Taking off Travel blog

Columbus Day is coming up and it’s time to think about weekend getaways. We all love long weekends, and if we can tack on a couple of days at either end, we could have a break of as much as a week. If you want the perfect long weekend, though, you’ll have to be savvy. Here are our tips for planning the perfect weekend holiday.

Plan Ahead Or Leave It Late

If you’re one of those people who knows a year out exactly where you will want to be on a given long weekend, then go ahead and book it. Advance booking can usually save you a small fortune, as the travel companies can offer great discounts on their top destinations. However, if you’re not even sure whether you’re going anywhere yet, then it’s not too late. Check out a website that specializes in late deals and see what’s available. You can often get great fares if getting away is more important than where you go. Lastminute.com and TravelZoo are just two of the places you can try for a great deal. Once you’ve found a deal you like, don’t forget to book offsite airport parking to save even more. Read more »

New York City has always been a major center for entry into the US. It was true in the days when most people arrived by ship, and it’s true now that many arrive by air, most of them via John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). There’s no shortage of things to do on a layover in JFK. In fact, your problem will be deciding what to leave for next time. If you’ve driven into the city to catch a flight, take advantage of an offsite airport parking deal. It will save you money and you won’t have the hassle of driving in New York. Instead, start your layover by taking a cab ride to the first attraction; it’s all part of the New York experience. Here are some ideas for things to do on a layover in JFK.

Less Than 10 Miles From JFK

A good summer stop is Rockaway Beach, about five miles from the airport. Located on the south shore of Long Island, this was once a prime summer family resort. It’s nice to stroll along the boardwalk beside the ocean and breathe in that sea air. You’ll see volleyball, skating, surfing, fishing and swimming. This is a great spot to relax with a bite to eat while waiting to catch your connecting flight.

An unusual sight just over eight miles away is the Ganesha Temple, home to the Hindu Temple Society of North America. Located in Queens on the former site of a Russian Orthodox Church building, the temple was designed and constructed in India and then shipped over. It’s an ornate building, with carved elephant heads and other stunning architectural features. Read more »

When you travel, all you want to do is get on a plane and get to your destination. Unfortunately, check-in lines and security checks can eat into your free time and make travel a hassle. If you want to spend more time browsing the stores or having a drink in the airport bar, then follow these tips for speeding up your travel time.

1. Get Clear

Having a Clear Card is like having an EZ-Pass for the airport. It’s a way to breeze through the fast lane during an airport security check. It works like this. Apply for an account online and provide some basic information. Then go to a Clear enrollment station to have your fingerprints and iris captured and to present two forms of government issued identification. Pay the initial enrollment fee of $128 and you are entitled to use the Clear lane at airport security, providing your fingerprint or iris print as security. You’ll still have to go through x-ray machines and metal detectors, but you will get through security much quicker at the 20 airports currently supported. Read more »

If you have a layover in Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, there’s a lot to explore. Boston, Massachusetts has been a major center ever since it was founded in 1630. Famous for historical events such as the Boston Tea Party, Boston Massacre and Battle of Boston, the city is also known for being home to America’s first college, Harvard, and as a major shipping and manufacturing hub and the cultural center of New England. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to research, finance and technology and its rich history draws millions of visitors each year.

Less Than Two Miles From Logan Airport

With its rich naval history, many of Boston’s nearby attractions are focused on the water. Visit the oldest commissioned Navy ship in the world, Old Ironsides (better known as the USS Constitution) which took on the British in the War of 1812. Admission is free and there’s an interactive museum next door. Read more »

If you’re a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), then you’re in luck. ParkRideFlyUSA is now providing discounted offsite airport parking rates for SATW members. Our internet booking rates are among the best in the market and SATW members with a special voucher code will get a 10% discount on those rates. Those looking for convention parking in Houston get an additional 5% off, bringing the total discount to 15%.

Included with our offsite airport parking package are:

• guaranteed parking space
• airport shuttle
• range of parking options (including valet parking and covered parking)
• flexibility on length of stay
• travel accident insurance - $100,000
• frequent user benefits
• complimentary tyre inflation
• complimentary battery starts

(photo:jppi)