Holiday Travel Tips

Even though you may live in sunny Houston, you are still going to have to deal with weather and crowds when traveling home for the holidays. Whether you are traveling for a holiday cruise, exotic vacation, or flying home from Houston International Airport for family festivities, it is important to remember that millions of other Americans are going to be doing the same exact thing this winter! In addition, it always seems that poor weather conditions show up around holiday travel time! What luck.

Don't let long car rides, cramped airplanes, invasive security, or bad weather get you down; You are going on a relaxing cruise or traveling to visit your beloved family back home! Regardless of your plans, you will be thankful for our winter holiday travel tips:

1. Plan ahead and do your research. Driving to your destination? Research alternate travel routes ahead of time in case major traffic blocks the interstate. Depending on where you are driving from, you may be able to find some fun mini-destinations such as National Parks to visit on your way! Flying? Make sure you check your airlines baggage restrictions ahead of time to avoid stress on the day of your flight.
2. Pack accordingly. Packing light during winter travel is always suggested. If you can get away with just a carry on, that would be even better! This way, you won't have to worry about your luggage getting lost in transit. If you do check your bags, make sure that you pack at least two pairs of extra clothes, your phone charger, and whatever necessities you may need in your carry on just in case. 
3. Pack earplugs. Sure popping in headphones and listening to music is often a great way to zone out at a busy airport or loud car ride, but sometimes a person just needs silence! These little lifesavers can also ensure you get a few hours of shuteye before arriving at your destination.
4. Reserve your parking in advance. Since you and millions of people will be traveling this winter season, it is important to reserve your Houston Airport Parking in advance! Reserving ahead with Rocket Parking will often save you money, and certainly saves you the stress of searching for a spot last minute.
5. Travel early or late in the day. Do you really want to beat the rush? Traveling during hours when most people want to be asleep can save you a whole lot of hassle since the roads will be less busy and the airports less crowded. 
6. Eat well and stay hydrated. This may seem like a simple tip, but it is often overlooked, as travelers rush to pack the car, struggle to read the GPS or fight with TSA about their luggage. Drinking water and eating regularly timed meals and snacks will make you feel oh so much better when you arrive at your final destination. 

Holiday Travel 2014

Done shopping? Now it's time to plan your Holiday travel! According to the AAA, 2014 is going to be the busiest travel year since 2007, with over 94.5 million American's taking a trip for the December Holidays. WHAT?! In addition, air travel is also going to be up by at least 3.6 million people since 2007 as well, meaning more people are going to be looking for Houston Airport Parking. People are expected to spend an average of $575 on their travels this holiday season.

By parking your car with Rocket Parking, you will save money on your Houston Airport Parking, so more of your $575 can be used doing the things that you want to do! In addition to offering cheap airport parking at IAH, Rocket Parking is proud to offer:

• Free online reservations [save even more money and time by booking online]
• Complementary shuttle service 
• Short 5 minute ride to the airport [let us deal with IAH traffic while you relax]
• Covered and open air park options
• Open 24/7
• Complementary luggage handling
• Discounted prices!

Best and Worst Airports 2014

It is no secret that airport travel can be stressful! Thankfully, Houston Airport doesn't fall on the "worst" list! IAH is actually ranked as #19 on the "best" list! Make your online reservation with Rocket Parking and see how stress-free travel can be! By comparing the percentage of positive and negative tweets about each airport, these are rankings, ordered from best to worst:

BEST AIRPORTS:

1. Orlando International, Florida (MCO)
2. Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)
3. Miami International, Florida (MIA)
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Minnesota (MSP)
5. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
6. San Francisco International, California (SFO)
7. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Michigan (DTW)
8. Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta, Georgia (ATL)
9. Charlotte Douglas International, North Carolina (CLT)
10. Los Angeles International, California (LAX)
11. John F. Kennedy, New York, New York (JFK)
12. Boston International, Massachusetts (BOS)
13. Denver International, Colorado (DEN)
14. Phoenix International, Arizona (PHX)
15. Seattle-Tacoma International, Washington (SEA)
16. Newark International, New Jersey (EWR)
17. Chicago O'Hare, Illinois (ORD)
18. LaGuardia, New York, New York (LGA)
19. George Bush International, Houston, Texas (IAH)
20. Philadelphia International, Pennsylvania (PHL)

WORST AIRPORTS:

1. La Guardia International, New York (LGA)
2. Los Angeles International, California (LAX)
3. Honolulu International, Hawaii (HNL)
4. Newark Liberty International, New Jersey (EWR)
5. John F. Kennedy International, New York (JFK)
6. Philadelphia International, Pennsylvania (PHL)
7. Miami International, Florida (MIA)
8. Cancun International, Mexico ()
9. Las Vegas McCarran International, Nevada (LAS)
10. Washington Dulles International, D.C. (IAD)

Why Off-Airport Parking?

