Easy Car Maintenance Tips

Did you know that April is “National Car Care Month?” That means there is no better time to perform a self-check test on your car than right now in the middle of April!  It is important to remember the following car maintenance tips so you can ensure that your vehicle is running properly before the arrival of the summer driving season!

1.      Pop that hood! Pop the hood of your car and inspect all important fluids. Find the dipstick for your engine oil and transmission fluid and check these first. If you aren’t sure where to locate them in your car, search Google to find out.

2.      While you are under there…make sure to check any visible hoses and belts. Make sure that they aren’t brittle, frayed, or loose.

3.      Battery basics. Pay special attention to the battery connections and make sure that they aren’t loose and corroding. If corrosion is present, take a screwdriver or similar tool and scrape the decay loose.

4.      April showers bring…windshield wiper use!! Ensure that your windshield wiper fluid is full. If it needs to be topped off and you don’t have any fluid on hand, you can always use distilled water as a temporary substitute.

5.      Tire tips. Checking tires is probably the easiest type of self-maintenance you can perform! Invest in an inexpensive tire pressure gauge and make sure that your tires are full of air. Remember that if your tires show uneven wear, it is time for a wheel alignment!

Spring into April by making your free online reservation with Rocket Parking the next time you fly out of Houston’s Busch Intercontinental Airport.  

Save Big Bucks and Take a Mini-Moon!

Spring has officially arrived, and wedding season has started picking up speed! For many couples, the wedding is lovely, but spending quality time as newlyweds on a honeymoon just can’t be beat. After spending big bucks on the wedding and reception, taking an exotic three-week long honeymoon right after the wedding just isn’t feasible. A growing trend called “mini-moons” or “honey-weekends” means that you can have your cake and eat it too. Consider a shorter, cheaper vacation, right after the wedding, until you save up enough money to go all out! Depending on where you live, here are some honeymoon weekend ideas we recommend:

·         Relax on a Cruise. If you live within driving distance of a cruise port, consider a discount weekend cruise. Vacationstogo.com offers extremely discounted cruises at the last minute. Cruise vacations can be found for as little as $290 for a four day cruise on a four star ship!

·         Fly somewhere close. Leave your car in the hands of Rocket Parking and search online for discount airfare. Just taking a plane somewhere will make the destination feel exotic. Tip: Make sure your flight is non-stop so you don’t waste precious time on layovers.

·         Snag a deal on a fancy hotel. You don’t have to leave town to feel like you are away on vacation! Search discount websites such as groupon and pamper yourselves to a few nights at a beautiful hotel in your town or the closest city.

·         Discover your hometown. If your budget is really tight, you can have a splendid “staycation” right in your own backyard. Pick up a city guide and check out local attractions you and your spouse have never done—a new museum, botanical gardens, a far flung outlet mall etc. Doing things you both have never done will be a bonding experience in the same was a traditional vacation.

If your “mini-moon” involves flying to a nearby destination, make sure to make your free online reservation with Rocket Parking to ensure the lowest rates on Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.  

Fun Destinations for Every Kind of Spring Breaker

It is no secret that popular spring break destinations book up fast and attract crowds of drunken college kids. Whether you are a student who wants a break from the traditional “trashy” spring break, or a family wanting to find some place different and appropriate to take the kids, lesser-known destinations offer exactly what you are looking for. Check out some of our recommendations below:

Saint Augustine, Florida

Located just two hours north of Orlando and one hour south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine offers plenty of beautiful white sandy beaches. Awesome beaches away from increased prices and bunches of drunken college kids…who doesn’t want that? When you are finished at the beach, walk around this city’s historic downtown and enjoy the great food and fun bars.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Think Wisconsin during the spring time is way too cold for swimming? Not if the water parks are indoors! The Wisconsin Dells is basically a city full of hotels with indoor water parks and theme parks. When you get bored of one indoor water park, just walk next door to another one! Whether you enjoy lazy rivers, wave pools or monstrous slides, the Dells will certainly deliver. Order a margarita and book your flight to Wisconsin!

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Dream of a Caribbean retreat away from the crowds? Punta Cana offers the luxury of a variety of all-inclusive resorts which means you can put your money away and relax as soon as you arrive. Swimming, boating, scuba diving and alcohol are all usually included in resorts. Step outside of the box and party spring break style with the natives at nearby local clubs and bars.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Forgo Cancun and book your stay in Puerto Vallarta. This city is perfect for the adventurous spring breaker on a budget. Secret beach coves and beautiful waterfalls are abundant. Once the sun sets, local bars debut their “can’t be beat” happy hour prices that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Night owls can let loose at the fantastic dance clubs and beach parties. Dancing in the moonlight isn’t to be missed!

 

No matter where you choose as your spring break destination, don’t forget to make your free online reservation with Rocket Parking!  

 

Avoiding Travel Scams

If you have been feeling bored or overworked, the thought of a cheap or free vacation might sound pretty appealing…and scammers know that! Scams are often effective on travelers because of their simplicity, but with a little preparation you can avoid being an easy target. Before you begin your dream vacation, bone up on these tips for avoiding travel-related scams:

v  Watch out for unsolicited “deals” on fantastic locations. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

v  Search the Better Business Bureau and American Society of Travel Agents to make sure your travel company is legit before you give them any money.

v  Always use a credit card when making travel related purchases. This way, if you feel you have been scammed, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.

v  Be on the lookout for “travel clubs” that offer “free” membership. Many times, these services simply charge your credit card every month and provide few benefits.

v  If you win a “free” vacation, don’t ever give out your credit card information. You should never have to pay to collect a prize.

v  If you are working with a travel agency or vacation service, make sure to get all of the details about your trip in writing. This contract will act as legal proof in the event that your experience wasn’t what you were promised.  

Here at Rocket Parking, you will never be scammed. Make your free online reservation today 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!"

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!