking. Some facilities will make sure that your car is heated or cooled for your arrival. I’ve even used facilities where the car got a wash before I picked it up. So shopping around really pays off. Read more »

Making the right offsite airport parking choice save not only time but money. Here are some tips for getting the best from off airport parking.

Tips for choosing offsite airport parking

Research The Facilities

Before you even think about booking, check out the airport parking lot online. Is it located close enough to the terminal you will be traveling from? What facilities does it have? Accessibility, the availability of a cell phone lot and other amenities will all make a difference to the overall experience of using the parking lot. Check whether the offsite airport parking provider offers a choice of parking options, plus useful services like turning on the heat or air conditioning before you come back to the car. Read more »

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama in terms of population. The county seat of Jefferson County, the city has a population approaching 1.2m (according to 2007 estimates). The major airport is Birmingham-Shuttleworth International Airport (BHM). This link tells you more than you may want to know about its runways, but I’m going to focus on some of its other amenities.

The airport is located 4.5 miles east of downtown Birmingham, making it a breeze to get to, as well as putting the city within easy reach of travelers on a layover. It’s well served for parking, including our Birmingham airport parking lot and a cell phone lot. If you’re not driving yourself, then the major car hire companies are all easy to get to from the main terminal. The airport is fully accessible for disabled travelers too. Last year, BHM carried more than three million passengers.

Other facilities in the airport include:

• a food court
• two ATMs between concourses B and C on the upper level
• free WiFi
• shops
• a business centre
• international medical assistance

Venturing out of the airport, there’s lots to see in and around Birmingham itself.

Birmingham, Alabama Attractions

See lions, gorillas, rhinos, geckos and more at the Birmingham Zoo. You can tour the zoo on the Zoo Express train and enjoy a range of educational activities. There’s even overnight camping if you choose to pass up a stay in a hotel.

It stays warm in Birmingham, which means that plants really thrive at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Check out the tropical plants in the huge glass greenhouse and visit themed gardens to enjoy the sight and aroma of thousands of plant species. There are more than 10,000 to view on this 67.5 acre site.

Get a taste of Birmingham’s industrial history by visiting the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. The furnaces date back to the 1880s when they were a major part of the city’s steel industry. There’s a park and sculpture garden to see as well and, unless there’s an event on, admission is free.

The McWane Science Center is an interactive science museum, where visitors can experiment with the laws of physics, explore space, construct machinery and more. Whether you’re interested in coral, dinosaurs or robots, you will find something of interest here.

Combine shopping with sightseeing by visiting the Riverchase Galleria, which boasts the western hemisphere’s largest skylight. The huge glass atrium adds to the appeal. You can shop, eat and enjoy indoor fountains and gardens.

Finally, find out about Alabama’s contributions to jazz history at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. It’s amazing how many jazz greats got their start here.

Air travel is as popular as ever, but booking your flight is not the only thing you need to arrange when you travel. As more people travel and security increases, it gets harder and harder to find somewhere to park at the airport. Even when you do, it can be extremely costly and this is a time when people are looking to save money. One way to do that is with offsite airport parking.

1. Check The Location 

A good place to start with off airport parking is on the web. Don’t just book the first offsite airport facility you find. Instead, look for maps and directions to make sure that the facility you choose really will be convenient. It’s not always about distance from the airport, though. Sometimes an off airport parking lot that’s further away can work if there’s a good free shuttle service thrown in.

Read more »

Using offsite airport parking is one way to make sure that your car is safe while you travel. Using a secure parking lot means that your car is looked after, even if you are thousands of miles away. But not all offsite airport parking lots are a like. Here are some things to consider before you make your choice.

Airport Parking Safety

Choosing An Offsite Airport Parking Lot

Choose an offsite airport parking lot that is close to the terminal, so you won’t have to take a long walk in the middle of the night or early morning. This is a good way to ensure your personal safety when you travel. Read more »