Doesn't it always seem like Houston Intercontinental Airport never seems to have enough parking spaces? The lots are always full, and the traffic is always heavy! Did you know that although off-airport parking is usually a brief drive from the airport, the lots are more manageable and you can reserve your parking online in advance to ensure that you have a spot! If you would like to reserve your Rocket Parking online, please visit our website! 

These off-site airport parking companies such as Rocket Parking are usually private family owned businesses. All things considered, they can usually offer you a better deal all around than on-site airport parking. By parking a few blocks away from the airport, you can save tons of money!

Unfortunately, drivers tend to avoid off-site parking companies, falsely assuming that it will take extra time to catch a shuttle to the airport. But have you ever been stuck in IAH airport traffic for what seems like forever? Why not just pay a little less and get to the airport faster?! That's right! Save money AND arrive at IAH stress free!  

You want to know what else? When parking with off-site parking companies, you almost never pay more than the airport! Indeed, off-site parking companies generally charge at least 25%-50% less than the local airport!

Unlike the airport where you are left to your own devices, off-airport parking services will help you with your luggage and give you a complementary shuttle ride where you can just sit back and relax. Some off-site parking companies even do minimal car maintenance while you are away!

Cheap Houston Airport Parking!

Who doesn't love cheap airport parking?! 

Next time you fly out of Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport IAH, leave your car with Rocket Parking and pay cheap Houston Airport Parking rates. When you park with us, you receive huge discounts on IAH's expensive daily parking prices. In addition, our cheap Houston Airport parking rates include free online reservations, luggage assistance, complementary shuttle service, and secure parking. 

We are proud to offer free online reservations for our customers! For the best rates and most convenient experience, we suggest that you make a free online reservation before the day of your trip. 

Check out our cheap Houston Airport parking rates:

Open Air Parking: $5.24
Covered Parking: $6.24

Directions to Bush Intercontinental Airport

This could be you when you spot IAH!

Trying to find directions to Houston Airport Parking? We've got you covered!! Check out our comprehensive list of directions and we will direct you to Rocket Parking, and then to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport! Rocket Parking is located less than 7 minutes away from Houston's Bush Airport! Once you see our facility, IAH is right around the corner.  Please review our detailed driving directions below. If you have any questions, please call us and we will direct you to our facility! 

From downtown Houston: Take 59 North to Will Clayton Parkway exit, just after the beltway. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From Katy: Take IH-10 East toward downtown. Near downtown, take 59 North. Continue on 59 North towards 610. Stay on 59 North towards Beltway 8. Take the Will Clayton Parkway exit, just after the beltway. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From Sugarland: Take 59 North. Continue on 59 North through downtown, towards 610. Stay on 59 North towards Beltway 8. Take the Will Clayton Parkway exit, just after the beltway. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From Pearland: Take 288 North. Just before downtown, proceed to 59 North. Continue on 59 North through downtown, towards 610. Stay on 59 North towards Beltway 8. Take the Will Clayton Parkway exit, just after the beltway. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From Galveston/Bay Area: Take 45 North. Just before downtown, proceed to 59 North. Continue on 59 North through downtown, towards 610. Stay on 59 North towards Beltway 8. Take the Will Clayton Parkway exit, just after the beltway. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From Baytown/Beaumont: Take IH-10 West toward downtown. Near downtown, take 59 North. Continue on 59 North towards 610. Stay on 59 North towards Beltway 8. Take the Will Clayton Parkway exit, just after the beltway. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From The Woodlands/Spring: Take 45 South to Beltway 8 (No Toll Required). Proceed to Beltway 8 East (Follow the airport sign). Continue on Beltway 8 until 59 North. Take 59 North to the Will Clayton Parkway exit. Take a left at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

From Kingwood/Humble: Take 59 South to the Will Clayton Parkway exit. Take a right at the first light (Will Clayton). Continue on Will Clayton Pkwy, through the first light (McKay). Rocket Park is 300 yards on the right, after McKay.

Houston Airport Parking Coupons

Who doesn't love coupons? We sure do! Coupons are a fantastic way to save money on everyday items such as groceries, household items, and yes, even airport parking! If you love coupons as much as we do, and you want cheap Bush Airport Parking, then join our email list, add us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or keep up with our website! This way, you will be the first to know about our exclusive Houston Airport Parking coupons! 

