4 Travel Survival Tips for this Holiday Season

There are roughly two weeks until Christmas! Crazy, right? Millions of people will be hitting the sky this holiday season to travel and visit friends and loved ones. Prepare to save your sanity with these four survival tips:

1. Reserve your parking in advance. Since you and millions of others will be traveling this holiday, it is important to reserve your U.S. Park Airport Parking in advance. Reserving ahead will often save you money, and certainly saves you the stress of searching for a spot last minute. 
2. Pack light. We know, you might be going somewhere cold and may need to bring heavier clothing. Don't fall into that trap! Do a simple online search for packing tips for winter travel and you will be all set. Carrying on your bag will save you tons of time and you wont have to worry about your bag ending up in a different city than you are. 
3. Avoid wrapping. Those pretty presents you spent hours wrapping? TSA might find them sketchy and may have to unwrap them to check the contents. Avoid wasting hours of work by simply wrapping any gifts when you arrive at your destination.
4. Eat something. Low blood sugar sucks. Being hangry sucks. Getting upset for no reason isn't great either. Staying hydrated and keeping your tummy full can do wonders for your sanity this holiday travel season. Pack a few healthy snacks and leave for your flight on a full stomach. 

DTW Airport Parking Coupons

Newsflash: There is exactly ONE week until Thanksgiving [scary!] and a little over a month until Christmas! You probably have your flight booked for your winter holiday trip out of Detroit Metro Airport, but you most likely forgot about how you will get to and from DTW. This is when you must consider your Detroit Airport Parking options.

Here at U.S. Park, we know that if you are searching for DTW parking, you are also on the hunt for Detroit Metro Airport parking coupons. Coupons for Detroit Airport parking can help you save money and time on a service that you will already be using this holiday season. We are proud to offer Detroit Airport parking coupons and a simple, three-click online reservation tool to make booking your DTW parking a little easier.

Traveling can be expensive, but printing our coupon is one of the best ways to save money on Detroit Metro Airport parking. So join us, add us, follow us and then look out for some fantastic discounts from US Park.

 Check out our featured coupon below: 

Have a safe and happy holiday season and don't forget to "Put it in Park!"

Driving Directions to Detroit Airport

Trying to find our Detroit Metro Airport parking location is super simple! Follow these easy directions and if you have any questions, contact us. Don't forget to make your free online Detroit Airport parking reservation from our website, or right here from our blog! We look forward to seeing you soon!

From the West: (I-275 and US 23) Ann Arbor and Flint
Take I-94 E ramp toward Detroit. Take exit 198-199 toward Metro Airport/Merriman Rd/Middlebelt Rd. Keep left to take the Middlebelt Rd. exit 199 and then exit to right. Turn right onto Middlebelt Rd. U.S. Park is on the left.
From the East: (I-94) Detroit and Windsor
Take I-94 W toward Chicago. Take exit 199 Middlebelt Rd. Turn left onto Middlebelt Rd. U.S. Park is on the left.
From the South: I-275 (Toledo)
Take 1-94 E ramp toward Detroit /Metro Airport. Take exit 198-199 toward Metro Airport/Merriman Rd/Middlebelt Rd. Keep left to take the Middlebelt Rd. exit 199 and then exit to right. Turn right onto Middlebelt Rd.

Booking Holiday Travel

 Believe it or not, the holidays are just around the corner! Along with the holidays comes tons of people traveling through Detroit Metro Airport to destinations around the world! This could be stressful, but preparation is key! We want you to be as prepared as possible! As a result, we have complied some helpful tips and tricks regarding booking your airfare out of Detroit Metro Airport over the holiday season.

