Pay less for parking with planning

Incidental vacation expenses can seriously sink a travel budget. One of the biggest culprits? Parking fees. Steer clear of excessive prices with these tips.

PLANNING Rates can range widely, so it pays to research the parking situation in advance. Many -- but not all -- city hotels charge a daily parking fee, which is often less if you self-park rather than valet.

Bestparking.com lists fee prices for parking facilities in major cities and airports in the United States and Canada. The site also has a variety of smartphone apps. Travelers are able to determine in real time when driving that extra couple of blocks will make parking financially feasible.

Booking your reservations online and in advance often can result in discounts.

For the best deal possible, consider the time of day you will need to park. In many cases, fees are not charged after a certain hour of the day.

VALIDATE Many restaurants, theaters, and even urban shopping venues validate parking tickets for patrons, making it free or discounted. Look for a sign near the entrance or a note on the menu. In downtown areas where costs can reach $30 an hour, this strategy can shave serious dollars off the total cost of dinner and a show.

DISTANCE Depending on the quality of public transportation in your destination city, it often can be far less expensive to park outside of town and take a train into the middle of the tourist action. This strategy can work well when traveling to, say, Washington, D.C., where a vehicle may be more of a nuisance.

ALTERNATIVES Sometimes a hybrid approach will save you the most money. When visiting high-traffic tourist attractions in cities, consider leaving your rental car at the hotel for no charge and taking advantage of the free shuttle services many of them offer. A generous tip to the driver will still cost less than either parking or a cab. -- McClatchy-Tribune