Here at Rocket Parking, we like to present special deals and Houston Airport parking coupons to our online mailing list and social media followers first, before posting to our website. Become a part of the Rocket Parking crowd or else you will miss out on these fantastic IAH Airport parking deals! 

Coupons are a great way to save money on Detroit Airport Parking, but they still won't save you a parking space! Luckily, we allow you to reserve your parking online ahead of time at our website!

What to do during a Layover in Houston

People watching can be very entertaining!

 For some, layovers are a wonderful time to get out of the plane that has held them hostage for hours and walk around on some steady land. For others, layovers are a drag and can’t end soon enough. Check out some of these tips on how to make the most of your layover at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport:

1.                 Explore Houston! Depending on how long your layover at IAH airport is, get out and explore this great city! Some layovers can be as long as 5-6 hours, just enough time to hit most of the popular Houston sites.  

2.                 Work out. If you don’t want to leave the airport, make the most of your stay by burning a few calories. If you are shy, or really don’t want other travelers to watch you do jumping jacks in the terminal, download a distance app [Strava, Nike Plus etc] on your smart device and take a brisk walk around the airport. You can clock in a few miles before your next flight arrives. 

3.               Eat, drink, and be merry! Nothing makes a layover pass faster than a trip to one of the many Houston Airport bars for a quick drink. Most restaurants have a happy hour special, perfect if your layover is during the afternoon.

4.             Get a room. If your layover is going to be very long, and/or during the wee hours of the morning, consider getting a cheap hotel room so that you will feel refreshed for the next leg of your journey. Can’t spend that much money? Purchase some ear plugs and a sleep mask before your trip, and get a little shut eye right at your gate.

5.             Read. Just about every airport has a multitude of magazine carts and bookstores. Browse every magazine on the rack or purchase a book you have been dying to read. Better still, take this opportunity to download a book onto your smart device and enjoy some quiet time.

 Here at Rocket Parking, we hope to make your Houston Airport Parking experience much more enjoyable than a long layover. With a variety of IAH parking options, including speedy shuttle service, free online reservations, and kind staff, we aim to please!

What to do on Labor Day Weekend in Houston

Looking for something fun to do on Labor Day weekend in Houston? Celebrate the closing of summer by attending one of these fun events!

What to do in Houston on Labor Day weekend 2014:

The Amazing Houston Comic Con

What better way to celebrate a three day weekend than with Houston’s largest Comic Con event?! Tickets are just $25 and children 10 and under are free with a paid adult! Come experience hundreds of people in costume, video game arena, massive exhibitors hall, and an array of international artists.

5th Annual BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival

Hosted in Galveston, this Beer Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer. With over 400 craft and hard-to-locate selections, the festival goes on all weekend. Multiple events take place throughout the weekend, and each event has its own special price.

Godspell the Musical

Playing for free at the Miller Outdoor Theatre on Thursday and Friday of Labor Day weekend, Godspell is one of the biggest Broadway successes of all time! Take the kiddies, pack a lunch, and enjoy this soulful rock recreation of the Gospel of Saint Matthew.

Discovery Green

Prefer to relax this holiday weekend away from all the hustle and bustle of the city? Head over to Discovery Green for kayaking, yoga, bike riding, and lunch. Enjoy free samples this Friday from the Starbucks truck while the children run through fountains, play on the putting green, or explore the playground.

Make your Labor Day Weekend travels in and out of Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport less stressful when you park your car with Rocket Parking.

Houston Airport Parking

Why off-airport parking?

Off-site airport parking is usually offered by companies within a 2 mile radius of the airport. By traveling a little extra, you will get a big discount! A variety of off-site parking options service Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport. These days, you have the ability to reserve your IAH airport parking in advance so that your spot is ensured.

Enjoy a complementary shuttle ride from Rocket Parking!

At Rocket Parking, you are given the choice between covered or open-air self-park options. All parking spaces are in our safe and secure parking lot to ensure that no harm comes to your car while you are traveling out of Houston. 

Say goodbye to long waits and hefty taxi fees and hello to complementary shuttles that take you directly from your parking spot to your IAH airport terminal for free!

Unlike the airport, Rocket Parking will assist you with every step of your parking experience, including handling your baggage for you while you enjoy the ride.

Insider Tip: Make your free online reservation before the day of your departure to ensure you have the best and cheapest Houston Airport parking space. 

