Unless you own a private Lear jet, you’ll have to find a way to get to and from the airport if you fly for the holidays. Affordable parking options are available in close proximity to the airport, even in the busiest metropolitan areas. If the parking location isn’t within walking distance, free shuttles are available for quick transportation to your airline. Here is some great airport parking strategies for the holidays, so you can park your car without spending a small fortune.

Long Term Parking

In most cases, long term parking options have real value. Many are located just outside the airport, so you can find a safe place to park your car that has convenient shuttle options to the airport. You can also opt for valet parking and indoor parking garages if that’s your prerogative. These parking lots are well guarded, so you can rest assured your car will be safe during the holidays. In addition, these long-term parking lots are open 24 hours, which is handy if you are catching an early or late flight for discounted rates.

Online Booking

You’ll get a much better rates if you book your airport parking reservation online and in advance. It also guarantees you a parking space, so you don’t have to stress about arriving early, or finding alternative options last minute. Get your parking space paid for and guaranteed.

Online forums and communities like TripAdvisor can highlight web resources so you can get you discounts. Post a question inquiring about parking options in your designated airport, and you’ll receive helpful responses. Search around. The web puts all the options at your fingertips, so price comparisons can be done in a matter of minutes.

Book a Hotel

If you don’t live close to the airport, you can reserve a hotel room near the airport, and bundle in parking options for convenience. Most hotels will include parking options for free, or affordable rates. Hotels near the airport will offer shuttle services so you can be sure to make it to the airport on time.

Light Rails

Many light rail services will have long term parking options, so you can drive to the train station, park your car, and take the train into the airport. There are multi-day options for Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. Check the light rail options in your area. It may add an extra leg to your trip, but most train stations feature cheaper parking rates than what you’ll get on lots near the airport.

If you are not familiar with the airport location, light rails provide the convenience of getting you there without getting lost. Plan extra travelling time so you can avoid the stress of making your flight on time.

Online Connections

Many online airport parking websites can assist you in finding parking spots near the airport. All you need to do is specify the location and the dates you’ll need, and they’ll conveniently spell out your most affordable options. The Internet makes the research easy, but be sure to book a reservation in advance.

As plane companies like United Airlines begin to charge more for larger customers, many travelers who are considered to be obese have reacted in disgust. Many obese travelers are being forced to pay extra for their airline seats. United Airlines recently made the decision to charge passengers requiring an extra seatbelt extender to purchase an extra seat. Some customers are crying discrimination; others are simply insulted.

Just as there is big and tall clothing stores, there’s a market for airlines that cater to the large. What are the best airlines for larger people? We’ve listed a few good airlines ones who keep large customers in mind and don’t charge them for the space.

Southwest Airlines

Despite the lack of reserved seats that make for cattle car seating sessions, the seats on Southwest are some of the roomiest available with more legroom than most airlines. This promises a comfortable ride no matter what size you are. It’s a good idea to get to the gate at least an hour before boarding time, so you can get a lower boarding number and seat of your choice. Be one of the first 30 to board, and you’ll have the coveted aisle seat, every time. There’s nothing worse than having to clamber over passengers for a bathroom break midflight.

US Air

US Air provides nice roomy seats, with enough room to open a snack tray completely. There’s enough elbow room between passengers, so you don’t feel like you are on a crowded elevator. US Air’s staff are very friendly to the big folks, with complete NFAA training. They are respectful and kind about size issues, accommodating you at all times. If space becomes an issue, you can upgrade to first class for fairly affordable rates.

Midwest Airlines

With 4 seats across (rather than the typical 5) on their DC 10s and MD-80s, Midwest Airlines has coach seats as wide as most first class seats. With their major hub in Milwaukee, they fly cross country and offer one of the more comfortable rides in the industry.

Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines is gracious about their seat belt extenders, as they’re readily available at no additional charge.

