Traveling is always fun, but the expenses associated with traveling add up quickly and turn what should be a relaxing getaway into a stressful event. Columbite travelers traveling with John Glenn Columbus Airport have many ways they can save money that we want to make you all aware of. Follow these tips from when to purchase flights to affordable long-term parking at Columbus airport so you can use your travel budget for what really matters!
Tip One: Fly on the “Cheap” Days
Many factors go into the pricing of flights including the time of year you are traveling, what days you are traveling, and even what time of the day you purchase your trickers. Domestic flights are the cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. For international Columbite travelers, purchasing flights on weekdays is usually cheaper than on weekends. This article goes into depth about how the timing of booking flights matters as well. Booking a domestic flight a week in advance can save up to one hundred dollars and tickets are typically cheaper when bought in the afternoon as opposed to in the morning.
Tip Two: Consider all of your Housing Options
The other big travel expense is lodging. There are a lot of ways to save money when it comes to choosing where you stay, here are a few options:
Homestays
You can use companies such as Airbnb, Homestay, and 9flats to find houses, apartments, and even rooms to rent during your travels. These options can be significantly cheaper than staying at a resort or hotel. Most of these options come with Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and even fun games you can play! It is a great way to travel and feel at home at the same time.
Bed and Breakfast
These options are also usually cheaper than the typical hotel if you do not mind sharing bathrooms, kitchens, and other common areas with other travelers. This is a great way to not only save money but to create relationships with other travelers as well. A great addition is that breakfast is served every morning which will save you money by taking away one meal you would have to pay for otherwise.
Camping
If you are going to an area where campsites are available this is a great way to save money, even if you chose to just camp for a few days and stay at a hotel for the rest of the trip. Benefits include saving money, viewing and being immersed in the nature of the area you are traveling in, and relaxing without the stress of the modern world.
There are many other lodging options available all of which you can read about in this article.
Tip Three: Save on Food
There are a lot of ways you can save money when it comes to eating while you are traveling. Some of the best tips are to go to the local supermarket and plan meals so that you are not eating out every day. The price of food starts to add up astronomically when you are eating out for each meal.
On the days you do choose to eat out, go big. Eat a big breakfast so you can skip lunch and snack instead or eat a big lunch to save prices on dinner. This is a great way to enjoy the food where you are traveling without breaking your budget.
Tip Four: Pack Mini Necessities
It is smart to plan and pack miniature-sized versions of products you have at home from the grocery store. You will be able to avoid paying hiked prices for items such as pain relievers or tissues if you end up needing these items while you are traveling. Average prices for a 4-pack of Tylenol are $3.00 at the airport and you can purchase a regular-sized bottle of the same medicine for $5.99 at the grocery store. It is very smart to have these items in your carry-on to avoid paying insane prices for your headache relief. Here are a few items to consider purchasing for your trip:
- Pain Reliever
- Tissue
- First-aid supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Antacids
- Eye drops
- Chapstick
Tip Five: Skip the Expensive Rideshare to the Airport
Rideshares to and from the airport can cost you hundreds of dollars. There are also a lot of downsides to taking rideshares such as having to plan accordingly to the availability of drivers, space available in the car for your luggage, and the inconvenience of not having your car waiting for you when you return from your travels.
The short-term options for parking at CMH include:
Hourly and Daily Parking at Columbus Airport
Red Lot:
- $2 for the first hour, $1 each additional hour
- $7 maximum per each 24-hour period
Green Lot:
- $2 for the first hour, $1 each additional hour
- $5 maximum per each 24-hour period
Short-Term Garage:
- $5 for the first hour
- $3 each additional hour until the daily max
- $30 per 24-hour period
Long-Term Garage:
- $5 for the first hour
- $3 each additional hour until they daily max
- $20 per 24-hour period
Walking Lot:
- $5 for the first hour
- $3 each additional hour until they daily max
- $13 per 24-hour period
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is another lot near CMH that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.
- Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Daily rates are $8.00 a day for uncovered parking.
All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking can be made through STOW IT.
Long Term Parking at CMH
For long-term parking, on-site airport parking can also be as expensive, if not more, expensive than taking a ride-share. Luckily, STOW IT offers the cheapest rates for John Glenn Columbus Airport parking which is more affordable than ride-shares and on-site airport parking for long-term travelers. STOW IT partners with parking facilities all in Columbus and allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. This is a great option for long-term Columbite travelers who need monthly or yearly parking for long vacations or second homeowners.
STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer! You can book your parking spot at John Glenn Columbus airport here.