Ice Cream in Houston

Summer is the perfect excuse to eat ice cream, especially if you live in Texas! Celebrate long nights and sunny days by eating everyone’s favorite summer treat! Sure, you could hit up the local grocery store for a pint, but this year, we are challenging you to think local! Here are some of our local Houston ice cream suggestions:

ü  Fat Cat Creamery. Fat Cat is all the rage in Houston! Using high-quality local ingredients, the confectioners create specialized ice cream for a range of tastes. From maple and candied bacon, to pumpkin cheesecake, there is frozen dairy delight for everyone. Want to help save the environment? Fat Cat’s ice cream cups are fully compostable!

ü  The Chocolate Bar. For the chocolate lover in all of us, the Chocolate Bar offers a wide selection of, you guessed it, chocolate ice cream! This bar boasts malts, truffles and delicious milk shakes. Grab a sample of lemon velvet ice cream to cleanse your pallet in-between chocolaty deliciousness!

ü  Cloud 10 Creamery. Heard of “cloud 9?” Well, cloud 10 is even better! This relatively new ice cream parlor boasts unique flavors such as peanut butter and jelly ice cream, and gourmet banana splits.

ü  La King’s Confectionary. Take the short drive down to Galveston and you won’t regret it! La King’s combines old-fashioned ice cream with antique soda fountains to bring you dozens of different flavors from apple pie, to traditional vanilla.

Whether you are flying in or out of Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport, there is always enough time to catch a sweet bite to eat before leaving your car with Rocket Parking. Houston Airport parking has never been easier! 

What to do in Houston in July

Going to be flying into Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport sometime in July? Live in the Houston area and wondering what to do during the rest of the month? You have come to the right place! Rocket Parking has compiled a list of events and activities going on around the Houston area during the month of July. Check out these ways to beat summer boredom:

• Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces. If something different and in the air conditioning is your amusement style, head over to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Throughout the month of July, you will be able to view over 150 sizable pieces of jewelry from Bulgari’s Heritage Collection, including masterpieces from historical archives!
• Bayou City Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons. For just $22, learn this newest watersports craze from friendly instructors on July 20^th. Partake in this full body workout on the lovely, spring-fed waters of 288 banks. Teachers and stand up paddle boards are provided; all you have to do is bring the fun!
• Houston Dash Soccer. As a result of the Soccer World Cup, “futbol” is in the spotlight these days! If you spent a month glued to your TV screen watching the games in Brazil, it is time to get out and see your local Houston Dash team play out-of-towners! Come out to the BBVA stadium on July 30^th and cheer on the Houston Dash as they play Seattle Reign. Look for multiple games during July and August.
• Austin Mahone Concert. Have a teen or tween who is starry-eyed about Austin Mahone? Like the up-and-coming pop singer yourself? You’re in luck! On July 26^th, he will be playing at NRG Park. Tickets start range from $40-$70.

Don’t forget to leave your car in the care of Rocket Parking next time you fly out of Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Houston July 4th 2014 Events

 

Did you know that the Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year to travel? Houston, one of America’s favorite southern cities, is the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day! Pay tribute to America’s birthday with Rocket Parking this year by enjoying fun fireworks and patriotic parties.

What to do in Houston on 4^th of July weekend 2014:

v  Freedom over Texas. Houston’s “official” 4^th of July festival will be held at Eleanor Tinsley Park and boasts the largest “on-land” fireworks display in the country. This party starts at 4pm with a beer garden and ends at 9pm with fireworks set to patriotic music.

v  Free Concerts. Who doesn’t love freebies?! Enjoy patriotic songs and classical melodies brought to you by The Houston Symphony. The event begins at 8:30 at the Miller Outdoor Theatre and is concluded with an all-American fireworks display.

v  4^th of July at Bayou Bend. Celebrate 4^th of July with Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3pm followed by birthday cake!

v  Breathtaking Fireworks. Visit Houston’s Woodland Waterway Square and witness a spectacular 23-minute firework extravaganza. Come fully prepared to play games, have your face painted, and see strolling musicians and performers.

Make your Fourth of July travels in and out of Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport less stressful when you park your car with Rocket Parking.

Shuttles at Bush Intercontinental Airport

You just landed at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport after a long, turbulent flight and can't wait to get to your car to finally get home. Oftentimes, waiting for a parking shuttle to come and then squeezing all of your belongings inside can be one of the most frustrating aspects of your IAH airport parking experience. Here are a few ways that Rocket Parking strives to make your shuttle experience as stress-free as possible:

·         Shuttle buses are on call. Unlike other parking facilities in the area where you must wait for a shuttle to come every 15 min, Rocket shuttles are on call to pick you up the second you’re ready to leave the Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport. To make things easier on you, friendly staff will help you load your luggage onto the bus and into your car.