American Airlines

American Airlines is very friendly to big folks; you can ask them to place an empty seat beside you by blocking out the reservation on their computer. If the seat belt extender won’t manage, you may be asked to purchase two seats, but they are as accommodating as possible.

Other Suggestions for a Comfortable Flight

Always get an aisle seat. It’s worth taking a more inconvenient flight than being stuck in the dreaded middle seat or the window seat. There’s nothing like feeling like you are trapped. If you should have to get up, you feel like you are inconveniencing the other passengers. Aisle seats give you more room to work with and allow for free movement.

Store all your baggage in the overhead compartment instead of under your seat. You’ll have more legroom and much more comfortable flight. If you need entertainment, pack a small book. You’ll save space, and keep yourself occupied during your flight.

Avoid cheap airlines. The reason these airlines are so cheap, is by packing in as many bodies as possible. Even small people can feel confined on these flights. For those of us who are large, the experience can be downright suffocating.

With all of the security requirements for flying these days, getting to the airport early is simply a necessity. If you don’t find yourself waiting at the airport with loads of time on your hands, you didn’t leave early enough. Though the wait can be annoying, it’s much better than fighting through security lines trying to make your flight on time. Once you’ve gotten into the terminal, and you have some extra time, follow these tips to beat airport boredom.

Get down to business

Power up your laptop and get some work done. Look over those reports, work on your expense sheets, and research upcoming projects. There’s no reason why this time should be wasted. Many airports, and even airlines, offer WiFi services at an affordable price. Virgin America uses Google WiFI, while many airports use AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless. If you already use these mobile phone providers, check ahead of time to see which service your airport supports. 

If you’re lucky, the airport offers free WiFi services. Visit WifiFreeSpot.com for a comprehensive list of airports that offer free WiFi.

Exercise

Believe it or not, some airports now feature full gyms. If you have enough time on your hands, get in a quick workout while waiting for your flight. A quick exercise will help increase your blood flow, release endorphins, and make you feel comfortable for the flight. It’s a great way to kill time and shred some easy pounds. For a full list of airports that offer gym day passes please visit AirportGyms.com.

Wine and dine

Many airports feature extensive restaurants and bar options for your pleasure. Yes, airport food prices are marked up, but if you’re looking to kill time, they’re perfect. Relaxing with a good meal and glass of wine is a great way to get you in the mood for travel.

Shop

Airports feature more than just convenience stores and magazine racks. Many now feature unique arts and crafts which is perfect for picking up souvenirs for the family. If you left something behind, there are plenty of options for luggage and gadget products. It’s also wise to pick up some snacks, especially for long flights.

Pack a book

If you live a busy life, finding quiet time with a book can be a challenge. However, the airport is the perfect setting to get some quality reading done. Curl up into a novel and escape. If you forget to pack a book, most airports have bookstores to cater to your reading interests. Find yourself an interesting book, and treat yourself to some good reading.

Sleep

Traveling can wear you out, especially if you catch the red eye, or early morning flights. Find a comfortable chair in the terminal and catch some Zs. Be sure to set an alarm so you don’t miss your boarding time.

Stock up on music

Pack your MP3 player, iPod, or laptop with your favorite music and movies. It’s easier to crawl into your own world with your favorite music or television shows on. Make sure to pack enough media for 10-20 hours, as flights are commonly delayed during the holiday season.

Play a little

If you are traveling with kids, many airports feature playgrounds to keep your children entertained. Turn them loose on the playground, and they’ll sleep nicely during the flight.

Summer is the traditional vacation season, yet winter can be just as amazing. As long as you have a good supply of hot chocolate and marshmallows to keep you warm, you should be fine. If you enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or simply like the beautiful splendor of the winter months, winter can be just your time to get away for your wintry slice of paradise. Here are a few places to get away this winter and snuggle up for some fun.

