You know the story: late night, overslept, forgot to fill your tank, forgot to pack your underwear, forgot your cell phone. And where's your lap top? Traffic jam. All your careful planning and tight budget washed down the drain as you pull into short-term parking. Grab your carry-on. A mad dash later, you've checked in and actually made your flight.

You console yourself that at least your car is safe with all those video cameras trained on it. Yet you cringe at the expense of short-term parking. Or perhaps you simply like the convenience? Maybe you just haven't had a chance to check out other options.

Airport parking is often the cost that breaks the budget. No matter what great rate you uncovered for a hotel room or rental car, the last thing you want to do is shell out another hundred bucks just to park your car. With the cost of fuel and the inconvenience, you can hardly ask your partner or co-worker to navigate the mad dash through rush hour.

Even when your master plan falls together and you arrive early, there are so many choices. Off-site or on-site airport parking, what is the best option for you?

Research Your Options

The good news is that the airport is in your own backyard, so research can be hands-on. You have the advantage of a local when searching for details about your "home" airport. Take your time, and perhaps even get in your car and drive to the airport. Without the stress of an upcoming flight, this sort of hands on research could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Go to the Source

Log on to your home airport's web site. Airport web sites are often overlooked as an excellent source for information for travelers, including parking.

For example, my local airport (Denver International Airport) lists a DIA parking options, plus one off-site option. Since I live in Denver and travel frequently, I already know off-site parking near DIA actually has numerous other options. In a few seconds, a quick Google search with keywords "offsite DIA parking" rewards me another 145,000 options. A Google search for international airport parking discounts offers coupons from Sydney to London to Los Angeles.

Are you a coupon clipper?

Take advantage of discounted airport parking. Yet another Google search, and I have more than 46,000 options for coupons.

Here are just a sampling of U.S. and international discounted parking options:

LongTermParking.com

ParkRideFlyUSA.com

AirportParking.com

DiscountAirportParking.com

Traveling During Peak Periods?

Did you know you can reserve parking just as you do hotels and airfares? This will give you the peace of mind, knowing you have a place to park when traveling during high peak seasons like spring break or holidays. In addition, you'll already know the exact cost. Again, do some quick homework, through a Google search or your airport's website, for possible reserved options. One such web site is Airport Parking Reservations, which lists major airports (along with the discounted lots in the area).

Consider Overnight Stay at Airport Hotel.

Many airport hotels offer programs where you can leave your car in their parking lots and take courtesy shuttles to the terminal. It's often a package deal: room and parking for a set price. This isn't usually advertised, so you might have to call around to make a deal. Make a not to check hotels near the airport.

Large savings might not result, but stay/park can provide value. For instance, if you have an early flight, it's definitely a convenience to sleep in and not have to fight the traffic, especially if your airport commute is more than an hour.

Don't Rule Out Other Transportation Options.

Consider public transportation or airport shuttle services. These options can be convenient and affordable, especially when your departure and arrival times coincide with demands during heavy traffic periods.