Rising Above Holiday Buzz-Kills

It's the most wonderful time of the year....yet some of us are cranky!  Holiday air travel is tricky enough without adding a naughty seatmate to the mix, so we've put some ideas together to help you keep your Christmas cool, and enjoy your flight!

1.    Board with your zone. Don’t cut people in line!  Many people who board first paid for the privilege, so it is only fair to honor it.

2.    Do a good deed. Will it really hurt to switch seats so a family can sit together? If they suggest you trade your aisle seat for their middle seat, use your best judgment. You’re sure to be on Santa’s “nice list” this year!

3.    Don’t give parents dirty stares. While you may pray the woman with the screaming baby doesn’t take the seat next to yours, she just might. If she does sit next to you, don't sulk. She knows her precious darling is making noise; she doesn’t need you to remind her.

4.    Middle seats get the armrest. Do you know anyone who likes to sit in the middle seat? Didn’t think so! Give those unlucky travelers the benefit of both armrests. You’ll survive with the armrest that’s dedicated to you.

5.    Check before you recline. Yes, it’s your right to recline, but wouldn’t it be nice to look behind you before you do? Give that traveler a chance to close his laptop before your seat crushes it.

6.    Let your neighbor sleep. Trying to catch up on your “long winter’s nap” can be tough during a flight. Leave it to the discretion of the stewardess to decide who gets a wake up nudge or who sleeps through the pretzels and orange juice call.

Let the spirit of the season be reason enough to take the high road as you travel.  Remember, everyone’s just trying to get to the presents and dinner table on time! 

This holiday season, make your free online parking reservation with Rocket Parking and save!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seven Simple Tips for Winter Packing

 

The holidays are stressful enough without having to shove every coat and scarf you own into a suitcase for winter travel. Stop shoving, pushing and pulling your luggage for hours, waiting for your clothes to magically compact themselves! Instead, make things easy on yourself by taking a look at the list below:

Ø  Choose synthetic fabrics. They will keep you warm and snuggly and are less likely to be fluffy and take up precious space.

Ø  Hats are the secret to staying warm! Make sure you pack a hat that covers your ears and the back of your neck for maximum warmth. Additional flaps or needless furry decorations just waste space.

Ø  Mix and mach. Have three to four pairs of warm pants that you can wear with three to four different sweaters in a variety of exciting combinations.

Ø  Don’t forget to layer. Bring t-shirts, thin long sleeve shirts and fleece tops. Layer them under your outfits accordingly.

Ø  Take care of your toes. A solid pair of boots is a must for winter travel. Wear them on the airplane to save space. Make sure that your winter travel shoes are weatherproof and dark colored so they won’t show stains from mud or slush.

Ø  Gloves=TLBT. Your gloves should be thin, light, breathable and waterproof. Pack gloves with some kind of grip and make sure they are of the quick drying kind.

Ø  Sunscreen: Not just for the beach. A windburn or sunburn from reflection off of snow or ice is every bit as painful as summer sunburn. Take precautions.

Don’t get stuck in the cold! Make your free online parking reservation with Rocket Parking  to lock in our lowest rate and save your spot!"

Ten Tips for Flying with Children

Flying with children can be a daunting task, whether you are an experienced flyer or first time traveler. Fortunately, some strategic planning can help make flying with children a fun and relaxed experience for you and your kids. Here are 10 tips to make your life a little easier:

1.      Let your child have her own carry on. She will feel like a “big girl” and you can fill it with little distractions and snacks to keep her busy during the flight.

2.      Plan around your usual routine. If you can, plan your flight when your child is most calm and pleasant. Only you know when your child takes naps, eats meals or becomes fussy.

3.      Know your TSA rules. Kids under the age of 12 do not have to take their shoes off for TSA security. In addition, baby formula, breast milk and medications are allowed in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight and do not have to be placed in a clear zip-top baggie. You must tell the TSA officer you are carrying these liquids at the beginning of screening.

4.      Spring for a seat. While airlines allow you to hold your child on your lap until they're 2 years old, this is hard on a long flight. If you can afford it, buy an extra seat for the baby.

5.      Don’t take out the toys too soon. If you buy your child new books or toys for the flight, wait until the meltdown begins and then bring out your secret weapon.

6.      Suck it up. If you don’t usually let your kids watch TV or play games for extended periods, now is the time to suck it up and realize it won’t do permanent damage. Knowing they are being allowed to do something that is usually off-limits is a huge draw.

7.      Bring a spare shirt for yourself. Spills and spit up are inevitable. You will appreciate the clean smell around your upper body.

8.      Snacks and sippy cups. Pack durable snacks that are familiar to your child. Don’t forget to pack an empty sippy cup so you can fill it with juice or water mid-flight.

9.      Magazine scavenger hunts. Make a list of 10 things such a woman or a hotel, and have your kids find them using the magazines in the seat pockets.

10.   Who cares what other people think. Say hi to everyone and be cordial, but remember there is a good chance that you won’t see these people again. You are doing your best to make the experience pleasant for everyone and that is all that matters.