•  SkyScanner found that if you book your Christmas flights THIS WEEK (the week of Sept. 28), you will save an estimated 9.1% on fares! Late to the game? Booking between November 2-8 will save you an estimated 4.8% savings on Christmas travel. Something is certainly better than nothing!
• Book your Detroit Airport parking with us in advance to save money! Traveling for an extended period of time? Take advantage of our special Detroit Metro Airport Parking coupon deals for even bigger savings. As soon as you book your flight, don't forget to make your online DTW parking reservation and avoid the stress of full lots during the holidays.
• Flexibility with your travel dates goes a long way. For example, the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, is one of the most expensive to travel. If possible, it is suggested to add one or two days to your trip or head up a bit early. Even booking on Tuesday has the potential to save you big bucks.
• Research your options and always book direct. Use Travelocity and Kayack to check out all of your options, but always book directly from the airline itself. Booking direct is always best, and sometimes the price is even cheaper! Bonus: the loyalty points by booking direct are awesome!
• If possible, bring only a carry-on and a personal item. Thousands and thousands of checked bags go missing during the holiday season, and 2015 travelers will not be immune. Bringing a carry-on will expedite the check in and out process and will provide the peace of mind that your bags are in your hands at all times. 

As always, don't forget to make your Detroit Metro Airport parking reservation from our website, or directly from our blog or Facebook page. Check out our DTW Airport parking coupons and save! 

Airport Hygiene: Exposed!

Our friends at Travelmath.com published an article on airplane and airport hygiene. Some of the statistics may shock you about what you might touch when flying out of Detroit Metro Airport. Check out the findings below and don't forget to make your Metro Detroit Airport parking reservation right here on our blog or on our website. We strive to make our facility as neat, clean, and hygienic as possible in order to give you the best Detroit Airport parking experience! 

Graduation Travel Tips

Graduation is just around the corner. Many times, grads love to celebrate their accomplishments with a trip or vacation of a lifetime, before they settle into a full time job. If this sounds like you or someone you know, check out our list of travel tips just for grads:

1. Don't be afraid. This is our #1 piece of advice! Jump feet first into your life long dream. You already accomplished graduation [whew!], now it's your turn to have fun!
2. Research your options. Do you know what WOOFing is? Never heard of Airbnb? Maybe it's time to do some research into all the alternatives out there. Traveling somewhere fun and new doesn't have to be a financial burden. Have the credentials? Why not spend a semester in South Korea teaching English? 
3. Save your pennies. No matter what option you choose, travel is going to take some money. Do the hard part now while you finish up school. Take on a few extra hours at work. Eat dinner at home for the next month and forego your daily Starbucks. A penny saved is a penny earned!
4. Get the most bang for your buck. Sure, places like Italy and the UK are popular destinations, but that also makes them expensive. Why not consider Thailand, Belize, or Cambodia? At many of these destinations, you are able to eat on $10 a day and can receive a massage on the beach for just a few bucks! What's not to love?!
5. Wait just a few months. Summer is often the busiest and most expensive time to travel. If you spend a few more months at home and leave for your trip in say, September, you will be able to score fantastic deals! 

Already booked your flight out of Detroit Metro Airport? Don't forget to make your Detroit Airport Parking reservation with U.S. Park! 

Traveling on Easter: Safety Edition

Here at U.S. Park, your safety means the world to us. Whether you are parking in our facility, traveling in our complementary shuttles, or just going about your day-to-day life, we hope that you remain safe and healthy. As a result, we have complied a list of safe driving tips so that you can arrive at your Easter gathering in once piece:

1. Don't drive too fast or too slow. "Just Right" is the perfect speed when traveling during busy holidays. What we mean is, stick to going the speed limit, or just a bit over or under, but don't rush through construction zones or speed 20mph faster than you should be. A traffic ticket or unexpected accident will surely ruin your day.

2. Don't hog the left lane. You are being a model driver and proceeding along your route at barely over the legal speed limit. If you are driving in the left lane and a long line of cars starts to form behind you, move over! Obviously someone is in a rush and drivers often get very upset when they cannot speed by as fast as possible. Who knows, you may see that adrenaline junky down the road with a ticket. Proceed with caution and respect for other drivers.

