Booking your holiday can often be a considerable expense, but actually getting to the airport can sometimes sting you with stealth costs that weren't considered in your travel budget. There are a surprising number of ways for you to get to the airport, and some ways are more appropriate for certain people than others. Take a look at this article to see how best to travel to the airport and make good savings..

If you're travelling alone...
If you're heading to the airport alone on business or pleasure, then taking a car probably isn't the best option. When travelling alone, the cost of fuel often matches the price of a train or bus ticket, and then you'll have to park as well. Airport parking isn't particularly expensive over the course of a couple of weeks, but over a few days it can set you back around 30, which seems an unnecessary expense when you consider that you wouldn't have to park if you got the train or bus. Almost all UK airports have a bus or train terminal, while the major ones have excellent public transport links. People who are heading out of the country for long periods of time (over three months or more) should also consider the likelihood of big costs if they park at the airport. There are such things as long term car parks, but wouldn't it be cheaper if you just left your car at home and got the train? Take a look at The Trainline for more

If you're travelling in a family or group
When you're travelling in a group of more than three people, then getting public transport to the airport may not be the best option. Buying three or more individual tickets can come as costly, unless you have something like a family railcard, so you should probably consider airport parking. Having your own car is the cheapest way to move lots of people around, and the price of airport parking is surprisingly not that expensive. A week og Gatwick Parking, for instance, costs around 45; take a look at Essential Extras for this. One tip about airport parking is always to prebook airport car parks can fill up during peak season, while gate prices can be up to 60% more expensive than if you book online.

If you and your group are going away in the longer term, for instance on extended holiday or if you're moving abroad, then car hire comes as recommended. You can sometimes hire a car at one depot, and then drop it off at the airport, which will work out as much less expensive as driving and then parking. Take a look a look at Holiday Autos, from Lastminute.com, if you're thinking about the car hire option.

The Wild Card Option
The wild card option is... can you get a lift? If you're a family then finding a willing friend with a people carrier might not be that easy, but if you've got particularly generous friends then you could be in for a bonus. If you're a bit younger and heading off on a backpacking tour, then dad will offer to take you... won't he?