Airport Parking Safety for Solo Travellers: Essential Tips for Independent Explorers
Exploring the world on your own terms is an exciting experience. However, being a solo traveller can bring its own issues, especially when it comes to staying safe. With this in mind, we want to give you some tips for staying safe when it comes to airport parking.
Choose well-lit parking zones
With so many different options when it comes to airport parking — just look at the different options available in Schiphol Airport alone — you’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to picking where to park. Because of this, we do recommend doing your research before setting on where to leave your car. If you’re opting to park your car by yourself rather than using a valet service, you should check out the car park area.
We always recommend parking your car in a well-lit car park area. This is especially important if you’ve got an early departure or late arrival time meaning you’ll be searching for your car in the dark. Not only will a well-lit car park deter anyone with malicious intent, but it’s easier for you to find your car as well.
Be organized — book early
If you want an added layer of safety to your solo travel, then book your car parking space in advance. This means you have more control over where you leave your car, getting access to the better spaces with an early booking. Better still, you’ll have a designated spot waiting for you so you won’t have to go searching for a parking space in unfamiliar surroundings. Not only is this safer, but more time-efficient as well.
Employ someone else to park your car
As touched upon earlier, if you’re coming back in the early hours, it can be worth looking at the valet services provided at airports such as Barcelona Airport for instance. Accessing valet services means you’re never going to be in the car park at all. Instead, you can drive right to the terminal, handing your car over to someone else to park. Similarly, when you arrive, the valet will be there with your car at arrivals, so you can remain around tons of other people, never being alone in a large car park.
Hide your valuables
It may seem obvious, but you are going to be leaving your car alone for a few days or weeks. Despite the best efforts of any car park, there is always the possibility of thieves entering the premises. As such, we recommend not leaving valuables in the car, or at least not having them visible through the windows. It’s best not to tempt thieves.
Keep it light and simple
Depending on your trip, it’s a good idea to consider just how much luggage you have or need. For short trips, it’s worth packing lightly and compactly. This way, when you’re parking further away from a terminal, you won’t have to juggle tons of luggage. By packing smartly, you reduce the risk of being caught in a vulnerable position when alone in a car park.
Inform others
If you’re travelling alone, it’s always a good idea to let everyone know of your travel plans. Providing friends and family with a detailed itinerary can be good for both your, and their, peace of mind. If there is always someone who knows the steps of your journey, should something go wrong, someone will be able to pick up on this quickly. It’s smart to keep everyone updated if your schedule changes too, just as an extra safety precaution if there is an emergency.
Should I park close to the terminal?
Yes, if you’re a solo traveller, this is a great option. Close airport parking is a great option and reduces the distance you need to walk to get to and from your car. Shorter solo travel distances mean that you’re spending less time in potentially hazardous areas.
Of course, these are just a few tips we recommend for staying safe when using an airport car park alone. You can also consider adding security measures to your car for additional peace of mind. And, also simply trusting your instincts on whether a situation feels uncomfortable. If you feel unsafe in the parking area, inform airport staff and security.
