The Hidden Expense of Parking!

I recall, in the past, budgeting my money to make sure I had enough to purchase a trip and have plenty of spending money while on vacation. I considered, the plane ticket or cruise fare, food, souvenirs, even new travel clothes and toiletries. I had a list and checked off each item with a sense of pride that all was accounted for! This particular trip was a cruise out of Miami. I was all set and ready to go. That is, until we reached the cruise terminal.

A sign reads, PARKING: $XX.00 per day… I immediately started adding up the days in my head and with quick math my confidence deflated into disgust. How dare “these people” – the cruise industry- take advantage of us like this!!! Aren’t we already paying enough for the cruise?! They have to take more money?! I wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared for this revelation; the unexpected hidden expense of parking. It’s very easy to forget about or miss this detail. The excitement of starting the trip can blur one’s focus. If vacation lasts for 7-10 days, the cost of parking can quickly add up eating into your food or souvenir budgets.

After my sticker shock parking experience, I never forgot to consider this expense for future trips. It’s amazing how my perception changed from feeling I was being cheated for one trip to not giving it a 2nd thought on the subsequent trips. That’s what experience and the knowledge that comes with traveling does; it reduces worry since you know what to expect. Are you planning to take a trip soon?

Whether it’s the airport, train station, a cruise, or even a road trip, parking is very much a part of travel. A cost not accounted for can seem very expensive! As travel professionals, we like to help our clients consider everything for their exciting vacation, even something as mundane as parking. As we always say @ GO JDTravel, “An informed client is a happy client!” We take the time to research the terminal and/or destination to determine the most reputable and cost effective means to park. At times, the parking could be so expensive it may make one look at alternate means of commute. Arrange a ride to be picked up or dropped off at the terminal. Plan to utilize public transportation at your destination or other “ride services”.

If parking is the best option, consider economy parking lots. These are less expense than the parking provided directly at the terminal. Usually these lots are remotely located and require a shuttle to the terminal. Factor the time a shuttle will take and possible shuttle expense (fare and/or tip) as you plan your trip so you don’t feel rushed or taken by surprise. Contact the terminal in advance to inquire about parking and research parking options online. One recommended resource for estimating and reserving parking is parkwayparking. This site has a user-friendly interface and the convenience of advanced booking.

So, parking no longer needs to be a hidden expense. You can enjoy the journey and destination of your trip with confidence as you explore the world. Have you come across parking resources or tips in your travels? Please comment and share.

Do you have a Passport?

  For those of you interested in International travel, you may already have a passport. The thought of visiting new places is a welcoming adventure. One beams with excitement and anticipation of traveling to another country. Traveling abroad can be contagious as friends and family return from their trip to share stories about their experiences and pictures that document them. Those on the receiving end are wide-eyed and wow-faced filled with much anticipation for their turn at adventure. As a result, an increasing amount of U.S. passports are being issued! Still, there are those that find International travel daunting and have never traveled outside of the country. They may have trepidation about the different and unknown parts of the world. Surprisingly, as of 2017 less than 35 percent of the U.S. population has a valid passport. In time, they too may join the growing trend of seeking adventure  and as the popularity of International travel grows, the greater the need for information on obtaining and renewing a passport. Undoubtedly, traveling within the country is an eye-opening experience with its topographical beauty, variety of cultures and unbelievable food. As one ventures out to sites around the world, the memories are archived exponentially with each destination stamped in their passport. Do you need to apply for a new passport or renewal? Not sure what is required or where to go? Click Here!  

Travel Tips

6 Tips for Taking Travel Selfies

DON’T:

Assume your selfie stick is welcome. Tourist hot spots around the world have banned them-from Rome’s Colosseum to Walt Disney World theme parks. Some cite safety concerns; others just say they’re a nuisance.

Be Thoughtless. It’s insensitive to capture your smiling mug at memorials, cemeteries and holy sites. Instead, leave yourself out of the picture but share some insight about how the place impacted you.

Forget your travel buddies. Bring everybody in for a group shot-it’ll be a meaningful reminder of the time you spent together.

DO:

Put safety before vanity. No amount of likes or shares is worth tumbling over a cliff. Be aware of your surroundings and if it looks dangerous,don’t do it.

Consider your impact. Snapping pics with wildlife that you can hold, or that are being restrained or baited with food., can help fuel an industry in which the creatures are sometimes drugged or worse. Google “Wildlife Selfie Code,” take the pledge-and limit photos to wildlife that’s truly wild.

Enjoy the moment. Don’t worry about striking the perfect pose. Just relax, smile and relish being on vacation.

Added tip: To get the best exchange rates, it’s usually recommended that you buy foreign currency before you go. More than 50 different currencies are available. 

Travel Ideas taken from AAA Living – July/August 2018

Hello world!

We are happy to begin our Travel Blog! At Go JDTravel, our goal is to chronicle our travels as well as travel of friends and family. Pictures paint a beautiful story and help capture the relaxation as well as the excitement of travel. We are passionate about highlighting the culture, food and history of our many destinations and encourage others, like yourself, to share your travel pictures and comments. Also, keep an eye out for travel tips and post your own. Let’s share what we learn to help readers have a pleasurable travel experience! Let’s GO!