Sweden Ice Hotel

Located in the small riverside village of Jukkajarvi, Sweden’s Ice Hotel stands as a famous wintry attraction where you get to spend your vacation in an icy paradise. Each year, the hotel is created out of 10,000 tons of ice from the nearby river along with 30,000 tons of snow. There’s even the Ice Bar, a winter favorite for those of drinking age. The absolute splendor of this ice hotel is break taking. It’s like vacationing in a winter miracle. Your friends won’t believe your photos aren’t imagined imitations on Photoshop.

Yellowstone Park

It’s absolutely gorgeous in the summer, but Yellowstone offers a winter educational program during the cold months so you can learn all about the natural splendors of this beautiful park while experiencing them up close. You can study the park through learning programs within the lodge, or venture out to discover its qualities yourself. Hot chocolate always tastes the best when you have moose to share it with.

Hershey

If you are traveling during Christmas, why not check out the chocolate capital of the world in Hershey, Pennsylvania? The makers of Hershey’s chocolate celebrate the Christmas holiday by creating a Christmas Candy land, dashing out a million Christmas lights in a dazzling display. What better way to spend Christmas than in the land of chocolate?

New England

Featuring some of the finest historical areas in the United States, New England is an ideal place to learn about the history of our country. In addition to the rich history, there are plenty of wintry activities like skiing and snowboarding that are in great abundance throughout New England. Maine features one of the finest ski resorts in the country at Sugarloaf USA. You can also check out the heights of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern section of the United States.

Disney World

If winter really isn’t your thing, you can take a break from it all and head to Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Walt Disney World offers discounted rates during the winter, so you can save on that big Disney vacation you’ve always dreamed of while giving winter the heave.

Budget Vacations

A vacation is the perfect way to kick the winter blues. You can often save on travel prices since it isn’t the peak season. Airlines can be cheaper and hotels often feature special deals. Why not get away for some fun, whether that be skiing the best slopes in the US or sipping margaritas by the pool? You set the vacation fun, so you decide.

San Diego is a picture of wonder, with perfect weather and amazing beaches its ideal for vacation getaways. With a laundry list of attractions, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’d like to visit one of San Diego’s breweries, take a cruise on the bay, or visit one of the amusement parks, you can experience the true spirit of San Diego.

The San Diego Zoo

One of the greatest zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo sprawls across 100 lushly landscaped acres. Experience the bioclimatic exhibits such as Polar Bear Plunge, Tiger River, and the latest Monkey Trails. These exhibits are actually more like habitats that allow the animals to freely roam and intermingle, just as they would in the wild. It’s also worth a visit to say hi to the pandas at the Giant Panda Research Station.

The Waterfront

San Diego’s Embarcadero features the very scenic views that are the essence of San Diego. Stroll around the harbor and see cruise ships in port. Check out the history of the Star of India sailing ship. Take a walking tour of the San Diego waterfront. Add a touch of romance to your vacation and fall in love with San Diego’s perfect waterfront.

Take a Cruise

Boasting the country’s most beautiful waterfronts, San Diego also makes a perfect cruise departure or destination point. The Holiday Inn on the Bay is located directly across the street from San Diego Cruise Airport terminals. Secure San Diego parking is available downtown, so you slip into the paradise of a tropical cruise while knowing your car is perfectly safe.

Soak Up an Afternoon in the Mission Brewery

Relax over the traditionally handcrafted brews that proudly won the Mission Brewery two national medals at The Great American Beer Festival, just four months after the brewery opened. Making it a tradition, the Mission Brewery went on to win 4 medals at the San Diego County Fair just before its one year anniversary.

Though the brewery’s only been open since 2007, it follows a long tradition. Like most breweries, it closed its doors following the beginning of prohibition. Not ones to let the brewery tradition go to waste, the locals founded the Mission Brewery again to great success.

LegoLand

Only in California can the childhood dreams of LegoLand come true. This newest addition to San Diego’s many parks, LegoLand lives up to its name. Everything is based on Legos, including interactive rides and various amusements for younger kids, particularly pre-teens. Adults will get a kick out of it as well, especially the fascinating replications of famous cities made completely out of Legos.