·         Shorter distance to the airport. A shorter distance means a shorter ride, which means you will be in and out of the shuttle in a breeze!

·         No hidden Fuel Surcharge Fees. You're already paying to park, why on earth should you pay for your shuttle ride as well? Other parking facilities serving the Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport advertise a “free shuttle” service and then stick you with a hidden “fuel surcharge fee." Avoid these and other hidden surcharges when leave your car at Rocket Parking.

Cheap Places to Fly from Houston

We get it! Life is busy and hectic and sometimes you just can’t get away for the extravagant vacation of your dreams. Just because you can’t afford to jet off to Tahiti doesn’t mean that there aren’t some splendid locations close to Houston! Check out these destinations that are affordable and easy to fly to from Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport:

·         Atlanta, Georgia. (1 hour 20 min flight from IAH). Yes, Atlanta is “only” an eleven hour drive from Houston, but why drive twenty-two hours round trip when you can leave your car at Rocket Parking and hop on a plane for $198 round trip? If you are craving city life, check out midtown and downtown Atlanta. Olympic Park is always fun to explore and you can even visit where they filmed the popular TV Series “The Walking Dead!”

·         Boston, MA. (3 hour 45 min flight from IAH). For only $198 round trip you can jet off to Boston to enjoy some salty New England sea breezes. Tour the popular Fenway Park or take a walk along the spectacular Atlantic waterfront.

·         San Diego, CA. (2 hour 57 min flight from IAH). A flight to San Diego=$281. Seeing a friend or family member stationed in the United States Military=priceless. Take a trip to San Diego to visit an enlisted friend or family member or just to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean and famed San Diego Zoo!

Once you figure out where you should fly to from Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport, make your free online reservation with Rocket Parking to ensure you get the cheapest IAH airport parking!

Where to eat at IAH Terminal C

Imagine the following scenario: You get through Bush Intercontinental Airport security, and arrive at Terminal C hungry. Now that you are on the airside of IAH there is no sense in going back through security just to get a bite to eat. Check out some of the delicious offerings IAH Terminal C has to offer:

ü  Panapolis. ($). Pan is the Spanish word for bread, so it is only fitting that a restaurant called Panapolis is chock full of bread-centered fare! Grab a sandwich or sub on yummy artisanal bread and you will certainly feel satisfied.

ü  Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. ($). It is never too early or too late for chocolate! Grab a few delicious handmade chocolates in case you get low blood sugar on the flight.

ü  Einstein’s Bros Bagels. ($). Perfect for breakfast, Einstein’s offers a huge variety of gourmet bagels and schmears to spread on top! Craving something a little more substantial? Order an egg sandwich.

ü  Popeye’s. ($). This popular chain offers a large selection of chicken products and comfort food. Fried food is always delicious….right?

Don’t forget to make your free online reservation with Rocket Parking! We will get you to your terminal with enough time to grab a bit to eat before your IAH flight. Stay tuned for our next post on where to eat at other IAH terminals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to eat at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport

Once you are dropped off at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport by Rocket Parking’s complementary shuttle, you may want to get a quick bite to eat before proceeding to your terminal. Whether you prefer to sit down at a nice restaurant, pick up a light lunch, or grab a quick bit to eat on the go, there is something for everyone at IAH!

Post-Security Food Court

1.      Texas Trail Boss Jerky. ($). If you want the authentic Texas experience, Trail Boss Jerky is the place for you. Grab a bag of beef, pork, turkey, or bison jerky and a drink to sip on for a quick snack before your flight.

2.      Pizzeria Uno. ($). Who doesn’t love Italian food? Uno offers pizzas and pastas for the hungry traveler at a reasonable price. Be sure to check out their authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.

3.      Panchitos. ($). Panchitos offers a fantastic selection of Mexican cuisine from burritos, to tacos and quesadillas. Take the meat and cheese off of their tacos and they become perfect for the vegetarian or vegan traveler.

4.      Fuddruckers. ($$). This national chain offers burgers of all kinds. You pick the toppings, so you are sure to have an interesting experience every time you dine.

5.      Chili’s Too. ($$). Basically a mini version of Chili’s, Chili’s Too offers IAH full service bar and dining. Grab an appetizer and an alcoholic beverage and enjoy your time before you depart.

Make your free online reservation at Rocket Parking and stay tuned for Rocket Parking’s next article on where to eat at specific IAH terminals.