It is easy to blow your budget on holiday. Airports are expensive, and we have looked at ways to help you avoid spending your entire holiday budget before the holiday has even begun.
More and more people are choosing to travel abroad for their holidays, and for many Gardermoen is the starting point. Once you are in holiday mode, it is easy to get carried away. If you are one of those who would rather spend your savings on the actual destination and stick to your holiday budget, then you would be wise to read on.
Use a packing checklist
There is almost always something we forget when packing. Do you have a checklist or routine when you pack? Perhaps you are simply a little forgetful by nature? We often forget things in the rush and end up having to buy things we do not really need, simply because we forgot to put them in the suitcase. For a short weekend trip this is usually fine, but if you are travelling for several weeks it can lead to unnecessary expenses that eat into your holiday budget.
Do not travel on an empty stomach
Food is expensive, especially at airports. Following the major expansion of Gardermoen Airport, there are now more restaurants than ever. You will find everything from celebrity restaurants to classics such as Peppes Pizza and O’Learys, giving travellers plenty of options. Whichever you go for, expect to spend a fair amount of money. Our best tip is not to arrive at Gardermoen on an empty stomach. Eat a good meal before you leave so you do not end up paying over the odds for food that is frankly nothing to write home about. Your destination most likely has restaurants where you can enjoy fantastic food — at half the price.
Drive a full car to Dalen Parkering
If you are travelling with friends or family, why not fill up the car and drive to Gardermoen? The idea that parking is expensive is simply a myth. If you fill the car, it will actually work out cheaper per person compared to train, bus or taxi. At Dalen Parkering you pay a single flat fee for the days you are parked. Transport to and from the terminal is of course included in the price. No matter what time of day you land, we will pick you up and drive you back to your car. Good for your holiday budget and your time.
With our simple price calculator you can easily check the price for parking during the period you are travelling. You can also book your parking in advance. To guarantee a space during the holiday season, advance booking is essential. A good rule of thumb is to book your parking at the same time as you book your flights — that way you secure your spot and avoid having to resort to more expensive alternatives.
The lounge trick
Buy access to the OSL lounge and save money. Save money? Yes, you heard that right! This trick is something most people never think about — or even know about at all. The word “lounge” is usually associated with something that costs a fortune, but there is actually money to be saved here. The only condition is that you were already planning to eat and drink at the airport. Access to the lounge costs 350 kroner, which sounds expensive, but when you see what you get for your money it is actually worth it. There is a free flow of food and drink — so if you eat and drink to a value of more than 350 kroner, you have genuinely saved money. On top of that, you get over 900 square metres to relax in and can enjoy the time before departure without any hustle and bustle.
Wait before withdrawing cash
Are you one of those who thinks it is wise to be prepared and withdraw cash at Gardermoen? It may seem sensible, but it ends up being unnecessarily expensive. It is actually ten percent more expensive to withdraw foreign currency at Gardermoen than it is at your destination. The reassurance of having cash readily available is probably what tempts most people to withdraw before departure.
The thought of having to hunt for a cash machine after arrival sounds like a tiring and stressful start to the trip. That said, most countries we travel to today have good infrastructure when it comes to cash withdrawal options. So next time: think about where you are going and whether it is really necessary to withdraw in advance. Perhaps you do not need to take out cash at all?
