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.

Surviving Airport Security

 Getting through security at Detroit Metro Airport 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 U.S. Park to ensure a stress free trip.

5 Shoulder Season Travel Tips

 

 

 

Just because the holiday travel season is long gone doesn’t mean that you have to hunker down at home until the summer! We know we know…we get it! Summer is better because the weather is warmer and the kids are on summer break. Speaking of break, saving your vacation for summer is sure to break one thing, the bank! Instead, choose to travel during the “shoulder season,” the period between the off and peak seasons. This time of year usually brings calmer airports, less crowded destinations and much more bang for your buck. When planning your shoulder season getaway, keep these helpful tips in mind:

 

1.      Don’t inconvenience yourself trying to save money. Off season is “off” for a reason, and, as a result, prices are cheaper. You will be able to get the same vacation for half the price.

2.      Check the weather for your desired destination. If you are from Michigan, a European vacation with weather in the 40’s will be pleasant. If you are from Florida, it will be freezing cold. Don’t let your idea of bad weather ruin your trip!

3.      Investigate your destination. Just because it is the low season in the United States doesn’t mean it will be the low season in India. Check the local customs of the location you will be visiting to ensure that no cultural holidays will be going on during your stay.

4.      Don’t let multiple high seasons leave you in a muddle! That’s right; some places have multiple high seasons. Ski resorts are packed during the winter, but are also popular during the summer where outdoor enthusiasts flock for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Choose your destination wisely.

5.      Not sure when the shoulder season is? Investigate local hotel websites and see when they are changing peak rats. No rates listed? Just research rooms on various dates and see what pops up!

You can save money ANY season when you park with U.S. Park. Make your free online reservation today and we will take care of your car the next time you travel out of the Detroit Metro Airport.

 

Save Big bucks: 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 U.S. Park 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 U.S. Park to ensure the lowest rates on Detroit Metro Airport parking.