It’s that time of year when it seems there’s more to do and a whole lot less time to do it. Additionally, everyone else seems to be wanting to go where you’re going when you want to go there. Does this sound familiar? You’re going to a special holiday show and you’re already running late. You passed three parking garages already with the dreaded “FULL” sign posted and now you’re slowly spiraling up the ramp of another — several blocks from your destination (yes, it’s raining) — and you’re convinced you’ll have to go to the top level to squeeze into one of the last remaining spots. At this rate, you may be watching the first act on a video screen in the lobby of the theater. Or maybe you’ve driven in to work instead of taking public transit. You’ve got several errands to run: picking up that special order from the jeweler for your sweetie, finding just the right dress for the office party and ending the day with dinner with friends. How to get everything done during your lunch break and not spend most of it circling the blocks for parking close to your numerous destinations? Such scenarios could be a distant vision in your rear-view mirror if you’re seeking parking in a city where ParkWhiz operates. Founded in Chicago in 2006, the company seeks to change the $30 billion parking industry to eliminate those headaches drivers dread. ParkWhiz works with 3,000 parking facilities in over 30 states and 150 cities. It allows you to search for your ideal spot with search parameters including price range, location, popular attractions or venues (sports stadiums, convention centers, theaters, museums), events (playoff games, plays, concerts) and/or specific time slots. Once you’ve found the place that matches your needs and budget, you book your slot right from your smartphone or computer. You then print off your booking information (from your computer) or allow the information to be scanned from your phone when you reach the lot. Brilliant! The company’s website provides detailed descriptions of the parking options along with customer reviews. Parking searches reflect real-time availability, so you can book on the go and be guaranteed a spot when you arrive. It also works with parking lot owners (even those who have a few personal driveway slots available for game day and unique events), handling payment processing, offering fraud protection and promising expanded awareness of the business. ParkWhiz’s greatest presence, of course, lies in the largest cities, where demand and need are greatest. For instance, I found only one lot is registered with them in Portland, Ore., but offerings are plentiful in Chicago, D.C., New York, Boston, etc. A hometown competitor, SpotHero, is gradually expanding beyond Chicago, and one would imagine ParkWhiz will spawn a number of similar businesses as more drivers welcome the ease and security of pre-booked parking. Now that’s a great way to make the holiday season a little brighter! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor