Where to Eat at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

 

Once you are dropped off at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport by Team 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 MSP!

Location: The Mall at MSP

1.      Starbucks. ($) (4:30am-9:00pm). It’s Starbucks, need we say more?

 

2.      French Meadow Bakery. ($). (5:00am-9:00pm). French Meadow offers a large selection of delicious vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dining options. They also serve breakfast daily.

 

3.      Surdyk’s Flights. ($$) (8:00am-9:00pm). Surdyks offers fancy sandwiches for on the go travelers and small plates and wine for those of you who have a bit more time to kill. If you need to pick up a last minute present for someone, Surdyk’s sells bottles of wine.

 

4.      Ike’s. ($$) (6:00am-9:00pm). Ike’s boasts fine dining with a retro elegant atmosphere. They have a large wine and liquor selection, chef’s carving station, and a unique array of hearty dishes. Bonus: they offer complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies!

 

5.      Wok & Roll. ($) (8:00am-9:00pm). Wok & Roll has been serving authentic Chinese cuisine since 1985 offers grab and go foods to take and eat on your flight. Trained chefs prepare fresh sushi daily.

Make your free online reservation with Team Parking and stay tuned for Team Parking’s next article on where to eat once you arrive at your airside terminal!

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 Team Parking! Make your free online reservation today and we will take care of your car the next time you travel out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International 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 Team 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 Team Parking to ensure the lowest rates on Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Parking

Unique 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 Team Parking!

 

Flying with Pets

 Sometimes you just want to take your furry friend with you on vacation. Other times, you are moving halfway around the world and leaving your best friend behind simply isn’t an option. First-time flying can be nerve-wracking for pets if they are unprepared. Check out these simple tricks for navigating air travel with Fluffy or Fido:

1.      Calculate the costs. Believe it or not, there are charges for flying with your pet. These costs can range from $75-$200 for a one-way flight. Research airline rates ahead of time so you aren’t stunned by these fees when it’s too late.

2.      Visit the vet. Call your airline and find out if they require vaccination and health documentation for your pet. Find out if your pet has any health concerns that will make flying more difficult. Even better: research local vets at your destination so you’re prepared in case something goes awry.

3.      Pick the right time. Early morning or late evening flights work best in warmer weather while midday flights are better in colder months. If possible, book a nonstop flight to minimize your pet’s anxiety

4.      Prepare the carrier. Putting your pet in a strange kennel the day of the flight and hoping it will be calm is a recipe for disaster. Instead, place the animal in the container a few times at home. Line the bottom with a familiar blanket and include a favorite toy to provide a sense of security.

5.      Pile on the exercise. They day before and morning of your flight, exercise your pet as much as possible. The goal is to tire them out so they are relaxed on travel day.

6.      Don’t forget food and water. No matter how short you think the flight may be, always pack food and water in your furry companion’s crate. Freeze water before you leave home for easy transportation and a refreshing treat once the plane is in the air.

7.      Ditch the Drugs. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that owners never sedate their pets when flying. The combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal.

Reduce some of your own travel anxiety by making a free online reservation at Team Parking!
 

Traveling with Teens

Vacationing with teens…..is that an oxymoron? If you take the right approach, it doesn’t have to be! Sure, they can be moody, but more often than not teenagers are up for having a good time with their families. Here are some cool strategies to take your family vacation from “aaaggghhh” to ‘ahhhhh!”  

·         Ask for your teen’s input. If your teen is involved in the planning stages, he/she will feel more invested and the vacation will start off on the right foot.
 

·         Let everyone pick. Each family member gets to choose one thing for the entire family to do and everyone has to get on board. If you don’t complain during the kids’ pick, chances are they will be less apt to complain during yours.

·         Bend the rules. Letting your teen eat more junk food than dinner, and sleep in while you visit that ninth museum, will do wonders for your sanity. Keeping the peace will make your vacation that much more enjoyable.

·         Get their attention. Telling them you’re going to the biggest fort in the Caribbean? Boring. Telling them you’re going to see the place where Johnny Depp shot “that one scene” in Pirates of the Caribbean? Priceless! Once they are there, they will probably find more than a couple things that amuse them.

·         Set a budget. It’s easy to blow more money on vacation than you anticipated. Give your teens a budget for spending and let them keep the rest. They will be more likely to spend wisely if the money is theirs.  

·         Allow technology. As long as the data roaming bills aren’t exorbitant, and they aren’t doing it during dinner, a little texting never hurt anyone. Set a few [minimal] ground rules, and go ahead and let them brag about their trip on Facebook.

·         Let them sleep. Most teens love to sleep in, and vacation is the perfect time to rest.  You can take advantage of the quiet, plus get some “Me” time in!

Making your free online parking reservation with Team Parking is just one more way to make your vacation ‘way cool!”

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 Team Parking and save!

 

 

Where to Park Your Car

It's vacation time! Or maybe a business trip has you traveling out of the Minneapolis St. Paul 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 Minneapolis area and need a place to park your vehicle, Team 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 Minneapolis St. Paul area.