3. Keep your headlights on at all times. Yes, headlights should be on, even in the daytime! This little trick helps you to be more visible to other drivers and could even help you avoid an accident.

4. Check your vehicle before you go. This includes a simple self performed oil check, battery check, tire pressure check, windshield wiper check etc. Make sure that you have enough wiper fluid in case of the inevitable downpour. It is always better to be safe and prepared!

5. Sharing is caring! Traveling more than a few hours? Have a few safe drivers going along with you? Perfect! Rotating the driving duty is a great way to ensure that no one gets burnt out and everyone has a chance to rest.

No matter where you are traveling for Easter weekend, U.S. Park wishes you a safe and stress free holiday! Driving to Detroit Metro Airport and then flying to your destination? Don't forget to make your free online reservation so that you can save money on Detroit Airport parking!

Benefits of Booking Parking Online

It's true: people love when things are made easier for them. Reserving Detroit Metro Airport parking is no different! Imagine: you get to the busy airport late and now must drive in circles for fifteen minutes searching for a parking spot in a cramped garage. Doesn't sound relaxing does it? Lucky for you, times are a changing and the option to reserve airport parking online is rising more than ever before! Check out just a few of the MANY benefits that online reservations systems [such as the one we use!] offer:

• Convenience. Instead of having to go directly to the site where you want to reserve an item [the parking lot], and instead of having to email or call a company and sit on hold, online reservation systems offer you the chance to reserve a good or service from anywhere! Wherever you have internet connection, you will be able to book your airport parking reservation!
• Speed. Remember that whole sitting on hold or waiting for an email reply thing we just talked about? You won't have to deal with that when reserving online! The booking process airport parking using an online reservation system is very quick and can be completed in just a minute or two. This speed saves you valuable time that could be better spent somewhere else. 
• Reserve anytime. Stores close, people go to bed, and phones remain unanswered, but online reservation systems keep working 24/7/365. Need to book your off-airport parking at 3 am? No problem! Online systems afford you the ability to reserve anytime, anywhere. 
• Easy cancellations. Change your mind and want to cancel or switch your reservation? This swap can easily be made online, at your own convenience.
• Error reduction. When booking online, you will be asked multiple times to validate information and to check to ensure the date/time/price of your reservation is correct. You will also receive an e-receipt so that you are able to keep track of all of your relevant information. Reserve online and save yourself a lot of hassle!

Well, what are you waiting for?! Reserve your Detroit Metro Airport Parking now with U.S. Park

5 Winter Car Care Tips

Snow is inevitable in Detroit! At U.S. Park, we know what a hassle iced over cars can be. Unfortunately, we can't help defrost your vehicle at home or work, but we have some useful tips that can help you along the way: 

1. Clean the inside of your windshield with shaving cream. Seriously! Not only will shaving cream clean your window, it will aid in preventing fog and moisture buildup. The less you have to run the defroster, the better!
2. Unfreeze your keys. Sticking your car keys into an almost certainly frozen car door lock will open the door to a whole bunch of potential problems! Keys may break or the lock may be too frozen to even turn! To remedy this, keep a lighter handy and warm your key before trying to insert it. In a pinch, hand sanitizer will help unfreeze as well.
3. Cover your window. Scraping your windshield can be a hassle. Save yourself the trouble by purchasing old drop clothes, a rug, or any type of thick material and placing it over your windshield. When you are ready to leave, simply yank the cloth off your windshield and all of the pesky snow will come off too! 
4. Stuck? Use cardboard! Weather your car is stuck in the slushy mud at home, work, or the grocery store, cardboard boxes should be nearby. Place a flattened cardboard box in front of your wheels and your car will make it to safety a lot easier.
5. Face east. When possible, park your car facing an easterly direction. Since the sun rises from the east, you will have a little help from nature's heat in starting the unfreezing process on those cold winter mornings. 

