Traveling alone can be exciting and freeing. After all, you’re on your own and have no one to answer for but yourself. You can choose where and when you go on vacation, what and where you will eat, and what excursions you will partake in. At the same time, it can be isolating and overwhelming because you have to handle every aspect of your journey on your own, from shuttle queues to carrying your luggage.
Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the DTW airport parking you choose can make a world of difference. Wondering why parking smart matters for solo travelers? Read on for some tips to help you navigate valet parking and rideshare options, as well as exploring the power of pre-booking and tech tools to stay flexible.
Valet Parking: Top Convenience For Solo Travelers
DTW valet service puts power in your hands. All you have to do is pull up to the curb, hand over your keys, and head straight inside. Forget about dragging your luggage across sprawling lots or waiting for shuttles. Even though Valet Connections’ free shuttle service comes along every 15 minutes or so, you can still save the time of waiting when you opt for door-to-terminal service. Plus, you enjoy an extra layer of security thanks to monitored facilities and professional staff who are at your beckon call.
On top of that, you can opt for additional perks such as car washes, detailing, or even oil changes while you’re away, resulting in the ideal single-person travel solution.
Rideshares + Parking For the Win
If parking your own car doesn’t make sense (say, you’ll be out of town for days or weeks). In that case, rideshares can pose a flexible alternative. Why?
- No need to juggle parking logistics—just book your ride and go.
- You don’t have to search for your car or wait for shuttles upon your return.
- Rideshares can avoid parking fees entirely, making this a cost-effective choice when the budget is tight.
That being said, it can be very convenient to have your own car at the airport, and that’s why valet parking offers both flexibility and convenience so you can leave on your schedule without depending on friends or rideshare availability.
Smarter Combined Strategies
It’s important to stay flexible when traveling solo. Combining a valet and rideshare strategy can work to your advantage.
- If you fly often or keep your car at your travel destination, valet service offers maximum convenience.
- If you’re heading out on a long-term trip, it may make more sense to userideshare or prearranged drop-off to avoid parking fees and maintenance while away.
- If you plan to return from your trip at an odd hour, valet services ensure your car is waiting when you land.
Pre-Booking to Save Money, Time, and Stress
Booking early is the first step to making a seamless solo trip. Looking for some money-saving discounts to make the deal sweeter? Many providers offer up to 60% off day-of rates, while others offer big discounts when you book way ahead. You may be saving money, but you’re also saving yourself a lot of stress by squaring away your parking situation beforehand.
Tech Tools For On the Go
Solo travelers especially can benefit from apps and tools to make parking hassle-free. For instance, Valet Connections offers an app for Android and Apple users that allows you to:
- Book or check your reservation
- Track a shuttle in real‑time
- Review services or access contact info
- Earn rewards for parking visits
Technology is great for adjusting plans on the fly, too, especially when tracking delayed flights or monitoring for cancellations.
Safety First
Solo travelers need to be mindful of safety, as they are more vulnerable to risks than large groups. Valet parking reduces exposure to deserted lots, often combined with 24/7 security and well-lit check-in and check-out areas. But even if you decide to park on your own:
- Choose active, well-lit areas
- Hide valuables from sight
- Snap a picture of your parking spot or nearby signage
Creating the Ideal Solo Traveler Parking Plan
- Book Early: Lock in valet parking discounts or set up recurring rideshare options well before your trip.
- Know Your Trip: The parking plan you come up with will depend on when your flight is, if you have multi-city stopovers, and how long you’re going to be away.
- Use the App: Download your parking or valet app to track reservations, get updates, and manage logistics.
- Have a Back-Up: Explore alternate options, such as ride-share services, remote parking lots, or off-site garages, in case your first plan doesn’t come together as you had hoped.
- Be Vigilant: Always prioritize well-lit parking zones and keep your belongings hidden from view.
What to Pack in Your Car
Before you leave your car behind, take steps to protect it while you’re away. Check out this pre-travel checklist:
- Clear Out Valuables: Do not leave electronics, bags, or documents visible in the car.
- Check Tire Pressure and Fluids: Make sure your car will be ready for your return from a long trip by topping off windshield washer fluid and checking the tire pressure.
- Secure Parking Essentials: Keep your parking confirmation and valet ticket handy.
- Bring Weather Gear: Depending on the season, pack a compact umbrella or ice scraper to leave in the trunk.
Planning Your Arrival Back
A smooth departure is important, but so is a smooth return:
- Notify your valet provider upon landing so they’ll be ready for you.
- Don’t overpack on the return, reorganizing your luggage so you’ll have an easier load when tired or jet-lagged.
- Charge your phone and plan your route home ahead of time.
Whilesolo travel can be exciting and empowering, it can be tricky to handle all the logistics on your own. When you book DTW valet parking ahead of time, you pave the way for a smooth, worry-free arrival and return.
Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking Valet
Ready to make valet parking service a part of your solo travel plan? Call Valet Connections DTW Parking today at (734) 992-4946, then browse our comprehensive add-on services to round out your trip.