Stress less! Reserve your parking today with Rocket Parking.

Surviving Airport Security

Getting through security can be one of the more stressful parts of air travel. However, a lot can be done to streamline the process, if you know what you’re doing. To make your excursion through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible, keep in mind the following advice:

·         Plan ahead. Pack your bag of liquids and your electronics in an easy to access exterior pocket. A good TSA experience starts at home.

·         Dress for success. Security is going to make you take your shoes off. You know this. Avoid wearing knee-high lace up combat boots! Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and a belt that won’t set off the metal detector.

·         Stash your stuff early. It is pretty likely that you will have a bag or purse on your person during your journey through the airport. Avoid fumbling at the checkpoint by sticking your personal items in one of these convenient bags well before you get in line.

·         Order your items. For example, put your shoes on the conveyer belt first, then your laptop, followed by your bag of liquids, and finally your coat. This way you can put your shoes on first, pick up each item as it is scanned, and finally put on your coat and make your way to your gate.

·         When in doubt, leave it out! Unsure if an item is prohibited or not? Put questionable items in your checked luggage or leave them at home.

Don’t forget to make a reservation with Rocket Parking to ensure a stress free trip.

 

5 Ways to Simplify Travel as a Modern Senior

 

Are you a modern senior who is preparing to travel abroad? Are you planning to bring another modern senior relative or friend along on the journey? If so, plan ahead so you can enjoy your trip! Consider the following tips:

1.      Health Insurance. Medicare does not cover health care overseas. It is highly recommended to obtain short-term health insurance before your trip.

2.      Pharmacies and Medications. Pack an ample supply of routine prescription meds for the duration of you trip. Keep medicine in its original, labeled container to avoid questioning at customs and carry a letter from your doctor that details your condition and medications.

3.      Local Conditions.  Talk to your doctor before your trip to identify your health care needs
 at your destination. Research the environmental conditions of your destination that may affect you including altitude, pollution and the safety of local drinking water.

4.      Personal Time. Keep in mind that abnormal physical and mental activity undertaken during travel is strenuous, no matter your age. Don’t forget to build enough personal time into your travel plan; whether to rest from a long walk or enjoy an additional travel site.

5.      Prepare for Emergencies. Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport biographic data page with family and trusted friends. Know the contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting.

And remember: reserving online with Rocket Parking ahead of time is just as important as preparing for your journey! Bon Voyage!

Take STEPs to Safeguard Yourself Abroad

 

Thinking about traveling abroad but concerned for your safety? Put your worries to rest and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

·         What is STEP? STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency, such a lost or stolen passport.

·         Emergency Help: U.S. consular officers aid Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties by providing them with the names of local attorneys and doctors. They provide loans to destitute Americans, and deliver information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel. STEP also assists U.S. citizens in emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

·         Non-Emergency assistance: Consular officers perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. They can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad.

·         Enrollment: Enter information about your trip and subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country. Be sure to include an email address or phone number where you can be reached while traveling.

Remember to book your reservation at Rocket Parking before you leave from Houston’s Busch Intercontinental Airport on your overseas excursion.

 

 

The GPS Advantage

 

 

        For airport shuttle transportation operations, GPS [global positioning satellite] offers the potential to increase efficiency and provide convenience for customers. Indeed, GPS systems can translate into better service and more cost-effective transportation solutions. We are excited to announce that Rocket Parking has installed new fleet tracking GPS systems in all of our shuttle busses. Take a look at some of the advantages to shuttles with GPS systems:

·         Efficient. GPS systems allow drivers to review current route times for traffic and accidents. The GPS system will automatically reroute drivers around the traffic in order to get customers to their destination in a time efficient manner.

·         Improve productivity. All drivers will now be accounted for, making it easier for managers to see where they are and when they will return to pick up customers.

·         Reduce fuel costs. By optimizing routes and reducing idle driving, GPS systems aid in reducing fuel costs.

·         Advance response time. If the GPS notifies drivers that a route will take longer than normal, they will be able to respond with speed and efficiency. This proactive approach will reduce potential customer wait time.

·         Safety. If a shuttle breaks down or gets in an accident, Rocket Parking is able to see precisely where it is located in order to send assistance as quickly as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Service: Free of Charge, Numerous Rewareds

        It is important to remember that unbelievable customer service is 100% free of charge to your business, yet the rewards are immeasurable. If people find employees who interact with customers to be rude, condescending or uninterested in their work, they will take their business elsewhere the next time around and leave your company with a bad taste in their mouths and a poor impression of your business.

        One of the most significant aspects of customer service in the parking industry is the importance of shuttle drivers. Shuttle drivers are often the first people customers encounter upon arrival at your company and the last employees to bid them farewell at the airport. It costs nothing to greet customers with a warm smile and make them feel wanted and cared for while assisting with their luggage. Furthermore, nothing is more tedious than a silent five minute shuttle ride to the airport that feels like ten hours. Shuttle drivers must remember to make small talk with people to break the ice and leave the customer more relaxed.