How to NOT Look like a Tourist in Top American Cities

Do you often strive to "look like a local" when you are traveling? Maybe you don't want to be targeted by pickpockets who prey on tourists. Maybe you just. cant. stand. to be seen as one of "those people." Whatever your reason for wanting to dress like a local, our friends from the Orbitz Travel Blog have created this hilarious little graphic:

That was funny, wasn't it? Before you pack your suitcase for your adventure as a "not tourist," remember to make your Detroit Metro Parking reservation with U.S. Park! 

Thanksgiving Travel 2014

You won't even have to do this when you reserve a space at US Park!

 According to the AAA, 2014 is going to be the busiest travel year since 2007, with over 46.3 million American's taking a trip for the Thanksgiving Holiday. 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 Detroit Airport Parking. People are expected to spend an average of $575 on their travels this holiday season.

By parking your car with US Park, you will save money on your Detroit 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 DTW, US Park 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 DTW traffic while you relax]
• Safe, well-lit lot
• Auto detailing upgrade options
• Complementary luggage handling
• Discounted prices!

Parking at Detroit Metro Airport

Tired of searching for a Detroit Metro Airport parking spot when you are in a rush, only to come across an overly priced location or a "lot full" sign? This doesn't have to be the case when you leave your car in the care of U.S. Park's friendly and reliable staff! 

We offer DTW discount airport parking and competitive rates. We will make sure your car is safe and secure while you are away. For Detroit airport parking, we firmly believe we are your best option!

Check out all that we have to offer: 

For a more hassle-free experience, we suggest that you reserve your parking spot online! This will ensure that you have a parking spot upon your arrival!

Cruises from Detroit

Feel like you are stuck in Detroit? Always getting jealous of your friends going on fabulous cruises? Wondering if there are any cruises in your general geographic area? We have all of the answers for you! Read on to make your cruise dreams come true!

·         Choose a close port. Many cruises go out of Texas or Florida. This doesn’t mean that awesome ones don’t go out of New York City, Philadelphia, or Boston! Many major cruise lines sail from NYC, including Norwegian and Carnival. It is a much shorter flight to fly from Detroit to New England than to fly from Detroit to Florida! Use those extra savings and get yourself an ocean-view cabin.

·         Great Lakes Cruises. Did you even know that cruises on the Great Lakes existed?! Well they do! And guess what, Michigan is bordered by two of them! Many of the Lake Michigan cruises are 7 days long and start/leave out of Chicago, which is just a six hour drive! Great Lakes cruises are much smaller than conventional cruise ships which will offer you more privacy and more ports of call.

·         River Cruises. River cruises, like the Great Lakes cruises, are much more intimate and personalized than large Caribbean ones. On smaller ships, staterooms are much more spacious and usually include a balcony. In addition, you can enjoy sustainable cuisine prepared from fish caught directly out of the river on which you are sailing!

If you choose to fly out of Detroit Metro Airport to get to your departure port, be sure to make your online parking reservation with U.S. Park! 

How to Avoid 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 U.S. Park you will never be scammed! Make your free online reservation today and save on Detroit Airport Parking.

What to do in Detroit in July

 

 

Going to be flying into Detroit Metro Airport sometime in July? Live in the Detroit area and wondering what to do during the rest of the month? You have come to the right place! U.S. Park has compiled a list of events and activities going on around the Detroit area during the month of July. Check out these ways to beat summer boredom:

·         Ann Arbor Art Fair. July 16^th-19^th, head to downtown Ann Arbor for this combination of four fairs! In addition to arts and crafts, there is live music, performances, and art workshops. Enjoy food and drink while strolling downtown Ann Arbor shopping at the whimsical craft booths.

·         Vans Warped Tour 2014. Rock music more your thing? Check out more than 60 bands as they play all day on July 18th at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Doors open at 11am but the event runs until 9pm. Tickets are $48 when purchased on Ticketmaster.

