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

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!”