        Indeed, Rocket Parking Parking strives to achieve excellent customer service by giving clients a memorable parking experience.

 

Travel Secret: Where to Find Outlets in the Airport

We have all been there; those moments at the airport when your phone or computer battery dies and you still have a 3 hour wait just to board your flight. Even worse, outlets have become one of the most difficult things to find in an airport! Follow these easy travel tips to locate some secret outlets that are hidden in the void that is the busy Busch Intercontinental Houston Airport:

·         Surprise! Sometimes power outlets are hidden under a group of pay phones! Since almost everyone has a cell phone these days, hit up these hidden gems and charge your technology in peace.

·         Watch out for the maintenance workers. Their vacuums/carpet cleaners etc. have to be plugged in somewhere! Follow the power cord to find out!

·         Find an airport bar. Yes, the kind with liquor since the “work stations” will most likely be overrun with other travelers. Ask the bartender if there is an outlet you can use. He/she will usually oblige.

·         If you need to get a quick charge on your phone but do not have a lot of time, restrooms, especially women’s, usually have outlets near the counter. This short charging time will at least give you a boost until you can find a more convenient place.

·         Finally, if all else fails, try and remember to pack a small power strip in your personal item carry on. If there are only a few outlets you can plug in the power strip and people will be able to share.

Booking Direct is Better!

Chances are you have heard about seemingly convenient websites such as airportparking.com. What could be better than having a website that weeds through all your different options for travel and parking and then comes back with the best results? Turns out, there are more downsides to third party sellers than you may think. Read on to find out a few reasons why you may want to consider booking directly from the airline/parking lot itself.

Ø  Direct Booking does not cost you anything upfront. Unlike purchasing from a third party vendor where oftentimes you must pay upfront, booking directly lets you reserve a spot at no cost to you and then pay later!

Ø  No deposit fee. Booking with a middle-man agency will often require a deposit that will NOT be refunded if you cancel your reservation or just don’t show up. If you book direct, you are not required to pay a deposit and serve no penalty for not showing up.

Ø  You can lose your receipt. When you book direct your information is automatically entered into the host companies systems. You can easily be looked up and are not required to bring a receipt. If you lose your receipt when using a third party booking agency, you will likely lose your deposit as well as the right to the cheaper price you paid online.

Ø  No service fee. By booking direct, you save money by avoiding service and handling fees.

Do yourself a favor and save money today by booking direct with Rocket Parking 

Where NOT to Park Your Car

It's vacation time! Or maybe a business trip has you traveling out of Houston Inter-Continental Airport. During the rush of preparing for a trip, people often forget where they are going to park their car while they are away, a crucial aspect of travel! Here are some things to remember when deciding where to park your car while you are away.  

·         Do not park your vehicle on a bunch of dirt or over a puddle of water. This way, you don’t have to worry about getting soil all over yourself and your luggage when exiting the car! Additionally, if it rains and the dirt becomes soggy, you will also have to worry about the exterior condition of your vehicle.

·         Gravel seems like a happy medium but there are downsides to it as well. It is not safe or convenient for customers, and travelers would have to worry about trying to maneuver heavy luggage and belongings across a gravel dirt parking lot. This causes wear and tear on the vehicle and the customer.

·         Parking close to trees can be very dangerous and the only advantage is shade. Disadvantages include returning to your car and finding it covered with leaves, or even worse, tree branches. Trees and bushes also make it easier for wildlife to find their way near your car.

Whenever you are in the Houston Inter-Continental area and need a place to park your vehicle, Rocket Parking is the place to park. We provide a great parking experience for you. We provide safe, covered parking, and leveled pavement, giving you easy access to your vehicle. Leave your car with us and return satisfied with no obstacles to hinder your parking experience in the Houston Inter-Continental Area.

How to Make Travel Less Stressful

                        How to Make Travel Less Stressful

With delayed flights from Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport, bad directions, and lost bags, sometimes it feels like you need a vacation from your vacation! Take a look at a few of these suggestions for staying cool and calm on your next trip!

·         Snap a digital photo of anywhere you repeatedly go. This will lessen any misunderstanding you might have with, for example, a cab driver in a foreign country.

·         Purchase duplicates of your favorite products. Having cosmetic items already set aside will making packing that much easier and forgetting something less likely.

·         Share a suitcase with your traveling partner. Half of your stuff goes into their luggage and half of their stuff goes into yours. This way, neither person is stuck without clothes if someone’s bag is lost by the airline.

·         Plot out an intricate budget for each vacation. This way you can avoid over spending and already have funds allocated accordingly before even leaving for your trip.

·         Make a spreadsheet that lists your must-see sights.  Add times and admission fees so you don’t miss a destination you want to see.

·         Always bring familiar foods. Just in case the menu is difficult, you will always have a backup.

·         Pack belongings in a clear plastic storage bag. This way the TSA will be able to see everything in your carry-on and your stuff won’t be handled.

·         Go to the Laundromat during your vacation. If you will be gone for a long time wash some of your clothes on vacation and avoid hours of housework when you return home.