·         Maker Faire. Enjoy a festival that showcases local inventors and science enthusiasts. The Faire takes place July 26-27 in the parking lot of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Tickets start at $28 for non-members and include admission into the museum itself. Not into science? Don’t worry! The event will also include craft booths to suit art buffs.

·         Jazz on the Boulevard. Happening every Thursday of the year, this event takes place at the famous La Musique Restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel. Enjoy free Jazz music in the hip and elegant atmosphere of the restaurant and dine on seasonal dishes if you get hungry.

Don’t forget to leave your car in the care of U.S. Park next time you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

 

 

Travel Etiquette 101

Summer should be about relaxing and taking your time, but how can you stay calm when there is a little kid kicking the back of your seat on your flight out of Detroit Metro Airport? Knowing the dos and don’ts of travel etiquette will help you go from an amateur to a sophisticated flyer. We’ve put together some ideas to help you keep cool during heated summer travel moments:

v  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.

v  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. What goes around comes aroud!

v  Don’t give parents dirty stares. While you may pray that the woman with the screaming baby doesn’t take the seat next to yours, avoid glaring at her. If she sits next to you, refrain from visibly sulking. She knows that her precious darling is making noise; she doesn’t need you to remind her.

v  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 comfort of using both armrests. You’ll survive with the armrest that’s dedicated to you.

v  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.

v  Let your neighbor sleep. Trying to catch up on your 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.

This summer season, make your free online parking reservation with U.S. Park and save!

5 Ways to Protect Your Parked Car

From expensive electronics to empty candy wrappers, we keep pretty much everything and anything in our cars. Since your vehicle is essentially your miniature home away from home, you are going to want to take precautions to safeguard your vehicle when you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport. Although U.S. Park boasts a secure, well lit parking lot, you still have to do your part to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Read on to find out how you can help us protect your car while you are traveling:

1    It is best not to leave valuables inside, but if you must, hide them, and hide them well. Conceal them at home in your own driveway, away from the prying eyes of airport criminals. Don’t park your car at the airport and then hide your laptop; the risk of being seen is too great.

 

2   For maximum security, leave your car near high traffic areas such as the entrance and exit or the shuttle pickup kiosk. The increased foot traffic will add to the number of eyes on your car and will discourage potential thieves.

 

3    Your next best bet is to leave your car in a well-lit area, something U.S. Park certainly has to offer. Our entire lot is well-lit for maximum safety. Shining lights discourage intruders who don’t want to be caught.

 

4  A neat car is less likely to get robbed. If a thief looks in and sees wires poking out from under the seat or a large object seemingly covered up by a towel or hat, this is sure to attract his or her curiosity. If a potential crook sees nothing but car upholstery, it is less likely that he or she will break in to the vehicle.

 

5    Keep your car doors locked at all times. Although this sounds like common sense, many people honestly forget to lock their cars or are lured into a false sense of security by their surroundings. An unlocked car is the easiest way for a thief to slip into your vehicle.

How to Keep Busy During a Flight

Unless you are one of the lucky few who can sleep on a plane, you are going to have to get creative in order to pass the time between take-off and touch down. Banish the boredom of flying for hours on end by planning ahead for your next flight with these creative ideas:

·         Download movies to your smartphone before leaving home. You won’t need internet connection to watch them.

·         If you are traveling around the holidays, take this uninterrupted time to write out your Christmas cards. If you are flying to or from your honeymoon, use the flight to get a jump start on your thank you notes.

·         Organize your digital photos on your computer. This way, you will know just what folder to go to the next time Great Aunt Iris wants to see “that photo of you with the monkey.”

·         If your travels are taking you to a foreign land, check out some language books from the library and learn the native tongue on the flight over.

·         Bring a notebook and make up short stories about the people sitting around you. Describe the person, where you think they are going and what you think they are doing.

·         Want to feel productive? Use this opportunity to polish your proposal or work on next week’s homework.

Plan ahead with U.S. Park! Make your free online parking reservation with us the next time you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)