Taking off Travel blog

Who would have thought that men and women actually travel differently?  I mean, it’s well documented in word, song, and cinema, but for each gender as a whole travel preferences are that relevant?  Believe it or not, there are distinct differences in travel preferences based on gender.

In reading a few articles on the subject, I was surprised to learn that women typically spend four days searching and researching the upcoming trip than their male counterparts.  Also, women typically plan the trip.  However, on business trips, women plan their packing first, while men secure a hotel reservation first.

In this infographic by Gadling, it points out other ways that men and women travel differently.  At least according to this infographic, the women take a more involved role in the planning of the family’s travel. And, it shows that men are more likely to rely on their spouse to make travel arrangements.  Men complain that women over-pack, and women cringe at the extreme adventures that some men want to take on their vacation.

On airplane flights, women prefer to gather themselves in the window seat and withdraw into their book. Men tend to hog the armrest, stretch out in the aisle and sleep or work on their computers.

All of this information makes perfect sense to me.  A few years ago, I was sent to India with a male colleague.  I researched the trip, set all the agendas, and did most of the planning.  The the prospect of a 14 hour flight from JFK to Mumbai, we had a lot of time to spend amusing ourselves.  I spent most of the time tucked up in my seat reading, or trying to sleep.  while my friend crawled on the cabin floor looking for the outlet to plug in his computer.  He even had a couple of the flight attendants assisting in the search.  Luckily for all of us, outlets were found and he happily tapped away on his laptop for a few hours.

During our two and a half week stay in Pune, India, the differences between the way we both traveled were quite evident.  Perhaps I had overpacked (according to my traveling partner who was graciously hoisting my luggage from hither and yon), but a girl needs options, right?  Our guides for the trip would always offer a wide variety of after hour and weekend activities.  I tended to gravitate more toward what they suggested, and my pal would suggest just walking a couple of blocks to check out some restaurants. I have to admit, that my adventurous spirit was left in the United States and was in full check in India.  As, I am sure he had hoped to avoid shopping trips around the city, and I did only subject him to one.

While traveling in India, I was very mindful of the cultural differences regarding dress, consequences of American naivety, and even the overwhelming feeling of being alone halfway around the world with only one other person.  My traveling pal had not researched how we should behave in India, and I whispered hints into his ear when we were away from our hosts. The cultural differences were quite apparent when we were in the New Dehili Airport.  The crowd appeared to part when he moved through the airport, and swallowed me up in its wake.

On our trip home, I was forced into the middle seat, due to a flip of the coin, but as most of us know women are put in the middle seat much more than men.  However, my partner in crime was quite gracious to allow me to have our shared arm rest, as the other was hogged by the man sitting in the aisle seat.

One thing that both men and women choose frequently is off-airport parking.  ParkRideFlyUSA.com has parking vendors in every major airport across the United States.  They offer a great rate, and if you park three or more days, you receive 10% off your entire stay.  So, the longer you stay the more you save.  Included in the rate you receive transportation to and from the terminal with luggage assistance.  Give ParkRideFlyUSA.com a try on your next airport parking trip.

You’re probably thinking, seriously, there’s no shocking truth about something as boring as parking.  Well, unless you had the experience of arriving at the Airport Economy Parking Lot and the LOT FULL sign is flashing through your windshield, you are late for your flight, and you just saw the airport shuttle whiz by, you don’t know how shocking airport parking can be!

Outside of living under a rock most of your life, you probably already realize that the holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the busiest time of year for airline travel.  All this leads us to the point that unless you take some preliminary precautions, someone is going to park their car in your spot, even though you yelled DIBS on it with your super powers.

Let’s say that you had researched the parking costs for your Thanksgiving flight back in August, when you made your plane reservations.  But, you arrived at the lot and instead of  the reasonable $5 per day rate, the “holiday rate” is now $10.00+ per day.  WHAT?  Arguing with the attendant won’t work, she’s just charging what the computer told her.  If you want your car out of Airport Parking hock, then you will need fork over whatever the Airport says.

Now, let’s get back to reality.  Airport parking doesn’t need to become difficult, nor do you need super powers to get a great parking space.  You can reserve your spot ahead of time for an off-airport parking lot and save not only some of your hard earned cash, but time and frustration as well.  You receive luggage assistance, a ride to and from the terminal, and peace of mind from having a parking space.

Check out the rates for your departure airport at ParkRideFlyUSA. We have the best parking lots listed for your airport.  Just a few clicks, and you will have a guaranteed parking space for your holiday trip.  Book early so you can lock in your rate and avoid any last minute blackouts.  With your paid receipt, you will have access to your reserved parking spot at the off airport parking lot you chose, guaranteed locked in rate, and peace of mind before you start your trip home to Mom’s house.

And, since Mom is making your favorite holiday dessert, wouldn’t you rather spend your extra money on a nice gift instead of airport parking?

You’ve made it to the airport parking lot, transferred to the airport and got on the plane. Suddenly you have the uncomfortable feeling that you have forgotten something – and maybe you have. Sometimes we get a bit distracted as we get into holiday mode, which means we don’t always take the care we should. But there are a few items you should never leave in your car when you go on vacation. For example …

A mannequin is among the unusual items left in rental cars

Your Valuables

Many of us choose to leave our most precious items at home when we travel, just so we won’t have to worry about them. But if you’re used to wearing that expensive watch or piece of jewelry every day, you may forget to take it off. If you remember it at the last minute, just put it in your carry-on – don’t leave it in the car, especially if you leave your car parked on the street.

Spare House Keys

Having your house keys anywhere but with you is a security risk. Sure, no-one might be looking for those keys in your car but if they find them and you also happen to have address information (such as with your license and registration in the glove box) that it makes it easy for people who are less than honest to go to your house when they know you’re not there.

Food

If you have a long drive to the airport, then you will need a snack on the way, especially if you are traveling with kids. Make sure you take all of those items out of the car when you head for your shuttle or plane. You won’t want to return from vacation to find the festering remains of a hot dog or the melted detritus of a chocolate bar you forgot to finish – yuck!

Wacky Items Left in Cars

Those are items that anyone could forget, but people have left weirder items than that behind in rental cars, as this article in the UK’s Telegraph outlines. Among the items left are:

• a false leg
• a mannequin
• 50 fluorescent bulbs
• furry handcuffs
• an ammunition case

Have you ever left something in your car or rental car when traveling?

Parking at the airport? Check out our SUNSET coupon to save on off airport parking. (Image: SebastianDooris)

Airport parking isn’t just an issue here in the US; it also causes hassle for travelers in the UK. A recent Daily Mail article featuring a UK airport parking provider offers useful info and tips for vacationers in the UK. If you’re planning a trip to England for the Olympics and plan to use off airport parking facilities, then listen up.

$80 a Day!

One of Europe’s busiest airports, Heathrow also takes the lead in the cost of parking at around $80 for a day of parking at Terminal 5. Luckily, off airport parking is much cheaper, at an average of $7 a day with some providers.

The best way to get discounts on airport parking in the UK is to book in advance. You might only save a little on the daily rate, but it soon adds up.

Many UK hotels near major airports also offer packages that include parking. For the price of an overnight stay you get a very reasonable parking deal and a shuttle to and from the airport.

Parking lots in the UK can be assessed for a safety and security award known as the Park Mark. If you’re leaving your rental car in a UK off airport parking lot, look out for this award.

Rent a Driveway

Some enterprising Brits have started to make a little extra money by renting out part of their driveway. There are even a couple of websites (such as parkatmyhouse.com) to manage the process for you. Interesting idea, though you miss out on the security of a managed parking facility.

Our Off Airport Parking Tips

A few things not mentioned in the Daily Mail article, but definitely on our list of ways to save on airport parking include:

• checking out coupons
• finding out about tie-ins with other organizations which might provide additional savings
• researching any perks available with your parking deal
• earning additional points from a reward scheme or your credit card provider.

How have you saved on airport parking abroad? We’d love to hear your experiences below.

Flying off for the summer? Check out our latest off airport parking coupon and save! (Image: eGuide Travel)

Top of the morning to you and here’s our weekly (ish) roundup of airport and airport parking news.

Off Airport Parking Research

First up, the results of some new research into airport parking, published on the UK’s Travel Daily UK blog. UK firm Looking4Parking has published research showing that 66% of those using airport parking firms save an hour on their journey. And a third of the 1,000 people polled also thought that a meet and greet service saved up to 2 hours.  Convenience and cost were among the factors that led people to book with off airport parking firms. Find out more about the airport parking research here.

Looking Ahead to Terminal 4 – JFK Airport

In the New York Times last week, there was a sneak peek at changes happening at JFK’s new terminal 4, due for completion next year. According to the article by Christine Haughney, the structure is beginning to take place. The new terminal will automate baggage screening and speed up security. When completed passenger transfers between domestic and international flights are also expected to work more smoothly. Read more on the JFK expansion here.

Airline Administration Fees

It’s not just here in the US that we have a problem with ever increasing air travel fees. Saturday’s post on the Travel Rants blog saw Darren Cronian talking about administration fees on EasyJet, one of the UK’s low cost airlines. The cause of contention is a new GBP9 (approximately $13.50 at today’s exchange rates) applied to all debit card payments. This fee is more than 9 times the maximum fee charged by banks for debit card transactions. With new European legislation coming in to improve transparency for travelers, Cronian asks:

why is it that every time the government or European Union announces a new legislation, the airlines find somewhere around it, which ultimately costs the consumer money?

Why, indeed?

Radiation Tests for TSA Employees

We’ve been wondering about the effects of airport scanners for quite a while and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) has generally played down health concerns. However, according to an article in the LA Times, the TSA is planning to test its employees and check their radiation exposure. No tests yet for the scanners themselves or the passengers though.

Save on Airport Parking

Finally, to end today’s roundup, a piece of company news – our latest airport parking discount coupon. If you’re thinking of making airport parking reservations at (MDW) Chicago Midway Airport, (IND) Indianapolis Airport, (ALB) Albany Airport, (ORD) Chicago O’Hare Airport, (JFK) John F. Kennedy Airport or any of our more than 150 airport parking locations nationwide, you won’t want to miss this offer. Just book 2 days or more by January 31, 2012 using the promo code Happy12 and SAVE 10%*.  This offer is valid for travel for the entire year.