Summer Concerts in Detroit

Going to be flying into Detroit Metro Airport sometime this summer? Live in the Detroit area and wondering what there is to do? Summer is the perfect time to attend concerts and shows and Detroit is no stranger to these events since the Metro area boasts many appropriate venues. Qwik Park has compiled a list of shows and concerts going on around the Detroit area this summer.

Check out some of our favorites:

Ø  Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band. Jimmy Buffet’s island sounds are perfect for summer. Transport your senses to the tropics this July 26^th at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit as you move and groove with your fellow parrotheads.

Ø  2014 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Metal rock music more your thing? Check out this event at the DTE Energy Music Theatre on July 17^th and rock out to Avenge Sevenfold, Korn, Askign Alexandria, Trivium, and a variety of other popular metal bands.

Ø  Chicago and REO Speedwagon. Country music lovers will flock to the DTE Energy Music Theatre on August 12^th to hear music legends croon their favorite anthems.

Ø  One Direction. Maybe you have tween-aged girls or maybe you just love English boy bands. Whatever your reason, err, excuse is, head to Ford Filed on either August 16^th or 17^th and sing along with Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry, and Louis.

Ø  Wiz Khalifa. Rap lovers, we haven’t forgotten you! There is something for every kind of music lover in Detroit. Catch Wiz at the DTE Energy Music Theatre on August 10^th.

Ø  Tony Bennett. Like more traditional sounds of a bygone era? On August 15^th, head out to the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre to hear Tony Bennett sing 1950’s era favorites.

Don’t forget to make your free online parking reservation with Qwik Park the next time you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport. Airport parking has never been easier!

Documenting Your Trip out of DTW

Your far flung travels mean nothing if no one else ever knows about them! Whether you are travelling to a beautiful Caribbean island for a family vacation, or you are taking a business trip to Italy and venturing abroad for the first time ever, you will want to document your experience. Here are a variety of ways you can show the people back home that you are having a fantastic trip while they are stuck at work:

·         Start a blog. If you are going to be travelling for a long period of time, at least a month or longer, consider starting a blog using a platform such as Tumblr, Wordpress or Blogger. This method is useful for travellers who enjoy writing and is a good way of documenting your trip and communicating with friends and family back home.

·         Journal. Write interesting things down as they happen; kind of like blogging the old fashioned way! Keeping a journal is a quick, low tech way to document your vacation and will give you something useful to do in what would otherwise be wasted time.

·         Create photo albums online. Use a dedicated photo site such as Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket or even Facebook to upload your digital photos. These days, you can even upload directly from your Smartphone! Share these albums with family and friends over the internet and never worry about losing undeveloped film again.

·         Create a scrapbook. A scrapbook is a combination of blogging, journaling and photo album creation. Save newspapers, bus tickets, restaurant menus, anything and everything, and combine it all in a beautiful scrapbook that you will cherish for years to come.

Most importantly, don’t forget to leave your car in the care of Qwik Park during your trip out of Detroit Metro Airport.

Tips for 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 Qwik Park is just one more way to make your vacation ‘way cool!”

Where to find Outlets at Detroit Metro Airport

 

We have all been there; those moments at the airport when your phone or computer battery dies and you still have a 3 hour wait just to board your flight. Even worse, outlets have become one of the most difficult things to find in DTW! Follow these easy travel tips to locate some secret outlets that are hidden in the void that is the busy Detroit Metro Airport:

·         Surprise! Sometimes power outlets are hidden under a group of pay phones! Since almost everyone has a cell phone these days, hit up these hidden gems and charge your technology in peace.

·         Watch out for the maintenance workers. Their vacuums/carpet cleaners etc. have to be plugged in somewhere! Follow the power cord to find out!

·         Find an airport bar. Yes, the kind with liquor since the “work stations” will most likely be overrun with other travelers. Ask the bartender if there is an outlet you can use. He/she will usually oblige.

·         If you need to get a quick charge on your phone but do not have a lot of time, restrooms, especially women’s, usually have outlets near the counter. This short charging time will at least give you a boost until you can find a more convenient place.

·         Finally, if all else fails, try and remember to pack a small power strip in your personal item carry on. If there are only a few outlets you can plug in the power strip and people will be able to share.

Don’t forget to make your free online reservation with Qwik Park!

Take STEPs to Safeguard Yourself Abroad

Thinking about traveling abroad but concerned for your safety? Put your worries to rest and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

·         What is STEP? STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency, such a lost or stolen passport.

·         Emergency Help: U.S. consular officers aid Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties by providing them with the names of local attorneys and doctors. They provide loans to destitute Americans, and deliver information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel. STEP also assists U.S. citizens in emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

·         Non-Emergency assistance: Consular officers perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. They can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad.

·         Enrollment: Enter information about your trip and subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country. Be sure to include an email address or phone number where you can be reached while traveling.

Remember to book your reservation at Qwik Park before you leave from Detroit Metro Airport on your overseas excursion.

Easy Car Maintenance Tips

Did you know that April is “National Car Care Month?” That means there is no better time to perform a self-check test on your car than right now in the middle of April!  It is important to remember the following car maintenance tips so you can ensure that your vehicle is running properly before the arrival of the summer driving season!

1.      Pop that hood! Pop the hood of your car and inspect all important fluids. Find the dipstick for your engine oil and transmission fluid and check these first. If you aren’t sure where to locate them in your car, search Google to find out.

2.      While you are under there…make sure to check any visible hoses and belts. Make sure that they aren’t brittle, frayed, or loose.

3.      Battery basics. Pay special attention to the battery connections and make sure that they aren’t loose and corroding. If corrosion is present, take a screwdriver or similar tool and scrape the decay loose.

4.      April showers bring…windshield wiper use!! Ensure that your windshield wiper fluid is full. If it needs to be topped off and you don’t have any fluid on hand, you can always use distilled water as a temporary substitute.

5.      Tire tips. Checking tires is probably the easiest type of self-maintenance you can perform! Invest in an inexpensive tire pressure gauge and make sure that your tires are full of air. Remember that if your tires show uneven wear, it is time for a wheel alignment!

Spring into April by making your free online reservation with Qwik Park the next time you fly out of the Detroit Metro Airport.

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 Qwik 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.