Jetting off to the slopes? Make sure you're clued up on airport parking

Prepping for a snowboarding trip is one of the most involved types of holiday planning. For the average foreign traveller, it's just passport, travel money, suitcase and flight bag. But for snowboarders, there's a whole host of things which need to be thought about - and airport parking is one of them. Not only because of cost, but also because a lot of airport parking companies won't allow you to bring your equipment on the return transfer bus service. So, how do you get around it?

If you've just had a big outlay buying snowboarding equipment, the last thing you'll want to do is spend out on pricey airport parking. The first thing you can do to get yourself the lowest price is to pre-book as far in advance as possible. Prices will become more expensive the closer it is to the date of your trip, so it's wise to do it as soon as you've booked your flights.

HolidayExtras.com is one company to check out - it's the UK market leader for travel add-ons and offers a price guarantee on all of the airport car parks they sell - something which will save both time and money.

The other reason why it's sensible to book in advance is because there are a lot of companies that will not let you take your snowboarding gear on the transfer bus. It will allow you some time to research providers which will let you to use their service, but also to find out other options which don't involve taking a transfer. If you're looking for Heathrow airport parking or Birmingham airport parking, there's a host of options which can make snowboarders' lives a whole lot easier.

At Heathrow airport, there's three options available. Firstly, if you're on a budget, off-airport parking is usually the cheapest of all. Quality Airport Parking is away from the airport grounds but is only 10 minutes from the terminals. This company will allow you to bring your snowboards and snowboarding equipment on the transfer bus. If you'd prefer to be a little nearer and park within the airport grounds, the Long Stay car parks will allow you to bring your equipment aboard the transfer bus too - transfers take around 3 - 15 minutes depending on which terminal you're flying from. You could also opt for a meet and greet service - the simplest of them all but usually the most expensive. You can drive straight to the terminal with all your gear, a chauffeur will take your car to a secured car park and then bring it back to you when you return. Two companies which offer this service are Official Valet Parking and LHR Meet and Greet.

If you're flying from Birmingham airport, you can either opt for on-airport parking or a meet and greet service. There are two car parks, the Birmingham Short and Medium Stay Car Park 1 and the Birmingham Short and Medium Stay Car Parks 2 and 3, which are within walking distance of the terminals - meaning you can completely avoid having to take a transfer. Or for the easiest option, you can spend a little extra and have the added convenience of driving straight to the terminal - someone will park your car for you. Stress Free Parking wait for your arrival at the airport, will drive your car to a secured site and then return it to you when you get back.

Make sure you're prepared when it comes to airport parking - doing your research will always pay off.

Source: http://www.snowboardingdays.com/2011/01/jetting-off-to-slopes-make-sure-youre.html

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